Banff Will Take Your Breath Away

Experience the beauty of Banff and surrounding areas in Alberta, Canada.

June seemed like the perfect time to visit Canada, although I am sure it is beautiful to visit any time of the year. After going down the rabbit hole of photos and recommendations online, June worked best for us and the summer crowds would be minimal because July and August are busier months for tourism.

If you haven’t been to Banff or don’t know this place I am referring to, you are in for a ride. Banff looks like a fake postcard, like something I’d never experience with my own two eyes.

Banff is one of the most scenic parts of all of Canada. People flock here during all seasons because each one delivers a different type of beauty.

Since we would be out in nature for most of our Canada trip, we decided to start in Vancouver. Two nights in Vancouver allowed us to get a feel for the city. Even though it is a major city, my family was in awe the moment we got out of the airport.

Everything is so green, unlike where we live in Southern California. Vancouver is the best of both worlds, a metropolitan gem with a picturesque mountain and tree-lined background.

Our first stop, even before we checked into our hotel, was straight to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located in North Vancouver, it is only 15–20 minutes outside the city. Once you cross the bridge into North Vancouver, you are thrust into nature.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a must-see if you are in Vancouver. It’s a popular destination spot but it wasn’t too crowded when we met, nothing like being at Disneyland. You can buy tickets online first to skip the line.

We spent 2 hours at the park, admiring all of the plants and majestic trees, walking the bridge, and picnicking. Let me say, this is the perfect place for a picnic, to sit back and admire this amazing place.

The next day in Vancouver, we strolled around downtown. Everything can be within walking distance downtown or they have little trolleys that you can hop on and off.

We did a little shopping, ate at a food truck for lunch (who doesn’t love a good food truck??), and ended our day at a fabulous sushi restaurant (Miku Sushi) at the waterfront. They had some fabulous vegan options, as well.

The following day, we flew to Calgary and rented a car so that we could explore everything in Banff. You need a car if you want to get to all the incredible spots.

Awestruck in the car, not even to Banff yet, my family was mesmerized. The vibrant colors of the countryside adjacent to the beautiful blue sky are sights to be seen. The drive from Calgary, which is the closest big airport, was a little over an hour.

We decided on an AirBnB outside of Banff in a city called Canmore. Canmore is 20 minutes outside of Banff National Park.

I love having a kitchen, bedroom, and living room when I am staying somewhere longer than a few nights. We booked our stay at a cute condominium complex with two bedrooms, one for my husband and me and the other for our 2 daughters.

Since we were tired from waking up early and traveling, we decided it would be best to get dinner in Canmore, relax in the jacuzzi, and call it a night. The next day would be a full day of adventure.

The condominium complex didn’t have a gym though, that was a downside for me, but I figured I could go for quick runs in the morning and we’d do a lot of hiking. Yes, I am addicted to exercise, it boosts my mood and without it, I’m just a grump.

So, I set out for my quick run and I was in for a surprise. It was freezing and it was June. This is something I don’t experience at home, either. So, let’s just say the run didn’t last very long.

Thankfully it got a little warmer later, but this was the coldest day for our vacation.

The first point of interest that I’d been obsessed with before coming, was Lake Louise. The most picturesque lake I’d seen pictures of, in my life. I love lakes so this was a dream come true. We set out early in the morning to take advantage of the whole day.

The drive from Canmore to Lake Louise was quite long because it’s one of the northernmost lakes in Banff National Park. That didn’t phase us because the drive there was spectacular. Arriving at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it was almost a downer because we wished we were staying at this hotel.

The whole experience here was magical and just as I expected. Here, the pictures do the lake justice, because it was so easy to capture the beauty on film. But, there is nothing like witnessing this place in person.

Since it was still pretty cold, we didn’t do much hiking here. After walking around, we had some lovely hot chocolate and pastries inside the hotel. The historical hotel is elegant and grand, with much to see walking around inside.

Lake Louise is the crown jewel of Banff, with the turquoise waters and incredible backdrop, you won’t be disappointed and it is worth the drive from Banff. Honestly, it is the most beautiful place I’ve been and I love to travel.

On our drive back to Banff, I found a simple, easy hike near town. Tunnel Mountain hike is located 10 minutes outside of downtown Banff, which made it easy to head there for lunch afterward.

The 2.5-mile hike was a beautiful and scenic trail, that was relatively easy, providing stunning views at the top deck. It took about an hour, even with breaks to capture the essence of Banff.

After our hike, we headed downtown which encapsulated its own beauty. I love mountain towns and this one takes the cake. With its cute little main street and array of restaurants, we were in heaven.

Since it was still pretty chilly out, a soup lunch was the answer. We found a little ramen place with killer food. We still talk about it almost a year later.

Downtown is perfect for shopping, dining, and finding out about Banff’s hidden treasures at the visitor center. After our quick trip downtown, we headed back to our condo for the night to relax and recharge for the next day of adventure. Funny enough, we saw many deer rears on the way back.

Chasing waterfalls is a pastime of mine, so I am always on the lookout for a new one. Johnston Canyon hike boasts a few incredible waterfalls, so we started there the following day. The 3-mile hike is along a lovely river that we found to be moderately easy.

This is one of the most popular hikes in Banff, so plan accordingly. The upper falls were so incredible, I’d go back in a heartbeat to do this hike. Go experience one of the best hikes I’ve done for yourself if you visit Banff.

After our hike, we knew we wanted to try the Banff Gondola, another major tourist attraction, but hey, we were tourists! You float all the way up to Sulfur mountain and it’s only a few minutes outside of downtown Banff. This is a major tourist destination for a reason, the sweeping views from the top.

Also, they have an amazing restaurant at the top, intending to die for. Although, it is a little pricey so check for deals to book online before your visit.

The next day, we wanted to go back to downtown Canmore but to rent bikes. The weather was perfect for biking and sightseeing. Just because Canmore is outside of Banff National Park does not mean it’s not as beautiful. The beauty extends all over the surrounding areas.

We spent a few hours biking around, getting a bit lost, but making the most out of it. I mean, who cares if you get lost out in these beautiful surroundings.

Downtown Canmore also has so much to offer. We ate lunch in a hollowed-out airstream, a fancy food truck. Here I go with these food trucks again, but they always have the most unique, delicious food. Ice cream afterward was out of a hollow school bus. Trying new things is so much fun.

We ended our trip in Banff the following day with trips to Moraine Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Each lake we’d see just got more beautiful, it’s hard to describe how anything could be more beautiful than Lake Louise, except saying they all display their own charm.

The next day, we headed back to Calgary for 24 hours before our flight home. Since we didn’t have time to explore Calgary when we landed, we decided to make the most of our last day checking out the local surroundings. We were not disappointed.

Even though it is the biggest city near Banff, it still has a small-town charm. Sure it has some small skyscrapers, but the beauty in the background puts you in a calm, peaceful state.

Just writing all of this makes me want to be right back in Canada. There is so much more to see and a week is not enough. I’d stay longer next time and maybe later in the summer when the weather is a tad warmer.

Hopefully, this wasn’t an overload of photos, but it was so hard to pick out of the 800 that I took.

Take my advice and head to Canada for your next vacation, you won’t be let down. If you live near there, you are so lucky!

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