The Best Photo Spots in Banff National Park

Famous for its turquoise lakes and majestic mountains peaks, Banff National Park is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or a camera phone, there are so many incredible photo spots in Banff where you can capture the park’s rugged beauty. I’ve been to the park six times in the past five years and have explored a lot of Banff’s most photogenic spots.

In this post, I’m sharing my favourite photo spots in Banff National Park, including some suggestions on the best time to go and how to get there. I’ll also share some useful photography tips that I’ve picked up over the years, including lighting considerations, camera settings, and gear recommendations. Let’s dive in!

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I’ve been to Banff in every season now and can honestly say, it’s a magical place to visit and photograph all year round. Each season offers a unique experience and it’s incredible how different the same places look throughout the year. Most of the best photo spots in Banff are accessible all year; however, some of them do look more spectacular at certain times of the year. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect in each season:

Spring

The lakes are just beginning to thaw and many will still be partially frozen until at least May or June depending on the weather. It’s a lovely time to visit if you want to capture Banff between seasons. Most of the main attractions will be open but the road to Moraine Lake will likely be closed until June. There will still be quite a bit of snow on the ground at higher elevations.

Summer

If you want to see the turquoise lakes you should aim to go between July and September. However, be prepared for crowds as these lakes attract visitors from all over the world. Accommodation will also be more expensive and often gets booked up in advance.

Fall

At the end of September, the larches are starting to turn golden which is a beautiful sight. The lakes are still vibrant shades of blue and the crowds are starting to ease. This is personally my favourite time to visit as the temperatures are cooler than summer but still very pleasant for hiking.

Winter

Banff becomes a beautiful winter wonderland from November to May. However, the icy conditions and the risk of avalanches means that many roads and hiking trails are closed. The road to Moraine Lake closed end of October and doesn’t open again until June. This is my second favourite time to visit as I love seeing the frozen lakes and waterfalls. Travelling in winter requires extra planning. I have a whole blog post about planning a winter trip to Banff which covers everything you need to know, including driving conditions, what to pack, and seasonal closures.

If you’re trying to decide when to visit the park, have a look at my summer/ fall and winter guides. These will give you a good idea of the things you can do and see in each season.

How to get to Banff

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest airport to Banff. The national park is a 90 minute drive west of Calgary (140km or 87 miles) along the TransCanada Highway. Depending on where you are travelling from, you could also drive to Banff. We did a road trip from Vancouver to Banff a couple of years ago which was really fun. However, if you’re travelling in the winter months I would recommend flying to Calgary and hiring a car. If you decide to rent a car and drive you’ll need to purchase a Parks Pass to enter the park. 

HIRING A CAR 

Banff National Park covers 6,641 square kilometres of beautiful scenery. If you want to explore some of the remote parts of the park then you’ll need to hire a car to get to these places. I personally use Auto Europe as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider.

Public transport

There are several companies that offer private shuttle bus transfers from Calgary International Airport to Banff but Banff Aiporter and Brewster Express are my top choices:

• The Banff Airporter Shuttle is a year-round service that typically runs every hour and takes you directly from the Calgary airport to Canmore and Banff. It usually takes just under 2 hours depending on the road conditions. The shuttle drops off at the Coast Hotel in Canmore and at most of the main hotels and lodges in Banff. A one-way ticket costs $77.99 for adults and $38.99 for children aged 6 to 17. A return ticket costs $155.98 for adults and $77.99 for children.
• I’ve used Brewster Express on a few trips and have been very impressed with how comfortable their shuttle buses are. The shuttles run all year round but they have a reduced schedule in winter and only connect Calgary to Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. The cost is $79 for a one-way ticket or $144 for a return for adults and $36 one-way and $62 return for children. 

How to get around Banff

Due to the size of the park, the easiest way to get around Banff is by car. However, with some careful planning you can get around using public transport alone. I’ve added information on how to get to the best photo spots in Banff below but I also have a detailed blog post which covers how to explore Banff and Jasper using public transport.

Here is a quick summary of the ones you may want to use:

ROUTE 1: SULPHUR MOUNTAIN (ALL YEAR)

This route is open all year and takes you to Banff Hot Springs and the Banff gondola.

ROUTE 2: TUNNEL MOUNTAIN (ALL YEAR)

This service runs between Tunnel Mountain campgrounds, downtown Banff and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. 

ROUTE 3: CANMORE/ BANFF REGIONAL (ALL YEAR)

This service runs between Banff and Canmore regularly each day and stops at a number of places along the way.

ROUTE 4: CAVE AND BASIN (SEASONAL – SUMMER)

This route runs daily from mid-June to mid-September. There is a limited weekend service from mid-May to mid-June.

ROUTE 5: CANMORE LOCAL

This is a local bus service around Canmore and is very handy if you want to visit the Three Sisters.

ROUTE 6: LAKE MINNEWANKA (SEASONAL – SUMMER)

This service starts on mid-May and runs 7 days a week until mid-September. The service stops at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake.

ROUTE 7: BANFF CENTRE (CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

The Banff Centre bus route connects Banff town centre to the Banff Centre for Arts and creativity. It has been cancelled until further notice but check their page for updates as it may resume this year.

ROUTE 8X: BANFF TO LAKE LOUISE SHUTTLE (ALL YEAR)

Roam Public Transit runs a daily, year-round service from Banff to Lake Louise. This express shuttle bus departs from Banff High School Transit Hub and travels directly to Lake Louise Village and lakeshore. There are 7 daily services during the winter season but this doubles in summer. I recommend booking in advance to make sure you get seats on your preferred service.

ROUTE 8S: LAKE LOUISE SCENIC (SEASONAL – SUMMER)

From May to September, there is an additional service from downtown Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway. This scenic route takes longer than the express service but stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Junction, and Baker Creek.

ROUTE 9: BANFF TO JOHNSTON CANYON SHUTTLE (ALL YEAR)

This service now runs all year round. From October to May, this service only operates on Saturdays and Sundays (in summer, it’s a daily service). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the canyon and costs $5 for a round trip (free for children 12 and under). Again, I recommend booking tickets in advance for this route.

The best photo spots in Banff National Park

There are so many beautiful and iconic sights to photograph so I’ve compiled a list of the best photo spots in Banff to help you plan your own trip (updated for 2023). These spots are accessible all year round, with the exception of Moraine Lake and Larch Valley as the road to get to them closes in November and opens again in June.

At the end of the guide you’ll find a map with all of the places listed here. To save the map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in Google Maps.

1. Banff Avenue

If you’ve seen photos of Banff, it’s likely that you’ve seen the iconic shot of Banff Avenue with the imposing Cascade Mountain towering at the end of the street. It’s one of my favourite photo spots in Banff, especially in winter when the mountain is dusted in snow.

The best time to go is first thing in the morning before the shops open, when the light is soft and there aren’t many cars or crowds of people. It’s also a great place for night photography as you can capture some stunning light trails from the cars passing on both sides of the avenue.

How to get there:

Banff Avenue runs through the heart of the town so if you’re staying close by you can easily walk to this photography spot.

2. Lake Louise

The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes, none more famous than Lake Louise. With its shimmering turquoise water and soaring mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is a photographer’s paradise all year round. In winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a winter wonderland. People go skating and there are often huge ice castles and sculptures on the lake shore. In summer the rock flour from the melting glaciers gives the lake its famous colour.

There are plenty of photo opportunities. Stand at the dock and get some shots of Victoria Glacier and the pretty boathouse with the iconic red canoes. Afterwards, walk around the shoreline to get a lovely view of the fairy tale Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. If you have time, rent a canoe and paddle out on the lake for a different perspective.

One of the most magical things about Lake Louise is that the colour of the water changes depending on the weather and time of day. Sometimes it’s a pretty milky green, whilst other times it’s a brilliant shade of blue. My favourite time to photograph Lake Louise is at sunrise as you often get the beautiful alpen glow on the mountains behind the lake. Early morning is also a lovely time as you can capture the beautiful blue water before the sun gets too high.

How to get there:

Take the Trans Canada highway and get off at Lake Louise. Drive up Lake Louise Drive until you reach the end of the road where you’ll see the entrance to the car parks. In the summer months, parking fills up very quickly. Now that Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles, I imagine even more people will try and go to Lake Louise for sunrise so parking will be challenging in 2023. I would recommend using the shuttles from Banff (route 8S and 8X) or booking the Park & Ride shuttle bus.

3. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the most famous Icefields Parkway stops. The lake is renowned for its brilliant aqua colour created by the melt water from the Wapta Glacier. It’s a short walk uphill from the car park to the viewing platform where you can get some beautiful photos of the lake. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the viewing platform. If you’re travelling in winter, you may need snow shoes as the snow is very deep and your feet can easily fall through.

The best time to photograph Peyto Lake is first thing in the morning as the sun rises or just before the sun sets. We went late afternoon (around 4pm) and the light was nice and soft but we were too early for the golden glow. If you’re travelling to Banff in October, you may even be lucky enough to see Peyto after the first snowfall. It’s a beautiful sight as the surrounding trees are covered in snow, but the lake isn’t frozen yet so the blue pops against the white landscape.

How to get there:

Peyto Lake is located along the Icefields Parkway. If you’re driving from Banff/ Lake Louise, it will be on your left hand side. The turning comes up quite quickly after Bow Lake so keep your eyes peeled for signs to ‘Peyto Lake/ Bow Summit’.

If you are travelling without a car, there are a number of tours you can book which include a stop at Peyto Lake. I recommend the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway tour. It’s a full-day sightseeing tour that will take you to Lake Louise, and then up the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, before dropping you back at your hotel. Unlike some tours, this one runs all year round so you can see some incredible spots on this Icefields Parkway itinerary regardless of when you visit. I normally book my tours through Viator or Get Your Guide as you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your tour if your plans change.

4. Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is another stunning lake in Banff National Park. Moraine and Lake Louise tend to steal the limelight but Two Jack Lake is actually one of my favoruite photo spots in Banff. It might not have the vibrant blue hues like other glacial-fed lakes but it’s still incredibly picturesque and has gorgeous views of Mount Rundle. The water is usually very still so you’ll often get picture perfect reflections of Mount Rundle in the water.

The best time to visit is for sunrise or sunset as the light hits Rundle perfectly. I’ve been for sunrise a few times and the conditions have been perfect and we even got a pretty alpen glow. The lake usually begins to freeze over in December and remains frozen until the end of May when it starts to thaw.

How to get there:

Two Jack is just a short drive from Banff town on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road. Before you reach Lake Minnewanka, you’ll see a pull off for Two Jack Lake. If you don’t have a car and are travelling in summer, you can take the Roam Transit Route 6 bus to the lake.

5. Moraine Lake

I couldn’t write about the best photo spots in Banff and not include Moraine Lake. Known for its vivid turquoise blue water, Moraine Lake is one of Canada’s most iconic sights. The lake is surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks which makes for some beautiful photos. Its bright waters and snow-capped mountain peaks create a scene that’s almost too beautiful to be real.

Walk along the shoreline or wander up the rock pile trail to get to the viewpoint where most of the famous shots of Moraine Lake are taken from. The best time to visit is sunrise or in the day when the water is most vivid. You can only photograph Moraine Lake in the summer as the road is closed from mid-October until late May or early June due to avalanche risk.

How to get there:

As of 2023, Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles so you are no longer able to drive to the lake. Instead, you’ll have to book a Parks Canada shuttles or use Roam Public Transit. You can find more information on Parks Canada’s website.

6. Larch Valley

If you’re visiting Banff at the end of September or early October, add this photography spot to your list. The trail head starts from Moraine Lake and will take you up a number of switchbacks to Larch Valley and Minnestimma Lakes. It’s 4.3 km one way with a 535 m elevation gain but it’s worth it to see this seasonal wonder.

 The best time to hike Larch Valley is usually during the last two weeks of September when the larch needles are a vibrant shade of golden yellow. However, it varies each year and when we went in 2022, they peaked during the first week of October.

How to get there:

The trail starts from Moraine Lake so you’ll have to book a Parks Canada shuttles or use Roam Public Transit. You can find more information on Parks Canada’s website.

7. Bow Falls

About 500 metres from the town, Bow River plunges into a rushing waterfall. Although the drop is only 9 metres at its highest point, Bow Falls is a dramatic sight, especially in early spring when the snow has just melted and the water levels are at their highest.

On the west side, you’ll get a wonderful view of the waterfall crashing over the rocks; while on the east side, you can look out over the rapids toward the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. This is known as Surprise Corner and is one of the prettiest photo spots in Banff.

How to get there:

There is a parking lot next to the falls where you can park and walk along the trail to the roaring rapids. If you prefer to walk, the waterfall is only a short stroll from Banff Avenue. There are paved trails on either side of the river which lead to two beautiful viewpoints where you can admire the rushing white water of Bow Falls.

8. Surprise Corner

There aren’t any signs leading to this beautiful spot, but you’ll know you’ve reached it when the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel suddenly comes into view. This spectacular and surprising viewpoint is where most of the famous photos of the ‘Castle of the Rockies’ have been taken. It’s an incredibly picturesque spot with Bow River in the foreground and Sulphur Mountain in the background.

The best time to go is late morning or late afternoon when the light is at its best. Nighttime is another great time to photograph Surprise Corner as you can see the hotel lit up. It’s also a stunning sight in winter when the trees and surrounding mountains are covered in snow.

How to get there:

The surprise corner viewpoint is right off of Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff. There is a small parking area just past the view point where you can park and walk back to the observation deck. You can also walk from the town along Bow River. You will have to walk along the road for the last part so just be careful and watch out for cars.

9. Little Beehive

While a lot of Banff’s best photo spots are easily accessible, a few of the most iconic views require some hiking. Little Beehive is one of my favourite hikes in Banff National Park. It starts from the edge of Lake Louise just past the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Along the way you’ll pass Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes (see below). When you reach the top you’ll get an amazing view looking down at the lake and the surrounding valleys.  
 
The trail is well maintained but there are some rooty and rocky patches so watch your footing. It’s uphill all the way and although it is quite a steady elevation gain for the most part there are some steeper sections. Make sure you pack lots of water, snacks, and wear a comfortable pair of hiking shoes with good grip.

The best time to visit this viewpoint is first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is not so high in the sky. It’s a popular sunrise spot but it does mean hiking up the trail in the dark. This area has a high concentration of Grizzly bears so I wouldn’t recommend doing this hike in the dark on your own. Aim to go with a large group, make lots of noise to alert bears to your presence so you don’t scare them, take bear spray, and read up on bear safety.

How to get there:

Take the Trans Canada highway and get off at Lake Louise and drive to the end of Lake Louise Drive. Alternatively, take one of the Roam Transit shuttles or book the Park & Ride shuttle bus.

10. Lake Agnes

In my opinion, Lake Agnes is one of Banff’s most underrated lakes. It’s a beautiful photography spot near Lake Louise. To get there, you have to hike up into the mountain but it’s worth the trek. We stopped at the lake after climbing up to Little Beehive in October 2022 and were left speechless. The jagged mountain peaks and larch trees made me think we’d stumled into the Italian Dolomites.
  
If you’re visiting Lake Louise, I highly recommend hiking up to see Lake Agnes. It’s an uphill climb but the views are gorgeous and there’s a cute tea house too!  The best time to visit is when the larches are out so you get that extra pop of colour.

How to get there:

Head to Lake Louise and walk around the shoreline until you see the signs leading to Lake Agnes and Little Beehive.

11. Hoodoos

If you continue up Tunnel Mountain Drive, you’ll find one of Banff’s natural wonders – the Hoodoos. These natural towers are rock formations that have eroded over time. There are a few viewing platforms where you can see these sandstone spires towering above the treeline. The backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, thick forest, and gushing river makes for some stunning photos.

The best time to photograph them is first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Once the sun is higher up in the sky, it causes quite a glare.

How to get there:

The main Hoodoos viewpoint is located near the entrance to Tunnel Mountain Village Campground. There is a big car park opposite the entrance to the campsite where you can park. You can also get the Roam Transit shuttle bus (route 2) from downtown Banff.

12. Lake Minnewanka

Named ‘Water of the Spirits’ by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake fed by the Cascade River. At 21km long, there are plenty of photo opportunities at Lake Minnewanka. From the picturesque boat house to the little islands dotted with trees, it’s a picturesque setting. You can rent boats, kayaks and canoes or you can book a cruise around the lake for more photo opportunities.

How to get there:

Take the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road from Banff all the way to the lake. You’ll pass Two Jack Lake along he way so you can visit both photography spots on the same day. If you don’t have a car and are travelling in summer, you can take the Roam Transit Route 6 bus to the lake.

13. Sulphur Mountain (Banff Gondola)

If you’re looking for the prettiest photo spots in Banff, the summit of Sulphur Mountain may arguably be one of the best ones. You can hike 5.5 km (3.4 miles) to the top or, if you prefer, you can take the gondola and reach the summit in 8 minutes. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views of the mountain ranges, Bow Valley, and the quaint town of Banff.

There are observation decks as well as a boardwalk where you can get some stunning photos, especially at sunset when the sun settles behind the mountains. Aim to visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch sunset. If you visit in the evening from December to March, you’ll get to experience Nightrise. This multimedia experience transforms the summit after dark through interactive lights, projections and sounds.

You can buy your tickets for the Banff Gondola in advance for $65 CAD per adult. I book most of my tours through Get Your Guide as you can book in cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date and get a full refund. The weather changes so quickly in the Canadian Rockies so having this flexibility always gives me peace of mind. 

How to get there:

The Banff Gondola is located at the base of Sulphur Mountain at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff. From Banff Avenue, travel south to the end and turn left after the bridge onto Spray Avenue. Stay right onto Mountain Avenue and follow that to the end where you’ll find the parking lot. You can also take Roam Transit Route 1 all year round.

14. Castle Mountain

Named for its imposing appearance, it’s easy to see why early explorers thought the mountain resembled a medieval castle. There are lots of places to see Castle Mountain but a popular photography spot is down by the river. It’s best seen first thing in the morning or at sunset and is even prettier in the winter when snow covers the river banks.

How to get there:

From Banff, it’s a short drive along Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll pass the parking lot for Johnston Canyon along the way so I’d recommend doing both stops on the same day. You’’ turn left on to Banff Windermere Highway and will approach a bridge. Just before the bridge, there is a turnoff on your right where you can park. From here, it’s just a short walk down to the river. You have to pass through a wildlife gate so please make sure you close it after entering and exiting.

15. Banff Hot Springs

Located not too far from Banff Gondola are the magical Banff Upper Hot Springs. A favourite among both visitors and locals, the hot springs are also one of the most enchanting photo spots in Banff. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day sightseeing, especially in winter when the snow is falling all around you.

When I went for work, we were lucky enough to rent out the hot springs for an hour before they opened. Watching the sun rise over the surrounding mountain peaks and light up the steam from the water is a beautiful scene to capture.

How to get there:

Banff Upper Hot Springs is on the way to Banff Gondola (see above). You can also take Roam Transit Route 1 all year round.

16. Vermillion Lakes

The Vermillion Lakes are a network of marshlands and vast lakes in the Bow Valley which offer incredible views of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. On a still day you can capture perfect reflections of the mountains in the lakes. It’s a lovely place to go for sunrise or sunset to watch the colours of the sky change whilst the sun’s rays illuminate the dramatic peaks. In winter, the lakes freeze over and you can get some pretty winter wonderland shots.

How to get there:

Take the exit off the highway and onto Mt. Norquay Road and then onto Vermilion Lakes road. Drive slow as there are always lots of bikers on this road. The lakes are on your left-hand side and there are plenty of pull-off points. 

17. Johnston Canyon

This dramatic canyon is one of my favourite photo spots in Banff National Park. The trail leads to the Lower Falls and then continues to the Upper Falls. It is 1.1 km (0.6 miles) to the Lower Falls and a further 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to the Upper Falls.

It’s a beautiful and accessible trail which leads you through the forest and over catwalks alongside the creeks, up into the canyon. There are lots of scenic viewpoints along the way so make sure you plan enough time to walk there and take everything in. In winter, the waterfalls freeze over creating a photogenic winter wonderland. The trail can be icy so make sure you have the appropriate gear. If you pop into Banff visitor centre and ask about hiring crampons they will give you a discount voucher for Snow Tips.

How to get there:

From Banff, drive north along the Bow Valley Parkway. The canyon is a 45-minute drive from Banff town centre and has ample parking. You can also take Roam Transit Route 9.

18. Bow Lake

Thirty minutes north of Lake Louise lies another of Banff’s most beautiful lakes, Bow Lake. It is located just off the Icefields Parkway at the base of Bow Summit.

On a calm day, you can see the mountains perfectly reflected in the lake’s aquamarine water which creates some fun photo opportunities. The lake is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park and is a lovely place for a picnic or short stop whilst driving the Icefields Parkway. There is a lovely bridge close to the Lodge at Bow Lake which is a popular photography spot.

How to get there:

Bow Lake is a 30 minute drive from Lake Louise. If you don’t have a car, you can join a tour which will take you to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. I recommend the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway tour. It’s a full-day sightseeing tour that will take you to Lake Louise, and then up the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, before dropping you back at your hotel.

Must-see photo spots near Banff

There is no shortage of beautiful photography spots in Banff but here are a couple more locations near the park that you should check out if you have time:

19. Three Sisters in Canmore

Canmore is a beautiful mountain town just outside of Banff. It’s not as touristy as Banff and is where a lot of the locals live. There are lots of great photography spots in Canmore but one of my favourites is the Three Sisters. Faith, Hope and Charity are the names of the individual peaks that make up Canmore’s iconic mountain range. These impressive mountain peaks can be seen throughout Canmore but you can walk down to the river for a better view.

20. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is only a 20 minute-drive from Lake Louise. Discovered back in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the lake was named after its emerald-coloured water. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain, Emerald Lake is a very picturesque spot.

It’s a beauitufl place to photography all year round. Aim to go first thing in the morning before the kayaks and canoes go out so you can take advantage of the calm water and reflections. Winter is also a magical time to visit the lake.

Location Details

You’ll find all of the places listed in this article on my map below. To save this map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in the Google Maps so you can easily find the best photo spots in Banff.

Where to stay in Banff

From hostels to hotels, there are plenty of options in Banff. Accommodation can be expensive and places tend to get booked up quickly so I would recommend booking as soon as you know your dates. 

Booking your trip: If you book your trip via my hotel links I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps me keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Steph.

Moose Hotel & Suites

Moose Hotel & Suites is located on Banff Avenue, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the heart of downtown. The rooms have beautiful views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and they even have rooftop hot pools with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.

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BANFF CARIBOU LODGE

Banff Caribou Lodge is located a bit further down Banff Avenue but is still only a 10 to 15 minute walk to all the shops and restaurants. It’s a beautiful hotel and features a full service spa with a hot pool, steam room and a gym. The hotel offers free WiFi and free passes for some of the bus routes.

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Samesun

If you’re travelling on a budget, there is a Samesum hostel on Banff Avenue in between Moose Hotel and Banff Caribou Lodge. They have a mix of 6 and 8-bed dorms, female only dorms, and private rooms. It’s a good option if you need a base to explore Banff and want to meet new people.

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Hidden Ridge Resort

Hidden Ridge Resort is tucked away on Tunnel Mountain but it’s only a 5 minute drive from Banff Avenue so you get the best of both worlds. Not only does it have the most beautiful views from the outdoor hot pools, but each condo has a full kitchen and wood burning fireplace. You can even get a s’mores kit from reception and enjoy them from the comfort of your own condo!

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Fairmont Banff Springs

For the ultimate Banff experience, book a stay at the luxury Fairmont Banff Springs, also known as the castle in the Rockies. It’s located on the other side of Banff near Bow River so it’s a lovely 30-minute walk to get to Banff Avenue.

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Final Thoughts on the best photo spots in Banff

There are so many beautiful photo spots in Banff National Park and every time I go back, I discover more! I hope you found this blog post useful and it helps you plan your own trip to Banff.

Where to explore next?

I absolutely love the Canadian Rockies and have been lucky enough to visit several times over the past three years. I normally visit both Banff and Jasper National Park on the same trip to make the most of my time in the Rockies. I’ve got summer and winter guides for Jasper if you’re thinking of visiting both parks. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Canadian Rockies, check out my detailed travel guides.

Love from Steph

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