Banff & Lake Louise | Canada's Alberta

World famous for a reason. Your Wild Side will be rewarded in the vibrant towns of Banff and Lake Louise, centrally located in Banff National Park.

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At a glance

Canadian Rockies
Closest airport: Calgary International Airport
Population: 7,847 (Banff) | 691 (Lake Louise)
Banff & Lake Louise Webcam
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Person with backpack and gear, backcountry skiing with mountains in the background.

Exhilarating outdoor activities

Camp. Hike. Ski. Paddleboard. Adventure among sprawling vistas and big skies—whatever your spirit’s craving, it’ll be satisfied.

Rugged scenery. Luxury living.

Lavish lodging, fine dining and high-end shopping round out the Banff and Lake Louise experience.

Tourist takes a picture inside a cave.

Authentic mountain heritage

Banff is Canada’s first National Park, steeped in First Nations history and alpine culture that combines conservation with exploration.

Banff Townsite

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is both an adventure hub and a cultural hotspot. Surrounded by majestic mountains in every direction, the town plays host to a venerable arts and culture scene along with abundant skiing, hiking and camping options.

Shop, wander museums and galleries or visit cultural centres right in town. Get to know the town’s history and diverse heritage, and better understand people that view the world a little differently.

From behind, a group of skiers and snowboarders walking down the street with the town and mountain emphasized in the background, located within Banff National Park. — Explore the picture perfect shops and streets of downtown Banff.

Two friends riding their bikes down Banff Avenue with the mountains in the background. — Peddle through town or venture further onto the trails of the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise Village

A breathtaking 45-minute drive from the Banff townsite brings you to the captivating turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the stunning Fairmont Château Lake Louise. This is Canada’s highest alpine community and the adventure destination of a lifetime.

Paddle across the glimmering lake or explore the surrounding trails on foot. In winter, Lake Louise Ski Resort delivers premier skiing and snowboarding with over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.

Aerial view of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise surrounded by mountains in Banff National Park. — Glide through the glassy turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

Couple enjoying drinks and food at the Fairview Lounge — Savour elegant plates and handcrafted cocktails from Fairview Bar & Restaurant.

One person pulling another while skating on Lake Louise with the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background.

Things to do

Challenge your expectations—and yourself—on the wild landscapes surrounding Banff and Lake Louise.

Banff Gondola

Let the gondola do the work, carrying you to the top of Sulphur Mountain for fine dining and patio drinks with a breathtaking view.

Lake Louise

Discover the lake from which a town based its name. Hike wooded trails, paddle across glacier-fed waters and fall in love with the Park’s crown jewel.

Johnston Canyon

Take a family-friendly hike along iron catwalks that cling to a limestone canyon towards an unforgettable waterfall.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake

Step into the Valley of Ten Peaks and experience this natural splendour by hiking around it or paddling across its tranquil waters.

Explore all things to do

Friends sitting at a bar enjoying some the food and drinks at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar in Banff.

Places to eat

Journey into the backcountry for tea, enjoy fine dining in majestic hotels or taste your way through downtown Banff.

Sky Bistro

Hop off the gondola at the top of Sulphur Mountain and be welcomed into Sky Bistro, where you’ll fill up on views, brews and delicious food.

Park Distillery

This is Canada’s first and only distillery located within a National Park. Stop in for a tour, a cocktail and a dining experience like no other.

Fairview Bar & Restaurant

An in-house bakery and carefully considered menu are the perfect end to any adventure among the mountains.

Eden at the Rimrock Hotel

Indulge in locally inspired fine dining with stunning scenery at this luxurious restaurant inside the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

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Woman looking out at the vantage point of the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park.

Places to stay

Backcountry chalets, castle-like hotels, welcoming bed and breakfasts and budget-friendly hostels dot the landscapes of Banff and Lake Louise.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Experience Canadian history and stay at Canada’s "Castle in the Rockies." Relax in the spa, enjoy world-class golfing and savour fine dining.

A view of the blue lake at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Settle on the shore of Lake Louise. Admire a panoramic mountain view during high tea or immerse yourself among the peaks.

Post Hotel & Spa

From warm rooms to quaint or lavish cabins, replenish yourself in this mountain escape with exquisite dining and a blissful spa.

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Stay just steps away from downtown and its local dining options, Canadian shopping experiences and infamous Banff nightlife.

Moose Hotel & Suites

Immerse yourself in the area’s art scene by taking in local art throughout the property or gaze on the stars from rooftop hot pools.

Mount Royal Hotel

Unwind between alpine escapades at a mountain-chic hotel with a library, museum and the Cascade Lounge restaurant.

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Choose your own adventure

Free your Wild Side upon the streets, streams and summits of Banff & Lake Louise.

3D Tour

3 Days

Rocky Mountain Bucket List

Make your way from Calgary to Jasper on the most scenic route through the Rocky Mountains.

A couple paddles across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

8 Days

Canadian Rockies & Urban City Summer Highlights

Explore cities and mountains on this 8-day scenic road trip that starts in Edmonton, takes you through the beautiful Rocky Mountains and finishes with exploring the best that Calgary has to offer.

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12 Days

Alberta Adventure

There’s nothing like an Alberta road trip. Travel from bustling cities to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, with plenty to discover in-between.

Car driving ice fields parkway

14 Days

Epic Alberta

Enjoy two exhilarating weeks in Alberta, exploring the mountains, lakes and wildlife in the Canadian Rockies, hiking, and getting to know Calgary and Edmonton.

Getting here

The towns of Banff and Lake Louise can both be accessed from the TransCanada Highway. The road is open year-round and well maintained. The closest international airport is in Calgary and a quick 1.5-hour drive from Banff National Park.

Stories from town

A couple canoeing at Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

4 min read

Step Into the Past in Banff National Park

Did you know Banff is Canada's first national park and full of fascinating history? Visit these beautiful historic sites to learn about the early days of the world-famous destination.

3 min read

You Need to Visit Alberta's Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No matter where you travel in Alberta, you won’t be far from one or more of the province’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – these amazing sites are well worth a visit.

A couple rides bikes on a path with a mountain and lake in the background.

6 min read

The Best Mountain Biking Trails and Bike Parks in Alberta

Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a hardcore mountain biking pro, you’ll find unforgettable mountain biking adventures for all skills levels, all across Alberta.

People riding a chairlift in the summer with views of the lodge building at Lake Louise

3 min read

Take a Cable to the Best Spots in the Canadian Rockies This Summer

You don’t need to sweat it out hiking or biking to reach a mountain summit. Sightseeing gondolas, trams and chairlifts whisk you to the top of the Canadian Rockies.