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Banff National Park {Canada}

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Last September I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada with two of my most fun girlfriends, Stephanie and Heather.

Banff is a breathtaking mountain town in Alberta, just a few hours away from Calgary. The spectacular mountain views of the Canadian Rockies are unparalleled.

We went the last two weeks of September and I think it was the perfect time to go! The weather was still nice and the leaves on the trees were changing colors. So beautiful!

Below are some of the amazing things to see and do in Banff. I took some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken in my life during these incredible two weeks.


Two Jack Lake

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Sunrise at Two Jack Lake with a view of Mt. Rundle is an unforgettable experience. The mountain turns pink as the sun rises and the vibrant colors reflect off the water.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Nearby is Lake Minnewanka with vibrant turquoise water and incredible mountain views.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

There are hiking trails and picnic areas here — it’s the perfect spot to spend a morning or afternoon.


Vermillion Lakes

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

One of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen was at Vermillion Lakes.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The colors just kept getting better and better.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Seriously!! Could not believe this was even real.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Sunrise in Banff at the end of September isn’t until around 7:30 am, so you don’t have to get up too early either for views like these.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Vermillion Lakes is gorgeous during the day as well.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

You could definitely spend a few hours here.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

You can drive here, and there are several spots where you can pull over for views.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

So beautiful!


Three Sisters

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The Three Sisters are a trio of peaks in the neighboring town of Canmore.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Keep an eye out for them if you are driving from Calgary to Banff!

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

It is such a beautiful drive.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Their reflection in the Bow River is amazing.


Take a Scenic Drive

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Speaking of driving, you’ll definitely need a car in Banff to get around. But there are tons of scenic drives you can take. This is a view of the Hoodoos from Tunnel Mountain Road.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

You might even see some wildlife!

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Another great option is the Mount Norquay Scenic Drive.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Here you can get a 360 degree panoramic view of Banff.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

And Vermillion Lakes!

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

At the top of Mount Norquay Scenic Drive is the Mount Norquay Chairlift.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

You can take this to the top for an even higher view of Banff.


Banff Gondola

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The view from the Banff Gondola might have been one of my favorite views of Banff! Be sure to go early in the morning as it gets crowded later in the day.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

There’s lots of hiking up here with sweeping mountain views to keep you entertained as long as you want to stay.

What To Do and See at Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

That’s our hotel way down there!! More on that in the next post! :)

For more ideas and resources to help you plan the perfect trip to Banff, be sure to visit these sites below:

Travel Alberta
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Fairmont Banff Springs

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7 Responses
  1. Liz Anderson

    I have been reading your posts for a few years and I especially love your travel posts.  Just one little complain….well, not really a complaint but an observation. I don’t like the filters that you use on your photos. The colors do not look right. Scotland looks the same as Paris. I know this is yoir perogative as the photographer. I love your photos and you are obviously talented. Just my two cents ?

  2. Hannah MM

    I’ve been reading your blog for the past few years and have enjoyed these types of posts, especially with the wonderful photos that give a sense of what the places are actually like to visit. However, there are so many ads that pop up over the photos now that it’s distracting and annoying to the point that I’m heavily leaning towards no longer reading your blog unless the way the ads occur changes (I can’t even read it on my phone anymore due to this). Would you consider displaying ads differently, please, so the focus is on your wonderful photos and content? 

  3. Debbie Lamboo

    I LOVE your travel posts! Seeing your photos of Banff make me proud to be Canadian! And…by the way, this y ar is Canada’s 150th Birthday, in Celebration, National Parks have “no admission” fees all year!

    Also loved your recent psots about Viking River tours! We leave April 28, Budapest to Nuremberg! 

    How do you get your photos so vibrant, always stunning!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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