Sights

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The town of Banff is surrounded by mountains, but the town has one, smaller mountain right in the centre that boasts a popular hike and has sparked many conversations about its name.

So-called Tunnel Mountain was officially named when the CPR thought they’d have to tunnel under it in order to complete their trans-continental railway. They found a way around it, never actually digging the tunnel, but the name became the official title of this small but impressive peak. The mountain is more than local trivia. It is an important landmark for many First Nations who frequented the area before colonization. Banff was a common ground for hunting and foraging in the abundant wilderness, and also for trading with one another. The Siksika, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, called the mountain Iinii Istako, which roughly translates to Sleeping Buffalo, a common colloquial name for the mountain among Banff residents. The Îyârhe Nakoda people also had a name for this iconic mountain: Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân. Translated as Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, this name reflects the journey of the Îyârhe Nakoda People, who followed the spirit of the buffalo to find a place to call home. When the buffalo spirit lay down to rest, they knew they had found their place. The mountain looks over the waters, herbs, and medicines in the area.

Viewed from the east, either approaching Banff on the highway or travelling along the Bow River, the outline of the buffalo is clear. For anyone who frequents the area, the sight of the buffalo marks the entrance to this natural wonderland, and its presence has a sense of coming home.

RIGHT: OPEN TOP TOURING | PURSUIT

DRIVING TOURS

BOW VALLEY PARKWAY This 48 km/30 mi drive between Banff and Lake Louise offers spectacular views. Known for animal sightings, this drive requires a slower speed limit, often 60 kmh/40 mph, to protect wildlife.

From Banff, go 30 km/18.6 mi west on Hwy 1 to the Castle Junction exit.

At Castle Mountain Viewpoint, 36 km/22 mi, take in Castle Mountain's crenelated cliffs, formed when older rock was thrust up and over younger rock.

Morant’s Curve Lookout, named after Canadian Pacific Railway photographer, Nicholas Morant, offers views of the Bow River and the railway.

The Bow Valley Parkway rejoins Hwy 1 at the village of Lake Louise.

The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicle traffic from May 1 to June 25 and for the month of September. Johnston Canyon can still be accessed by ROAM Transit (p 60) or by cycling from Banff. Park at the train station to access the Legacy Trail via Vermillion Lakes Rd. Bike rentals are available in town (p 43). Guided e-bike tours to Johnston Canyon are available from Banff outfitters.

CANMORE TO CANMORE VIA KANANASKIS VILLAGE 145 km/90 mi route through gorgeous Kananaskis Country.

Alberta Parks implemented a user fee last year to offset the costs of maintaining the popular Kananaskis Country, which experienced a sharp increase in visitation. The fee for stopping in Kananaskis is $90 per family per year or $15 per day. Proceeds support conservation and maintenance in the area.

From Canmore, take the TransCanada Hwy east toward Calgary. Visit Bow Valley Provincial Park, 26 km/16 mi, home to the Many Springs Trail, a 2.8 km/1.7 mi loop with a riverside picnic area. Continue 4 km/2.5 mi east and take Hwy 40 south to Kananaskis. Cross the grazing lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation, then stop at Canoe Meadows and look for kayakers on the Kananaskis River whitewater slalom course. Continue south to Barrier Lake.

Kananaskis Village was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics. It has a hotel, dining, summer equipment rentals, tours, and a Nordic Spa (p 63). Take a scenic stroll along the rim of the plateau.

A TOUCH OF CLASS

See the sights of Banff and feel the wind in your hair as you drive around town in a vintage-inspired automobile reminiscent of the 1930’s. During an Open Top Touring (p 60) sightseeing excursion, an experienced guide in full period costume will show you all the best areas in Banff, and they’ll fill you in on local lingo along the way. These classic automobiles are custom built with all the modern comforts, so you can sit back and relax in style while you take in the stunning mountain views. -TJ

20 km/12 mi further, Hwy 40 enters Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, just before the Grizzly Day Use Area.

Kananaskis Lakes Rd, 16 km/10 mi, is a scenic drive. Further are Elkwood and Boulton Creek Campgrounds. The area is a wetlands habitat. Find walking trails and fishing at Upper Kananaskis Lake.

Turn left at Smith-Dorrien/ Spray Tr to return to Canmore. Most of the 60 km/37 mi road is rough. Follow Spray Lakes for 20 km/12.5 mi before a steep, switchbacked descent to Canmore. ICEFIELDS PARKWAY Touted as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, this 230 km/143 mi route between Lake Louise and Jasper traces the Continental Divide. See glaciers, rugged peaks, and frequent wildlife. Find picnic sites, camping, hiking, and climbing.

Access the parkway from Hwy 1 west of Lake Louise. Hector Lake, 16 km/10 mi, has great views of Mt Balfour and Waputik Range.

At Bow Lake, 33 km/21 mi, Bow Glacier meltwaters cascade down massive cliffs. Left is the Crowfoot Glacier that was once shaped like a crow’s three toes. Stay at the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge for a unique backcountry experience.

Bow Summit, 40 km/25 mi, is the highest point on the Parkway at 2068 m/6875 ft. The viewpoint overlooks Peyto Lake, which is known for its wolf's head shape. Interpretive signs give insights on mountain guide and park warden Bill Peyto, as well as the history of the popular lake. This is an iconic photo location.

ANIMAL CROSSING

A series of 38 underpasses and 6 overpasses allow wildlife to safely cross the 82 km/51 mi stretch of TransCanada Highway in Banff National Park. Fencing directs animals to these crossings. Grizzlies, elk, moose, and deer prefer the overpasses while black bears and cougars seem to prefer crossing under the highway. Based on the success of this project, another overpass is being build east of Canmore starting this summer. -KB

Continue to Mistaya Canyon and Saskatchewan River Crossing, 77 km/48 mi, and find gas, dining, a gift shop, and lodging. See the nearby confluence of the Saskatchewan, Howse, and Mistaya Rivers.

Detour 45 km/28 mi east on Hwy 11 to the staging area for Rockies Heli Canada (p 52). Rocky Mountain House is 135 km/84 mi further east.

Back on the Parkway, the Weeping Wall, 103 km/64 mi cliffs are streaked with waterfalls fed by Cirrus Mountain meltwaters. Walk the moderate Parker Ridge Trail, 116 km/72 mi for Saskatchewan Glacier views.

A highlight of the parkway is the Columbia Icefield, 127 km/79 mi, that covers 215 sq km/83 sq mi and is over 250 m/800 ft deep. Its meltwaters flow west to the Pacific, north to the Arctic, and east to Hudson’s Bay. This hydrological apex is one of two in the world; the other is in Siberia. Six major glaciers flow from the icefield.

At the Athabasca Glacier, you can walk to the glacier toe or take a guided ice walk and discover the importance of glaciers in the mountain ecosystem. Across the road, the Glacier Discovery Centre has lodging, dining, and gifts.

Take the shuttle to the cliff edge Glacier Skywalk (p 48) and discover the canyon from a whole new perspective. From the Centre it’s 103 km/64 mi further to Jasper, route description on p 91.

KANANASKIS LAKES TRAIL TO

HIGHWOOD PASS Closed to June 15. Follow Hwy 40 south past Kananaskis Lakes Tr, along Canada’s highest paved road. From the King Creek picnic site, rise to Elpoca Viewpoint, a picturesque picnic area with a short walk down a steep bank to Opal Falls. Farther along, Gap Mountain rises to the east.

Past Little Highwood Pass picnic site is Elbow Pass picnic area and the easy trail to Elbow Lake. Walk farther to the alpine meadows and Rae Glacier.

Next is Rock Glacier with a 10 min interpretive walk explaining the huge slowly moving rock pile. Stop at Highwood Meadows picnic site, which has an interpretive wetlands boardwalk and access to the Ptarmigan Cirque trail. Take the steep path to the ridge-ringed wildflower meadow.

At 2206 m/7239 ft Highwood Pass, you’re 105 km/63 mi south of Hwy 1. Return the way you came or continue to Longview and the foothills.

LAKE LOUISE & AREA 57 km/35 mi west of Banff is Lake Louise, a charming resort village established during the construction of the railway.

Lake Louise is notoriously difficult to access with a vehicle. Paid parking is in effect throughout the town from 7 am-7 pm for $11.70.

Save money, time and frustration by pre-booking your Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle to guarantee access to this beautiful location. Shuttle fees are $8 per adult, $4 per senior, $2 per youth, and children under 6 ride free. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise connector shuttles are included with your reservation.

ROAM (p 60) also has regular transit service between Banff and Lake Louise while Discover Banff Tours (p 60) offers guided trips with transportation to this popular destination.

The first right on Lake Louise Dr leads to the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. The centre has geological and historical exhibits and is beside Samson Mall.

There are walking trails on both sides of the Bow River. 5 km/3 mi on Lake Louise Dr is the lake and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand hotel built by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The lakeshore promenade offers renowned views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. The Lake Agnes Tea House is a 3.5 km/2.2 mi hike.

At Moraine Lake, a trail leads to the top of the rock pile for the best view of the lake and surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks. Several stunning walks begin from Moraine Lake Lodge.

Backtrack over Hwy 1 to Whitehorn Rd and the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola (p 58) for views, food, hiking, and displays.

RIGHT: BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM | PAUL ZIZKA

LAKE MINNEWANKA LOOP

16 km/10 mi circuit that accesses Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. There are historic sites, picnic areas, and trails.

From downtown, take Banff Ave north past Hwy 1 to Cascade Ponds, a picnic spot with shelters and fire pits.

Continue clockwise to the Lower Bankhead interpretive trail, with signs about the coal town and mine equipment ruins. Upper Bankhead, 2.9 km/1.8 mi, is formerly the site of miners’ homes.

Walk the 4.2 km/2.6 mi C Level Cirque Trail past mine ruins and a viewpoint to a basin on Cascade Mountain.

At Lake Minnewanka, 2 km/1.2 mi, you can fish, rent boats, or take an interpretative cruise. Scuba dive to see Minnewanka Landing, a submerged ghost town.

On the north shore is the Lake Minnewanka Trail, popular for hiking but closed to cyclists and dogs from July 10 to Sept 15.

Continue south to Two Jack Lake or detour left to Johnson Lake for a picnic, lakeside trails, and swimming. The north section of the road is closed Nov to Apr to protect wildlife.

BIKING ROUTES

Lake Minnewanka Loop (above) and the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway (p 31) are good road routes with great views and the chance to see wildlife. See p 43 for rentals.

BANFF LEGACY TRAIL Paved pathway spans 22 km/14 mi from the Banff Park East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway. The trail connector also links the 4.5 km/3 mi from the Town of Banff to the Travel Alberta Information Centre in Canmore.

BILL MILNE BIKE PATH 9.7 km/6 mi easy trail that crosses the Kananaskis River. From Kananaskis Village, ride the paved route down the bench towards Wedge Pond. Bike rentals available. CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE World class mountain bike trails vary in length and difficulty. Paved routes, engineered hardcore single-tracks, and skills park. Trail Sports (p 44) offers rentals and lessons on-site.

GOAT CREEK TRAIL 18 km/11 mi backcountry route from Canmore to Banff on fire roads. Begin 9 km/5.6 mi west of Canmore via Spray Lakes Rd and end at Fairmont Banff Springs.

HIGH ROCKIES TRAIL 82 km/50 mi moderate trail. Access at Goat Creek, Driftwood Buller, Black Prince, or Kananaskis Lakes. Trail runs between Goat Creek and Elk Pass.

SUNDANCE TRAIL 2 km/1.2 mi easy paved route beside the Bow River. Start at the Cave and Basin. An easy 1 km/0.6 mi climb ends at a picnic area. Walk 20 min to Sundance Canyon, where bikes are not allowed.

THREE SISTERS VILLAGE TRAIL

6 km/4 mi easy, mostly paved trail along the Bow River with mountain views. The trail starts south of Canmore’s Bow River bridge and goes east to Stewart Creek Golf Course. TRAMLINE TRAIL 5 km/3 mi moderate trail follows 1913 tram route. Cross Louise Creek to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

VERMILION LAKES 5 km/3 mi easy paved trail along three lakes to wildlife wetlands. Access from Banff townsite.

PEDAL THE PARKWAY

The Bow Valley Parkway is a winding road with spectacular views and frequent wildlife sightings. The eastern section is closed to vehicles from May 1 to June 25 and for the month of September to allow people to bike this popular route. Take in the scenery with a bike rental, or rent an e-bike so everyone can travel at the same pace. Get your rental from Ultimate Sports (p 44), Backtrax (p 44), or Banff Adventures (p 43). -TAYLOR JAINE

HIKING TRAILS

BARRIER LAKE TRAILS

2.3 km/1.4 mi easy route from the Kananaskis Field Station. Two loops pass WWII POW camp remains. Bikes not permitted.

BOURGEAU LAKE/HARVEY

PASS 9.5 km/6 mi moderate to difficult trail that starts 13 km/8 mi west of Norquay Rd. Climb from Wolverine Creek Valley to the lake.

CHESTER LAKE 4 km/2.5 mi moderate switchback trail up an old logging road to the cliff-flanked lake. Continue to Elephant Rocks or circle the alpine lake. Access via Spray Lakes Rd, 20 km/12 mi from Kananaskis Lakes Tr. Bikes permitted on first 2 km/1.2 mi only.

A DAY AT THE LAKE

The emerald waters of Lake Louise are a stunning highlight to any Rockies vacation. Access this busy area with a guided tour from Discover Banff Tours (p 60) and beat the traffic on a comfortable tour bus with guided interpretation at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Access Lake Louise with the Parks Canada Shuttle or take ROAM (p 60) public transit and leave your vehicle behind. -TAYLOR JAINE

CONSOLATION LAKES

3 km/1.9 mi easy walk from Moraine Lake to Consolation Lakes. Scramble the rockslide for the best view. Bikes not permitted.

ELBOW LAKE/RAE GLACIER

4 km/2.5 mi moderate trail to Elbow Lake, a popular spot for camping and fishing. Follow the south side of the lake to a Rae Glacier view. Access from Hwy 40, 62 km/38.5 mi south of Hwy 1.

GRASSI LAKES 2 km/1.2 mi easy trail rises to an impressive cliff face and clear, spring-fed lakes framed by mountains. Rock stairs cut by Lawrence Grassi lead to a bridge over Canmore Creek.

Limited parking means planning ahead to see this popular spot. Park at the Canmore Nordic Centre (p 33) or bike to the trailhead. Bikes not permitted on the Grassi Lakes trail.

GROTTO CANYON TRAIL

4 km/2.5 mi easy hike to Grotto Falls and beyond to a cave. See rock climbers and Indigenous pictographs. Avoid during high water. Bikes not permitted.

JOHNSON LAKE TRAIL

3 km/1.9 mi easy loop that circles the lake through old-growth Douglas fir forest. See iconic vistas of famous mountains. Bikes not permitted.

JOHNSTON CANYON

1.1 km/0.7 mi easy interpretive trail. Walk on catwalks anchored to the walls. See the Lower Falls through a natural rock arch before continuing to the Upper Falls and the Ink Pots springs. Bikes not permitted.

The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicle traffic From May 1 to June 25 and for the month of September. Access Johnston Canyon by biking from Banff, taking ROAM Transit (p 60) or with an e-bike tour from White Mountain Adventures (p 52).

LAKE AGNES TEAHOUSE TRAIL

3.5 km/2.2 mi moderate walk to a lovely hanging valley above Lake Louise. The trail rises from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to Mirror Lake. A short, steep hike by a waterfall leads to the Lake Agnes Tea House. You can relax here or continue to Beehive Mountain lookouts. MARBLE CANYON 0.8 km/0.5 mi easy trail follows Tokumm Creek from Hwy 93S over seven footbridges. Views of narrow limestone and dolomite chasm, up to 39 m/128 ft deep. Bikes not permitted.

MARL LAKE 3.6 km/2.2 mi easy paved loop through lodgepole pines with lake views. Start at Elkwood Campground off Kananaskis Lakes Tr, 56 km/35 mi south of Hwy 1. Bikes not permitted.

MARSH BOARDWALK

0.5 km/0.3 mi easy interpretative loop winds through wetlands with abundant wildlife. Start at the Cave and Basin. Continue to Discovery Boardwalk, 4 km/2.5 mi, to the cave vent and hot springs. Continue along the Bow River to Sundance Canyon, 4.3 km/2.7 mi. Bikes permitted on paved portions of the trail.

PARADISE VALLEY/GIANT STEPS

10.3 km/6.4 mi moderate trail that rises to Lake Annette with views of Mt Temple and Horseshoe Glacier. Go right to the Giant Steps Staircase waterfall. Access 2.5 km/1.5 mi along Moraine Lake Rd near Lake Louise.

PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS

5.3 km/3.3 mi moderate walk starting at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Climb to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse via the Highline Trail. See quartzite cliffs, a terminal moraine and the ice cave by the glacier's toe. Bikes not permitted.

TROLL FALLS 1.8 km/1.1 mi easy walk by forests and meadows to waterfalls. Start at the Stoney Trailhead off the Nakiska/Kananaskis Village access road. Bikes not permitted.

TUNNEL MOUNTAIN 2.3 km/1.4 mi moderate trail with views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and the townsite of Banff. Access from St Julien Rd. Bikes not permitted.

UPPER KANANASKIS LAKE

16 km/10 mi easy, scenic loop around the lake. A 3 km/1.9 mi spur from the south portion climbs to Rawson Lake by towering Mt Sarrail. Start at Kananaskis Lakes Tr, 51 km/32 mi south of Hwy 1. Bikes not permitted.

RIGHT: TRAVEL ALBERTA | COLIN WAY

PICNIC SITES

BOW LAKE 33 km/21 mi north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. Stunning views of Crowfoot Glacier.

CASCADE PONDS Across Hwy 1 from the town of Banff. Pretty spot with shelters, fire pits, and trails.

CENTRAL PARK Downtown Banff by the Bow River. Large grassy space with gazebo for music. Riverside trails.

JOHNSON LAKE On the Minnewanka Loop. Walking trails and swimming.

LAKE MINNEWANKA Views of the region’s longest lake. Snack bar, cruise, and boat rentals available.

QUARRY LAKE Busy family favourite with a sandy beach, swimming, trails, mountain views, and nearby dog park.

Parking passes are required for Quarry Lake. $10 for 2 hours during peak season, $2.50/hr for non-peak season. See p 11 for details.

RIVERSIDE PARK On the Bow River near downtown Canmore. Enjoy mountain views and multi-use trails.

WEDGE POND Hwy 40, 34 km/21 mi south of Hwy 1. A trail circles the pond with interpretive signs and Wedge Mountain views.

CORRAL CREEK South of Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway. Lovely spot by a stream with fire pits and great views.

TOWNSITE WALKS

BANFF WALKING TOUR Begin at Central Park. Enjoy a riverside picnic or visit the Banff Park Museum with 100-year-old animal displays and history of the wildlife and ecology in Banff National Park.

Stroll north along the Bow River Promenade past the Banff Canoe Club (p 46). Continue to the Fenland Loop Trail that follows Echo Creek and connects to the Vermilion Lakes wetlands animal habitat.

Return to Central Park and cross the Bow River Bridge towards the Parks Administration Build-

MEDICINE WALK

Walk through a beautiful Banff meadow and learn about the healing properties of all the plants in the area with a medicine walk from Mahikan Tours (p 54). Take a workshop and learn to make natural soap, medicine, salves and butters, or learn plant based first aid. In the foothills, Painted Warriors (p 54) teaches about traditional ways of life such as archery, forest stories, camping, and horseback riding, including backcountry packing. -KB

ing and Cascade Gardens. Look back for an iconic view of Main Street and Cascade Mountain.

Return to the river. Go right/east for a riverside walk to Bow Falls and the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

Or, go left/west and walk Sundance Trail along the river to the Cave and Basin with historic exhibits, boardwalks, cave vent, and a warm water marsh.

En route is the Buffalo Nations Museum (p 37), the Recreation Grounds with sports fields, picnic tables, fire pits, gazebo, and a skate park, and historic Warner Stables, home of Banff Trail Riders (p 52).

Free maps for self-guided Banff townsite tours are available at the Banff Visitor Centre on Banff Ave.

Banff Historic Walking Tour is a selfguided tour visiting 57 homes from 1887, museums, churches, and public buildings with interpretive plaques.

Banff Culture Walk is a tour of the galleries, museums, and historic sites.

CANMORE WALKING TOUR

Discover Canmore’s history and natural beauty with a downtown tour. Start at the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks, 609 Main St. This 1893 log cabin, tearoom, and heritage garden was restored to its 1921 state with exhibits on the NWMP.

Head south on Main St to Ralph Connor Memorial United Church built in 1891 by Charles W Gordon, Canada’s first bestselling author under the pen-name Ralph Connor.

Turn right at 7 Ave to find the Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre, with exhibits on the town’s history, including a virtual reality exhibit of a coal mine and rotating community exhibits.

One block west is artsPlace (p 37), a performance, art, workshop, and movie venue.

Backtrack and go south on 7 Ave to 7 St and the 1913 Miners Union Hall, now a community and cultural centre. Return to Main St and go west to its end at Riverside Park for a stroll north to the 1919 CPR Trestle Bridge.