4 Days In Breathtaking Banff and Yoho National Parks

Banff National Park and Yoho National Park, both located in the Canadian Rockies and next to each other, provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration and appreciation of nature’s grandeur. Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and most known for the stunning Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Nearby, Yoho National Park, smaller yet equally majestic, offers spectacular views of rugged mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. Yoho’s highlights include the serene Emerald Lake and the impressive Takakkaw Falls. Both parks are dog friendly. Ariel and I spent 4 days in the area and enjoyed it a lot. The only inconvenience is that it’s very hard to find parking pretty much everywhere. So we had to start our days super early.

Day 1: Drive from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway

Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon, located in Banff National Park along the Icefields Parkway, is a stunning geological formation carved by the Mistaya River. It’s known for its deep, narrow chasms and smooth limestone walls, sculpted over centuries by the erosive force of glacial waters. The 0.7-mile easy Mistaya Canyon Waterfall Trail brings you from the parking lot to a series of viewing platforms where you can safely observe the river as it swirls and rushes through the gorge. The area around the canyon is lush with forest. It’s a hidden gem in my opinion because it’s less known and less crowded. You will be able to enjoy some peaceful time here.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a stunning glacial-fed lake renowned for its vibrant turquoise color, which is a result of rock flour carried into the lake by meltwater from the nearby Peyto Glacier. Quietly sitting in a sweeping valley surrounded by mountains and dense forests, Peyto Lake is a photographer’s dream and a must-visit for those seeking the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

The lake is easily accessible via the Icefields Parkway and best viewed from Bow Summit, the highest point on the parkway. I highly recommend the 4.2-mile Bow Summit Viewpoint Trail which leads you through dense forests to the best viewpoint. If you don’t have the time or energy to do the 941ft climb, you can take the Peyto Lake Panorama View trail, like we did. It’s a short and easy hike from the parking lot to a viewing platform, where you can get breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is accessible directly from the Icefields Parkway. This serene and picturesque lake is most known for its tranquil blue waters. The backdrop of the Canadian Rockies including the Wapta Icefield and Bow Glacier is equally stunning. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the lake’s shores or more challenging hikes in the surrounding area.

Town of Banff

The town of Banff, the main commercial center in Banff National Park, is a picturesque and vibrant community known for its stunning natural surroundings and diverse tourist amenities. Its main avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. The town is also a gateway to numerous outdoor activities, as it’s surrounded by majestic peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Riding the Banff Gondola is a popular activity among tourists. It offers a breathtaking journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, providing unparalleled panoramic views of Banff National Park and its surrounding landscapes. However, unlike the Jasper SkyTram, the Banff Gondola is not dog friendly. 

Hiking the Tunnel Mountain Summit trail also treats you to spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, verdant valleys, and beautiful lakes. However, driving around the town can be difficult given the heavy traffic. So I highly recommend you park at one location and walk or bike around.

Lake Minewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park. It’s a magnificent glacial lake known for its deep blue waters and scenic mountain surroundings. Located just a short drive from the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a popular hub for various outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail offers several stunning viewpoints along the lakeshore. In addition, the Stewart Canyon Trail is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a short, scenic hike around the lake. It begins near the Lake Minnewanka parking area and follows the northern shore of the lake for a short distance before reaching the mouth of Stewart Canyon where the Cascade River empties into Lake Minnewanka. On the trail, you will be treated to rugged canyon walls, the rushing Cascade River and the surrounding forests.

Day 2: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in Banff National Park. They are must-sees. However, given their popularity, there’re access restrictions and you have to plan ahead. The good news is that there are many dog-friendly shuttle companies that provide pick-up and drop-off services to these lakes so that you can save the hustle of driving and parking. I used Fairview Limousine and was quite happy about its service. 

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters. The color magically varies depending on the direction of sunlight. Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lake’s setting is also dramatically beautiful and photogenic. You can’t drive to Moraine Lake by yourself. The lake is now accessible by shuttles only. At least that was the case for 2023. 

Sunrise at Moraine Lake

Watching sunrise at Moraine Lake was on my bucket list and I checked it off this summer. Ariel and I took the Fairview Limousine shuttle at 5:30am from the Lake Louise Inn. It took about 30 minutes to get to the lake. We hiked in complete darkness on the popular Rockpile Trail until we reached arguably the most famous and photographed spot in Banff National Park and sat waiting for the sunrise. Unfortunately, we went on a cloudy day and didn’t really see the sun coming out. But it was still magical to witness the lake turning from dark purple to vivid blue as the sky was brightening up.

My tips for the sunrise experience is to wear in layers and bring a blanket that you can sit on, in addition to wearing proper clothes and shoes for hiking. Even though we went in August, it was freezing early in the morning. Also bring some water and food as the cafe and gift shop aren’t open until 9am.

Hiking around Moraine Lake

Afterwards, we hiked the shoreline trail. This easy, flat trail runs along the edge of the lake and offers stunning views of the water and mountains. It’s perfect for a leisurely and peaceful stroll early in the morning. There are many other beautiful hiking trails around the lake such as the Larch Valley Trail and Sentinel Pass. You could also rent a canoe and paddle on the lake. But note the canoes are not dog friendly.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is famous for its emerald green waters and is set against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier. The lake is bigger than Moraine Lake and provides more amenities, including the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can drive your own car to Lake Louise. However, the parking lot will be filled up before sunrise. So I recommend riding shuttles.

Hiking around Lake Louise

It was rainy when Ariel and I visited. But we were prepared and the rain didn’t stop us from having fun. If you are into hiking like us, there are many great options around the lake. The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail is a flat walk along the shoreline of Lake Louise, allowing for up-close appreciation of the lake’s beauty. However, it’s a bit crowded.

Ariel and I took the Big Beehive Trail. It was a bit hard, about 6.7 miles long and over 2,000ft in elevation. But the view was great even on a rainy. We bypassed the Mirror Lake, Lake Anges, the famous teahouse, and ultimately the Big Beehive summit. The overlook of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountainous landscape were spectacular. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is another popular option which is about 9 miles long. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Louise and the impressive Victoria Glacier. The path then leads into a valley surrounded by towering peaks and the glaciers that give the trail its name.

Other Activities at Lake Louise

Another iconic activity at Lake Louise is canoeing. Paddling on the tranquil, emerald waters with a backdrop of majestic mountains is a truly unforgettable experience. However, the canoe rentals are not dog friendly. If you have more time and budget, dining at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a delightful and elegant experience. Its afternoon tea is particularly popular. However, it requires booking in advance and not dog friendly. 

Day 3: Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is one of the most stunning and picturesque destinations in Yoho National Park. The lake is truly a natural wonder best known for its vibrant, emerald-green waters. With the stunning mountainous backdrop and lush forests, it creates a serene and photogenic setting.

The easy 3.2-mile Emerald Lake Loop winds around the lake and offers a serene walk through a lush forest. It has occasional openings for picturesque views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Ariel and I opted for the canoeing experience as the rentals are dog friendly for well-behaved dogs under 50 lbs. It was such a relaxing experience allowing us to immerse in the tranquil beauty. 

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a striking natural rock formation carved over millennia by the sculpting forces of water. It’s a must-visit spot in Yoho National Park. This geological wonder is located on the Kicking Horse River. The river, flowing down from glacial peaks, has eroded the softer rock underneath the harder limestone, creating a natural bridge-like structure. At the site, there are viewing platforms and interpretive signage that requires minimal walking from the parking lot. You can safely marvel at how the river forcefully rushes through the narrow, carved channels in the rock.

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. Fed by the Daly Glacier, the falls plunge a staggering 1,224 feet in total, with a free fall of 833 feet. The name “Takakkaw” translates to “magnificent” in Cree, a fitting description for this awe-inspiring natural wonder. 

The drive to the falls is not easy for big vehicles due to the narrow roads, steep climbs, and sharp turns. I had to back up my 23ft Class C twice at one of the turns. Some bigger rigs had to block the traffic as they turned. From the parking lot, we could already see the upper half of the falls and hear the thundering sound of the rushing water. We walked the 1.1-mile Takakkaw Falls Trail along the Yoho River to get to the falls. The volume of water crashing down created a misty ambiance and even two rainbows under the sun. It was spectacular, magical and beyond any words. It was one of my favorite scenes on this roadtrip. At the foot of the falls, we were all wet and couldn’t hear anything but the roaring sound of this natural wonder. 

Day 4: Johnston Canyon and Heading to Calgary

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is a popular destination for its cascading waterfalls, deep pools, and limestone canyon walls. It offers an exceptional hiking experience along a well-maintained trail that includes steel catwalks affixed to the canyon walls, allowing you to intimately experience the beauty of the canyon. The trail is well marked and encompasses several key points of interest, including the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and the Ink Pots.

The Lower Falls features a dramatic waterfall viewable from a small cave-like tunnel. The Upper Falls offers an even more impressive cascade with viewing platforms above and below the falls. Given their popularity, you will likely have to wait in lines to take photos. The Ink Pots are a series of stunning, mineral-rich spring pools set in an open meadow.

Canmore

Canmore is a charming mountain town sitting just outside Banff National Park on the way to Calgary. It’s more tranquil and less touristy compared to the bustling towns of Jasper and Banff. Yet its natural beauty is stunning, providing a myriad of outdoor adventure opportunities. The most famous peaks in Canmore are the Three Sisters. Various trails in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park provide great views of these mountains. I also recommend the Grassi Lakes Trail. It provides breathtaking views of the Canmore area, including the town and surrounding mountains. The highlights of the hike are the two Grassi Lakes, known for their crystal-clear turquoise color.

Calgary

Calgary is Canada’s third-largest city by population. Most people fly here to get to Jasper and Banff National Parks. The city offers a diverse array of experiences, from its bustling downtown skyline to the tranquil, scenic parks and pathways along the Bow River. Additionally, Calgary’s culinary scene is diverse and evolving, featuring everything from high-end dining to food trucks for both Western and Asian cuisines. Ariel and I checked out the downtown area and ran into Calgary’s Pride Parade from which Ariel got some free treats. We also walked along the Bow River and relaxed in the popular green space, Prince’s Island Park. Additionally, the Peace Bridge was worth a visit. It’s a tube-like pedestrian and cycling pathway that spans the Bow River. What is unique about this distinctive bridge is that it has no supporting piers in the water, minimizing its ecological footprint.