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 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. Scenic Drives

“is a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet (280 metres) over spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls.” – Taken from Brewster’s website

Brewster, Discover Banff Tours and Banff Adventures.

For the best experience during July, August and September, we suggest you visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 7pm). Soak up the beauty and tranquility, and then enjoy some of the hidden gems in the Lake Louise area. Learn more here. 

Parks Canada is pleased to offer a free return shuttle from the Lake Louise Overflow Parking Lot to the Moraine Lake Parking Lot on September 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 2016: This is a great time of year to view the larch trees change colour.  

For the full shuttle schedule, please 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.” – taken from Parks Canada’s website

Purchase a Park Pass online

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, or on our website

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

Without a car: Greyhound, Brewster, or take a guided tour

• 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

During the summer the parking lot at Lake Louise is generally full between 10am and 5pm. The best time to visit Lake Louise during July, August and September is before 9am and after 7pm. Explore the hidden gems around the Lake Louise area. 

• 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

• 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, ice walks, 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 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.

• Banff Trail Riders would be happy to take you along on a horseback ride. This can be booked by stopping by Discover Banff Tours or the Banff Trail Riders store on Banff Ave. 
• There are two companies in Lake Louise, Timberline and Brewster

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.

We have two here in town. A Nesters market is located on Bear Street and an IGA can be found on Elk Street. There is also a small grocery store located in Samson Mall in Lake Louise.