Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff in Alberta offers a sublime combination of rugged mountain beauty, pristine turquoise lakes, and luxurious wilderness experiences.
Day 1: Lakes, Mountains, and Alpine Magic
Morning: Sunrise at Lake Louise Start your day early at Lake Louise, about a 40-minute drive from Banff. This legendary glacial lake
Late Morning: Moraine Lake
Just 20 minutes from Lake Louise lies the equally famous (and arguably more dramatic) Moraine Lake, framed by the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Lunch: The Lake Louise Village or Fairmont Château
Grab a bite at the Trailhead Café in Lake Louise Village for sandwiches and local coffee, or splurge on a meal at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise overlooking the lake.
Day 2: Icefields, Wildlife, and Wilderness Wonders
Morning: Icefields Parkway and Bow Lake Take a drive along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N), one of the most scenic roads on the planet.
Midday: Columbia Icefield Adventure
Continue up the Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour or ride the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle.
Afternoon: Peyto Lake and Wildlife Watching
On your return trip to Banff, stop at Peyto Lake, a breathtaking wolf-shaped lake known for its bright blue color caused by glacial rock flour.