The Best Day Trips To Take From Banff

Banff National Park is big – and together with the three other adjacent mountain parks it’s nearly the size of Wales. Less than 10% is accessible by road, but the good highway system is open year round and there are hiking, biking and skiing trails throughout. Here are Culture Trip’s suggestions for some pleasurable days out.

Banff is a logical base from which to explore the region, especially as it is only 1.5hrs west of Calgary international airport. It’s a little too far from Jasper for a day trip; Canmore is only 20 minutes’ drive, with plenty of condo-style hotels; while Lake Louise is a 45-minute drive west another good hub for exploring the parks.

Together with Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper, the Banff park area is almost 20,000sqkm (7,700sqmi). On the eastern boundary of the national parks, is Alberta’s Provincial Kananaskis Country. K Country consists of a series of protected areas covering 4,000sqkm (1,500sqmi). They’re there to be enjoyed, with picnic tables, barbecue areas and au naturel toilets everywhere, but do respect the park’s designated closures.

1. The Legacy Trail

Architectural Landmark

This is a popular route connecting Banff with Canmore, and a good one to do on a bike. The trail is cleared in spring when the snow melts (generally mid-May) and stays open through fall, with bikes available to rent in both towns. The trail is just under 30km (19mi) and takes 1-1½ hours one way. If you don’t fancy cycling back, the local bus connects the two communities and allows bikes onboard. This trail is slightly easier from Banff to Canmore, as Banff is about 30m (100ft) higher and winds dominate from the west. Make sure you stop at Valleyview to enjoy the vistas.

3. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Natural Feature, Park

Lake Louise is less than an hour’s drive from Banff. When you get here it’s an easy, flat walk around the lake, which is fed by a glacier and overlooked by the impressive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. In summer, you can canoe on the lake, while in winter it becomes a popular skating rink. Halfway up the hill from the village is a turn-off to Moraine Lake; the road opens in late spring and closes almost as soon as snow starts in the fall. During high season in summer, Parks Canada closes access to the lakes by car, so you’ll need to park in the valley and take a shuttle. Do check in advance as reservations may be required.

4. Lake Minnewanka

Natural Feature

Only 5km (3mi) from the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a natural lake that expanded in size and depth when a second dam was completed in 1941. Boat tours here are not particularly highly rated, nevertheless the area is worth exploring. Make sure you visit Two Jack Lake, and explore the few remaining relics of Bankhead, a former coal-mining town, on the mountain. There is a small concession with yummy ice cream by the lake, where many people choose to picnic.

5. Radium Hot Springs

Park, Spa, Swimming Pool

Widely considered the most enjoyable hot springs in the area, these pools are about 1½ hours’ drive southwest of Banff, by the east entrance to Kootenay National Park, in British Columbia. The drive on Highway 93 south is nothing short of spectacular, and there are many places you can stop for walks. During spring, the highway is one of the best places to see bears. The pools themselves are large and spring fed. Don’t be surprised to see bighorn sheep here.

6. Takkakaw Falls

Natural Feature

Canada’s second-highest waterfall, Takkakaw Falls, in Yoho Park, British Columbia, is a little more than an hour from Banff. Drive west past Lake Louise, then head down the big hill on Kicking Horse Pass. Once you reach the valley, take the winding road up to Takkakaw, where the walk to the viewpoint is gentle. After visiting the falls, take time to stop off in the town of Field, where you can read about the Burgess Shale, one of the most significant fossil finds on earth, at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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