Yes, Brewster offers boat tours on Lake Minnewanka.

• Summer: Banff Gondola, North American Chair at Norquay, Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
• Winter: Banff Gondola, Gondola at Sunshine Village, Gondola at Lake Louise Ski Resort, North American Chair at Norquay

“Banff National Park’s most popular hiking destination takes you into the depths of a canyon along catwalks and amongst spectacular waterfalls. See the impressive lower falls and walk through a tunnel to get an even closer look at the powerful effects of water” – taken from Parks Canada’s website. More about hiking at Johnston Canyon

Tunnel Mountain is one of the mountains you can see from in town. It got its name from the prospect of having to tunnel through the mountain in order to build the railway –  CP built around the mountain and not through it but the name stuck. Hiking: Tunnel Mountain Biking: Tunnel Campground Loop, Tunnel Bench Loop

• Take a tour with Brewster and experience the Glacier Adventure which includes time out on the Athabasca Glacier
• Drive along the Icefields Parkway
• Victoria Glacier at the back of Lake Louise
• Hike

Take a scenic drive out around the Minnewanka Loop, up to the Norquay lookout, along Vermillion Lake Drive, or on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Note: Be safe and keep your distance from wildlife. Or if you would like a guided wildlife tour, visit Discover Banff Tours which has Discover Grizzly Bears Tour, Discover Wolfdogs Tour and an Evening Wildlife Safari Tour.

Brewster, Discover Banff Tours and Banff Adventures.

If you are going to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the high season, allow extra time to reach your destination. Plan for delays and diversions between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. especially on weekends. Your safety is our priority.

SHUTTLES

Daily from May 19 to September 10, 2017 - A free public shuttle runs to the iconic viewpoint at Lake Louise. Pick up and drop off is from Lake Louise Overflow Camping, 5.5 km east of Lake Louise. Enjoy your trip!

Daily from September 11 to October 9, 2017 - A free public shuttle runs to the Moraine Lake area just in time for larch season. Pick up and drop off is from Lake Louise Overflow Camping, 5.5 km east of Lake Louise (map below). Ride and relax!

Privately-operated shuttles may also be available for a fee. Drop by the Visitor Centre for details.

Busiest weekends:

Victoria Day (May); Canada Day (July 1); Heritage Day (August); Labour Day (September); Larch season (September weekends).

Parking

Parking at other locations, including the village and the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola is generally ample year round.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION​

• The shuttle buses are not wheelchair accessible.
• Visitors requiring disabled access to Moraine Lake are authorized to drive to the lake in their own vehicles.
• Extra disabled parking stalls are available.
• Bicycles and pets are not allowed on the bus. 

For a list of all the hidden gems around the Lake Louise area, click here. 

“Entry and service fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites, where revenues are kept to support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit a park or site you are investing in its future — and in a legacy for future generations.” – from Parks Canada’s website

Any time is a good time! Each season brings a different set of activities and views of the mountains. Things to Do

"The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, which began here in 1885. The growth and development of Canada's national parks are celebrated in interactive displays and exhibits. Naturally occurring, warm mineral springs can be found inside the cave, and outside in an emerald coloured basin.” – Parks Canada 

• Banff: is a town
  • More amenities, more restaurants, lively night life 
• Lake Louise: is a Hamlet
  • Mostly outdoor activity based

• Banff – 1384m
• Lake Louise – 1750m
   

224 Banff Avenue
327 Railway Avenue Village of Lake Louise (next to Samson Mall)

More Information

“Bow River Trail is wheelchair-friendly from the Muskrat Street access to the northwest end of this trail.” – taken from the Town of Banff’s website

More Information

You can purchase a pass at the Park Gates, all Visitor Centres, online from Parks Canada.

Cave & Basin, Banff Park Museum, Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, Whyte Museum
 

Queen Victoria’s daughter who was married to the Governor General of Canada

The blue colour is due to rock flour which is glacial sediment suspended in the water

If you don't have a vehicle, we have many options to get to Lake Louise: Take the Greyhound, Brewster, a guided tour or Hop on Banff. 

• Without any stops, driving time ranges from 3.5 to 4 hours from Banff. Take Highway 1 to Lake Louise, then take the 93N take the Highway 1 West towards Field, and then exit on Highway 93 North or the Icefields Parkway.
• Without a car: Summer – Brewster, Winter – Sundogs (booked through Brewster)

• Rocky Mountaineer – runs in the summer between Banff and Vancouver
• VIA rail does not run through Banff 

ROAM transit services Banff and Canmore. There are also a variety of shuttle and sightseeing services available. Please visit explorethepark.ca for more details.

If you are going to Lake Louise during the high season, allow extra time to reach your destination. Plan for delays and diversions between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. especially on weekends. Your safety is our priority.

MORAINE LAKE SHUTTLE

Daily from May 19 to September 10, 2017 - A free public shuttle runs to the iconic viewpoint at Lake Louise. Pick up and drop off is from Lake Louise Overflow Camping, 5.5 km east of Lake Louise. Enjoy your trip!

Privately-operated shuttles may also be available for a fee. Drop by the Visitor Centre for details.

Busiest weekends:

Victoria Day (May); Canada Day (July 1); Heritage Day (August); Labour Day (September); Larch season (September weekends).

Parking

Parking at other locations, including the village and the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola is generally ample year round.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION​

• The shuttle buses are not wheelchair accessible.
• Visitors requiring disabled access to Moraine Lake are authorized to drive to the lake in their own vehicles.
• Extra disabled parking stalls are available.
• Bicycles and pets are not allowed on the bus. 

If you're looking for more to do around the Lake Louise area, visit hidden gems. 

• There is lots of free parking all around town. Make sure to find the nearest sign to your car to ensure you know how long you are permitted to park there for. banffparking.ca
• We suggest walking and using shuttles as much as possible rather than driving (environmentally friendly)

• On the Places to Stay page of our website there is a search tool that allows you to enter in your check-in/check-out dates and will show availability. 
• The Visitor Centres are happy to help provide some options as well

Lake Louise, Two Jack Lake, Two Jack Main, Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain and Tunnel Mountain – Tunnel Mountain Village 2 will be closed for a portion of the summer

More Information

Our website has hotels that offer cabin/chalet style accommodations.

• Always take your driving experience into consideration (if you are not used to mountains or snow then it may not be a great idea to drive on the roads in bad conditions)
• Always check the road conditions before heading out
• Some roads require snow tires (this includes the Icefields Parkway)

Icefields Parkway

The Chateau maintains a rink on Lake Louise

There are maintained trails all around the town of Banff and Lake Louise. Ask Parks Canada for trail maps

Lake Louise Ski Hill, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay

Banff and Lake Louise have a lot of amazing options for patios, views included! Please keep in mind that some patios are only open during the summer season.

Banff

• Banff Ave. Brewing Co.
• Bear St. Tavern
• The Bison Restaurant 
• Chili’s Grill & Bar 
• The Elk & Oarsman Kitchen and Bar   
• Grizzly House Restaurant 
• The Juniper Bistro 
• The Keg Steakhouse and Bar (Banff Caribou Lodge) 
• The Lookout Patio Restaurant (Fairmont Banff Springs) 
• Maclab Bistro (The Banff Centre) 
• Magpie & Stump 
• The Meatball Pizza and Pasta (Banff Ptarmigan Inn) 
• Park Distillery 
• Saltlik 
• Stanley’s Smokehouse and Patio (Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course) 
• The Rose & Crown 
• The Rundle Lounge (Fairmont Banff Springs) 
• Waldhaus Pub (Fairmont Banff Springs) 
• Y Mountain Café 

Lake Louise

• Deer Lodge
• Lakeview Lounge (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise)
• Station Restaurant
• Whitehorn Bistro (Lake Louise Ski Resort)
• Baker Creek Bistro

For a run-down of some of our favourites check out 9 Patios You Need to Try This Summer in Banff and Lake Louise.

• Summer: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, horseback riding, fishing, Via Ferrata, rock climbing, sightseeing and helicopter tours, Glacier Adventure
• Winter: Cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, tubing, sightseeing and helicopter tours

• 5 pin bowling at the Fairmont Banff Springs, 10 pin at High Rollers
• Tour through our museums – Ask for an Explorer booklet to complete at the Cave & Basin
• Waterslides at Douglas Fir
• Johnston Canyon
• Banff Upper Hot Springs

There are several guided fishing trips to choose from: Banff Adventures, Banff Fishing Unlimited, Banff Trail Riders, Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours, Hawgwild Flyfishing, Rockies Heli Tours Canada, and Tightline Adventures. Fishing permits are required and you must abide by seasonal fishing restrictions and catch quotas.

For more information check out our Fishing page.

There are many biking and mountain biking in and around Banff and Lake Louise. Parks Canada can provide specific biking trail maps.

Canoe on the Bow River (Banff Canoe Docks), and at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

There are many hiking and walking trails in and around Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Parks Canada can provide specific hiking trail maps.

Johnson Lake 

Bactrax-Snowtips, Banff Adventures, Banff Ski Hub, Soul Ski and Bike. Wilson Mountain Sports (in Lake Louise) and Ultimate Ski & Ride

Freya’s Jewelry & Currency Exchange, Money Mart, Banks

These two lakes are located on Highway 93 North or the Icefields Parkway on your way from Lake Louise to Jasper

Located just off of the TransCanada Highway going west towards Lake Louise. Also known as Highway 1A.

Banff: Nesters Market is located at 122 Bear Street and IGA is located at 318 Marten Street.

Lake Louise: The Village Market is located at 101 Village Road.

You can explore the mountains on half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour. Banff Adventures, Banff Trail Riders, Brewster Horseback Riding (Lake Louise), Discover Banff Tours, and Timberline Tours (Lake Louise) all offer horseback tours.

For more information check out Horseback Riding in Banff and Lake Louise. 

The Glacier Skywalk is located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), approximately 2.5 hours drive from Banff and two hours from Lake Louise. Reservations are recommended.