Thinking of heading to Banff,AB Canada any suggestions?

Yes, the drive/ trip to Athabasca Glacier is really pretty. Also check out Lake Louise and hike to the teahouse. Endless hiking, cycling, and other outdoor options. Fly fish the Bow River. There will be less wildlife than Yellowstone, but it's still very impressive. Also, watch out for the Griz in the backcountry.

We actually stayed in Canmore (just south of Banff) and got a really nice condo for much less than a resort in town. There is also a great sausage shop/deli in Canmore that does wild game that we loved.

I was going this weekend but canceled my trip because nearby wildfires had shrouded the area in smoke. They try to sell you on the idea of coming anyway, but I looked at some nature cams and it was pretty bad - like you wouldn't know you're in the mountains bad.

My rough itinerary (fly in/out of Calgary) included Johnston Canyon + hike to the ink pots, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, Riding the gondola to Sunshine Meadows and hiking the loop, spend a full day driving the Icefields parkway up to Jasper NP for a few nights. If I had the time I was going to try to squeeze in a visit to the Badlands and Dinosaur exhibits to the west of Calgary (these seem to get a lot of praise for being an underrated gem in Alberta - most people head straight for the mountains).

Basically there's a lot to do up there depending on your interests and budget. A few tips - season is pretty short up there and accommodations book fast.

Probably my most favorite vacation I’ve ever taken. It was incredible

If we’re strictly talking mountain scenery the Banff / Jasper area is more scenic than the Tetons / Yellowstone area, IMO.

quote:

---

Probably my most favorite vacation I’ve ever taken. It was incredible

---

I agree. I was there in June with the family and loved it. Flew into Calgary and stayed in Canmore. Only thing I would do different is to stay a day or two in Jasper to minimize the driving back and forth to Canmore or Banff. The farthest we drove on the Icefields Parkway was the Athabasca glacier. There are several falls, lakes and hikes in the Jasper area that I regret not being able to see.

Everything we did I would consider a "must do" but there is so much more so don't limit yourself.

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise can be done in the same day. Get there early and do Moraine Lake first. The parking lot is much smaller and fills up fast. Hike to the top of the rock pile at Moraine for an incredible view. We just did the shoreline trail at Lake Louise which is super easy and very relaxing. Saw a grizzly and her 2 cubs right behind the Fairmont Hotel.

Peyto Lake is absolutely stunning. There is a trail where you can hike down to a rock fall and get a way better view of the lake and the glacier that feeds it.

We did the Ice Cubed glacier walk at the Athabasca Glacier which was really cool. Its a 3 hour guided hike that goes about half way between the toe of the glacier and the ice fall. There is a longer hike that goes all the way to the ice fall that takes about 6 hours.

Hike to Panther falls at the Bridal Veil Falls pull off. You see Bridal Veil Falls across the canyon but what you are actually hearing is Panther Falls. You can right next to the falls on this short and easy hike.

Grassi Lake hike near the Canmore Nordic Centre was nice hike as well. Short but somewhat steep at times, there are a couple of beautiful green lakes at the top and a waterfall along the way. The trail is a loop but you can go either direction. We choose the hard way up and easy way down.

quote:

---

Hike to the top of the rock pile at Moraine for an incredible view.

---

This was my absolute favorite view of the trip. Loved it so much that we went there twice!The glacier was pretty cool too!

Here's my trip review. The place had better food than expected...