Top 5 places to visit in Banff, Alberta

Top 5 places to visit in Banff, Alberta

Wild rose country! Alberta is scenic, beautiful and captivating. A trip to this place will always be memorable and truly cherished for lifetime. There are many things you can do here, but I am listing top 5 for someone who is on a short vacation and wants to have it all in a short time span. These are the ones you will see on instagram and wonder where on earth is this! The ones, if you miss, your trip might be incomplete. And yes, for the mandatory touristy selfie thirst these places are perfect quencher.

1. Lake Minnewanka

I haven't seen water as pure and clean as this one. The lake is aptly called "Water of Spirits". After all, Lake Minnewanka is no less than heaven and this makes it perfect abode for souls who could not get first class ticket to heaven. This glacier lake is simply mesmerising.

The water is ice-cold even in summer so if you can't swim, you still enjoy the place by taking a cruise in the lake to immerse yourself in it's bewitching beauty and tranquility. Perfect soul food!

The cruise guide gives some knowledgeable info on lake's past. You also might get lucky to see some wildlife in action. We got to see some big horn sheep and the captain was kind enough to steer it near the shore where they had come for feeding. Highly recommended👍

If you are into canoeing and kayaking, boat rentals are available. Hikers can hike around the rocky shores soaking their souls into the spectacular view. The beautiful Aspen tress around makes the hike even more enchanting.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

2.  Lake Louise

Instagram's favourite! To know why, just google the images of this place. Be sure to go early in summer as it is flocked with tourists trying to capture its beauty through lense. This lake is truly majestic. Famous for its turquoise blue water, which gets its colour from rock flour that gets suspended in the water as the glacier melts. The luxury resort on its shore, Fairmont Chateau adds to its beauty.

Boat rentals are available so one can go for activities like canoeing to get closer view of  breathtaking Victoria glacier. If you are a hiker, you can also go for shoreline trail which offers amazing view.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

3. Ice field parkway and Columbia ice fields

The drive to Icefield parkway is so scenic that it is an added bonus to visit Columbia Icefield, it is an attraction in itself and quite famous for its views. You may get to see some wildlife. Actually if you are in Banff, you can see wildlife anywhere. Columbia ice field is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. You get to travel in a massive ice explorer that are used in Antarctica for expeditions. The explorer with giant tires makes its way through steep slope which is a thrilling experience worth every penny paid. You also get to see the close view of dangerous crevasses. As you reach Athabasca glacier you can have fun exploring the craggy old ice age glacier. The view is truly fascinating. 

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

Athabasca Icefield

4.  Glacier skywalk

Glacier skywalk is quite close to Icefield. The glass floored skywalk provides the real feel of Canadian Rockies with some adrenaline kicks. As you step on glass floor at the cliff edge above 918 foot over Sunwapta Valley , you get an amazing view of the wonders of nature.

I think I have actually ran out of words to describe natural beauty of this memorable trip. Hope this picture gives somewhat if not the complete picture of the skywalk.

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk

5. Moraine Lake

Glacier-fed bluish-green lake surrounded by mountains, seems almost unreal. You can hike, rent a canoe or just sit and enjoy the stunning view that nature has to offer. 

~Ren