Banff, Canada
"Turquoise lakes and Rocky Mountain silence"
Banff at a glance
- Best time to go
- For most visitors, roughly mid-June to late September is when the lakes look their best and Moraine Lake Road is open (it usually opens in early June and closes in mid-October). July and August are the busiest. Lake Louise is open year-round, and winter brings skiing and ice-skating.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest three to four days: Banff town, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and one big hike or scenic drive. A week gives you more hiking days without rushing.
- Who it's for
- Mountain lovers who enjoy hikes, turquoise lakes and wildlife, and who don't mind planning ahead for parking and shuttles.
- Might not be for you if
- You'd like to turn up in summer and drive to the lakes. Parking at Lake Louise fills quickly, and there is no private vehicle access to Moraine Lake.
- Worth knowing right now
- Parks Canada, Roam Transit and licensed operators run the access to Moraine Lake, and seat reservations matter in summer.
Banff and the Canadian Rockies are almost absurdly beautiful — Lake Louise and Moraine Lake look photoshopped in person. Hike in summer, ski in winter, and drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper for one of the world's most jaw-dropping road trips.
Best Time to Visit
June to September (hiking) or December to March (skiing)
June to September (hiking) or December to March (skiing)
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
The Canadian Rockies are made for road-tripping, but shuttles and Roam buses cover the marquee lakes in summer.
🚗 Rental Car
Essential for the Icefields Parkway and off-peak flexibility. Pick up in Calgary.
🚌 Roam Transit
Local buses link Banff town, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon in summer.
🚐 Parks Canada Shuttle
Reservation-only shuttles to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise — the only way to drive-in during peak season.
🚂 Rocky Mountaineer
Scenic multi-day rail journeys between Banff, Lake Louise, and Vancouver.
💡 Book Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttles weeks ahead — private vehicles are turned away at Moraine year-round.
Suggested Itineraries
Calgary to Banff
Fly in, drive 90 min, Banff town evening.
Sulphur & Bow Valley
Banff Gondola, Bow Valley Parkway wildlife drive.
Lake Louise & Moraine
Sunrise shuttle to Moraine, canoe at Lake Louise, tea-house hike.
Icefields Parkway
Drive the parkway to Peyto and Bow Lake, overnight in the Icefields area.
Columbia Icefield
Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier, Skywalk, sleep in Jasper.
Jasper
Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake with Spirit Island cruise.
Return to Calgary
Long scenic drive back for departure.
☕ Too much? Totally allowed to swap a monument for a long lunch. The place isn't going anywhere, and neither is your curiosity.
Highlights
Must See
- Lake Louise
- Moraine Lake
- Johnston Canyon
- Icefields Parkway
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Moraine Lake is reservation-only in summer — book the shuttle weeks ahead or bike in at sunrise.
Banff travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Banff?
Roughly mid-June to late September is best for lakes and hiking, and it's also the busiest period. Moraine Lake Road is open only for part of the year, usually from around early June to mid-October, so check the current dates on the Parks Canada page. Winter suits skiing and ice-skating, and Lake Louise stays open year-round.
Can you drive to Moraine Lake?
No. Private vehicles have not been allowed on Moraine Lake Road since June 2023. You can reach it by a Parks Canada shuttle (reservation required), the Roam Transit Reservable Super Pass from Banff, or a licensed commercial tour. Book your transport before you plan the rest of the day.
Do you need a Parks Canada pass for Banff?
Yes. All visitors to Banff National Park need a park pass, and it is separate from shuttle and parking fees. Free-entry periods have applied at times, but parking is charged separately, so check the current rules on the Parks Canada visitor pages before you go.
How do you get from Banff to Lake Louise without a car?
Roam Transit Route 8X runs between Banff and Lake Louise year-round. In summer, the Reservable Super Pass on the Roam Transit website is the fare that also includes the Parks Canada connector shuttle to Moraine Lake, so it's the one to look at if you want both lakes without a car. Parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore is paid and fills quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Details last checked 20 September 2026.