While our approximately 12 day trip started in Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Banff and Jasper National Parks were our MUST sees on this trip. This post is about Banff National Park which is ideally located 90 minutes from Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta and is where most people fly into in order to explore the park. We probably ended up spending close to three days in the park, breaking it up with other nearby parks and the Icefields Parkway (the amazing road that connects Banff and Jasper). We cannot recommend this park enough. It’s an absolute bucket list must see for outdoor enthusiasts and photo takers alike! Check out my other posts from this trip including Bear Jammed in Jasper.

Lake Minnewaka

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Early September was the perfect time of year for this trip. We arrived at Banff National Park shortly before sunrise from Calgary. After purchasing the Parks Canada Discovery pass (highly recommended if you plan to see multiple parks and drive the Icefields Parkway), we drove to Lake Minnewaka. On our way to the lake, we got extremely lucky and saw two wolves! They were so close and were gone nearly as quickly as they came. The only other time we’ve seen wolves was through a scope at Yellowstone National Park, so this was an incredibly unexpected treat. We continued to the lake, which was beautiful.

Lake Louise/Fairmont Chateau

The water is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. While I absolutely love so many of the photos we got, it honestly doesn’t do it justice. Banff is breathtaking! Next to the lake is the stunning Fairmont Chateau luxury hotel. While there are signs posted not to enter unless you’re a guest…we walked in the front doors, in our sweats, like we belonged and looked around for a few minutes. We took in the Lake Louise views in the early morning hours, from above on a hike and in the evening for sunset. Parking can be extremely challenging, so there is a shuttle service option if you miss getting a spot. We were really fortunate to always find a spot.

Plain of Six Glaciers hike via the Tea House (Lake Louise/Mirror Lake)

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We nearly slept in the parking lot by Lake Louise to ensure we found a spot for our early morning hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers. This hike is more than 3.4 miles each way and considering we took some detours on the way back down we ended up clocking nearly 10 miles with our 11 month old. The hike starts by the Fairmont, continues around the right side of Lake Louise and then the climb begins with ultimately 1,215 feet of elevation gain up to nearly 7,000 feet of overall elevation. We stopped at the cash only (Canadian or US dollars) Tea House. We climbed the stairs to enjoy a small breakfast of raspberry tea and tea biscuits in the tree house feeling tea house. This was definitely a highlight and a reward for the hike to this point. We continued on to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Once the clouds cleared, we got a beautiful glacial view. The hike was strenuous to the end and absolutely worth it. We kept hearing noises on our hike and realized we were hearing avalanches and actually spotted a few too. Right by the tea house on our way back we spotted a hoary marmot and its baby on the rocks before continuing to Mirror Lake. The lighting was perfect here in the afternoon for reflection pictures on the lake. The tea house here was packed and there were people eating picnic lunches on the large rocks. Of course, this attracted birds and squirrels too, which Addy found amusing. By the time we returned to Lake Louise, the morning fog was long gone and there were tons of other tourists enjoying the view too.

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Moraine Lake

The color of this lake is teal – my absolute favorite color! There is a short hike called the Rock Pile trail which makes for a great photo op above the lake. As a bonus, small mammals called pika live in the rocks and we spotted one! A walk along the lake is a must. It was actually the walk back where the reflections on the water were perfect! I loved the symmetry of it. We came here during the morning hours and in the evening before dusk. The parking lot here is SMALL-way too small for its popularity. But they manage the road from the main road and only allow enough cars down that can fit which is good.

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Consolation Lakes hike (near Moraine Lake)

This 3.6 mile round-trip hike recommends a minimum of four people due to bear activity. While we planned to hike it anyways, our timing was incredible that another couple similar in age was ready to hike at the same time and didn’t mind hiking with the couple + baby. It was fun getting to know them along the hike. At the end, there are huge boulder-sized rocks. Another place with beautiful reflections pictures and the rocks were fun/scary to climb on since I was front-carrying Addy.

Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Trail

This was the last hike we did during our time in Banff and we started it at sunrise. The canyon part is really cool with waterfalls, including one where you duck through a passageway for a better view. The boardwalk built right into the canyon is super well done. There’s a long section between the canyon and the actual ink pots which is merely hiking and changes in elevation. Then wham, you arrive at the ink pots and it is gorgeous! The ink pots themselves are really unique and the pictures won’t disappoint. It seemed that most people turned around after the canyon and waterfalls, so we didn’t have to share the ink pots with many.

The Village of Lake Louise/Town of Banff

We were able to get our visitor center stamp at the Village of Lake Louise. The town of Banff is an adorable mountain town and very walkable. It’s definitely worth exploring, even if it’s late in the evening after a day of hiking. We also drove to see nearby Bow Falls. You’ll see an option to drive on Bow Valley Parkway and if you do, I definitely recommend a stop at Morant’s Curve.

There is no denying how incredible this trip was. I totally get why people spend a week or more just at Banff. It is breathtaking and the lakes are undeniably gorgeous. The tea house hike was my absolutely favorite. If this isn’t on your list, it definitely should be. My grandmother (90 years old at the time of this trip) told me that Banff was her mother’s favorite place and that she took the trans-Canadian train across Canada to see it. I knew I had to have this experience for her during her lifetime so I could share it with her.

If we had more time, here are a few other things that were on my list: 1) Lake Agnes and Devil’s Thumb via the Beehive to combine with Lake Louise; 2) Mount Norquay for a view of Banff at sunrise; 3) Valley of the Ten Peaks to Eiffel Lake near Moraine Lake; 4) Cascade Gardens near the town of Banff or cross the Bow Valley pedestrian bridge and 5) Try Wild Flour bakery in Banff which is supposed to have great bread and offers wifi.

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