Banff National Park in Canada lived up to my every expectation and more. It is insane just how much beauty is packed into this National Park. I think it’s actually impossible to take a bad photo in Banff! However, this Banff guide will help you discover 15 of the best things to do in Banff with photo tips!
15 Things to do in Banff with Photo Tips
*For a complete map of all the locations click here
Table of Contents
- 1. Where to take the best photos at Moraine Lake
- 2. Where to take the best photos at Lake Louise
- 3. Take in the views from the Lake Louise Gondola
- 4. Photographing Johnston Canyon
- 5. Take photos of wildlife at Bow Valley Parkway
- 6. Photographing Banff Main Street
- 7. Stop for photos at Lake Minnewanka
- 8. Photographing Emerald Lake
- 9. Stop at the Picture-Perfect Natural Bridge Falls
- 10. Where to take photos on the Columbia Icefield Parkway
- 11. Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake
- 12. Peyto Lake
- 13. Mistaya Canyon
- 14. The Big Bend
- 15. Athabasca Glacier
1. Where to take the best photos at Moraine Lake
After years of seeing photos of the picturesque Moraine Lake, it is surreal to be standing there in person.
The photo comes to life as you breathe in that crisp mountain air and enjoy the view from every possible angle and vantage point.
To get the best photo of Moraine Lake, take the Rockpile Trail located on your left as you come to the lake. The 1/4 mile trail consists of switchbacks and stone steps but will take you to the best location for photos.
Once you get to the first viewpoint, keep going up to the very top and you’ll see this particular rock that juts out a little bit that you can stand on to take photos.
The lake is the brightest blue when the sun is shining on it, but the bright sun also washes out the sky. Early morning and evening are the best light for photography.
It is amazing to see the colors of the water change as the sky changes, and as you look at it from different angles. When you get down, be sure to take in some or all of the Moraine Lake Shore Trail as well.
Most of the tourists don’t venture out that far since the tour buses are limited on time, so you’ll most likely have it to yourself.
Private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive down Moraine Lake Road, you will need to make a shuttle reservation in advance.
Late June-August is the best time to see the vibrant blue water.
The turquoise color is caused by the rock flour that can be found in the glaciers.
In the summer months, the glacier melt runs down into the lake where the sunlight reflects off the suspended silt particles to create the illusion of Kool-aid colored water.
Keep in mind when planning your trip that the road to Moraine Lake is closed in the winter, so plan accordingly.
2. Where to take the best photos at Lake Louise
Visiting Lake Louise is one of the most popular things to do in Banff.
This lake is one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, possibly the world. It is usually packed with tourists, up to 15,000 a day during peak summer.
The tricky part is trying to take photos without a hundred people in the background. Either go in the early morning or evening when the crowds are smaller and the lighting is best.
Or just look for a break in the crowds and snap a shot like I did here. Thankfully, everyone is pretty good about giving each other space for a photo.
Grab a hot chocolate to-go from the cafe at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel then wander around the lake admiring the beauty and taking photos of whatever grabs your eye.
Be sure to include the beautiful red canoes at the boathouse to the left of the lake and photos of the canoes out on the water.
The bright red of the canoe against that deep turquoise water is stunning. Renting a canoe is also one of the most iconic things to do in Banff, but the price is a little steep at $95 per hour.
If you have time, I would highly recommend hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
Follow the Lakeshore pathway to the right then you will shortly see another path that breaks off to the right.
The trail is a steady uphill climb with switchbacks winding through dense forest.
After about one mile you’ll be rewarded with this spectacular view. This is the only spot on the trail that offers a clear view of the lake, so be sure to capture a photo.
In another one mile or so you will come to Mirror Lake. Take a quick break then continue another 3/4 mile or so until you reach the Lake Agnes Tea House. The total hike is about 4.5 miles round trip.
Lake Agnes Tea House is one of the most remote and scenic spots to grab a warm cup of tea or indulge on a savory sandwich with a steaming bowl of soup.
The cabin was originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers.
Today this family-run tea house is the oldest tea house in Canada. What is even more impressive is that they manage to run the restaurant with no electricity and no running water.
The staff lives on-site during the season from June until Canadian Thanksgiving.
Supplies, like flour and sugar, are brought in by helicopter at the beginning of the season.
However, fresh ingredients are brought up the hiking trail by staff members, who then hike the garbage and waste back down.
The logistics of running a restaurant under these circumstances is mind-blowing, but they manage it so well!
It is definitely worth a visit and one of the most memorable things to do in Banff!
Take a walk around the lake to the right to get the best shots of the Tea House.
Even in June, there was still snow on the ground and ice floating in the lake, it was so serene and beautiful.
*Insider tip: Not too far from Lake Louise you’ll find Lake Herbert. Take the trail around to the back of the lake and you’ll find the original diving board from the Banff Springs Hotel. It’s a favorite swimming hole among locals and a great way to enjoy the beauty without the crowds of tourists.
3. Take in the views from the Lake Louise Gondola
The Lake Louise Gondola offers unmatched views of the valley all the way to the distant Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Hotel.
The Lake Louise Gondola is also a great place to spot bears roaming around below.
As an added bonus, for only $3 more you can upgrade your lift ticket to a “ride and dine”. This includes a hot breakfast buffet at the restaurant located at the top of the mountain.
4. Photographing Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is an incredible hike that takes visitors along a steel catwalk attached to the canyon wall.
The trail is 1/2 mile to the lower falls and 1 1/2 miles to the upper falls, and absolutely spectacular the whole way there!
To get photos of the water in motion, set your camera on manual. Turn your ISO down low and slow down your shutter speed, adjusting until you reach the right exposure.
If you don’t have a tripod, balance your camera on the railing to avoid camera shake.
5. Take photos of wildlife at Bow Valley Parkway
Bow Valley Parkway is one of the best places to see and photograph wildlife. And by wildlife, I mean bears. And it did not disappoint.
Keep your space, stay in your car, and use a zoom lens to capture these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
The famous Morant’s Curve is also located on the western end of Bow Valley Parkway.
It is a picturesque setting, and if you’re lucky enough you may even be able to see a train pass through.
If you’re patient, there is a pullout that you can use to sit and wait. We didn’t have any luck seeing a train, but the scenery was still spectacular. It is definitely worth pulling over to take a shot.
6. Photographing Banff Main Street
The town of Banff is just so charming. Nestled among beautiful mountain peaks, the town’s main street is lined with quaint shops and cafes.
Stroll around, buy some souvenirs, and eat some delicious food. You can’t go to Canada without trying their Beaver Tails and Poutine!
Be sure to capture photos that show the character of this cute town!
Don’t miss the iconic shot of the city street with Cascade Mountain towering in the backdrop.
7. Stop for photos at Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff.
Not only is this pristine lake beautiful, but it also holds a secret. Deep under the surface lies an entire village that was submerged when the dam was built.
Take a one-hour interpretive boat tour to learn more about the history of this lake and the surrounding area. It is also a unique experience to go scuba diving here.
Come early in the morning or right before sunset for the best chance at capturing the flawless glass reflection of the mountain peaks on the water.
There is also a herd of wild goats that frequent the area. If you’re lucky you can snap a photo of them as well.
8. Photographing Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is so scenic, it feels like you have stepped onto the set of a summer camp movie like Parent Trap or Camp Rock.
As much as I would love to spend a summer camping here, I was just happy to be able to spend an hour wandering around the shore.
There is a path to the left through the woods that takes you to the bottom of the avalanche slide and gives you great views of the lake from different vantage points.
The canoe rentals are also cheaper here than Moraine or Louise, sadly we got here after they had closed.
9. Stop at the Picture-Perfect Natural Bridge Falls
When researching things to do in Banff, there’s not a lot of mention of the Natural Bridge Falls. We sort of stumbled upon it and were blown away.
The Natural Bridge Falls are located just a short distance from Emerald Lake and is well worth the stop.
There was a couple getting bridal photos taken while we were there and I was immediately convinced that there’s never been a more beautiful location for a bridal shoot. Ever.
The water is such a rich blue and the backdrop of thick pines makes this spot photogenic from any angle.
10. Where to take photos on the Columbia Icefield Parkway
The Columbia Icefield Parkway is rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world. This stretch of highway is a photographer’s dream.
Along the route you’ll find glaciers, waterfalls, rock formations, turquoise lakes, forests, and soaring mountain peaks that will take your breath away.
Listed below are the photo-op stops that can’t be missed.
They are listed in order of location from Banff to the Athabasca Glacier. Most stops are clearly signposted, but just check your GPS to make sure you don’t miss any.
11. Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Canadian Rockies. This glacier-fed lake is lesser known than it’s famous counterparts like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. However, it is still just as stunning.
The lake is fed by meltwater from Bow Glacier. Crowfoot Glacier is also located about a 1/2 mile south.
The peaks of Crowfoot Mountain can be seen reflected in calm early-morning water. The Bow River originates here at Bow Lake and continues to flow past Lake Louise and Banff.
12. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake was named after one of Banff’s early trail guides and trapper, Bill Peyto.
The summer is the best time to visit as significant amounts of glacial rock flour is deposited into the lake.
The result is a deep, vibrant turquoise color that gives off an illusion of unworldly beauty.
The best place to take photos of Peyto Lake is via a short trail that leads to Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.
13. Mistaya Canyon
Peyto Lake is the origin of the Mistaya River that flows through this narrow canyon.
Over thousands of years, this powerful cascading river has been slowly carving away at the canyon walls.
The result is an impressively deep canyon with sheer drop-offs to the roaring river below.
The water is still continually eroding and reshaping the landscape today. The magnitude and beauty of this geological wonder are astounding.
14. The Big Bend
Drones are not allowed in Banff or Jasper National Park, but if you’re craving an aerial view of the picturesque Columbia Icefields Parkway, then you’re in luck!
As you make your way along hairpin turns up to the Athabasca Glacier, you’ll come across the “Big Bend”. This scenic viewpoint overlooks the sprawling valley below.
There is a lookout point where you can safely pull over to take photos.
15. Athabasca Glacier
For a unique experience, book a Glacier Tour where you can walk on the actual glacier.
However, you don’t have to book a tour to enjoy the beauty. There is a trail that leads up near the foot of the glacier.
My favorite spot for a photo is actually before you walk up the trail. As you are walking up from the parking lot, you’ll see a little hill to the left that you can climb up for a great view.
As you’re heading back towards Banff after visiting the glacier, there is an amazing stretch of downhill road.
I made my husband pull over then keep a lookout as I ran and snapped this photo. That’s how much he loves me.
I don’t remember the exact location, but keep your eye out for it because it is a postcard-worthy snap! Or I should say Instagram-worthy since sadly no one sends postcards these days.
Use caution and common sense, as well as having someone on the lookout if you plan to attempt this shot.
So there you have it! This is by no means a complete guide, there are so many opportunities for incredible shots in this beautiful pocket of the world.
Hopefully, this will spark some inspiration and help you discover the best things to do in Banff and the best places to take photos!
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Sweet site, super design and style, rattling clean and utilise friendly.
Your photography is stunning!
Thank you, that really means a lot! Banff is such a gorgeous place to visit!
I love this post. We are planning to visit this summer with the family (nine-year-old and three-year-old). What was the timeframe of all of these pictures? How long / how many days did you do all of this in? Thanks for sharing these incredible tips! I want to do it all 🙂
Thanks Shannon! You are going to love visiting Banff, it is such an incredible place! We were there mid-June for 5 days. I was surprised how cold it was, the highs were in the 50’s but they said it was a little colder than usual for that time of year. We didn’t bring our kids on this trip so we were able to fit a lot into the 5 days. I do want to bring our kids back next time, I know they will love it, as will yours! Enjoy your trip!