I first came across Banff and Jasper National Park right after my boyfriend, JJ, and I got back from Thailand in March 2018. I was scrolling through Instagram travel accounts on a traveler’s high, wondering where we would go next.
That’s when I saw the turquoise waters back dropped by the rocky mountains… I was entranced. I had to go there! Without much convincing, JJ was on board. We knew Banff National Park would be our primary destination, and decided road tripping from Vancouver would give us plenty to do during our 10 day vacay.
The perfect haven for any nature lover, Banff and Jasper have a never-ending supply of adventure and beauty. With highways encompassed by snowy mountains, their ever-weaving turquoise rivers follow you wherever you’re headed on your journey. Be prepared to see wild animals, from bears to moose, and breathe in some of the freshest air. Here are some important tips and the best things to do in Banff and Jasper National Parks!
Things to Know
- National Park Pass:
- I recommend buying a park pass before your trip if you’re planning on staying a week, or purchase one on your way into the park; however, you will have to wait at least 15 minutes in line to get through the Banff National Park gates.
- Once you have your pass though, you can keep right to pass the lines when headed through the southern gate.
- Your park pass will work for all the national parks in the area.
- You don’t need to buy a park pass for the day you’re leaving the parks unless you’re planning on staying past 4pm.
- Wildlife:
- There’s no shortage of animals in these national parks. There is even special animal crossing bridges so they can safely cross the roads.
- A big topic is whether or not to buy bear spray. Shops will rent you bear spray if you feel you need some. We mostly saw bears from the car, but I’d say to buy a bear bell if you’re going on nature hikes. This is a small bell you attach to you backpack that jingles as you hike and will alert bears to your presence so they aren’t startled.
- Elk are the animals to be on the lookout for. Make sure to keep a safe distance as they are prone to charge!
- Parking:
- These national parks are CROWDED. Be prepared and have patience.
- Most Banff parking lots will be full around 7:30 or 8am. You may have to park further away and shuttle in.
- Jasper is a little less crowded and parking isn’t as difficult.
- We avoided most crowds and always found plenty of parking by waking up at 5am and hitting the road early. The middle of the day is perfect for exploring in town, then you can head back out for another adventure around dinner time! In the summer, the sun doesn’t set until 10pm so you’ll have plenty of time to explore in the evening.
Banff
Where to Stay
I highly recommend staying right in Banff town. With a small yet bustling mountain town vibe, there is so much to do at your doorstep, and you can’t beat the restaurant balcony views. However, even motels will place a dent in your wallet. We stayed in the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalet which was a more reasonably priced motel with a full kitchen and a short drive or bus ride down into town. Book at least 6 months out to get a better deal and make sure the hotels or rental homes aren’t booked out.
A cheaper alternative is to stay in Canmore. Expect to add between 20-30 minutes to your drive to get into Banff. This can be a lot of added time when you’re headed up to Lake Louise or other destinations in Banff. There is a little downtown area with some pretty views, restaurants, and shops.
The other option is to book a camp site or RV parking spot somewhere throughout the national park. There are some scattered camping equipment rental shops that will have everything you need for your camp site. Beware though, Banff weather can be very unpredictable. One minute it can thunderstorm and the next be perfectly sunny. And make sure to take precautions for bears and other wildlife in your camp site!
What to do
- Lake Louise: This is Banff’s iconic lake. Its turquoise shores are surrounded by majestic peaks and a stately chateau. There are a plethora of hiking trails and 2 hike-in tea houses! Arrive before 7:30am to ensure easy parking.
- Columbia Icefield: The scenic drive towards Columbia Icefield is wonderful in itself, but viewing the Athabasca Glacier is breathtaking! This is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.
- Moraine Lake: Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is this beautiful glacially-fed blue lake. It’s right next to Lake Louise so you can check both out! Parking is equally as difficult here. If you can’t do both in the morning, I recommend coming here after 8PM.
- Banff Gondola: Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in the view of six stunning mountain ranges. Here you can eat at 2 restaurants, hike to the top of Sanson’s Peak, or walk the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk on a self-guided tour.
- Banff Hot Springs: Take a soak in these natural hot spring waters where people have traveled for over a hundred years. You can rent a bathing suit, towel, and locker so you can “take the water”.
- Beehive Circuit Hike: This 4-5 hour long hike is the perfect way to experience all Lake Louise has to offer and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of your life. Make sure to pack water and snacks or take a break at the Lake Agnes Tea house, where they brew tea from the glacial lake water.
- Cave And Basin National Historic Site: This site is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. See the hot springs cavern and walk through this small museum to learn how Banff National park was founded.
- Mistaya Canyon: Step out on the wooden bridge and peer down into the gorge below at the churning, frothy blue water as it dips in and out of view below. This makes a great stop to stretch your legs on your drive down Icefield Parkway.
- Johnston Canyon: Walk this easy path along the blue creek to two waterfalls, with overhanging canyon walls and catwalks along the way. You’ll get an up close view of both waterfalls and even feel the spray on your face. Hike down to the secret cave below to get up close with the river.
- Lake Minnewanka: This large glacial lake is perfect for adventuring! Whether it’s a walk around the lake, boating, canoeing, mountain biking, or scuba diving to the submerged village, there is something for everyone.
- Peyto Lake: Said to be one of the bluest lakes in the world, Peyto Lake is a 15 minute hike up a trail into Bow Summit.
- Marble Canyon: This canyon is actually located in Kootenay National Park and is another stunning limestone canyon carved away by the glacial blue water. For a short hike with optimal views, follow the canyon as you weave back and forth across the river.
- Two Jack Lake: Sporting emerald green water, Two Jack Lake is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic, or taking a restful swing in a hammock.
Jasper
Where to Stay
Jasper is relatively the same size as Banff, but it seems to have slightly less options when it comes to hotels or rental homes. Be sure to book far in advance to ensure you find a place that is a decent price. It’s a fun little town to walk around and explore the shops!
Another option is to stay an hour outside of Jasper in Tête Jaune Cache, Valemount, or Hinton. There are plenty of more affordable hotels and rental properties in these areas. We chose to stay at the Bearberry Meadows Guest House in Tête Jaune Cache and absolutely loved it. I highly recommend grabbing breakfast from the Valemount Swiss Bakery!
What to do
- Glacier Skywalk: Situated between Banff and Jasper, this glass bridge offers a view of ice-capped mountains to glacially formed valleys. It’s a great place to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery.
- Maligne Lake: Not only is the drive here beautiful, but the lake itself is gorgeous. Once here, you can take a walk along the shore, take a guided lake cruise, or rent canoes, kayaks, and more. Rent a Canoe for an hour for $75 and paddle around this pristine lake!
- Jasper Skytram: This aerial tramway is the longest and highest in Canada. Take in the breathtaking views on this 7-minute ride to the top. Once there, you can dine or hike to the top of Whistler’s Peak.
- Valley of the 5 Lakes Hike: Along Icefields Parkway, this 2 hour circuit will take you past 5 different lakes. While enjoying these emerald lakes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!
- Maligne Canyon Hike: Walk along and explore this limestone gorge from the top all the way down to the river below. Crossover 6 different bridges that provide great view points on your journey down the canyon.
- Bald Hills Hike: This hike will offer you gorgeous views of the lakes, glaciers, forests, and alpine meadows once you reach the top. With 360° views, the 7.8 mile round trip hike gives you a view of what Jasper is truly about.
- Miette Hot Springs: Known for being one of Jasper’s top attractions, these hot mineral springs are the hottest in the Canadian Rockies. They offer a spectacular view in addition to a venue to relax from all the day’s adventures.
- Sumwapta Falls: A beautiful blue waterfall, flowing around an island of trees, that carves its way through a limestone canyon. This is the perfect stop on your drive on Icefields Parkway.
Wherever your adventure takes you, I hope you enjoy your time in these beautiful National Parks. Be sure to leave a comment below with what place you’re most excited to see! Happy adventuring, friends!
Visiting more of Canada? Check out my Western Canada Road Trip Guide!
