Moraine Lake is also slightly less packed with tourists, which made it all the more peaceful. Lake Louise can often feel like Disneyland. I found that Lake Louise is a destination, while Moraine Lake is an adventure. One of the reasons that Moraine Lake was less frequented by visitors in the past years was because it was so difficult to access. But thanks to the Park and Ride Shuttle the lakes are now more accessible than ever! 

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. With its deep blue water and lush green scenery, it really is a sight to see. Towering mountains and a pristine blue sky almost always surround the lake. The backdrop is so magnificent it’s been dubbed “one of the most beautiful places on earth.” If you’ve been planning a trip to Banff for a while, definitely consider adding Moraine Lake to the top of your list! And honestly, if you are short on time and had to choose between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, I’d put my votes on Moraine Lake! Here are some great tips on how to make the most of your visit to this spectacular location.

Table Of Contents

1. When to Visit?
2. How to Get to Moraine Lake
   • By Car
   • By Bus
3. Shuttle Bus
   • Roam
4. Park Pass
5. Hiking Tips
   • Be Bear Aware! 
6. Moraine Lakeshore Trail
7. Canoeing on the Lake
8. Rockpile Trail
9. Consolation Lakes Trail
   • Food at Moraine Lake
   • Bring Your Own Picnic

When to Visit?

Being located in the mountains means that Moraine Lake is much much colder than in the city just a few hours away. Even in the summer, you might find snow in the forest. Summer and early fall make for the best times of year to visit. Try to avoid weekends and holidays as this is the busiest time to visit with lots of locals flocking to the mountains for a day of hiking. Try to avoid at Moriane Lake early in the morning. This gives you the best chance of having the lowest crowd levels and also will allow you to see all there is to do around the Lake itself.

In the fall, you will also be greeted by the Golden Larch. The Larch is a needle-laden tree whose leaves turn the most beautiful yellow hue in the early fall. The nearby Larch Valley is the best place to see these changing colours. Late fall is my favourite time to visit as the crowds are much lighter. Plus, the incredible fall colours add another element of dynamism to the area. It is a lot chillier than in the summer but just dress in layers to survive those frigid mornings. Although the winter is the quietest season in Lake Moraine, the lake generally freezes over, so you won’t be able to appreciate the gorgeous turquoise colours of the water.

How to Get to Moraine Lake

As mentioned before, Banff and Lake Moraine is an easy day trip from Calgary, and there are many different ways to get there. While many people think renting a car is the only option, Banff is much more accessible than you might think via public transport!

By Car

To get to Calgary by car, you’ll need to rent one from the airport or any car rental locations downtown. Car rentals in Calgary for a simple, mid-size vehicle can be found as low as $60/day. The prices go up in the summer months, so I would plan on about $100/day if travelling in high-season. If you are travelling in the summer or during busy holidays, book your rentals months in advance. You might be surprised to find car rentals book up relatively quickly as a drive into the mountains is such a popular activity. If you can’t find any rentals downtown, consider looking at the airport since they usually have more rental availability there.

By Bus

What really surprised me was that you can actually take the bus from Calgary, directly to Banff and Canmore! On-It Regional Transit offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary. You can book a spot on their Saturday service 6:40 am bus which arrives in Banff around 9:15 am. Return buses to Calgary run about every hour after 5 pm. This means you can easily spend a whole day in Banff without a car!

If you’re looking to stay in Banff overnight or for the entire weekend, you can book one of their Friday Night tickets. They will get you into Banff at 8:30pm and you can stay the entire weekend, returning Sunday afternoon. There is only one bus on Friday Night so book those tickets in advance. Sunday buses run six times a-day. Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

Shuttle Bus

If you are driving, please please consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle Bus. This shuttle bus runs to and from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited! The parking lot is full by sunrise (!) and remains full throughout the day. Unless you’re willing to get to the parking lot at 6 am this is a real shot in the dark and could easily ruin your trip! And don’t think if the parking lot is packed, you can just park down the road. No, park rangers patrol the area and pretty much anywhere you could think of parking is restricted. But not to fear! This is where the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus comes in hand.

You must book your tickets in advance as only a certain number of tickets are sold every day. Walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youths (6 – 17 years), and children under 6 are free! You need to book your ticket in advance and select your specific departure time. This is to ensure no one timeslot is overcrowded. This requires a little bit of extra scheduling but is worth the effort.

Park and Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Park and Ride

This shuttle bus runs from the Park and Ride lot to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Park and Ride area is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway as marked on the map. But there are plenty of signs to direct you on your way. Once you arrive you check-in at the desk to get your ticket and wait for your designated bus. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. From the Park and Ride, you can go directly to Moraine Lake. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the park with NO STRESS. No worrying about finding parking spots or the need to arrive at 4 am.

I honestly cannot recommend this service enough. Not only does the shuttle bus take you from the parking lot to either Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you can also take the shuttles between the two lakes. As many times as you want. This guided itinerary to 24-hours in Banff is created around using the public transport system and the shuttle bus as it is truly the BEST WAY to explore the area with ease. The buses run about every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait very long in between shuttles to get where you want to go.

Roam

But how do I get around once I arrive if I take the On-It bus? Well, lucky for you, your On-It tickets allow you to travel for FREE on local Roam Regional services! Roam is the local transit system around the Bow Valley. Even if you don’t have an On-It ticket but want to ditch your car for the day you can get a 1-Day pass for the Roam local transit system. Tickets cost only $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Kids under 13 are free! 

For a 1-Day ticket onto their expanded network, including buses to Moraine Lake, tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and students.

Park Pass

Entry into the entirety of Banff National Park and Moraine Lake requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

Hiking Tips

Many of the short hikes/walks around Moraine Lake are very easy, even for beginners. They don’t require any high fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. Take it at your own pace and just enjoy the beautiful views. Remember to always dress in layers. You might get outta bed in the morning with frost in the air, but by midday, it could be sweltering! So be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a large refillable water bottle, as even with a short or easy hike, you need to keep hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking or running shoes. Even if the trails are flat, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to be comfortable.

Be Bear Aware! 

Even if you’re going on an easy, well-populated hiking trail, you need to be careful of bears. In fact, the area around Lake Louise has the highest ratio of grizzlies to humans in Canada! Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind.

In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

Moraine Lakeshore Trail

Once you arrive at the lake the firs thing you should do, is walk along the Moraine Lakeshore Trail. The pathway weaves itself around the lake, giving you lots of different angles at the water and mountains above. The track is 1.5 km long and takes only about 45 minutes to return. The walk weaves in and out of the forest and down to the water’s edge making it such a beautiful walk. You’ll cross over boardwalks, ending at a small babbling rapids tucked into the edge of the forest. Unlike the Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise, this pathway is more visually dynamic, with much lighter crowds.

Canoeing on the Lake

Canoes can be rented on Moraine Lake for $124/hour. While this is still pretty pricey, many people view a trip to Moraine Lake as a bucket list activity. While this isn’t the type of activity you might splurge on every day, getting onto the waters is a truly unique experience. Don’t break the bank and feel like you MUST do this, but if you have the money saved and are a big fan of canoeing, you will definitely enjoy yourself. The canoe dock is only mid-June to mid-September.

Rockpile Trail

As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll find access to the famous Rockpile Trail. There is a reason this short hike is so popular. The Moraine Lake Viewpoint, located just 0.4km uphill, is genuinely one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. The trail is very short, but there are lots of steep steps. But once you get to the top, you’ll be glad you did!

Reaching the top of the rock pile you have the most magnificent view overtop of the lake. The water is simply etheral and you feel like you’re up in the clouds. Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which become very apparent once you are up here. The “ten peaks” are the ten different mountain peaks that can be seen across the vista.

The views you get from the peak of the Rockpile Trail were featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Since then, many people also call this vista the, “Twenty Dollar View.” The tallest of all the mountains seen from the viewpoint is the Deltaform Mountain, which stands 3424 meters tall.

Consolation Lakes Trail

If you want to adventure out into the wilderness from Moraine Lake, you must take some time to walk the Consolation Lakes Trail. The entrance to the trail is located right next to the washrooms in the Moraine Lake parking lot. Although the trail is 6.1 km, the path is well paved and heavily trafficked, making it a fantastic hike for newbies. The course is relatively flat, and there isn’t too much elevation gained throughout your hike. The trail takes you from Moraine Lake into the woods towards two picturesque alpine lakes. All the while framed by the backdrop of Banff’s incredible mountains. While very well-trafficked by visitors, you always need to be sure to follow the previously mentioned instructions to be bear aware.

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Food at Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is home to both a small cafe and a luxury dining room inside the Moraine Lake Lodge (open during the summer season). The Snowshoe Cafe is a tiny little takeaway restaurant that offers a daily selection of sandwiches, baked goods, soups, and a large selection of coffee, lattes and tea. You can either take your food with you or sit outside on their outdoor charming patio.

The food inside the cafe is super costly for what it is. Partly this is due to the remote nature of the restaurant and probably partly because it’s your only lunch option if you didn’t pack a lunch. It won’t bankrupt you, but a $4 can of soda definitely gave me some sticker shock! We still grabbed a warm cup of coffee and a latte and were impressed by the quality! It was really nice to walk around in the crisp morning with a hot cup of coffee.

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The Walter Wilcox Dining Room is open in the evening from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Reservations are required as the restaurant is tiny and has limited seating for guests who are not staying at the lodge. The menu features Alberta Beef Tenderloin, Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb, Venison Rack and Pheasant Supreme. It’s definitely a splurge, but the views inside the floor-to-ceiling windowed dining room are spectacular.

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Bring Your Own Picnic

The best option for most people is to bring a picnic with you! There are plenty of benches along the trails for you to stop and enjoy a little picnic. But remember, leave no trace! Bring all your garbage back to the designated garbage bins located in the parking lot and beside the cafe. These bins are specifically designed to keep bears out, so you must be sure to only dispose of garbage in these bins.

I hope you make your way to Moraine Lake and if you do, let me know in the comments if you also liked Moraine Lake more than Lake Louise! Or if you’re a die-hard Lake Louise fan! Honestly, they are both jaw-droppingly stunning but Moraine Lake will always be where my heart lives.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Essential Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake, the Most Beautiful Spot in Banff! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Research and Discovery

I pulled up the first Wikipedia I found and started to devour the article. I came across the typical information I’m used to seeing; facts about the size, the geology and of course its history. But further down I found a section entitled “Castle Mountain Internment Camp“. I was shocked to read this line. I knew about the Japanese internment camps which were set up during WWII but I had never known anything about Internment camps during the first world war.

In researching more further, I began to scroll through dozens of articles focused on this widely unknown part of Canadian history. While reading, I saw that there was a memorial site dedicated to the victims of these internment camps. And it was located just down the road! Without another moment’s thought, we jumped into the car. We raced down the Bow Valley Parkway to see if we could make it in time to see the memorial before sunset.

As we drove, the smoke was rolling in as the sun began to set. This created the most beautiful red and pink sky in front of us. As we drove through the lush green forest around the roadside we were met by this incredible backdrop as we went, framing the silhouettes of the trees and the mountains perfectly. It was indeed one of the best drives of the entire trip.

Castle Mountain Internment Camp

When we arrived, we discovered the small memorial off the side of the roads. While the monument might have been humble, it was nonetheless affecting. Walking up, you are greeted by two large placards with information all about the Internment Camp. While there is no way to give all the details in such a short amount of time, the signs give visitors a snapshot of why the camps were established, what life was like in the camps, and the reconciliation efforts the government has undertaken with the Ukrainian community to address these war crimes.

Castle Mountain Interment Camp History

The Castle Mountain Internment Camp was established in 1915. It was made to contain a total of 660 “enemy aliens” of WWI. These were mainly immigrant prisoners from Ukraine, Austria, Hungary and Germany.

The Canadian War Measures Act

In 1914, at the start of World War I, Canada established the “War Measures Act“. The War Measures Act required that immigrants, who were settlers of countries at war with Canada, turn themselves in. During WWI, Ukraine was under the occupation of the Austro-Hungarian empire and so many of these so-called “enemy aliens” were primarily of Ukrainian ethnic origin. Austrian, Hungarian and German immigrants were also subject to the War Measures act. They were required to carry specific identifications papers with them at all times and were regularly stopped on the street or enforced to report to the police for no reason.

The War Measures Act suspended civil liberties. Immigrants from these countries at war with Canada could be arrested and detained without trial. About 80,000 “enemy aliens” were registered during WWI, and about 9,000 of them were sent to internment camps. Under the auspices of being prisoners of war.

Life in the Camps

Once they were arrested, they were stripped of all their land, wealth and forced to work for the profit of the Canadian government. The prisoners of war were in various camps across the Canadian hinterland. The centers were located in these areas to have the labourers increase accessibility by developing the park system’s infrastructure. By 1915 several internment camps in and around the Rocky Mountains were in full operation. But the largest of these camps was the camp at the foot of Castle Mountain. The primary purpose of the camp was to push the Banff highway, from the then uncompleted Banff-Laggan road, on through to Lake Louise.

Prisons were made to work 13-hour days, no matter the weather. They would build roads, construct bridges, cut down trees, clear the buffalo paddocks, quarry stones for the Banff Hot Springs and construct various fireguards. The camps consisted of simple tents where the prisoners slept, within a barbed-wire enclosure.

Once winter fell, and temperatures fell far below zero, the prisoners were moved to the military barracks at Cave and Basin. Abuse was rampant in these poorly run camps. And escapes were frequent. Six prisoners attempting to escape were killed, but many others did make it out to recount their experiences. Many of these escapees would never recover from their mistreatment in the camps. And the memories of their time there stayed with them for life.

In August 1917, the camps were finally closed when the internees were conditionally released. This was due to the need to meet the growing labour shortage post-WWI. After the camps were closed, they were entirely destroyed, leaving no trace of this dark history.

Establishing the Memorial

In 2008, a settlement was reached with the Ukrainian Canadian community, and a fund was created for educational purposes. In 1995, a statue was commissioned by the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association. It was erected close to the original Castle Mountain campsite, near the foot of Castle Mountain.

The sculpture, where we find the memorial today, was made by artist John Boxtel. He titled the piece, “Why?” The sculpture depicts an internee standing in his overall uniform and wide brim hat. He stands with his one hand outstretched. Inviting the visitors in. Below the sculpture are the words, “why?” in three languages (English, French and Ukrainian.)

While uncovering the darker parts of your countries history might not be the most cheery thing to talk about, it’s nevertheless imperative. Sometimes travelling and discovering means discovering things you might not have ever known about, which may change how you think about things. But maybe that’s a good thing. I know that throughout the rest of my trip in Banff, I often would take a moment to reflect. Not only about being on indigenous land but also taking a moment to think about the Ukrainian prisoners who constructed the road I was standing. Or the parkland I have them to thank for having access to seeing wonders like Lake Louise of Morain Lake. This is not the typical article you might expect to find on this site, but I think it’s very important to portray. Context is everything, no matter where you are.

Thanks for taking the time to read all about this mostly unknown part of Banff’s history. Let me know in the comments if you already knew all about these camps or if you, like me, were totally shocked to read about this discovery.

Good Luck with your Future Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discovering the Powerful Dark History of Banff National Park at Castle Mountain Memorial first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. About Johnston Canyon Hike
2. History
3. Land Acknowledgement
4. How To Access Johnston Canyon
   • By Car
   • By Bus
   • By Bike
5. Banff National Park Pass
6. Accessibility 
7. Safety
   • Being Bear Aware
   • A Note About Smoke in Banff
8. What to Wear
9. Lower Falls Trail
   • Flora and Fauna
   • Glacier Waters
   • Hidden Cave
10. Upper Falls Trail

About Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is located in the Banff National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Banff National Park is just an hour and 40 minutes outside of Calgary. So it makes for a perfect day trip or weekend away. Waterfalls, tunnels and pools of water have been carved into the limestone rocks over time, providing the most dramatic landscape for your eyes to dance around along the hike.

The trail is divided into two parts; the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The first portion of the hike is a leisurely 30-minute walk from the parking lot. The further Upper Falls trail is a two-hour return hike with an elevation gain of 120 metres. The Lower falls trail guides you along an accessible pathway to a viewing platform with views over the lower falls. The Upper Falls trail takes you deeper into the forest, on a more rugged path towards the larger and more climactic Upper Falls. As you approach, you’ll be able to hear the pounding of the water as it batters down upon the stones. As it has for eons, creating the canyon we walk along today.

History

The name ‘Johnston Canyon‘ comes from an old 20th-century gold prospector who mapped the canyon upon discovering it. Years later, Walter Camp settled with his family in the area, as he had fallen in love with the falls. We have them to thank for the infrastructure and pathways around the canyon. They transformed the area from a wild forest into a part of the National Park. This way, everyone could experience the beauty of the falls for themselves. Today, Walter Camp’s descendants still run the nearby Johnston Canyon Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.

Land Acknowledgement

But we must remember, it was the Stoney First Nations Indigenous people who were the first to discover the beauty of the canyon. Indigenous people have been living and hunting in the Bow Valley for millennia. They would come here for their trapping and hunting expeditions as the waters and forests around the canyon were rich with animals and fish. All the Banff National Parklands are located on the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, including the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta, as well as the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc. It’s essential to make this acknowledgement an act of gratitude to those whose territory we are visiting as a step in the journey of reconciliation.

How To Access Johnston Canyon

By Car

Most people visiting Johnston Canyon arrive by car. There is a large parking area is located at the foot of the trail, just off the Bow Valley Parkway. Although there is a dedicated parking lot for the trail, it is super popular, especially in summer. Recently they even had to build a second parking lot (P2) to accommodate more visitors. Unlike elsewhere in Banff, parking here is free! If the parking lot is full, you might be able to park along the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll no doubt see lots of cars dotted along the side of the road. Be very careful when entering and exiting your vehicle if you park along the busy road.

But parking along the road means you’ll add another 20-30 minutes to your hike, as you will have to walk along the road to the trailhead. To avoid the crowds, and get a parking spot, arrive early in the morning. Or arrive towards the end of the day, when many day-trippers have already headed home. If you can avoid the weekends, this will also mean fewer people on the trails.

By Bus

Banff is incredibly accessible by public transit. Something you’d never imagine when thinking of the rural mountainside! Roam buses run from May 21st till Oct 11th. You can get a bus from Banff Village High School Bus Terminal directly to Johnston Canyon (#9 Bus). The journey takes about 35 minutes and runs seven times a day. Be sure to check the schedule in advance, so you don’t miss your return bus. A 1-Day Pass costs $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children under 12 are free! 

To get to Banff via public transit you can take the On-It Regional Transit which offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary to Banff Village. This means you can easily spend a whole weekend in Banff without a car! Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

By Bike

Many people love cycling along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. And avid cyclists who’ve brought their bikes to Banff can opt to bike over to Johnston Canyon Canyon, instead of dealing with the parking situation. From the nearby Castle Mountain Chalets, the ride is only 21 minutes! From Banff Village, the ride will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on where you are departing from. But it is such a beautiful journey, the time will fly by. Even if you don’t have your own bike many hotels and airbnbs rent them out as a part of your stay. There is ample bike parking at the trailhead, but bikes are not allowed on the trail itself. 

Banff National Park Pass

Entry into Banff National Park requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD, which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes, and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

Accessibility 

The trail to the lower falls is considered accessible by wheelchair and stroller. The first part of the trail is paved, and the rest is located along a raised catwalk. It’s mostly flat, with an estimated average grade of 4%. There are safety rails located along either side of the catwalk. The trail is fairly narrow along these catwalks and during the summer it can get pretty crowded so you want to take that into consideration. But usually people are very considerate if you need to get by.

Safety

Johnston Canyon is open year-round, but the trail can get very icy during the winter and early spring. During these months, be sure you are only heading out on the trail if you have the proper shoes for walking on ice. If you are interested in a guided tour of the icy walkway, you can take a tour with an experienced leader. They will also provide you with the proper gear, which includes ice cleats & hiking poles.

Proper walking shoes are recommended throughout the year. Even for the easy part of the trail, you want to ensure you always have good footing as the paths can be a bit slippery. There are no water fountains found at the trailhead, so be sure to bring a large water bottle to keep hydrated. A lovely heated washroom is available near the parking lot, so definitely take advantage of that before you head off on the trail.

Being Bear Aware

Although many people don’t seem to worry too much about bears on very popular and busy trails like this one, you ALWAYS need to be bear aware! While the noise of the busy trail is a deterrent for the bears, this doesn’t mean they aren’t around. And black bears have frequently been spotted right near the parking lot. Most visitors to the trail opt to simply hike to the easier lower falls viewing platform. 

The more difficult Upper Falls trek is much less crowded, and therefore there is even more of a need to be aware of the likelihood of bears. Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind. In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

A Note About Smoke in Banff

During the summer months, Banff can suffer from the smoke brought in from forest fires. Sometimes these forest fires can be as far afield as British Columbia. Nevertheless, the effect of this smoke can really damper the views you’d expect in Banff. I was amazed when we visited to see how in just 24-hours, the smoke rolled in and completely obscured the mountains all around us. To the point where you’d never know they were there. But as quickly as the smoke can roll in, it can disappear.

Thankfully, Johnston Canyon is the perfect hike to do when it’s smokey, as the views inside the canyon aren’t affected at all by the smoke. So this hike is the ideal thing to do if you want an alternative activity for those smokey days. Just be sure to wear a mask to help avoid too much smoke inhalation. If the smoke is really dense, consider skipping any excessive exercise outdoors, especially with health conditions like asthma.

What to Wear

As the hike is located within the canyon, the humidity combined with the shade of the trees above, makes this trail feel much cooler than in other areas of Banff. Dress warmer than you might think, and always dress in layers. Once you warm up for a bit, you can simply shed a few layers as you go. It’s always best to be over prepared for the cold rather than be freezing along the way and ruin your experience. I would recommend a good hat and scarf as well to keep warm.

Lower Falls Trail

Once you pass under the large wooden archway which invites you into the Lower Fall trail, you are immediately flung into the depths of the forest. From the very start, as you cross over the first bridge, you will be able to see the deep blue creek below. The peaceful sound of rushing waters echoing beneath your feet.

Flora and Fauna

Along the lower trail, see if you can spot the endangered Black Swift bird. The area around the trail is a popular breeding ground for nesting pairs. During the springtime and early summer, the area is heavily protected from reproducing without intrusion.

Other animals you might spot along the water are Townsend’s Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels and Red Squirrels. 

Because of the humid waters, the forest around the canyon has grown rich with lush pine trees. The forest floor is covered in a dense blanket of moss. The ancient trees are often covered in Old Man’s Beard lichen during the spring and summer. This pale grayish-green moss looks like tassels anchored onto the bark or small twigs of the tree. The long tendrils resembling the strands of hair on an old man’s beard, hence the name.

Glacier Waters

Throughout the walk, you’ll follow the turquoise waters of the creek, which flows from the waterfalls. Like most of the water around Banff, the blue colours is due to the glaciers found throughout the mountains. When the glaciers melt in the springtime, they carry glacier silt, or rock flour, into the water. This silt contains tiny particles which reflect the sunlight giving the waters that turquoise blue or green colour.

Hidden Cave

At the end of the Lower Trail, you will come to a short bridge that crosses over the falls. The bridge brings you to the mouth of a tunnel and leads you into a darkened cave. The cave serves as a defacto viewing platform, just a couple metres from the falls. Standing in here, you can really take in the power of the falling water as the sound is almost deafening. You will be doubt be misted by the crashing waters when you walk inside, but if it’s a scorching day, this might be a welcome surprise!

Upper Falls Trail

From here, you can choose to head back to the trailhead or continue on along the Upper Falls Trail. The trail immediately changes from the flat, paved pathways below to a steep climb into the rugged forest. You’ll notice the crowds from the lower trail disperse, as this part of the trail is much less busy. The echo of voices slowly disappears, and you are left with little more than the crack of the wind on the swaying trees and the sound of the water beside you.

Towards the end of the trail, another series of manmade catwalks is created to allow hikers to get up over the falls to see the giant waterfall. This dramatic 40-metres tall waterfall crashes down into a deep pool below. There is also a secondary viewing platform that can give you access to the bottom part of the falls.

Johnston Canyon Trail is truly the perfect place to come for newbie hikers looking for that iconic outdoors adventure in Banff without being too difficult to manage. I saw dozens of families, with young kids in tow, easily making their way along the Upper Falls Trails. I was so glad I decided to venture out onto this trail as it gave me a taste of the incredible things you can see and do on hikes. It got me all excited to try something even more difficult next time!

Let me know in the comments if you’re an experienced hiker or if you have never even thought about going on a hike during your travels. Take it from me; trying something new or out of your comfort zone is always worth it! 

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Easy & Essential Guide to Hiking Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Location
2. Access
3. Castle Mountain Chalets History
4. About Castle Mountain 
5. Castle Mountain Room Options
   • A Word About the Train
6. Castle Mountain General Store
7. Activities around the Castle Mountain Chalets
   • Bow Valley Parkway
   • Storm Mountain Lookout
   • Castle Mountain Internment Camp
   • Castle Mountain Viewpoint
   • Rockbound Lake Trail
   • Johnston Canyon
   • Snowshoe Trails
   • Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Park and Ride

Location

Castle Mountain Chalets is located at the base of Castle Mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Castle Mountain Chalets is located just 1 hour and 40 minutes from Calgary, making it the perfect place to visit on a weekend trip. Their chalets boast panoramic views of Castle Mountain, Storm Mountain and the Sawback, Misty and Bow Ranges.

Access

From Castle Mountain Chalets, you have easy access to many of the most popular spots in Banff.

• Lake Louise Parking Lot: 20 minutes
• Lake Louise Park and Ride: 10 minutes
• Johnsons Canyon: 8 mintues
• Banff Village: 25 minutes
• Tunnelhead Mountain: 25 minutes
• Cave & Basin National Historic Site: 29 minutes
• Lake Minnewanka: 31 minutes
• Canmore: 35 minutes
• Radium Hot Springs: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Jasper: 3 hours

Castle Mountain Chalets History

One of the best parts of visiting Castle Mountain Chalets is the deep history locked into the property. The original Chalets were built in 1939 and named “Castle Mountain Bungalows.” The owners chose the location as it was the intersection of the roads to Radium Hot Springs and the main highway. In addition to the Chalets, they provided an essential gas station stop for travellers going through the park. Still to this day, this is one of the only places to gas up midway through the road to Banff. Spread throughout the property are various vintage gas pumps on display. Almost like a de facto museum.

About Castle Mountain 

Castle Mountain is the easternmost mountain of the Main Ranges in the Bow Valley. The mountain sits across the Castle Mountain Fault. The fault was responsible for thrusting older sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that formed the upper part of the mountains. These formations covered younger rocks, giving them the appearance of a castle. The mountain was named in 1858 by James Hector for that very palace-like appearance. 

One of the most famous historic landmarks is the nearby Castle Mountain Internment Camp. During World War I, any persons deemed “enemy aliens” or suspected enemy sympathizers were sent to internment camps. These prisoners were confined to mainly outdoor camps around Banff National Park. It was with the forced labour by these prisoners that much of Banff National Park was built. Whenever you drive along the road or walk through a hiking trail, chances are these areas were built by prisoners. A beautiful memorial to the victims of this internment camp can still be found just a 5-minute drive from the Castle Mountains Chalets. It is definitely worth a trip to learn more about this piece of unknown Canadian history.

Castle Mountain Room Options

Castle Mountains Chalets offers various different room types and chalets. The most popular option is their amazing one and two-bedroom chalets. These are perfect for large families as they are spacious enough to feel like a home away from home. These chalets marry rustic comfort and relaxing elegance. 

The chalets feature a full kitchen, an open living room with pull-out queen sofa, and a large wooden dining table. The dining table sits perfectly in front of the fireplace where you can sit and enjoy a warm burning fire. Fresh wood is brought to your room daily. Fireplaces are located in every suite as the Chalets are open year-round. Even in the summer, it can get pretty chilly in the morning, so these fireplaces are indeed a wonder to have!

The entire Chalet is made of wood, but it never feels too dark with the gorgeous skylights providing pool of light from above. And these skylights allow you to stargaze at night without ever having to brave the cold. All the chalets are all pet-friendly, so this means you can bring along your furry friends. Most of the trails allow for dogs on leashes. So it’s an excellent opportunity for a memorable trip with the pups.

Deluxe One-Bedroom Chalets From $267 | Superior Two-Bedroom Chalet From $311

The Mountain View Suites are located inside their large central lodge. These suites offer beautiful balconies facing the mountains where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee. The bedroom has one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in; it was like falling into a cloud! Plus, the bedroom is large enough to fit an entire dresser, so if you’re staying for a longer amount of time, you’ll really feel at home.

The soaker jacuzzi tubs were the selling point for me! Sittig in the tub after a long day of hiking was the perfect way to unwind. The suites come with a full kitchen with pretty much everything you need to pack your picnics or dine at home. The living room also features a pull-out couch to fit more people if you are a larger party. The Mountain View Suite is not suitable for pets, but this means if you have any allergies, they are perfect for you.

Mountain View Suites From $239

The Mountain Pine Chalet and the Classic Cedar Chalet are both fantastic options for couples. Unlike the other Chalets, which have separate bedrooms, these Chalets feature one open room. Much like a bachelor’s apartment with the bed right in the centre of the living room. They are much smaller in size but still contain amenities of the other Chalets. The only other difference is that the bathrooms in these suites are much smaller and do not have a large jacuzzi tub. But for those who aren’t into bathing, you won’t even notice the difference.

Mountain Pine Chalet From $238 | Classic Cedar Chalet From $210

A Word About the Train

Castle Mountain Chalets is located right beside the train tracks. While the trains run pretty infrequently, they do pass by and are extremely loud. We were definitely awoken by the trains as they passed at night. But if you’re not a light sleeper like us, you should be fine. Ask the front desk when you check-in for a Chalet father away from the tracks if you you’re a light sleeper.

Castle Mountain General Store

In 2020, the Chalets updated their amazing General Store. Although this facelift has modernized the offerings inside, they kept the adorable vintage and historic decorations. This makes the shop feel like an old-fashioned general store. If you’ve ever been camping as a child (or an adult), you’ll remember one of the best parts of the trip after is a visit to the Tuck Shop or General store. As a kid, I always loved taking my allowance to buy weird, obscure candy that only ever seemed to exist inside these campground general stores.

And the Castle Mountain General Store is truly one of the best ones I’ve ever visited. Not only is there a vast, eclectic candy selection, but there is also so much more! They, of course, have lots of essential camping and hiking items like bug spray, bear spray, gas cans, and firewood. But they also have a superb selection of fresh, raw meat to cook back at your Chalet. Or on one of their open BBQs.

If you don’t feel like cooking, they also have a vast selection of pre-made meals that can be eaten cold or require minimal reheating. These meals are also great picnic items to bring with you on a hike. I had their egg salad and am happy to say it was delicious and as fresh as homemade! They also offer these fantastic BBQ packages, including hot dogs, buns, marshmallows, roasting sticks and 4 handcrafted Grizzly Paw Sodas. Perfect for an instant campfire meal! All for just $25! 

Activities around the Castle Mountain Chalets

Although most people make their way to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake on a trip out to Banff, there is so much to see and do right around Castle Mountain!

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48-kilometre secondary highway that runs parallels to the Trans-Canada Highway. It connects Banff to Lake Louise. Before the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway, it was the main highway between the two towns. Many people choose to cycle along the Bow Valley Parkway as vehicle speed is limited to 60 km/h. Not only is it safer for bike riders, it almost means the noise is reduced as well. So all in all a more peaceful ride. There are several roadside pull-outs where you can enjoy stunning views across the Bow Valley and Bow River.

A bike ride to the Storm Mountain Lookout or the Ukrainian Internment Camp Memorial is just a short 16-minute ride down the road. So even inexperienced riders will see so much along the road without a tremendous amount of effort. The road is mostly flat and easy to navigate as you go. If you don’t have your own bike, the Chalet rents them out for just $15 for up to four hours!

Storm Mountain Lookout

As previously mentioned, just a short 5-minute drive or 10-minute bike road along the Bow Valley Parkway is the amazing Storm Mountain viewpoint. A handful of picnic tables are dotted above the beautiful Bow River, with the shadow of the great Storm Mountain looming across the river. There are a few interpretive signs along the edge which identify the different landmarks along the ridgeline.

Best of all is the train tracks which run along the river’s edge making for such an iconic photograph. Many people think you need to go all the way to Lake Louise of Moraine Lake to see the iconic turquoise waters but so many parts of the Bow are just as ethereal and saturated!

Castle Mountain Internment Camp

A further minute down the road in the car or 5-minutes by bike is the Castle Mountain Internment Camp Memorial. One of the most unspoken parts of Banff’s history was that early work to build the infrastructure of the park was done mainly by prisoners of the nearby Castle Mountian internment camp. The camp was established in 1915 and contained a total of 660 “enemy aliens” of WWI. This included primarily Ukrainian immigrants who were sent here due to their home country being a part of the Austro-Hungary empire. It was later proved that almost none of these prisoners had any collusion with soldiers on the other side of the world.

The primary purpose was to use forced labour to push the Banff highway on through to Lake Louise. The small memorial here is dedicated to the Ukrainian prisoners. While very small, it is a worthwhile visit if you’re in the area, as this part of Canadian history is too often overlooked.

Castle Mountain Viewpoint

Many people accessing Castle Mountain Chalets will cross the Castle Mountain Bridge, over the Bow River. Take a walk down the road to the bridge on foot as it is one of the most scenic places in the area. On the other side of the bridge, there is a gorgeous view of the Castle mountains framed above the turquoise Bow River. We loved coming down to the river after a day of hiking with our packaged sandwiches. Sitting by the river, relaxing to the sound of the rushing waters, is the perfect way to end the day.

Rockbound Lake Trail

3-minutes down the road from the Chalets is the entrance to the Rockbound Lake Trail. From the trailhead, you can take one of three hikes of varying difficulty. The easiest is the Silverton Falls trail which is only 1.8 km return. The track does switchback along some steep pathways, so you should still be wearing good walking shoes. And always carry bear spray even if you think the trail is not intensive. Bear can be found deep into the forest or just by the roadside. The Silverton Falls trail leads you directly to an incredible, two-tiered waterfall that cascades over a series of narrow ledges. From the peak of the path, you also get beautiful views out of the forest around you.

If you are looking for a more difficult day hike, you can take the Tower Lake Trail which is 16 km return. The Tower Lake trail offers gorgeous views of the forest and lots of great chances to see wildlife along the way. The first half of the path is pretty tough as you gain elevation, but as you reach the plateau the stunning backside of Castle Mountian is slowly revealed. Tower Lake will creep into view, surrounded by the shadow of Eisenhower Tower. If you are still full of energy, you can continue along the Rockbound Lake trail. The Rockbound lake trail is another 1.9 km and culminates at the beautiful Rockbound Lake glacial cirque. 

Johnston Canyon

Just 8-minutes down the road from the Chalets is Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is an unbelievable hike with such an accessible trail. The elevated catwalk takes you into the canyon towards the mighty falls carved into the ancient limestone cliffs. You have the option of simply hiking to the lower part of the falls, which is a short 2.3 km return hike or continue on towards the upper fall’s viewpoints which is a 5.1 km hike. Thankfully, both options are very walkable for most people, even inexperienced hikers. The trail is also well-populated, with benches along the way if you want to stop and rest while enjoying the majesty all around you.

Snowshoe Trails

If you visit during the winter, the Castle Mountain Chalets provides visitors with 20+ km of groomed trails for snowshoers. Their dedicated professional grooming equipment produces a firm and immaculately groomed surfaces for anyone wanting to explore trails at the foot of Castle Mountian. If you’ve never been snowshoeing before, this is an excellent opportunity to give it a try! The General Store rents out snowshoes for just $15 for up to two hours. The perfect amount of time to get a taste of snowshoeing!

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Park and Ride

The Lake Louise Park and Ride shuttle lot is located just down the road from the Chalets. The Park and Ride Shuttle will take you directly to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake in under 25 minutes! With no need to worry about finding that impossible to find a parking spot! So many trips to Lake Louise have been ruined when you show up and can’t find a parking spot. But no more! Tickets on the shuttle must be booked in advance to ensure you reserve yourself a place on the bus. But after you have your spot booked, your trip to these iconic destinations is bound to be stress-free!

All in all, there really is no better place to stay in Banff than the historic Castle Mountian Chalets! It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, relax, unwind and discover the incredible treasures which make up the Canadian Rockies. Let me know in the comments where you’re most looking forward to exploring on your next trip to Banff!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Castle Mountain Chalets, Best Place to Stay in Banff! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. First Nations Land Acknowledgement
2. Banff History
3. Park Pass
4. When to Visit?
5. How to Get to Banff
6. How to Get Around Banff
7. Banff Accommodation
8. Hiking Tips
9. The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour
10. Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning
11. Fairview Lookout Loop Hike
12. Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise
13. Moraine Lake 
14. Moraine Lake Shore Trail
15. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
16. Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

First Nations Land Acknowledgement

Long before this area of Canada was known as “Banff,” the land was home to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuits. The area is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, including the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta, as well as the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc. It’s important to acknowledge those whose territory we are visiting as an act of gratitude. This is just one of many steps it’s important to recognize as a step in the journey of reconciliation.

Indigenous people have lived in the area around what is now Banff National Park for over 10,000 years. They were drawn to the Bow River as it provided a means of travel and access to rich hunting and fishing spots. The name “bow” refers to the reeds that grew on the banks of the glacier-fed river. These reeds were used by Indigenous peoples to make their hunting bows. In the Blackfoot language, the river is called Makhabn, which means “river where the bow reeds grow.“

Banff History

Banff National Park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It and encompasses over 10,000 square kilometres of glacier-capped mountains, canyons, and valleys. It was actually Canada’s first national park and is the flagship of the nation’s park system! If you are Canadian, visiting the park is a right of passage. If you’re a visitor, Banff feels like the peak of Candian iconography!  

The park was first established when workers on Canadian Pacific Railway discovered a series of natural hot springs. They came across them on the side of Sulphur Mountain in 1880. They were amazed by the seemingly healing properties of the springs. In 1885 the area became a federal reserve where they promoted the springs as a resort and spa just off the new railway line. It’s amazing to imagine that even over a hundred years ago, there was a direct railway that brought visitors into the Rockies. Sadly, although commercial trains still use these tracks, there is no tourist train that runs into the mountains. This is a result of corporate infighting in the ownerships of the railway’s tracks. Hopefully, they’ll resolve this in our lifetime, as a train ride through the Rockies into Banff would be so scenic.

Developement of Banff National Park

Eventually, the “Rocky Mountain Park,” as it was then known, began to expand to cover more and more areas outside the springs. It wasn’t officially named “Banff” until 1884. President George Stephen, Canadian Pacific Railway, decided to name the area after his birthplace of Banff, in Scotland. 

To provide tourists with more access to the wonders of the expansive forest, construction of more roads was required. One of the most unspoken parts of Banff’s history is that this work was mostly done by prisoners of the nearby Castle Mountian internment camp. It was established in 1915 and contained a total of 660 enemy aliens of WWI. The main purpose was to use forced labour to push the Banff highway on through to Lake Louise. Grand hotels were built to accommodate the incoming tourists. Including the famous Fairmont Lake Louise. 

Park Pass

Entry into the entirety of Banff National Park requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

When to Visit?

The best time to visit Banff is during the summer and early fall. Even at the height of the summer, the weather in the mountains is so much colder than in the city. Even in June, you might still see some snow! So visiting in the summer means the weather up in the mountains will be much more pleasant for exploring. My other favourite time to travel to Banff is in the fall. The crowds are much lighter, and the colours of the changing seasons are beautiful. Just be sure to dress for the chillier mornings. The winter in Banff is a sight to see, but various roads are closed, and the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Louise is frozen over.

How to Get to Banff

As mentioned before, Banff is an easy day trip from Calgary, and there are many different ways to get there. While many people think renting a car is the only option, Banff is much more accessible than you might think via public transport!

By Car

To get to Calgary by car, you’ll need to rent one from the airport or any car rental locations downtown. Car rentals in Calgary for a simple, mid-size vehicle can be found as low as $60/day. The prices go up in the summer months, so I would plan on about $100/day if travelling in high-season. If you are travelling in the summer or during busy holidays, book your rentals months in advance. You might be surprised to find car rentals book up relatively quickly as a drive into the mountains is such a popular activity. If you can’t find any rentals downtown, consider looking at the airport since they usually have more rental availability there.

By Bus

What really surprised me was that you can actually take the bus from Calgary, directly to Banff and Canmore! On-It Regional Transit offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary. You can book a spot on their Saturday service 6:40 am bus which arrives in Banff around 9:15 am. Return buses to Calgary run about every hour after 5 pm. This means you can easily spend a whole day in Banff without a car!

If you’re looking to stay in Banff overnight or for the entire weekend, you can book one of their Friday Night tickets. They will get you into Banff at 8:30pm and you can stay the entire weekend, returning Sunday afternoon. There is only one bus on Friday Night so book those tickets in advance. Sunday buses run six times a-day. Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

How to Get Around Banff

Shuttle Bus

If you are driving, please please consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle Bus. This shuttle bus runs to and from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Traffic congestion in the Lake Louise area is horrific, and parking is extremely limited! The parking lots are consistently full by sunrise (!) and remain full throughout the day. This means you’ll be hectically driving around and around the parking lots praying for someone to leave. Unless you’re willing to get to the parking lot at 6 am this is a real shot in the dark and could easily ruin your trip!

And don’t think if the parking lot is packed, you can just park down the road. No, park rangers patrol the area and pretty much anywhere you could think of parking is restricted. Plus, even if you arrive early and find a spot at Lake Louise, then you’ll miss the early-bird parking at Moraine Lake. And vice-versa. But not to fear! This is where the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus comes in hand.

You must book your tickets in advance as only a certain number of tickets are sold every day. Walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youths (6 – 17 years), and children under 6 are free! You need to book your ticket in advance and select your specific departure time. This is to ensure no one timeslot is overcrowded. This requires a little bit of extra scheduling but is worth the effort.

Park and Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Park and Ride

This shuttle bus runs from the Park and Ride lot to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Park and Ride area is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway as marked on the map. But there are plenty of signs to direct you on your way. Once you arrive you check-in at the desk to get your ticket and wait for your designated bus. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. From the Park and Ride, you can either go directly to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the park with NO STRESS. No worrying about finding parking spots or the need to arrive at 4 am.

I honestly cannot recommend this service enough. Not only does the shuttle bus take you from the parking lot to either Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you can also take the shuttles between the two lakes. As many times as you want. This guided itinerary to 24-hours in Banff is created around using the public transport system and the shuttle bus as it is truly the BEST WAY to explore the area with ease. The buses run about every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait very long in between shuttles to get where you want to go.

Roam

But how do I get around once I arrive if I take the On-It bus? Well, lucky for you, your On-It tickets allow you to travel for FREE on local Roam Regional services! Roam is the local transit system around the Bow Valley. Even if you don’t have an On-It ticket but want to ditch your car for the day you can get a 1-Day pass for the Roam local transit system. Tickets cost only $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Kids under 13 are free! 

For a 1-Day ticket onto their expanded network, including buses to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon, tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and students.

Banff Accommodation

Although you can easily do this 24-Hour Guide on a day trip from Calgary, staying a night in the mountains is a beautiful way to get more out of your trip to Banff. Plus, there is so much more to do outside of this one-day guide. Accommodation in Banff can be pretty pricey, so if you’re looking to save some money, try visiting during the week and avoid weekends and holidays.

Castle Mountain Chalets

Castle Mountain Chalets is my #1 choice for a stay in Banff. While many people choose to stay in the famous Banff village, this area has become somewhat too touristy for me. If I’m going to head out into the mountains, I want to feel like I’m away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Castle Mountain Chalets are located off the Trans-Canada Highway, just 20 minutes away from Lake Louise, 10 minutes from the Park and Ride lot or 24 minutes from Banff Village. So no matter where you’re off to, this is the perfect outpost.

The chalets are located under the shadow of the incredible Castle Mountain, which towers above. Their rustic and yet opulent buildings are simply stunning. The aroma of the cedar log walls is intoxicating and deeply comforting. They offer a combination of suites inside their lodge (from $189/night ) and larger chalets (from $159-$290 per night). 

Juniper Hotel

The Juniper Hotel is located just on the other side of Banff village. So despite being so close to all the action, it manages to feel tranquil and out of the way. Although the hotel is more than 60 years old, there is a reason it stands today as an icon of Banff tourism. Friendly staff greet you upon walking in the door, and as soon as you step into your room, with its unparalleled views of the mountains, you’ll find it hard to leave! Opt for the deluxe room as it features mountain views and your own private balcony or deck! Starting at $209/night

Airbnbs in Banff and Canmore

In Banff Village and nearby Canmore, there are dozens and dozens of apartments created as timeshare opportunities. These are popular with locals from Alberta who loves to take weekend escapes to the mountains. But during the year when they are not staying there, they rent them out on Airbnb and VRBO. This means there are a plethora of different apartments always online for you to choose from! Lots of people love staying inside Banff Village since there are so many excellent bars and restaurants. So you can get the feeling of going out for a night on the town while in the middle of the mountains.

The best part is there are so many different kinds of rooms, so you can find something for any price point. Wanna splurge? Find yourself a suite with a panoramic view. Need to save some money? There are lots of you can get a smaller single room in Canmore which can be almost half the price of Banff village! If you have a large family these are especially great as they have large kitchens where you can save some money by cooking dinner at home.

A Note about Forest Fires & Smoke

If you’re planning a trip to Banff in the summer, you need to be aware that forest fires as far away as British Columbia might affect the visibility in Banff. Smoke is something any Calgary resident is familiar with. But to visitors, you might, like me, be surprised by just how thick the smoke can be. When smoke is especially prevalent, you should avoid heavy exercise outdoors. If you have a mask, consider wearing it even when outside to prevent excess smoke inhalation.

The views around Banff can be changed drastically by the presence of smoke. Try your best not to let that get you down. I know coming to Lake Louise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some people and they might be disappointed not to get the iconic view which has been made so famous. There is no way to really plan around this, and all you can do is make the best of it. Places where the views are closer to you, like Lake Minnewanka or Johnston Canyon, might be great alternatives if the smoke is very heavy and you want to try Lake Louise of Moraine Lake another day.

Hiking Tips

Many of the short hikes/walks around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are very easy. They don’t require any high fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. Take it at your own pace and just enjoy the beautiful views. Remember to always dress in layers. You might get outta bed in the morning with frost in the air, but by midday, it could be sweltering! So be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a large refillable water bottle, as even with a short or easy hike, you need to keep hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking or running shoes. Even if the trails are flat, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to be comfortable.

Be Bear Aware! 

Even if you’re going on an easy, well-populated hiking trail, you need to be careful of bears. In fact, the area around Lake Louise has the highest ratio of grizzlies to humans in Canada! Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind.

In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour

Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning

Lake Louise is by far the most popular place in all of Banff National Park. It’s the main draw for many visitors. It’s the Eiffel Tower of the Mountains. There are many lakes in the world, but there’s only one Lake Louise. It’s one of the most photographed lakes in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. With its turquoise waters and the surrounding mountain peaks, the lake has become a must-see destination.

As mentioned before, the parking lot at Lake Louise fills up before sunrise. Be sure you’ve booked yourself an early morning ticket onto the Banff Park and Ride Shuttle to Lake Louise. The park fills up a lot throughout the day, and the earlier you arrive, the more you’ll have the place to yourself. Although dealing with loads of tourists is part and parcel with the experience of visiting Lake Louise. But there are definitely ways to get around being overwhelmed by the crowds. Arriving early is one of those ways.

About Lake Louise

Lake Louise was previously named Ho-run-num-nay (Lake of the Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people. The name “Lake Louise” was given to the waters in the 19th century. It was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. She was also the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, then the Governor-General of Canada.

The lake is situated between three great mountains, Mount Temple, Mount Whyte, and Mount Niblock. In the center of the snowcapped mountains, you can make out the massive Victoria Glacier in the center. When the glacier melts it gives the lake that iconic brilliant turquoise colour. The glacier melt that trickles down into the lake contains large particles that refract light’s blue and green wavelengths.

The lake’s water looks like the perfect place for a dip but trust me, you won’t make it past putting your toes in the water. That same glacier melt which colours the waters also means that the lake is either freezing or frozen over! We tried dunking our legs in on one of the hottest days of the years and quickly jumped right out! No chance!

Canoeing on Lake Louise

Renting a canoe on Lake Louise is a bucket list activity for many visitors. And by renting one early in the morning, you’ll find the lake to be the most peaceful and least crowded. As the day goes on, the line for the canoe rentals can get pretty long. Personally, I would recommend renting a canoe at Moraine Lake instead. Moraine is slightly cheaper and I think a little more scenic. But if you have your heart set on renting one at Lake Louise then don’t let anyone stop you! Especially if it’s a nice clear day, the views you’ll get of the waters are indeed spectacular. I’m just personally more a fan of Moraine Lake over Lake Louse (controversial opinion, I know.)

The boathouse where you can rent a canoe is located along the left side of the lake. But here’s the kicker, the cost to rent a canoe is $135/per hour, or $95/hour if you are a hotel guest! If you are travelling with a larger group, the divided cost might be a little more manageable but for couples, it’s a pretty pricey activity.

Fairview Lookout Loop Hike

There are a variety of different hikes you take around Lake Louise. But the Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is my favourite for beginners who just want a taste of hiking in the mountains but don’t want to get into any too difficult or too long. This hike starts on the trail beside the canoe boathouse and loops up around the hillside to the east of Lake Louise.

Most people opt for the Lake Louise Lakeshore walk, a leisurely walk around the west side of the lake. The Lakeshore walk is great in its own right, as it’s super accessible with a paved trail for wheelchair and stroller use. But this trail is SUPER packed with people almost all the time. When we took the alternative Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, we didn’t see a single person on the track the entire time we were walking. It felt so much more peaceful and more like a true hike into nature.

The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is also a short 1 km one-way hike that will take around 45 minutes roundtrip. The walk heads up into the woods towards a gorgeous lookout over the lake and the historic Fairmont Hotel. While the Lakeshore hikes provide unobscured views of the lake the entire time, this is all at the same elevations. The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, on the other hand, actually gives you a more rich introduction to flora and fauna of the Lake Louise area. And that view at the top is otherworldly! On the way back down towards the hotel, the trail pop in and out of the water edge where you’ll get some truly amazing shots along the water. Far better than anything you’ll see on the Lakeshore Trail.

Fairmont Hotel

To cap off the perfect morning at Lake Louise, book yourself an Afternoon High Tea inside the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise in their Fairview Restaurant. The Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise is a historic icon of the area. And although the hotel prices are astronomical, the high tea they offer is shockingly well priced. Plus, you get a stunning view of the entire lake from the inside.

History of the Fairmont Hotel

The origins of the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise began in 1890 when Cornelius Van Horne, a Canadian Pacific Railway manager, built a small log cabin on the shores of the lake. He thought the scenic lake would make for the perfect vacation destination as it was easily accessible by the nearby Canadian Pacific Railway. He named the small lodge, the ‘Chalet Lake Louise’. The small hotel was originally only able to accommodate 50 guests. But over the years, as its popularity grew, the hotel began to expand.

By 1912, the property was seeing over 50,000 people through its doors yearly. Over the years, various fires that swept through the hotel changed its appearance. The current incarnation of the hotel was built in Renaissance Revival style. Renaissance Revival-style architecture drew its inspiration from early western European architecture and consisted of colonnades, low-pitched roofs with grand staircases and magnificent lobbies.

Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise

Once you are escorted inside the grand tea room at the Fairview Restaurant, you’ll be seated at a table either right against the windows or facing the windows. The benefit of being a two-some is that the tables against the windows are for groups of two and have the best view! So if you’re a group of four, consider making two separate reservations inside so you’ll get the window-side tables. Reservations for the high-tea are available from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Afternoon Tea Highlights

The Afternoon Tea features a selection of one of their luxurious tea blends paired with a three-tiered tray of delicious goodies. They are fantastic with accomodating dietary restrictions and even have an entirely vegan menu as well. We caught a glimpse of the vegan trays, and they looked incredible! They also have options for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

The top tray features your choice of scones. We went with the jalapeno cheddar and the Saskatoon berry. The jalapeno cheddar paired perfectly with the marmalade and apricot jam! But my favourite topping for the scones is, of course, the clotted cream. The second tier features tiny savoury pastries like blackened tuna on a croissant, brioche toast with honeycomb and brie, and prawn & avocado.

The last tier is the sweet desserts, and although the sizes look small, we were beyond stuffed by the end of the meal. The staff kindly allowed us to take what we couldn’t finish home. We were sure to eat up the desserts that we knew wouldn’t travel well first. These desserts included macaroons, truffles, passionfruit pot de crème, salted caramel cake, olive oil tarts and lemon meringue. 

Moraine Lake 

After lunch, head back to the parking lot and hop on the Shuttle Bus or Roam Bus towards Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is only 20 minutes away from Lake Louise. As you don’t need to worry about the parking lot being full, it’s a beautiful and relaxing drive through the mountains.

Moraine Lake is known for its incredible colours, which change with the time of day and season. In my opinion, Moraine Lake is THE most iconic view in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a gorgeous glacier-fed lake, just like Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters contrast with its rugged surroundings. The lake is set at an elevation of 1,740 metres and is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. There’s nothing quite like a clear blue sky and shining sun reflecting off the pristine waters of Moraine Lake.

One of the reasons that Moraine Lake isn’t the first choice for visitors, like Lake Louise, is because of its small parking lot and narrow road. Both these aspects made getting to the lake a bit more complicated. But with the introduction of the shuttle bus, more and more people are starting to discover the natural beauty of this amazing National Park. 

Moraine Lake Shore Trail

The Moraine Lake Shore Trail is the most leisurely hike around the lake. And unlike the Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise, this trail is more dynamic, with different views that change as you go. The track is 1.5 km long and takes only about 45 minutes to return. The way the trail weaves in and out of the forest and down to the water’s edge makes it such a beautiful walk, over boardwalks and ending at a babbling rapids. The Rockpile trail, located right off the parking lot, is the most popular route, so you’ll find this trail is a little hidden gem. The stunning colour of the water, just like that of Lake Louise, is created with that glacier water that floods into the lake when the glaciers start to melt in late June.

Canoe Rental

As mentioned before, you can rent canoes on Moraine Lake for $124/hour. While this is still pretty pricey, many people view a trip to Moraine Lake as a bucket list activity. Nothing something you’d splurge on every day. Getting onto the waters is a truly unique experience. Don’t break the bank and feel like you MUST do this, but if you have the money saved and are a big fan of canoeing, you will definitely enjoy yourself.

Rockpile Trail

As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll find access to the famous Rockpile Trail. There is a reason this short hike is so popular. The Moraine Lake Viewpoint, located just 0.4km uphill, is genuinely one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see with such an easily accessible trail. And once you get to the top, you’ll be glad you did!

Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The ten peaks are the ten different mountain peaks that can be seen across the vista. The views you get from the peak of the Rockpile Trail were featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Since then it has been called the “Twenty Dollar View.” The tallest of all the mountains seen from the viewpoint is the Deltaform Mountain, which stands 3424 meters tall.

Banff Village

To end your day, head back down to Banff village. If you take the Shuttle bus, it’s a short drive from the Park and Ride parking lot. If you arrived via the Roam bus, you can easily take the bus directly back to Banff from Moraine Lake.

Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

There are so many unique places to eat in Banff Village, so you really have the pick of the litter. One of the best places we found was Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar. This trendy new restaurant was designed to emulate the atmosphere of being around a campfire bbq. The menu focuses on woodfired food, smokey-savoury flavours and their in-house distilled beverages. Such a homey place to relax after a long day in the mountains.

Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

To end your day in Banff, consider a trip out to Lake Minnewanka to stargaze. If you didn’t drive your own car to Banff, the Roam bus will take you directly from Banff Village to Lake Minnewanka. But be aware the last bus generally leaves around 8:30 pm. The bus ride to Lake Minnewanka is about 30 minutes from Banff, and by car, it’s only 13 minutes. The parking lot is relatively large, and at night, you’ll find it’s much more empty than during the day.

Many people will go up the Banff Gondola to stargaze at the summit, but at $65 per person, the view you get for free from the shores of Lake Minnewanka is just as amazing! Those of us who live mainly in crowded cities rarely get to see the skies without light pollution. And seeing the stars under the gentle shadow of the mountains is such a spectacular sight to see.

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Hopefully, this guide helped you in your planning of the perfect day in Banff! There is so much more to see and do, but you can still take in so much magic from the Rockies for those who can only make it out for the day. Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with me as to if Moraine Lake or Lake Louise is the prettiest spot in Canada!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect Day in Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.