Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff is probably the best known national park in Canada. Located in the Canadian Rockies, just a 90 minute drive from Calgary, it is also one of the more accessible national parks in Canada. Part of the fame of Banff comes the fact that it is also Canada’s oldest national park. Established in 1885, just 13 years after the creation of Yellowstone National Park, making it one of the oldest national parks in the world.

The most popular attraction in the park is Lake Louise, which is also the location of the Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau, which is one of the most famous hotels in the world.

Banff National Park

Banff also has the distinction of bordering three other national parks: Jasper National Park to the north, Yoho National Park in British Columbia to the West, and Kootenay National Park, also in British Columbia, to the South East.

Lakes in Banff National Park

There are plenty of things to see or do in Banff National Park. However, it is a crime to skip the lakes that make up the park and make it spectacular throughout the year. Here are some of the can’t-miss lakes in Banff National Park:

Moraine Lake

The Moraine Lake is the most distinctive and photographed lakes in Banff National Park. It is glacially fed and is located about 14 kilometers from the village of Lake Louise. The lake sits at the bottom of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is a popular destination for hiking and sight-seeing.

Banff National Park

Lake Louise

Another popular lake in Banff National Park is Lake Louise. It is also a glacial lake that is filled with a ski resort, and notable for tourists who love hiking.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is another one to add to the list of glacially fed lakes in Banff National Park. You can access the lake via the Icefields Parkway. It was named after Bill Peyto, who is an early trail guide that explored this park.

Other Things to See

In addition to the three most notable lakes above, there are other must-see sights in Banff National Park such as Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Bow Lake, Mt. Norquay, Bow Falls, and Lake Agnes.

Plan Your Visit to Banff

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Canada. There are plenty of local transit options available from Calgary and there is also a direct shuttle service that can take tourists to the park. For those opting to drive their own car, parking space is limited at the park. There are extensive hotel accommodation options within the town of Banff, though, for those hoping for an extended stay.

You should also take note the operating hours for the Visitor Centers. These visitor centers are helpful in organizing your trip by providing you with helpful information and guides. The operating hours for them can vary according to season so you need to plan ahead.


View the complete list of Canadian National Parks.