Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Banff, Alberta
Nature & Parks in Banff
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Nature & Parks
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Recommended Outdoor Activities (86)
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Sports Camps & Clinics • Climbing Tours
Equipment Hire • Ski & Snowboard Areas
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What travellers are saying
- Kaz MSans Souci, Australia489 contributionsJust a highlight of the day. Gorgeous views and very peace inspiring to breath and enjoy the day. Where possible make sure you get the best quality photos.Written September 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- booking123New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada1,408 contributionsWe took roam bus 2 to falls but you can walk the trail 1.7 miles takes 39 minutes. Falls are spectacular. There are about 400 or more steps to climb if you want to look at the falls from the top. Falls are very scenicWritten September 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- travellercjdRound Rock, TX100 contributionsOur family of 4 (2 sons in their 20's) hiked this trail. The gondola ride up was peaceful and scenic, and we had the gondola to ourselves as well. From there, we took the Standish chair lift to the top. After some photos at the top, we hiked the trail around all 3 lakes and enjoyed the beautiful wildflowers along the way. Rather than hiking back up to the top to ride the chairlift back down, we simply hiked down to the top of the gondola ride. This allows you to hike slightly downhill rather than uphill, and is an easy hike. Before taking the gondola back down, we had a burger at Trapper's, which was delicious. Highly recommend this hike and meal afterwards.Written August 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ryan O2 contributionsBeautiful scenery but not much wildlife. Long slow drive up the parkway was relaxing but a but boring compared to previous reviewsWritten September 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry L5 contributionsI started this hike at around 10 AM. The parking lot was not full, although there were a little over 10 cars, so I found a parking spot pretty easily. For the first 15 minutes or so, the trail is surrounded by trees. Once you go up a bit, the views open up and you can see the panoramic view of the Icefields Parkway, Mount Athabasca, and Hilda Peak.
The trail gains its height with several switchbacks but it gets steeper fairly gradually, so even if you haven't done many hikes before, take several breaks and use hiking poles if needed, and you will eventually reach the top of the hill.
The trails gets fairly flat on top of the hill, and soon you will be encountered with the amazing view of the Saskatchewan Glacier in the far distance, which is the largest outflow glacier in the Columbia Icefields.
When you encounter an intersection, do NOT go right, as you will lose the view of the glacier. Instead, keep going straight or if you want a better view of the glacier, go left by following the yellow markers. In less than 10 minutes, you will see the complete view of the glacier with nothing blocking the view.
I personally think this trail can be classified as "family friendly." My parents who are 65+ years old also did this hike with me. They had to take several breaks but even with those breaks, it took 1 hour for us to reach the top of the hill and see the glacier and nearly 2 hours to finish the entire hike (including stops for photos). Anyone who has done lots of hiking should find this trail very easy and should be able to finish the hike way less than 2 hours. FYI, my parents used hiking poles but I didn't find any need to use them, although you may want to use them when there is snow on the trail.
This hike is a MUST if you are visiting Banff/Jasper because the trail is short and not steep but you can enjoy an amazing view (You cannot see the Saskatchewan Glacier on any road). You can also combine this hike with another if you are able and time permits. I did this hike in the morning and then Big Beehive hike at Lake Louise in the afternoon on the same day, and it was totally doable.
Highly recommend!
P.S. When I came down to the parking lot at around noon after hike, there were TONS of cars. Arrive well before noon if you want to get a good parking spot.Written August 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬Singapore, Singapore533 contributionsFrom downtown Banff, we walked in the direction to Tunnel Mountain, hit Grizzly Street and turn right. Continue walking for 500m and you will see the trail head near a car park.
It is an easy hike up the 1,692 meters Tunnel Mountain. I took 70 minutes to the summit and rewarded with a stunning view of Banff and Bow River. We had our lunch at the summit with views that is simply panoramic. I took 40 minutes to get back down to the trailhead.Written September 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Vincent C253 contributionsDon't just do the lookout from the highway; do the scenic drive just below. A few nice stops to get the best views of the Banff mountain range and lakes together.
We did not go during sunset as the weather was not great but I imagine it would be incredible.Written September 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Teakwo23Palm Harbor, FL4,596 contributionsFree and beautiful. The flowers are gorgeous to view. Just park and walk right in. Worth a visit in Banff. Quiet and peaceful.Written September 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- L0d0London283 contributionsWorth a drive or take the bus to the Hoogoo view point for great views of the river below.
Very scenic drive just outside town.Written June 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - yik lam lVancouver, Canada5 contributionsWe took advantage of the Day Pass for Bus #6 (Lake Minnewanka) to hit all the lakes. It's our first stop and we absolutely loved it! We checked the bus schedule carefully and were able to have around 30-60 min at each lake to take photos. We were tourists with limited time but definitely would be nice to spend a relaxing afternoon here!Written September 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KellyNagle461 contributionsExcellent trail, even if it's a bit smoky. Cirque Peak is close enough to see well in the morning sunlight. Highly recommend going past Helen Lake up the Dolomite Ridge and then down past Katherine Lake. Very colourful rock formations with interesting textures and layers. Awesome views. Lots of wild flowers and butterflies. Some horseflies escorted us most of the way. Minimal mosquitoes July 15th. There is a hidden glacier and lovely waterfall if you continue past Katherine lake and go a bit right off the main trail. The Dolomites look better in the afternoon once the sun comes around.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ayalasibandaGreater London, UK410 contributionsWe stopped here for a quick dip in the water. The kids managed to wade until knees were in, then respectively exited for warmth.
Easy parking and 10 mins from Banff by car.Written August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GPaCalgaryCalgary, Canada2,165 contributionsI have camped many times many years ago at Two Jack Lake Campsite, but have never actually been to the lake. Because we had some friends visiting from the UK, we took some time to stop here and take a close look at what the lake had to offer. There are picnic tables and a nice beach for the kids to enjoy a swim in the shallow water. And of course the colour is a beautiful greenWritten September 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ElainefromPAGilbertsville, PA37 contributionsWhy not do it? Nice little trail with some unique rock formations and beautiful view of the glacial river. All paved and super easy.Written September 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim BGrapeview, WA1,360 contributionsWe enjoyed the ride from Banff to Canmore and back on a beautiful, warm fall day. It parallels the highway so there is traffic noise, but it doesn't ruin the ride. It's just nice being on a trail where you don't have to worry about high speed vehicles passing. We found the majority of other cyclists we met to be very courteous. The views of the mountains along the way are beautiful! As an old road geek, I wondered if this trail followed the old highway alignment. Turns out that part of it does as we found an old stone highway mileage marker at 6 miles out of Banff. I'm assuming it was miles since Canada used miles instead of kilometers up until 1970 and this marker was much older than that.Written September 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Banff:
- Columbia Icefield Adventure
- Lake Louise & Banff & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary or Banff
- Discover Banff National Park - Day Trip
- Icefields Parkway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour
- Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff | Small Group Adventure Tour
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