In all of my travels, the Canadian Rockies is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever visited. Alberta really has it all – the lakes, the peaks, and the glaciers. Between Banff and Jasper National Parks (and the Icefields Parkway in-between), there are tons of amazing places to visit, especially for photography buffs and outdoor adventurers.
Want to daydream with me? Here are the five places you just can’t miss when traveling to Banff and Jasper National Parks.
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Lake Louise
A trip to Banff is not complete without a visit to Lake Louise. Its milky blue waters are famous worldwide. While you’re there, you can rent a canoe to go out onto the lake, or perhaps take a short hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. Lake Louise is also a great spot to watch the sunrise (it’s always packed with photographers for this reason!).
Moraine Lake
Just a short drive away from Lake Louise is the equally beautiful Moraine Lake. Instead of the milky qualities that Louise has, Moraine is a bright and reflective teal.
For the best view point, go up the trail to the top of the rock pile for a stunning panoramic shot of the lake and mountains. From above, the lake is even more blue than at ground level.
Athabasca Glacier
Along the drive to Jasper National Park from Banff, there are several great stops along the Icefields Parkway. The most famous of all is the Athabasca Glacier. If you have the time, the most popular thing to do is take a glacier hike out on the Columbia Icefield.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Peyto Lake is another beautiful bright blue lake in the Canadian Rockies. This one is right off of the Icefields Parkway. There is a stunning viewpoint over the lake that is just a short walk from the parking lot, so this is a great stop if you want a large payoff with little effort.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is another easy hike with a large reward. Dramatic canyon walls, pristine waterfalls, and a lush forest walk lead you to one of Banff’s most popular destinations.
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