Drive to the conditions and enjoy the views!
What is the road that connects Jasper with Banff?
To get from Jasper to Banff you will drive a scenic road through Jasper
National Park and straight into Banff National Park. Start off by driving on
the Icefields Parkways (Highway 93) heading south from Jasper.
This road winds its way through valleys, next to waterfalls, and through
some of the most beautiful places in all of Canada.
Highway 93 turns into Highway 1 at the overpass with Lake Louise.
Continue on Highway 1 until you reach Banff. To be honest, driving from
Jasper to Banff is pretty straightforward, and with the help of Google Maps,
you won’t get lost!
How long does it take to drive from Jasper to Banff?
Without stopping, it’ll take about 3.5 hours to drive from Jasper to Banff, or
in reverse, from Banff to Jasper. The drive from Jasper to Banff is 288
km/179 miles long.
With that said, you’re definitely going to want to stop along the way and
check out some of the beautiful attractions. There are plenty of stunning
hikes, roadside viewpoints, and waterfalls that you surely won’t want to
miss. Just imagine, bright blue lakes surrounded by towering mountain
peaks – they don’t call this stretch of road one of the most beautiful drives in
the world for no reason!
Keep reading to find out the best stops on the drive from Jasper to Banff!
You’ll Need a Parks Canada Pass
The green pass is to hang on your vehicle mirror. The receipt you should keep as proof of
purchase.
Since the road from Jasper to Banff travels entirely through national parks,
you’re going to need a national parks pass (Parks Canada Pass.) This pass
can be bought online in advance or at the parks’ entrance gates. You can
choose between daily rates ($11 CAD per adult per day or $22 per
vehicle) or opt for a yearly pass for about $140 CAD per vehicle.
There is no way around this pass, and if at any point you are caught
without one in either Jasper National Park or Banff National Park you will
end up with a hefty fine.
Most of the time, you can drive through national parks in Canada without a
pass if you don’t stop. This is not the case with the road between Jasper
and Banff. There are actually booths at each end of the road and you’re
required to have a pass even if you don’t plan on stopping.
You can purchase the pass in advance online, at visitor centers in either
town, or at the booth at the entrance of either end of the Icefields Parkway.
Honestly, buying the pass at the booth is likely the easiest and most
convenient for most people.
Exact price options for the Parks Canada Pass can be found below:
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff,
Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re
going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best
value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a
couple of days.
Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day
admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
$22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days
from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365
days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the
most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount
Revelstoke, and so much more.
Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more
than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the
Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor
Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
Note: If you are going on a tour, you don’t need a Parks Pass, your tour
operator will have already paid for it for you!
Road Conditions & Safety between Jasper and Banff
The road between Jasper and Banff is Highway 93. It is paved the entire
way and well-maintained. With that said, it is a single lane in either direction
going almost the entire way, so you may find yourself stuck behind a slowmoving vehicle without any opportunity to pass – be patient!
The road from Jasper to Banff is also very curvy with some uphill and
downhill sections. There are plenty of blind corners and pull-pff bays, so
you’ll need to drive with caution at all times.
Be sure to keep an eye out for all the wildlife in this area too – there are lots
around and sometimes they come onto the road out of nowhere.
Driving from Jasper to Banff in the Winter
The road between Jasper and Banff is open in winter (except for the odd
occasion where weather conditions force a closure, but this is rare and
typically only happens only a couple of days all winter long.)
To drive this route in winter you MUST have winter tires. You should also
go slow and have some winter driving experience. Having a 4wd will also
come in handy from time to time. Take your time and go extra slow in the
winter in case of snow and ice.
If you are not confident in your winter driving skills and would rather sit back
and enjoy the ride, consider booking a tour (like this one) instead.
21 BEST Stops on the Drive from Jasper to Banff
Road Trip Stops Driving from Jasper to Banff
Destinationless Travel
This map was made with Google My Maps. Create your own.
Map data ©2024 Google
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The above map shows all of the best places to see along on the drive from
Jasper to Banff. Below, I’ve included detailed info about each stop to help
you plan your road trip!
1. Jasper
Maligne Lake!
Maligne Canyon in the winter.
This epic road trip starts in Jasper town, one of my personal favorite places
in Alberta! This quaint town, although a tourist destination, somehow still
keeps its “small-town vibe” and is very peaceful. There are a ton of fun
things to do in Jasper, so many that you could easily spend a few days here
exploring and adventuring.
While you’re here, some highlights and tours in Jasper you should consider
checking out include:
Maligne Canyon – This beautiful canyon is a must-visit destination in
Jasper National Park. Just a 15-minute drive from town will take you
to the trailhead and parking lot where you can walk to various viewpoints
along Maligne Canyon. The first viewpoint is the best and is only a
couple hundred meters from the parking lot. You can also do longer
hikes as well as an icewalk in the winter at Maligne Canyon.
Maligne Lake – About a 40-minute drive from Jasper town is Maligne
Lake. Getting there is a scenic and beautiful drive in itself. In the summer,
be sure to jump on a Maligne Lake Cruise to see the famous Spirit Island.
In the winter, go snowshoeing – there are a ton of things to do at
Maligne Lake!
Pyramid Lake – Another stunning lake within Jasper National Park is
Pyramid Lake. You’ve probably seen this lake plastered all over Instagram
with its mirror-like reflections and coned-shaped Pyramid Mountain in the
background. Here, you can walk out to Pyramid Island along a beautiful
boardwalk, hang out at the beach, stay at Pyramid Lake Resort, or go on
this highly-rated canoe tour!
Downtown – Jasper’s downtown area is really cute. The main street
,called Connaught Drive, runs parallel with the train tracks and makes for
a fun place to explore. Grab some ice cream, do a little shopping, stop in
for a beer at Jasper Brewing Co, or grab a bite to eat at one of the best
restaurants in Jasper. Try the Jasper Pizza Place or The Spice Joint,
their crab grilled cheese sandwich is to die for!
Whitewater rafting – Jasper is one of the best places to go whitewater
rafting! There are plenty of good whitewater rafting tours to choose from
in Jasper, including this particular tour. It is a two-hour trip on the
Athabasca River that is perfect for those who want to take in some
fantastic views of Jasper National Park while enjoying Class II rapids. You
can book this whitewater raft tour online here!
Miette Hot Springs – If you like hot springs, then you can’t miss
Miette. Located just outside of Jasper town in Jasper National Park,
Miette Hot Springs offers mountain views for only a few
dollars per person as an entrance fee. It’s important to note that Miette
is usually only open from May-September, so it is only available for those
visiting Jasper in summer, spring, or early fall.
Ride the Jasper Skytram – In the summer months, this is easily the best
way to enjoy a panoramic view of Jasper National Park without having
to go on a long hike. In a large tram, you will be transported up Whistler
Mountain with about 20 other people at the speed of 6 meters per
second. Once at the top, you can do a 1.4-kilometer-long hike to reach
the summit. Be sure to book the tram well in advance to secure your
spot.
Marmot Basin – One of the best ski resorts in Canada is located in Jasper
National Park – Marmot Basin! With 91 different runs spread out evenly
between all levels, you’re sure to have a great day hitting the slopes in
Jasper!
2. Valley of the Five Lakes
The Valley of the Five Lakes is so beautiful!
You can swim, but the water is freezing!
Type of attraction: 4.5 km/2.8 mile hike
Time needed: 2 hours
Distance from Jasper: 10.1 km/6.3 miles
Google Maps location link: Valley of the Five Lakes trailhead location –
click here.
The Valley of the Five Lakes is my favorite easy hike in Jasper. It even
made my list of the best hikes in all of Jasper and Banff! As you leave
Jasper and travel along the Icefields Parkways toward Banff, you’ll see
signs for the Valley of the Five Lakes on your left-hand side. It’s located
only about 15 minutes from Jasper.
This is a 4.5-kilometer-long hike (2.8 miles) that takes you to – you
guessed it – 5 lakes! It is actually a very easy hike that is suitable even for
families. On a warm day, bring your swimsuit and if you can brave the cold
water, jump in!
You do need a couple of hours to complete this hike, and there are lots of
other places to check out on this drive from Jasper to Banff, so be sure to
leave Jasper early if you want to do this hike.
3. Athabasca Falls
The falls are so powerful!
It’s just as stunning in winter!
Type of attraction: Short walk to the viewpoint of the falls
Time needed: 20 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 32.4 km/20.1 miles
Google Maps location link: Athabasca Falls location – click here.
Leaving Jasper on the Icefields Parkway towards Banff, your second stop is
the epic Athabasca Falls. It’s located on your right, about 30 kilometers
(18.6 miles) from Jasper town.
This waterfall is huge, powerful, and seriously impressive. You can do the
short walk along a boardwalk to various viewpoints of the falls. With
mountains as her backdrop, Athabasca Falls is one photogenic waterfall!
In the winter months, this is one of the few stops along your road trip from
Jasper to Banff that is still open – and possibly even more beautiful! The
falls freeze creating the feeling of being in a winter wonderland. We were
just there a couple of weeks ago, and believe me, it is well worth visiting.
This is just a short stop – you really only need about 20 minutes here to
enjoy the falls. The parking lot is only a couple-minute walk from the
viewpoint of the falls, so I’d say it’s well worth the stop on this road trip.
Related read: Chasing waterfalls is one of the most romantic things
you can do in Jasper on a honeymoon or couples’ holiday!
4. Sunwapta Falls
The beautiful Sunwapta Falls from the bridge,
Type of attraction: Short walk to the viewpoint of the falls
Time needed: 20 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 55.8 km/34.7 miles
Google Maps location link: Sunwapta Falls location – click here.
Just 15 minutes further down the highway from Athabasca Falls is
Sunwapta Falls. This waterfall is smaller than Athabasca but still worth
checking out. The power of the water has carved some unique rock
formations in the canyon below that you’ll see from a bridge and
viewpoint.
It is only a short walk from the parking lot to the falls and this stop should
only take about 10-20 minutes. Like Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls is
also very impressive in the winter months. In fact, if you’re visiting Jasper in
the winter then this is one of the most popular attractions.
Accommodation option: At Sunwapta Falls there is the Sunwapta Falls
Rocky Mountain Lodge. If you want a quiet wilderness escape, consider
staying here. They also have an on-site restaurant and a small store if
you’re hungry.
5. Tangle Creek Falls
The falls are really impressive and you can get some great photos!
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10 minutes
Distance from Lake Louise: 137 km/85.1 miles
Distance from Jasper: 96.5 km/60 miles
Google Maps location link: Tangle Creek Falls location – click here.
Another beautiful waterfall along the drive from Jasper to Banff is Tangle
Creek Falls. It’s a waterfall that is just along the side of the road. In fact,
many people often miss it, so we recommend making sure you are making
to the location to be sure you stop in the right place and actually check it
out.
When driving away from Jasper, Tangel Creek Falls will be on your left, with
the parking lot across the road on your right. You can enjoy the view of the
falls from the parking lot or walk right up to the falls.
This is just a quick roadside stop and might only take you a minute or two
to snap a photo and move on. Most people spend less than 10 minutes
here.
6. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre (Athabasca Glacier and
Skywalk)
Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Banff National Park with views of the mountains
Type of attraction: Tour to walk out onto a platform, tour onto the
glacier
Time needed: A couple of hours to do both experiences
Distance from Jasper: 104 km/64.6 miles
Google Maps location link: You must park at the Columbia Icefield
Discovery Centre. From here, the tours to both the Skywalk and Glacier
depart.
The next stop on this road trip from Jasper to Banff is the famous Skywalk
and Athabasca Glacier. After about an hour of driving from Jasper, you’ll
see the Skywalk on your right-hand side. You can’t miss it – it is a HUGE
man-made structure hanging off the edge of a cliff!
If you want to walk on the Skywalk, you can’t park here. Continue on a
couple more kilometers down the road until you reach the Columbia Icefield
Discovery Centre. This is where you need to park if you want to walk on
the Skywalk (there is no parking at the actual Skywalk.)
At the Discovery Centre, you can purchase your tickets or check-in, and
then you’ll be provided with transport to the Skywalk.
Dan and I have done the Skywalk before, and it was really a neat
experience. A little nerve-racking if I’m being honest – the floor is glass and
the platform is 300 meters above the ground! But it was super fun, and the
views from out on the platform are amazing. Plus, included with your ticket
is a self-guided audio tour that you can listen to as you walk the Skywalk,
it’s super informative and interesting.
To avoid having to wait for an available departure time, book your Skywalk
ticket online in advance here! During peak times, the bus could be fully
booked and you might not be able to visit if you try to book on arrival. If
you also want to do a tour on the Athabasca Glacier, book your Skywalk
and Athabasca tours as a combo online here, it’s cheapest this way!
On the Athabasca Glacier!
Just across the road from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is
Athabasca Glacier. There are a couple of different ways to experience
Athabasca Glacier, but the only way to see it up close is on a guided tour
because you are only allowed to set foot on the glacier with a registered
guide.
You have three options when it comes to experiencing Athabasca Glacier:
Ice Explorer Tour (Bus tour with the Skywalk) – This is the most popular
tour of the Athabasca Glacier. The tour involves getting into a large,
specially-made bus that will drive you onto the glacier. Here, you’ll get to
walk on the glacier for a few minutes. You can even fill your water bottle
up from the melting streams! Afterward, you will be taken to the
Skywalk. This tour is best for those who don’t want to do any hiking but
still want to walk on Athabasca Glacier – it’s one of the most popular
tours on the Icefield Parkway for a reason! You can book the Ice Explorer
Tour online here to avoid missing out!
Glacier Hiking Tour – If you want to do a more in-depth tour of
Athabasca Glacier, then you should book this half-day hiking tour. On this
tour, you’ll actually spend a couple of hours hiking on the glacier with an
expert guide (as opposed to the above tour, where you’ll only get to
spend a few minutes standing and walking on the glacier.)The tour lasts
for about 3 hours and you’ll walk a total of 5 km (3 miles) in that time.
You’ll see crevasses, waterfalls into the ice, and even streams from
melting glacier water. The small group size means limited spaces are
available, you should book your hiking tour on Athabasca Glacier online
here in advance.
Walk to the free viewpoint – Unfortunately, if you don’t book a tour, you’ll
only be able to walk up to a viewpoint next to the glacier for safety
reasons. Jump on the Athabasca Glacier trail and hike right up almost to
the edge of the glacier. It’s only a short 1-kilometer hike, but from here,
you’ll have a better view of the glacier than from the road. There are also
some signs along the walk that mark where the glacier once was, so you
can really see how much it’s receded over the last few years.
In the Columbia Discovery Centre, you will also find a restaurant as well as
food court-style place to eat. There are also bathrooms here.
If you’re running short on time, there is a beautiful hotel located right next to
Athabasca Glacier called Glacier View Lodge. You should book it in advance
in the summer months to avoid missing out. If you want to do any of the
above tours, staying a night at the hotel isn’t a bad idea just so that you
aren’t rushed.
Note: Both the Skywalk and Athabasca Glacier tours are only
available from the beginning of May until mid-October. The Columbia
Icefields Discovery Centre is closed in winter, too, so don’t plan on stopping
here for food either.
7. Big Hill and Big Bend Viewpoint
The view from up on Big Hill!
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 5 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 118 km/73.3 miles
Google Maps location link: Big Bend Viewpoint location – click here.
Shortly after the Athabasca Glacier as you continue driving towards Banff,
you’ll come to Big Hill and Big Bend. This is the most challenging part of the
drive from Jasper to Banff as the road winds its way down the side of a
mountain.
Along the road are a couple of different pullover bays where you can stop
and enjoy the views of the valley below. Just be very careful when pulling
over, this road is very steep and windy, so never pull off on blind corners.
You will also see Big Bend, which is the nickname for the road that does a
huge curve (believe me, you can’t miss it!)
This is just a viewpoint stop along this epic road trip, and depending on how
long your photo ops take, should only take 5 or so minutes. You can also
just enjoy the views without stopping – the views from your window are
just as good!
8. Weeping Wall
The Weeping Wall!
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 125 km/77.7 miles
Google Maps location link: Weeping Wall location – click here.
Once you descend into the valley and wind your way through Big Bend,
you’ll see a pullover bay with toilets on your right. Stop here and then look
across the road – you’ll see the Weeping Wall!
The Weeping Wall is essentially a large cliff face with lots of tiny streams of
water flowing over it. It appears as if the cliff is crying (hence the name.)
This is once again just a short stop on your drive from Jasper to Banff. It is
great all year round with rushing water in the summer and frozen crystals in
the winter.
The Weeping Wall is another one of those “blink and you’ll miss it”
attractions along this road trip. Trust us, we’ve driven this road countless
times and still miss the Weeping Wall on occasion. For that reason, make
sure to map to the location or really have your eyes peeled!
9. Saskatchewan River Crossing (Café, Hotel and Gas Station)
The Crossing Resort
Our suite!
Type of attraction: Cafe, gas station, hotel
Time needed: Varies
Distance from Jasper: 153 km/95.1 miles
Google Maps location link: Saskatchewan River Crossing location – click
here.
Saskatchewan River Crossing is a practical stop for many people driving
from Jasper to Banff since it is the only place you’ll find a gas station before
you reach Lake Louise. You’ll also find a restaurant, cafe, and small shop
located here as well as a hotel.
Now, I have to be honest, the gas here is pricey and you’ll pay a premium
even compared with gas stations in Banff and Jasper. However, if you’re
getting low, then fill up – this is only the halfway point along the Icefields
Parkway drive.
The cafe and shop make for a good place to grab a snack as well. The only
other place to buy food along the Icefields Parkway is at the Columbia
Icefield Discovery Center across the street from the Athabasca Glacier. And
trust me, it’s expensive there!
They also have a nice bathroom anybody can use (even if you’re not
buying anything.) This is the place to stop for a bathroom break if you want
to avoid using the pit toilets/outhouses you’ll find everywhere else along
the Icefields Parkway.
There is also a hotel at Saskatchewan River Crossing called The Crossing
Resort that you can book online in advance if you decide you’d rather spend
two days driving the Icefields Parkway.
We have done this before, and I must say, the hotel puts you in the best
location possible to spend the night and break up your Icefields Parkway
road trip. Oh, and did I mention the views from the hotel? If the photos
above don’t tempt you to stay, I don’t know what will! You can check
availability and book The Crossing Resort online here!
Note: Saskatchewan River Crossing closes in the winter months, so plan
ahead with a full fuel tank and food!
10. Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon!
Type of attraction: Short out and back hike.
Time needed: 30 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 158 km/98 miles
Google Maps location link: Mistaya Canyon trailhead location – click here.
Along your road trip, you’re going to need to stretch your legs, right?! Well,
Mistaya Canyon is the perfect place to do so. This easy 1-kilometer-long
walk (roundtrip) takes you down to the canyon and along its edge to
various viewpoints. It should only take you about 25 minutes or so to
complete the walk there and back.
The walk from the parking lot to the canyon is a slight downhill, which
means you’ll have to walk uphill on the way back up (it’s about 40 meters
of elevation gain.)
Although maybe not the most spectacular canyon walk we’ve ever done
(Johnston Canyon and Maligne Canyon take the cake on this one), it’s the
perfect place to get out of your car and go for a quick walk on this day of
driving.
11. Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint
Waterfowl Lakes
The view from Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 171 km/106 miles
Google Maps location link: Waterfowl Lakes location – click here.
Waterfowl Lakes is a beautiful roadside stop on this drive to admire
mountain views. On a calm day, the water creates a reflection that is simply
picture-perfect!
There is a small pullover bay/parking lot on your right-hand side as you
drive towards Banff. Simply drive up and take in the view! You can also
walk down a small hill to the water’s edge if you want.
Although just a quick stop, it’s a really scenic spot and well worth the
mention if you ask us!
12. Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint
Peyto Lake!
The brand new viewing platform!
Type of attraction: Short walk to a viewpoint
Time needed: 30 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 190 km/118 miles
Google Maps location link: Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint location – click
here.
As one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada, it should come as no surprise
that Peyto Lake is a must-visit destination on any road trip from Jasper to
Banff.
And the best part? For this epic viewpoint, you only need to walk about 10
minutes from the parking lot! This makes Peyto Lake an easy and
accessible viewpoint in Banff National Park. The walk is slightly uphill, but it is
paved and suitable for pretty much anybody. Plus, trust us, the view is
worth the short 10-minute walk!
The only downside to Peyto Lake is that sometimes it is very busy. Luckily,
they have recently redone the parking lot and there is a lot more space for
people now. There is also a new bathroom facility here and the viewing
platform is huge!
13. Bow Lake
It was a moody day, but Bow Lake is still so beautiful!
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10-30 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 195 km/121 miles
Google Maps location link: Pullover bay viewpoint linked here, Bow Lake
parking lot linked here
You have two options when it comes to visiting Bow Lake. You can either
turn into a large parking lot at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Here, you can walk along
a couple of trails along the shoreline and take in the views from all angles.
There are also a few longer hikes you can do from here including Bow
Glacier Falls.
Alternatively, for just a quick pit stop and photo opportunity, continue down
the highway a little further until you come to a pullover bay on your
righthand side. Here, is another viewpoint of Bow Lake (and where we once
saw a Grizzly Bear!)
If you visit on a clear day, you might even be able to spot Crowfoot Glacier
in the mountains in the distance.
14. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Can you see how the glacier go its name? Just imagine the ice protruding down the bottom to
create the crow’s foot!
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 196 km/121.8 miles
Google Maps location link: Crowfoot Glacier location – click here.
As you near the end of Bow Lake, you can see Crowfoot Glacier up in the
mountains on your right side. While you can see this glacier from the road,
for a better view, be sure to stop at the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint. This is
simply a pullover bay on the ride of the road, but it offers you the chance to
safely stop and take a view moments to take in the view.
Crowfoot Glacier feeds the Bow River as it melts. It was originally named
because of its shape – like a crow’s foot! However, it has been receding
over the years and the shape of the glacier has changed. With that said, it’s
still large and easily seen from the viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway.
15. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Bailey on the shores of Lake Louise at sunrise
Of course!
Type of attraction: Beautiful lakes, village, plenty of hiking options
Time needed: At least an hour – the more time the better! Stay a night
or two here if you can.
Distance from Jasper: 232 km/144 miles
Google Maps location link: Lake Louise Village linked here, Lake Louise
Lakefront linked here
Another 45-minute drive from Bow Lake and you will arrive at the overpass
for Lake Louise. To me, Lake Louise is a huge attraction and a place where
you should stop to spend a night or two, or at the very least, a few hours.
Here you will not only find the lake but a small town (sometimes referred to
a village) as well as the famous Lake Louise Ski Resort.
There are lots of different things to do in Lake Louise including visiting the
Lake Louise lakefront, going on an epic hike (Lake Agnes Teahouse is my
favorite), or go canoeing on the lake. Some other activities include:
Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort – This is our personal favorite place to
ski/snowboard in the Canadian Rockies. This ski resort is huge with more
runs than you can imagine both on the front side and backside of the
mountain. We spent 8 hours exploring and still could’ve used more time!
If you are visiting Lake Louise in the winter, be sure to make time to hit
the slopes!
Hike – There are a ton of amazing hikes in Banff National Park that are
near Lake Louise. From both Lake Louise Lakefront and Moraine Lake,
the selection of hikes you can do is seemingly endless! Some of our
personal favorite trails include Lake Agnes Teahouse, Plain of Six
Glaciers, the Larch Valley, and Consolation Lakes.
Eat at one of the restaurants – The Station is one of the best places to
eat in Lake Louise. This historic restaurant is also an old train station, plus
the food is really good! If you want to dine near the lake, be sure to visit
Alpine Social. It is the only restaurant/bar in the Fairmont Chateau Lake
Louise that allows non-guests to visit. The High Tea experience at the
Fairmont is also really good!
Note: From May until mid-October, you’ll be required to pay $36.75 CAD
per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2024 updated price).
The paid parking is in effect from 3 am until 7 pm daily.
I’ll never get sick of Moraine Lake!
Few destinations in Canada are as famous as Moraine Lake – it is often
referred to as the most photographed lake in all of Canada. And to be
honest, after visiting for myself, I can see why. This lake is bright blue in
color and behind it sits the towering Ten Peaks as the most beautiful
background you could ever imagine.
There are lots of things to do at Moraine Lake including a huge range of
hikes (like the Larch Valley Trail or Consolation Lakes) as well as other
activities like kayaking.
One thing to know about visiting Moraine Lake is that it is only open during
the summer months (generally May/June to October depending on the
weather and snowfall.)
The only problem with visiting is that parking at Moraine Lake is impossible –
literally! The Moraine Lake Road and parking lot are now only for shuttles,
tour buses, and anyone with a disability parking permit. Parking here was a
nightmare before, but you’ll definitely need to look into alternatives to
parking at Moraine Lake including booking a tour from Banff, getting a spot
on the Parks Canada shuttle, or reserving a seat on the new shuttle from
the Moraine Lake Bus Company.
Want to visit Moraine Lake for sunrise?
Since the road is closed to personal vehicles, there are three options to visit
Moraine Lake at sunrise: this organized tour, booking this privatelyoperated shuttle, or taking the Parks Canada Alpine Start shuttle.
1. The tour begins at 4 am in Banff. It costs $287 CAD and includes not
only a visit to Moraine Lake with hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy, but
also an early morning visit to Lake Louise. That means you can visit two
of the busiest lakes in Canada without the crowds or the stress of
parking/shuttles. You can book the tour here with free cancellation up to
24 hours before.
2. The new Moraine Lake sunrise shuttle includes transport only from Lake
Louise Village at a cost of $99 CAD. They offer a few pick-up times with
the first shuttle leaving at 4 am and the second at 5 am. You must book
your spot online in advance here to avoid missing out.
3. The Parks Canada Alpine Start shuttle leaves at 4 am and 5 am for $8
CAD. While it’s the cheapest option, it’s also the hardest to book. If you
don’t grab tickets during the initial release of tickets in April, you’ll need to
try to get tickets online at 8 am MDT two days before your trip.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
There are lots of different places to choose from when it comes to
accommodation in Lake Louise.
If you want to stay in Lake Louise town, consider the Lake Louise Inn, or
the budget-friendly HI Lake Louise Hostel. Dan and I often stay at the HI
Hostel and think it’s clean, comfortable, and great value for money.
For a little luxury or to spoil yourself, don’t miss the Fairmont Chateau Lake
Louise. This is arguably the most beautiful hotel in Canada set in the most
beautiful location (right on the lake!)
Related Read: Check out our other top road trip guide in Alberta for more
route ideas!
16. Morant’s Curve
Morant’s Curve is stunning!
In winter!
Type of attraction: roadside viewpoint
Time needed: 10 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 237 km/147 miles
Google Maps location link: Morant’s Curve location – click here.
Once you’re ready to leave Lake Louise (just jokes, you’ll never be truly
ready to leave), you can make your way to the Bow Valley Parkway for
another scenic drive.The Bow Valley Parkway is a 50-kilometer-long (31mile) stretch of road that runs parallel with Highway 1 that connects Lake
Louise with Banff. Instead of driving on Highway 1, take the Bow Valley
Parkway for a more scenic and relaxing drive.
There are lots of amazing places to check out on the Bow Valley Parkway
that I’ve included in this blog. The first stop you should definitely make is at
Morant’s Curve, which is about a 10-minute drive from Lake Louise Village.
You’ll find the small parking lot located here.
Named after the photographer Nicholas Morant, who worked for the
Canadian Pacific Railway, this is a popular viewpoint for fantastic views of
the Bow River and the trains which occasionally pass through. With an
incredible mountain backdrop, it really does make for a special photo.
As for when the trains come through, you have the best chance of seeing
one during a weekday, passing by at least once an hour. It’s best to have
your camera ready so you can get the perfect shot!
This is one of our favorite places to return to whenever we are traveling
through Banff National Park.
17. Castle Cliff Viewpoint
Castle Mountain Viewpoint along the Bow Valley Parkway
Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint and very short walk
Time needed: 15 minutes
Distance from Jasper: 259 km/161 miles
Google Maps location link: Castle Cliff Viewpoint location – click here.
Castle Cliff Viewpoint is one of the best spots to have a quick stop and take
in the amazing views of Castle Mountain. As the cliffs have eroded over the
years, it’s quite easy to see where the mountain gets its name from.
You’ll find a parking area here as well as a small path that leads to a viewing
platform. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to make the most of it!
18. Silverton Falls
Type of attraction: 1.8 km/1.1 mile hike
Time needed: 1 hour
Distance from Jasper: 259 km/161 miles
Google Maps location link: Silverton Falls trailhead location – click here.
If you’re looking for an easy hike in Banff to stretch your legs, then Silverton
Falls is the perfect trail to tackle on this drive from Jasper to Banff.
The trail is 1.8 km long (1.1 miles) return and takes most people around
45 minutes to complete. Although it’s considered an easy trail, it does have
a steep section towards the end, about 110 meters/360 feet, so you’ll
also get a bit of a workout in. The effort is worth it once you reach the
beautiful Silverton Falls.
The trail begins at the Rockbound Lake Parking Lot, just off the Bow Valley
Parkway. From there, you can follow the wide dirt path to Silverton Falls,
which is a narrow two-tiered waterfall. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in Banff
National Park, despite its proximity to the famous Castle Mountain.
One thing we will say is that, although this hike is easy, it does take you
along a cliff with a steep drop, so if you’re afraid of heights you might be
better off choosing another of the routes on this list.
Accommodation recommendation: If you want to spend a night in the
peace and quiet of the Bow Valley Parkway, be sure to book a cabin at
Baker Creek Mountain Resort. Every cabin has a fireplace and you can
spend your evening under the stars (a top spot for anybody on a Banff
honeymoon!)
19. Johnston Canyon