About the Destination
Banff and Lake Louise at a Glance
Banff and Lake Louise are among Canada's most recognized mountain destinations, combining spectacular landscapes with year-round experiences, abundant wildlife, rich culture, world-class skiing, and welcoming mountain communities. Located within Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the destination welcomes more than four million visitors each year.
Getting here is easier than many visitors expect. Banff is located approximately 140 km (87 mi) from Calgary International Airport (YYC), while Lake Louise is just 57 km (35 mi) further west. The scenic journey from Calgary to the Canadian Rockies sets the tone for what's ahead, with mountain views greeting visitors as they arrive.
Banff’s walkable town centre is lined with restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, museums, and attractions, while hiking trails, guided tours, and outdoor experiences begin just minutes away. A convenient public transit system and extensive pathway network make it easy to explore the entire national park without a vehicle.
While many other mountain destinations offer beautiful scenery, few combine protected wilderness, vibrant community and heritage, and such a diverse range of experiences in one place. Visitors can explore iconic lakes, mountain peaks, forests, and glaciers, discover local dining and cultural experiences, and experience outdoor adventures in every season.
The Town of Banff
The area surrounding present-day Banff has long been an important gathering place for Indigenous Peoples, initially valued for its wildlife, natural resources, and mineral-rich hot springs. Historically called "Siding 29" during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Banff has grown into the vibrant heart of the destination and welcomes visitors from around the world.
The Village of Lake Louise
The Village of Lake Louise is known for its proximity to some of the most iconic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies, including Lake Louise itself, Moraine Lake, and the surrounding mountain wilderness. The village serves as a convenient basecamp for exploring the area, offering accommodations, restaurants, visitor services, and outdoor experiences in a more intimate alpine setting.
Known for the Iconic Landscapes
From the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers scenery that has inspired travellers for generations. Visitors can explore pristine lakes, broad mountain valleys, winding rivers, waterfalls, forests, and scenic viewpoints throughout the region.
These landscapes shape how people experience the destination, creating opportunities for connection, exploration, and shared experiences. Whether you’re snowshoeing through an alpine forest or to a mountain summit, paddling across a glacier-fed lake, witnessing the transformation of seasons, or simply enjoying the view between meetings, out of the ordinary experiences are never far away in Banff and Lake Louise.
