When in Banff National Park!

As mentioned in a previous post, I stayed in Canmore for a few nights while exploring the surrounding trails and lakes.

Canmore and Banff are about twenty minutes apart by drive, so it was easy to get around. There are several places you can stay directly in Banff. If you have trouble finding options, consider looking for a place in the Canmore area.

I booked my lodging two months before the start of my trip, and prices were higher with limited options. If you plan to stay in popular areas such as Banff, it is best to book early.

Just outside of the town of Banff, I visited Vermilion Lakes. It is a perfect place to watch the sunset! The water was still, apart from some loons dunking their heads.

Vermilion Lakes

There are a few hiking trails surrounding Vermilion Lakes as well. You can find Fenland Trailhead and the Bow River Trail, to name a few.

Other than Vermilion Lakes, another great find is Lake Minnewanka! The hiking trails there are beautiful! You can snap a great view of the blue water resting peacefully in front of the snowy mountains. Even during a rainy day in September, people were kayaking on the lake.

Lake Minnewanka

An interesting feature of Lake Minnewanka is its underwater ghost town! In 1888, there was a resort with a small community of people. There were cottages, hotels and restaurants. Then around WWII, the Calgary Power Company had flooded the area to enhance the hydroelectric capability powering an explosives plant.

The town now sits at the bottom of Lake Minnewanka, about sixty feet down. It is only available for viewing if you are up for scuba diving through icy glacial water.

You can read more about the ruins under Lake Minnewanka here. It is fascinating how much history there is to explore in the surrounding area, providing a unique perspective on its beauty.

If you are looking for a break from all of the hiking and want to learn more about the history of Banff, you can also check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Cave and Basin Sulfur Thermal Spring

Cave and Basin is a thermal spring that has existed for over ten thousand years! Just a friendly heads up, the hot spring may have a strong sulfur smell!

Cave and Basin has a rich history. In 1883, railway workers discovered the location leading to the development of Canada’s first national park. Long before that it was a sacred location frequented by Indigenous groups.

“Indigenous groups have identified the Cave and Basin as an important and often sacred location where numerous nations gathered for trading, ceremonial, and cultural purposes. However, in the late 1800’s, Indigenous ability to access the Cave and Basin was fundamentally altered as the government took control of the area.”

Government Canada

There is plenty to read at the Cave and Basin historic site, for those interested in learning more about the history of this location.

After the visit, you can hike the surrounding trails or head to the gift shop to pick up a souvenir. Entry fees at Cave and Basin are $8.50 but if you purchase a Park Pass your admission should be covered.

Heading back to the trails, one of my favourite hikes was at Two Jack Lake Trails. I went at 9 a.m. The weather was cool and the lake still. Even later in the afternoon was quiet.

Two Jack Lakes

Around the lake, there are Parks Canada campsites. One of the couples staying there said they had to book six months in advance! They still had a challenging time booking online. Those campsites seem fun! The area is full of tents pitched right by the lakeside.

During my hike, I came across some swimmers taking a cold plunge. Earlier, I dipped my feet and found the water freezing! The walk was peaceful and the views were serene. While it may not be everyone’s first thought when visiting Banff, it was a memorable experience for me.

If you are looking for something more dramatic, I would say Peyto Lake is where you want to be! You can hike up to a lookout point and just above the turquoise water, there are these red canyon-type rocks with coniferous trees sprouting from them.

Peyto Lake

There is a lot of texture to the landscape which makes for a great picture. It’s the perfect place to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Standing at Peyto Lake, the towering mountains before me made me feel small and insignificant. Encountering something so incredible had me imagining how far behind and ahead of our time these mountains have existed. I’m certain that Peyto Lake will continue to mesmerize countless new visitors for decades to come!

Thanks for reading until the end! If you want to hear more about my travel adventures you can follow this link here!