Day 1
Icefields Parkway Roadtrip
Day 2
Banff & Johnston Canyon
Icefields Parkway
Scenic Drive
141 miles of mountain views, breathtaking lakes and the ancient glaciers of Columbia Icefield. The entirety of the road lies within the Banff and Jasper national parks. Known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway runs along the Continental Divide and is like traveling on the backbone of North America.
LOCATION: Lake Louise to Jasper, Alberta
WEBSITE: icefieldsparkway.com
Moraine Lake
Nature
Glacier-fed, turquoise blue lake set within the rugged Valley of Ten Peaks and surrounded by wild mountain scenery and hiking trails. Visitors can climb up the Rock Pile to see the lake from above and enjoy panoramic views on all sides as well as walk along the water’s edge below.
LOCATION: Moraine Lake Road, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Lake Louise
Nature
Probably the most famous lake in the region thanks to accessibility and photogenic potential. This emerald gem of the Rockies is nestled gracefully into the sloping mountain backdrop and is ringed by pretty rocks and a walking path.
LOCATION: Lake Louise Drive, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Bow Lake
Nature
Fed by Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, this quiet lake offers a perfect reflection of Bow Summit when the conditions are right. An easy stop-off along Icefields Parkway and less busy with tourists, it is a nice spot for a picnic or a short stroll.
LOCATION: 24 miles north of Lake Louise on Icefields Parkway
Peyto Lake
Nature
Known as the bluest lake in the Rockies. This lake is fed by Peyto Glacier and its high mineral content gives it the shocking blue color. The upper Peyto Lake Viewpoint is arguably one of the best views in Canada and worth the extra walking.
LOCATION: 28 miles north of Lake Louise on Icefields Parkway
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Hotel
Historic hotel located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banff National Park. Offers mountain views and luxury amenities, including dining and shopping options and the world-class European style Willow Stream Spa, complete with hot waterfalls and a mineral pool. Known as the “Castle in the Rockies.”
LOCATION: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
WEBSITE: www.fairmont.com/banff-springs
Stock Food & Drink
Restaurant
Stylish interior and fresh alpine ingredients, thanks to relationships with local farmers and a seasonal approach to the menu. Located within Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. A great stop for coffee or a quick lunch before heading out for a day’s adventure.
LOCATION: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
WEBSITE: www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining/stock-food-drink
Fernweh Gifts & Goods
Shop
Gifts and souvenirs for the wandering spirit that are far from ordinary. Design-focused and a celebration of local style with its many Canadian-sourced goods. Located within Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
LOCATION: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
Website: www.fernwehgift.com
Johnston Canyon
Trail
A catwalk leads down through the heart of Johnston Canyon along Johnston Canyon Creek to Upper and Lower Falls. A beautiful, paved hike that is easy enough for children (.75 miles to Lower Falls and 1.5 miles to Upper Falls). Another couple of miles past Upper Falls are the Inkpots, 7 cold water springs bubbling in the meadow beside the creek.
LOCATION: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
TRAVEL TIPS
- Peak numbers of tourists visit the Banff area during summer months and the Holiday season
- Parking lot for Moraine Lake fills up early in the day and the only option at that point is to take the free shuttle from the overflow parking lot just south of Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway
- Moraine Lake is open mid-May to mid-October and is closed during the winter
- Be prepared for drops in temperature and windy weather at high elevations, such as Moraine Lake
- Hike a bit farther uphill from the Peyto Lake viewing platform to the Upper Peyto Lake Viewpoint for fewer crowds and a more immersive experience (be careful not to slip on the rocks as there are no guardrails)
- The blue color of the lakes comes from minerals in the melting glaciers and is brighter in the summer months
- Johnston Canyon is a popular destination and large numbers of hikers are likely, especially during peak season, so try early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds
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