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Banff: A Journey Through the Heart of the Canadian Rockies

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Over the course of five unforgettable days, we set out to explore its pristine lakes, towering peaks, and breathtaking trails. From the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to the scenic hikes and charming towns, Banff offered an adventure at every turn. Here’s a glimpse into our journey through this stunning alpine wonderland.

Day 1: Flying from Houston to Calgary

Our first day was all about traveling from Houston to Calgary, the gateway to Banff. We arrived on Wednesday night, picked up our rental car, and headed straight to a hotel near the airport to rest.


Day 2: Calgary to Canmore & Our First Look at the Iconic Lakes

We started our day at Fringe Coffee in Canmore, enjoying smooth lattes in a cozy atmosphere.

We got on the road and drove to Canmore.Shortly after driving out of the city we were greeted by the grand Canada Rockies. After driving for little over an hour, we arrived in Canmore.

We had lunch at Bella Crusta in Canmore, where the highlight was their incredible sourdough bread. If you're in Canmore, trying their sourdough is a must!


We checked into our Airbnb in Canmore and drove to Banff for a quick visit. Banff was much bigger and felt more touristy than Canmore. Luckily, we managed to reserve the Parks shuttle to Lake Louise, so we made the hour-long drive to Lake Louise Ski Resort, where the shuttle would pick us up. It was a quick 15-minute ride to the Lake Louise drop-off point. The iconic lake was just a short 5-minute walk from there, and nothing could’ve prepared us for that first view—turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and towering glaciers. It was a postcard moment brought to life. We walked along the shoreline, soaking in the beauty, taking photos, and just standing in awe.

After Lake Louise, we hopped on the shuttle to Moraine Lake. The towering mountains surrounding the deep blue lake felt almost surreal.

As the day wrapped up, we headed back on the shuttle to the Lake Louise Ski Resort and then drove back to Canmore, feeling amazed by all the beauty we'd seen.


Day 3: A Hike to Little Beehive and a Peaceful Evening by Lake Louise

Our third day began with an early start, though not without a bit of frustration. Despite trying to reserve the Parks shuttle the previous day right at 8 a.m., the tickets were sold out within seconds—by 8:01! Luckily, we were able to reserve seats on the Moraine Lake Bus Company shuttle, so we made our way to the same pick-up spot at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

By 8 a.m., we arrived at Lake Louise, ready to start our hike to The Little Beehive. The trail was uphill, with several switchbacks that gradually revealed more stunning views as we ascended.

After some effort, we reached Emerald Lake, a perfect spot for a quick breakfast snack. The tranquility of the lake, nestled among the mountains, was the perfect pause before we continued our journey.

The final stretch to The Little Beehive viewpoint rewarded us with jaw-dropping views. We took our time at the top, soaking in the panoramic scenes of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It was a place where you could just sit, breathe, and take it all in.

After spending some time at the viewpoint, we started making our way down to the famous Lake Agnes Tea House, where we stopped for lunch. Enjoying a meal in such a beautiful spot, with views all around, was the perfect mid-hike break.

With the hardest part of the hike behind us, we headed back down the trail to Lake Louise. Tired but content, we found a peaceful spot by the lake and sat for about an hour, just taking in the stunning views and letting the beauty of the turquoise water and surrounding peaks sink in.

After a day of hiking and adventure, we drove back to Canmore, where we ordered takeout from Canmore Shawarma. It was the perfect way to end the day—delicious food and a quiet evening after one heck of a hike. We called it a night, already looking forward to the next day's adventures.


Day 4: Sunrise at Moraine Lake and Exploring the Icefields Parkway

It was an early start—3 a.m. to be exact. We drove for an hour, guided by a sky full of bright stars lighting up the highway, to reach the Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle pick-up point in Lake Louise Village.

By 5:15 a.m., we were on our way to Moraine Lake, excited to witness the famous sunrise. Arriving at the lake, we hiked up the rock pile to find the perfect spot. The air was cool and still, and after waiting for about an hour, the sun finally broke over the mountain peaks.

It was a surreal moment, watching the colors of Moraine Lake shift from deep blues to vibrant turquoise as the sunlight danced on the water.

We enjoyed the stunning lake view over coffee, took some photos, and embraced the peaceful moment before making our way back to the shuttle.

Once back in Lake Louise Village, we grabbed a quick breakfast at Laggan’s Bakery, refueling for the day ahead. Next, we set off on the famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Our first stop was Peyto Lake, where a short uphill hike brought us to a stunning lookout. The lake, shaped like a fox’s head, was a mesmerizing blue, and we could see the Peyto Glacier, which feeds into it.

Our next stop was Bow Lake, we could not find parking at the lake so we opted for Bow lake viewpoint instead. The views of the crystal-clear lake against the rugged mountain backdrop were absolutely breathtaking.

We continued our adventure to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. Finding parking was tough, but we eventually found a spot about a mile away. Emerald Lake was just as beautiful as its name suggests, with calm green waters reflecting the surrounding peaks.

We enjoyed a peaceful lunch with lake views at Cilantro Café. You could walk around the lake or rent a canoe, but we were content just soaking in the scenery.

On our way back to Canmore, we took the scenic Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway. The drive was slower, but it was absolutely worth it for the extra mountain views. If you're heading back to Canmore, I highly recommend taking this route—it's a beautiful way to end the day.


Day 5: Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers

It was another day of early start. We made our way to the Wow Banff shuttle pick-up point at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, ready for a big day of hiking. By 8 a.m., we were dropped off at Lake Louise, and from there, we embarked on the much-anticipated Plain of Six Glaciers hike.

The trail began along the lake shore, with the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise guiding us as we started the climb. Gradually, the trail became steeper, winding through dense forests and offering incredible views of the towering peaks above.


As we ascended, the scenery opened up to reveal stunning glaciers in the distance, including Mount Victoria and the six glaciers that give the trail its name. The switchbacks were manageable but kept us on our toes, especially as the elevation increased.


Just before reaching the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, we decided to take an unpaved trail that led us even closer to the glacier viewpoint. This added section of the hike was rugged but absolutely worth the effort. The view at the end was awe-inspiring—glaciers up close, jagged peaks, and even the sound of distant avalanches echoing through the valley. We stood there, feeling small amidst the grandeur of the natural world, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape.


After soaking in the views, we made our way back to the Tea House, where we paused for lunch. This cozy, rustic spot nestled in the mountains was the perfect place to refuel. We enjoyed fresh sandwiches and tea while surrounded by the rugged, glacier-carved valley—an experience that felt both peaceful and wild.


On the way back down, we took our time to enjoy the changing perspectives of the mountains and valleys below. The descent offered us another opportunity to appreciate the stunning landscape that seemed to change with every step.

Once back at Lake Louise, we sat by the water for an hour, savoring the beauty of the place one last time before heading back to Canmore.

After such a physically demanding hike, we made our way back to Canmore. Dinner at The Grizzly Paw Taproom – Brewery Location was the perfect way to end the day.


Day 6: A Relaxed day in Banff

After a good night’s rest, we took it slow on our final day. We headed to Whitebark Café in Banff for a cozy morning coffee. If you're visiting, you must try the pork fennel roll—it was absolutely delicious and the perfect start to our day.

Next, we headed over to the Bow Falls Viewpoint to take in some beautiful scenery before driving back to Canmore.

After checking out of our Airbnb, we made our way to Lake Minnewanka, where we had a lovely picnic lunch with the peaceful lake views as our backdrop.

We spent the afternoon leisurely strolling around Banff, picking up some souvenirs, and treating ourselves to some ice cream at Cows Banff—a must-try spot for anyone with a sweet tooth!

As the day wound down, we drove back to Calgary to catch our flight home to Houston. We made sure to leave a little early since traffic was heavier than expected.

One thing to note: the rental car drop-off center is about a 15-minute walk from the international departure terminal, and there’s no shuttle service, so plan accordingly to allow enough time.

With our Banff adventure behind us, we boarded our flight home.

Banff and Lake Louise: Travel Tips for a Smooth Adventure

  • Stay in Banff or Lake Louise: If you're planning to hike or visit the lakes multiple times, staying in Banff or Lake Louise is more convenient. We stayed in Canmore, which was more than an hour's drive from the lakes, adding extra travel time each day.

  • Hiking Poles Rental: Hiking poles are not allowed on flights, but you can rent them at Sports Garage Store in Canmore for $25 for 3 days.

  • Parks Canada Shuttle Service: Shuttle tickets require advance reservations. A limited number of tickets are released 48 hours before departure at 8 a.m., so book early to secure your spot.

  • Weather in Late August: We visited Banff in the last week of August. The weather was perfect—warm during the day and slightly chilly in the evenings, ideal for outdoor activities.

  • Altitude Awareness: Banff is at a higher elevation, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if you're not used to higher altitudes.

  • Start Hikes Early: If you're hiking, start early in the day. Many trails are exposed to the sun, so don't forget sunscreen.

  • Morning Lake Visits: Lakes are less crowded in the morning, providing a more peaceful experience and better opportunities for photos.

  • Park Pass: Purchase the park pass in advance to avoid long lines. Print it out and display it on your car dashboard at all times.

  • Bear Spray: No need to buy bear spray—rent it at Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise Village for $10 per day.

Our incredible trip to Banff was filled with unforgettable moments of breathtaking natural beauty, exhilarating hikes, and serene landscapes. From watching the sunrise over Moraine Lake and hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers & the Little beehive, to strolling around Lake Louise and driving the scenic Icefields Parkway, every day offered something unique. We explored charming towns like Banff and Canmore, enjoyed delicious meals, and soaked in the awe-inspiring views of turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and rugged mountains, each experience leaving us in awe of the Canadian Rockies. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and nature at its best—a journey that we'll cherish for years to come.

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