Traveler Profile: Ashleigh, 36, USA
Location: Banff National Park
Time of Year: June
Traveler Goals: See the wildlife, see some of the world-renowned views, and hiking.
The unparalleled natural beauty of Banff National Park makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. It has towering mountains, beautiful lakes, and thick forests stretching as far as the eye could see. I knew I was in for an unforgettable day. With an itinerary that promised a little adventure, I began my day in Banff.
Fellow Traveler Tip: Banff’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes. Even in the summer, temperatures vary widely, and snow is possible year-round at higher elevations.
Morning at Moraine Lake
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maridav
I went to Moraine Lake, and for the first time, I took the Park & Ride Shuttle. I was grateful for the new regulations, which will help to preserve this natural wonder from overcrowding. As I was walking along the shoreline, I took the time to be mindful of the moment. I was genuinely stunned by the view of the mountain peaks reflecting on the glass surface of crystal-clear water.
Moraine Lake is a postcard-worthy landscape found in Banff National Park. The views were awe-inspiring, and despite the early hour, the lake was already alive, buzzing with the sound of wildlife and the rustling sounds of the blowing breeze. It was just how I had hoped to start my day in the Banff National Park. It set the perfect tone for the adventures that lay ahead.
Fellow Traveler Tip: Help preserve the natural beauty of Banff by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Canoe Ride in Lake Louise
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Robert Harding Video
After a short drive from Moraine, I reached my next stop, Lake Louise. Its turquoise waters shimmered under the morning sun. Though not as famous as Moraine Lake, its amazing scenery was still a sight to see and a picture to take. After renting a canoe from the Fairmont, I paddled out onto the waters of Lake Louise and relaxed in the peaceful surroundings. Gliding along, the mountain peaks were a stunning backdrop for photos that captured Banff’s natural beauty.
Fellow Traveler Tips: It helps to be aware of wildlife, weather conditions, and trail difficulty. Stay on marked trails for safety, and check trail conditions before venturing out.
Pause for a Scenic Picnic
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Margaret.Wiktor
After the canoe ride, I took a hike around Lake Louise, following trails with a complete view of the surrounding landscape. I love hiking in areas where the air feels different in your lungs.
I found an excellent spot to eat the little picnic I had packed. It didn’t take much to make it a good spot. All I needed was a place to unpack my backpack, so I found a flat rock on the edge of a clearing big enough for me to sit beside my bag. I made a custom trail mix myself with my favorite nuts, M&M’s, homemade granola, and dried fruits for this trip.
It was a light lunch, but still enough to recharge after all the activity. The walks were so breathtakingly beautiful that it was easy to forget I was still exercising. Banff is a great location for hiking. There was a hike for every skill level and adventure seeker.
White Table Cloth Dinner
Image Credit: Pexels / Gonzalo Acuña
After a day of outdoor exploration, I retreated to the 1888 Chop House Restaurant for a relaxing dinner. 1888 Chop House was built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. It was a very high-end restaurant with an amazing array of options for dry-aged beef. I got an Alberta Beef 60-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye, which was phenomenal. This steak blew me away. The red wine blend the waiter suggested as a pairing to my dinner perfectly complements the quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Key Takeaways
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lucky-photographer
Banff National Park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Enjoy the park’s trails and viewpoints to immerse yourself in nature.
Tourist Information: banff.ca
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