Banff, Lake Louise & Beyond: An Adventurer’s Review

So, you’re thinking of heading to Banff and Lake Louise? You know, that slice of the Canadian Rockies that looks almost unreal in photos? It really lives up to the hype. Like, prepare for some seriously breathtaking scenery that’ll stick with you for, like, ever. I mean, these places aren’t just pretty, they are mind-blowingly gorgeous. We will talk about Banff town itself, then head out to the star attractions: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, then Peyto and Bow Lake, plus the amazing glaciers all around.

Banff Town: More Than Just a Basecamp

Banff town itself is, surprisingly, quite a fun place to start your trip, it’s true. That little mountain community is certainly way more than just, say, a convenient spot to crash between wilderness expeditions. Really, Banff Avenue, that is the main drag, buzzes with this real, special energy, from early in the day till quite late. Like, tons of shops offer, actually, everything from outdoor gear (naturally!) to those oh-so-essential maple syrup souvenirs, just so you are aware. After that, you will have to add in the restaurants; they run the whole gamut, kind of, from cozy little cafes that serve a great cup of coffee and fresh pastries to spots where you can have a really sophisticated dining experience.

Now, arguably, the best part about Banff town is, though, the access, it has, to outdoor activities. You know, you could, for instance, hop on the Banff Gondola for some unbelievable panoramic views, probably the quickest way to see how vast the area actually is. Alternatively, there’s, actually, the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, it is, like, a cool little place to get some info on the natural history of the region if that’s your thing. Yet, if you are after something maybe a bit more, well, chill, how about just, sort of, wandering along the Bow River? Also, keep an eye out for wildlife – you might spot elk or deer just strolling around, very nonchalantly! You know, this, actually, happened to me; there was this big fella munching on grass just off one of the side streets. Apparently, everyone just carried on like it was totally normal!

For places to stay, that is often a question I get, Banff has, like, everything. Seriously, from budget-friendly hostels, okay, that could be fun to small B&Bs loaded with charm, arguably, you can even stay at super deluxe hotels. You will have to decide on the budget first, you see. Like, remember that Banff is, obviously, popular, just so you are aware, particularly during peak season (summer and winter), so it’s worth, maybe, booking your accommodation well ahead, basically. Also, be prepared for the fact that, usually, the prices are a little higher, being, as it is, smack dab in a very popular national park!

Lake Louise: The Turquoise Jewel

Lake Louise is really iconic, isn’t it? Arguably, like, that turquoise water surrounded by the towering mountains and the Victoria Glacier is just unreal. Like, it really looks like it should be on a postcard, and yet there it is right in front of you! Obviously, seeing it in person, it is an absolute must-do when you’re in Banff. Also, obviously, come prepared, that would be wise, that sometimes you’ll encounter masses of people.

One thing to definitely consider is getting there early, really, like sunrise early if that’s possible. In that case, you will sidestep all the crowds, actually, and you’ll get this amazing opportunity to experience the lake when it’s really serene and peaceful. That glassy water reflects the surrounding peaks just perfectly. Very instagrammable, arguably. Like, you’ll want to grab your camera or, even, just sit there for a little bit and take it all in, basically. Anyway, there are, apparently, canoe rentals available so that you can get out onto the lake. Gently paddling on that unbelievable turquoise water, that is surrounded by this overwhelming scenery, honestly, it’s very special.

In order to get the best views of Lake Louise, basically, a really good thing to do, that, I suppose, would be hike one of the trails up to the surrounding peaks, probably. One that, honestly, a bunch of people told me about is the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, which actually takes you to, okay, that’s right, a cute little tea house next to a gorgeous little lake. Really, the views from up there? Pretty unbeatable. Like, if you are looking for something a little bit easier, and it is definitely quite challenging I would say, that shoreline trail is still nice. Okay, it’s basically a flat walk which takes you along the side of Lake Louise. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife, apparently, this is still a possibility. Basically, just be mindful and keep a respectful distance. What I am saying is don’t try to pet any bears, okay? That’s bad.

Moraine Lake: A View Worth the Effort

So, after you see Lake Louise, next on your list seriously needs to be Moraine Lake. In that case, everyone told me this was the prettier of the two, actually, which I would tend to agree with. Seriously, you are talking about another unbelievable turquoise lake hugged by, yes that’s right, the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Anyway, it creates this landscape which is just something else, so everyone says. The trouble with Moraine Lake, obviously, there is always a “but” right, is, really, getting there. They did get very busy!

I will let you know that vehicle access to Moraine Lake is, really, only open seasonally and it’s usually from, surprisingly, late May/early June to mid-October. Also, importantly, during peak season, the road often closes completely super early in the morning as soon as the car park is full. The last I read it would sometimes happen even before sunrise. It’s very frustrating for loads of people. Now, because I was staying in Banff, naturally, my advice is, either hop on one of the buses that takes you to the lake, so you have that already prepared, or, like, be prepared to wake up ridiculously early. Another option for this, it could be, biking. That way you will be seeing the area that others may miss. Honestly, cycling there could be awesome! Anyway, whatever method you choose, I really, totally mean this, like get there early!

When you’ve managed to actually get to Moraine Lake, in that case, reward yourself with a walk to the top of the Rockpile Trail. You know, this short climb takes you up to, yes that’s right, a viewpoint which used to be known, quite famously, as the “Twenty Dollar View”. So it was referred to that way because it actually featured on, obviously, old Canadian twenty-dollar bills. Basically, just chill out up there and soak up the scene; I really think the views are unbelievable, so it’s important you stop to savor it. For people who are into hiking, consider Consolation Lakes trail which will take you deeper in, apparently. Otherwise, in a way the other lake viewpoint is closer, not quite as photogenic, though.

Peyto and Bow Lakes: Gems Along the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, between Lake Louise and Jasper, okay, it is, quite honestly, just about the prettiest road you could, apparently, ever imagine driving on. Basically, it twists and turns via incredible mountain scenery. Plus, you will get lakes galore! Obviously, out of all the stops, honestly, a couple that you certainly can’t skip are Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, you see.

So, Peyto Lake, which is usually pronounced “Pay-toe”, is just about famous for its unbelievably bright blue colour, often. Usually, it will peak during the summer months when the glacier runoff will bring extra glacial rock flour to the lake (apparently). You will want to hike a really super-short paved trail from the car park to, naturally, a viewpoint, where I assure you, the magic happens. In that case, just stand there and check it out. Seriously, you look over this super bright turquoise lake with, very dramatic, mountains surrounding it, and you will understand completely why people visit to see it. Now, really Peyto Lake viewpoint, typically, is, basically, very busy, of course. It is just very awesome and worth visiting even then.

After Peyto, usually a slightly calmer experience would be had, I believe, with Bow Lake. Really, this lake is larger than Peyto, giving it quite a grand sort of feeling, yet, arguably, still surrounded by epic scenery. Seriously, you could easily take a stroll along the shoreline, taking your camera with you, or honestly, just relax by the water’s edge. Like, there’s this lodge there, as well, where you can, well, grab a hot drink and just chill with, obviously, fantastic views. Seriously, take the opportunity, actually. I mean, driving the Icefields Parkway honestly offers, obviously, non-stop scenery to admire, really. Remember to factor in tons of time to stop often and take pictures, okay?

Glaciers: Witnessing the Power of Nature

Glaciers are something to keep in mind in Banff, not many visitors stop and think of seeing these incredible formations. However, many of the glaciers you encounter are the ones that give you those amazing lakes we have discussed above! If you travel the Icefields Parkway a glacier many talk about seeing is the Athabasca glacier. Remember to take a jacket since the temperature plummets close to the ice, a wonderful natural experience to witness during your trip.

If you do want to get up and touch a glacier it’s important that you book in advance with certified tour companies. With this, you get up onto the glacier with special vehicles or get the change to hike through the glaciers for a magical and humbling experience. Remember to be careful with nature, and it will give you beautiful opportunities and scenery for decades to come! Also remember the importance of packing right for every type of trip.