Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Banff, Alberta
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada, is one of the country's most iconic and visited national parks. Banff National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and the third oldest in the world. Its creation was spurred by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which recognized the area's scenic and recreational value.


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Things to Do in Banff National Park



Columbia Icefields

Jasper Columbia Icefield

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Banff National Park notes:
Jasper and Banff National Park's Columbia Icefields. Explore Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields.


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Banff Gondola Ride Admission

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Banff National Park notes:
Enjoy stunning panoramas of six different mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town and vistas of Canada's first national park.


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Banff Lake Minnewanka Cruise

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Banff National Park notes:
Majestic views of the Canadian Rockies while cruising beautiful Lake Minnewanka on this panoramic 1-hour interpretive cruise. Learn Native folklore while scanning the lake shore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagle and even the occasional bear. Cruise over to Devil's Gap for incredible views of the Prairies and surrounding mountains.


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Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

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Banff National Park notes:
6-Day Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff, Icefield, Jasper, Lake Louise. OR 6 Day VIA Rail Banff - Jasper Rocky Mountain Train Tour from Calgary to Vancouver.


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Tour Moraine Lake

Tour Moraine Lake

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Banff National Park notes:
Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Famous and iconic, Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies and is renowned for its breathtaking turquoise-blue waters and stunning surrounding mountain peaks.


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Banff National Park Scuba Diving

Banff National Park Scuba Diving

Banff is known for its mountainous landscapes, pristine lakes, and rushing rivers, but these bodies of water are typically too cold and shallow for most scuba diving. Additionally, the lakes in Banff are often fed by glacial runoff, which can result in low visibility and challenging diving conditions.

However, here are several Scuba diving sites that offer diving opportunities:

Scuba Diving in Lake Minnewanka

While not in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is located near the town of Banff and offers some diving opportunities. The lake is the largest in Banff National Park and features underwater attractions such as submerged forests, rock formations, and remnants of the old townsite of Minnewanka Landing. Diving in Lake Minnewanka requires careful planning and preparation due to the cold water temperatures and limited visibility.

Emerald Lake Scuba Diving

Located in Yoho National Park, just west of Banff National Park, Emerald Lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters and scenic beauty. While diving is not common in Emerald Lake, some diving enthusiasts have explored its depths and discovered underwater rock formations and unique geological features.

Other Banff National Park area Scuba Diving Sites

For more traditional scuba diving experiences, consider exploring dive sites in other parts of Alberta, British Columbia, or nearby regions such as Vancouver Island or the Okanagan Valley. These areas offer a variety of dive sites, including marine environments, freshwater lakes, and underwater caves, suitable for divers of all experience levels.

Before embarking on any diving excursion, be sure to research local diving regulations, obtain any necessary permits or certifications, and consult with local dive shops or instructors for guidance on dive conditions, safety considerations, and recommended dive sites. While scuba diving may not be a common activity in Banff National Park itself, there are still opportunities to explore underwater environments and enjoy the thrill of diving in nearby areas with suitable diving conditions.

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Booking Banff National Park Adventures and Attractions

Banff, located in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning natural landscapes and a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Banff National Park

Explore the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. Take scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway for breathtaking views.

Lake Louise

Visit the iconic Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing, or simply taking in the scenery.

Moraine Lake

Marvel at the striking beauty of Moraine Lake, surrounded by ten towering mountain peaks. Take a hike around the lake or rent a canoe to experience its splendor up close.

Banff Gondola

Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Explore the boardwalk and visit the interpretive center.

Hiking Banff

Banff offers a plethora of hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular trails include Johnston Canyon, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Sentinel Pass.

Banff Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep. Wildlife spotting tours are also available.

Banff Hot Springs

Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs while enjoying mountain views.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Paddle along the Bow River, Lake Louise or Bow Lake for a peaceful and scenic experience. Banff has some spectacular places for Canoeing and Kayaking.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Banff

In winter, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay.

Banff Dog Sledding and Ice Walks

Experience the thrill of dog sledding or join an ice walk to explore frozen canyons and waterfalls during the winter months.

Town of Banff

Stroll through the charming town of Banff with its shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Banff Park Museum and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies for cultural insights.

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers (125 square miles). It is one of the largest icefields in North America and is the source of several major glaciers.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a world-renowned scenic highway that stretches through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is famous for its unique shape that resembles the head of a wolf. It is named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Learn about the history of Banff National Park and the discovery of the hot springs at the Cave and Basin historic site.

Banff National Park by Horseback

Exploring Banff by horseback is a classic and enjoyable way to experience the stunning landscapes and scenic trails of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park

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