My Top 7 Banff Experiences

Banff is like something out of a Hallmark movie. A quaint town, towering mountains, thunderous waterfalls and vibrant turquoise lakes. It’s the kind of place where everything seems almost too perfect to be true. The town offers an incredible array of experiences, and I’m excited to share the most unforgettable and special moments from my time there.

Starting from number 7 and working my way to number 1, these are the experiences that left me speechless, with tears in my eyes and awe in my heart. The moments when I felt both infinitesimally small and deeply connected to the vast, breathtaking beauty of this world. So, come relive these experiences with me and lets explore the magic of Banff together.

Seeing Three Bears While on The Lake Louise Gondola

Seeing bears in the wild is a bucket list item for many people – and as a New Zealander, whose country’s largest animal is the elk (or wapiti), it was right at the top of mine.

On a beautiful, sunny day in mid-July, we took the Lake Louise Gondola up the mountain to hike to Kicking Horse Viewpoint. The lower mountain trails were closed due to an active wildlife corridor – our first hint that a bear sighting might be possible (not to mention the fact that the resort literally advertises “see bears from the chairs” on their website!).

Thinking little of it, we rode the chairlift up to the upper mountain, where hiking trails were open. We passed through the safety gates and made our way to Kicking Horse Viewpoint, with me half-joking the whole time about hoping to see a bear. No sightings on our hike – fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective – but the views at the top were absolutely stunning.

After a quick bite to eat, we headed back to the chairlift for the ride down. Just as we were about to board, the lift operator casually mentioned that a couple of grizzlies had been spotted nearby so we should keep our eyes peeled!

Buzzing with anticipation, we kept watch from our chair until we came to a clearing, where three beautiful grizzlies were foraging among the wildflowers. Each was a different shade, and it was truly an unforgettable moment. We were thrilled to see them – especially from a safe distance!

Johnston Canyon

Known as one of the most popular hikes in Banff – if not the most popular – Johnston Canyon is an experience not to be missed. Back home I’m used to hikes with mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, but a canyon and waterfalls? That was something new, and I knew before even arriving that I had to see it for myself.

In summer, Johnston Canyon feels like a waterfall oasis tucked inside dramatic rock walls – a true walk in heaven. The lower falls can be viewed from a bridge, or, if you’re patient, you can pass through a small cave for a closer look. To avoid long waits, I’d recommend getting there early. The upper falls also feature two viewpoints: one at the base and another from above. In winter, when the water freezes, the upper falls transform into a playground for ice climbers.

Continue past the upper falls and you’ll reach the Ink Pots – brilliant pools of blue and green that feel like a hidden reward at the end of the trail. In my opinion, if you’ve made it through Johnston Canyon, it’s worth going the extra distance to see them.

This hike quickly became one of my favourites in Banff National Park. The way the trail changes with the seasons makes each visit feel like an entirely new adventure.

Larch Valley Hike

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Canada. The air turns crisp, the leaves shift into fiery shades of red and gold, and for a few short weeks, the larch trees put on their spectacular display. Unlike evergreens, larches are conifers that lose their needles each year, and before they do, they turn a brilliant golden yellow – transforming entire valleys into glowing forests.

One of the best places in the country to experience this phenomenon is Larch Valley. I was lucky enough that my work organization had arranged a shuttle specifically for this hike, but normally you can reach the trailhead by taking a Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake.

The hike begins with a series of steep switchbacks, but each turn rewards you with sneak peeks of the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake glimmering below. As we climbed higher, the forest slowly began to change – the dark green of evergreens giving way to the vibrant yellows of the larches. By the time we reached the valley, it was clear we had stepped into something magical. Golden trees stretched out in every direction, glowing in the autumn light, their colours bouncing off the surrounding peaks.

Being there felt like stepping into a cheerful, whimsical version of a Halloween movie – bright, glowing, and full of life. For me, Larch Valley wasn’t just a hike, it was a celebration of the season, a fleeting moment in nature’s calendar that feels all the more special because it doesn’t last long.

Paradise Valley to Giant Steps

Paradise Valley to Giant Steps is one of those hidden-gem hikes – slightly harder to access, but absolutely worth the effort. A friend first told me about it, and after seeing photos I knew I had to go. Once we’d sorted out the trailhead, we set off early on a mid-week morning. The sunrise was stunning, and I already had a feeling it would be an incredible day. Because the trail is less popular, we only encountered two other people the entire time, making the experience feel wonderfully remote.

After about an hour, we reached Annette Lake. With fresh snowfall, still reflections on the water, and towering peaks all around, it was pure tranquility. A Steller’s Jay even followed us as we enjoyed a snack by the shore. For a moment, it felt like we had the whole world to ourselves.

Though we debated turning back – since one of us had forgotten their crampons and the snow was deep – we decided to push on until it became unsafe. I’m so glad we did. Beyond the lake, the trail wound through forest before opening into a vast valley. Off in the distance, we spotted the waterfall, and excitement carried us forward as we trudged through knee-deep powder.

Eventually, we reached the junction to Sentinel Pass and Giant Steps, and turned right downhill. About 30 minutes later, we arrived at our destination: the Giant Steps waterfall. True to its name, the water cascades over massive rock tiers that look like steps for a giant.

This hike was unforgettable – from the solitude to the serene beauty of each stop along the way. Paradise Valley to Giant Steps will forever be one of my top experiences in the Rockies.

Overlooking Lake Louise from Big Beehive

You’ve probably seen the famous photos of this hike – that stunning bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise from above. This trail is where you’ll find it, and the journey to get there is just as memorable as the view itself.

Our group started early in the morning, hoping to secure parking at the lake. The adventure began even before the trail: we spotted a massive elk strolling through town, and then watched a bear dash across the road near Lake Louise. By the time we reached the lake, the sun was just rising – an incredible way to begin the day.

The trail climbs steadily, with the first stop at Mirror Lake. True to its name, the glassy water reflects its surroundings perfectly, making it the ideal spot for a short break. From there, you can choose your route to the Lake Agnes Tea House. We took the path to the right, detouring to Little Beehive before tackling the bigger climb. That choice was well worth it – Little Beehive offers what I consider are some of the best views (and most photo-worthy angles) of Lake Louise.

After soaking it in, we continued on to Lake Agnes Tea House for a quick pause before facing the toughest stretch: the switchbacks up to Big Beehive. I’ve done a lot of hikes, but this was easily one of the hardest climbs I’ve ever tackled. Endless switchbacks and constant uphill – but strangely, I loved it. And the payoff was extraordinary.

From the top of Big Beehive, the view over Lake Louise is nothing short of breathtaking. My only regret? Not starting even earlier to catch the sunrise from up there.

Sunrise at Moraine Lake

This was one of those bucket-list experiences I dreamed about long before I ever set foot in Canada. I’d seen that iconic image of Moraine Lake – the turquoise water framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks – on a desktop screensaver, and I knew I had to witness it with my own eyes.

I had visited Moraine Lake before, and it instantly became my favourite of all the lakes. But this time I wanted to see her at dawn, bathed in the first light of day. My best friend and I booked a sunrise shuttle with Via Via Moraine Lake. Armed with blankets and steaming hot chocolate, we climbed the rockpile and found the perfect spot to wait for the sun to rise.

Even before the light touched the peaks, the lake shimmered with an otherworldly beauty. But when the first rays of sun broke over the mountains and the alpenglow lit up the Valley of the Ten Peaks, I was speechless. The colours shifted from soft pinks to fiery oranges, mirrored perfectly in the water below. Photos will always look incredible, but they can never fully capture the magic of being there in person.

It’s the kind of moment that lingers long after you leave. If anything, I wish I had done it more often – returned for different mornings, different skies, different moods of the mountains. Watching sunrise at Moraine Lake was worth every single dollar, and then some.

Witnessing the Northern Lights

Coming from New Zealand, the Aurora (whether the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis, or the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis) has always felt like something out of a dream. It’s the kind of experience that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially for us, as the aurora rarely graces our skies. For years, this has been at the top of my bucket list, and when I finally booked my journey to Banff, I knew it was my best chance to witness this wonder.

As luck would have it, the stars aligned – or perhaps I should say the skies – blessing me with not just one, but several chances to experience the Aurora during my time in Banff. But there was one night that far surpassed the rest.

At 7.59pm on the 10^th October 2024, the sky begun to come alive. I was working at the summit of the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain that evening – arguably the best place to be when this occurred – when hues of purple, pink and green started to emerge over Sansons Peak. They were so vivid, so intense, that the colours were visible even to the naked eye. As the minutes passed, the entire sky seemed to ignite, with a cascade of rainbow colours spilling over Mount Rundle. The shades deepened, becoming more brilliant, until finally, the vibrant greens of the Aurora danced above the peaks of Cascade Mountain and over the town of Banff itself. Streaks of green melted into shades of pink, swirling in mesmerizing patterns that shifted and changed with every passing second. It felt as though the sky was alive, constantly evolving. And this show didn’t stop until the early hours of the morning.

When my shift ended, I headed into town, stopping atop the Banff Pedestrian Bridge, to continue watching the spectacle. That’s when the sky began to pulse. Flashes of green streaked across the heavens like ribbons being pulled through the air – alive and moving in a way I’d never imagined. Lightning of colours blazed across the sky, sometimes looking like branches or a even butterfly.

This night remains etched in my mind, and even now, I get emotional when I think back to it. Without a doubt, it has been the most profound experience of my life – and I can only hope that I’ll be fortunate enough to witness the beauty of the Aurora again someday.

Banff is one of those rare places that truly has it all – towering peaks, turquoise lakes, hidden valleys, and trails that surprise you at every turn. These seven experiences only scratch the surface of what the park has to offer, but each one left me with memories I’ll carry forever. Whether it was standing in awe at a sunrise, hiking through golden larch forests, or discovering a waterfall with no one else around, Banff reminded me time and again just how special this corner of the world is.

These are my top Banff experiences, but I know everyone’s journey is unique. I’d love to hear about yours – what moments in Banff took your breath away, or what hikes and adventures are at the top of your list?

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