Your Next Exciting Adventure | Canada’s Most Stunning National Park
I’ve got a gift for you. You’ve been working so hard, and I’ve heard that you may be in need of self-care!
So you need a vacation?
So, you’ve found yourself with about a week to spare? Your PTO request got approved? You have some holiday or extended weekend coming up?
You’re excited because we all love a little time away from the hustle and grind that is our working culture! You’ve decided to pack your bags and head out on an adventure to explore some new place. Where are you going to go?
Your brain throws you a few options, some of which actually motivate you to do some research or check social media to see what the buzz is about, but you ultimately land on the dreaded three words, “I don’t know!”
Oh, isn’t that the worst? Although it is a great problem, I’m very aware that many people want to travel but find themselves in the exact predicament just described. Where to?
Well, I took care of that for you!
You’re going to Banff National Park in beautiful Alberta, Canada!
This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. If you’re a resident of the United States, congratulations! You don’t even have to go far!
As a bonus, I’ve done the work for you. After this post, you’ll have everything you need for a trip of a lifetime, I promise!
Calgary, Alberta Arrival & Departure Info
Assuming you are flying (yes, you can drive to both Calgary and Banff from the US if you are up for it), you will need to book airfare to Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Calgary airport is 19 km (11 mi) from downtown Calgary. Any major airline should operate service to this airport. The airport has two terminals, a domestic one and the US and international one.
Depending on where you land, it can be a long walk to arrivals, rental car facilities, rideshare services, etc. To make your entry process more manageable, I recommend you download two apps:
ArriveCAN – This app is where you will complete your immigration form.
eDeclaration – This app is where you will complete your customs declaration form.
You can complete both apps within 48-72 hours before your scheduled arrival, and these apps work for any mode of entry into Canada.
As of now, you do need to show proof of vaccination to enter Canada. Check frequently to see if this requirement changes.
Note: You can always visit this link to check the latest COVID & Visa entry requirements. There is nothing crazy to note when departing Canada, but similar to departures out of London-Heathrow, all of your liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag will need to fit in a 100ml bag. I had to throw away most of my items on departure, so don’t be caught off guard by this.
Where to Stay in Calgary
I highly recommend staying in Calgary and driving to Banff. If you decide to do the same, I recommend downtown.
Outside of downtown, there is little to do, and the downtown hotels are lovely and have excellent city views. I decided to lodge at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Calgary, and I appreciated the downtown skyline with a room on the 13th floor.
Depending on your itinerary, you may want to stay closer to Banff National Park. The drive from Calgary to Banff takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cover a distance of 110km (68 mi). So, a rental car is a must, regardless of whether you stay in Calgary or Banff.
I recommend staying in Calgary because it is significantly cheaper. You will definitely pay for the scenery in the Banff area, but it is worth it. If you don’t mind the drive back and forth, it is breathtaking.
What to do in Banff
I would say there are three stops you need to make in this area—well, technically, four, but one is covered at the other stop. Of course, I must include the disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list; it is just some of my recommendations.
Top of the World
Parking at Banff National Park attractions can be challenging or restricted. So, to visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, you must purchase tickets at the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola.
When you visit Lake Louise Ski Resort, you can ride either an open chair or a closed gondola up to a lookout point known as Top of the World. You will have a superb view of the Canadian Rockies.
I did the open chair ride, which was better for pictures, but a closed gondola may be a more comfortable option if you are afraid of heights.
Check out some of my photos below.
Lake Louise*
Lake Louise is arguably one of the most visited attractions in the Canadian Rockies because it’s the most well-known of the lakes in this area.
However, the view of Lake Moraine is much better. Lake Louise is still worth the visit, though.
Remember that Lake Louise is a little larger than Lake Moraine, so it will likely be more crowded here.
Lake Moraine*
My favorite of all the lakes in this area, Lake Moraine, is an absolute must-see even if you are in a time crunch and only have time to visit one. Finding a more awe-inspiring spot on the planet will be challenging. Look at the beautiful blue waters.
*Important Note: Same-day tickets to visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are difficult to obtain, and I recommend making advanced reservations at this website.
A reservation is valid all day for both lakes; unlimited rides between the two, as the Lake Connector serves both lakes. You only need to select which lake you would like to visit first. The Lake Connector between Louise and Moraine runs every 15 minutes.
The shuttle to and from parking from either lake runs every 20 minutes. The last shuttle returns to parking at 7:30 p.m.
Lake Minnewanka
If you are looking for a quiet site to watch the sunrise before all the tourists flood the place, look no further than Lake Minnewanka. And if you have time, please connect with Adrienne to get some stunning portraits. The scenery around Minnewanka is breathtaking.
What to do in Calgary
Calgary is Canada’s third most populous city, so there is no shortage of things to do. Seriously, the opportunities for fun are limitless.
The city is at your disposal, and you can do whatever you want: catch a Flames game, check out the Calgary Stampede, zipline at Canada’s Olympic Park, or make friends while exploring downtown. Some of Calgary’s must-visit attractions:
Calgary Tower
Rotary Park
Tom Campbell’s Hill (or any hill that overlooks the skyline)
Again, most of the fun and good food/beer will be downtown, so I recommend staying as close to this area as possible.
If you are in Calgary on Canada Day (July 1), the city does fireworks for its celebration, so that and the accompanying nightlife will be an experience!
Unless you love cold weather, summertime is the best time to visit!
Final Thoughts on Banff/Calgary
I’m happy to have alleviated the stress of your trip planning, and I’m excited to hear about your experience upon your return!
Seriously, follow me on social media! I’d love to connect with you.
And if you actually do visit, use my contact form or those social media links to let me know how much you enjoyed Banff! It’s a beautiful place and an incredible time, especially for my more outdoorsy travelers!
So whether you go solo or with loved ones for a few days or longer than a week, Banff will provide the memorable experience you’ve been looking for! I intend this guide to be helpful, but always feel free to reach out with questions! All are welcome!
Thank you so much for reading!
