How to Plan Your Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway Sightseeing Tour in Banff

If you’re planning a trip to Banff and looking for a memorable way to experience the area’s natural beauty, the Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway sightseeing tour is an excellent option. This full-day excursion takes you to some of Canada’s most spectacular sights, including Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway, which features awe-inspiring views of mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and immense glaciers. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway sightseeing tour in Banff step by step.

Step 1: Book your Tour

The first step in planning your Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway sightseeing tour is to book your tour online. You can do this through Viator, a reputable online travel agency, by following the link: book the tour here. Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need to know, including the tour’s start time and pickup location.

Step 2: Prepare for the Tour

Before you embark on the Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway sightseeing tour, it’s essential to prepare for the day ahead. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking on rough terrain. You may also want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Step 3: Meet your Tour Guide

On the day of your tour, you’ll meet your tour guide at the designated pick-up location in the town of Banff. The tour guide will be waiting for you with a sign indicating the tour name. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll board a comfortable private vehicle for a scenic drive to Lake Louise.

Step 4: Explore Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway

The first stop on the tour is Lake Louise, one of the most beautiful lakes in North America. Here, your guide will take you on a short hike to the viewpoint overlooking the lake. You can take in the stunning views of the emerald-green lake and the surrounding mountains. After Lake Louise, the tour continues on the Icefield Parkway, which is one of the most astonishing mountain drives in the world. The road runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, frozen lakes, and towering peaks. During the tour, you’ll also make stops at several other scenic points, including Bow Falls and Moraine Lake. Your guide will also regale you with stories and interesting facts about the local area and wildlife.

Step 5: End of Tour

After your tour is complete, your guide will drop you off at the same location where you were picked up in the morning. You’ll have memories of the stunning scenery forever.

Book Your Tour Now

The Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway sightseeing tour is an experience of a lifetime. With fantastic views and unique insights into the local history and culture, this tour is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a full-day tour to some of Canada’s most beautiful sites. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable day in Banff.

Banff: The Ultimate FAQ

Banff is a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. This town is a popular destination for adventure seekers, photographers, nature lovers, and ski enthusiasts. Here are some frequently asked questions about Banff:

What is the best time to visit Banff?

Banff is a year-round destination, with each season bringing a unique experience. Summer (June to August) is the peak season with long days, pleasant weather, and numerous outdoor activities. Winter (December to February) is the popular time for skiing and snowboarding, with three ski resorts in the area. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy fall foliage or winter wonderland, consider visiting during the shoulder season (September to November or March to May).

How do I get to Banff?

The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport, which is about an hour and a half drive from Banff. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle bus or a private transfer to Banff. Another option is to take a scenic train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer.

What are the must-visit attractions in Banff?

Banff is a natural wonderland with many attractions to explore. Some of the popular ones are: – Banff National Park: Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, is home to stunning turquoise lakes, mountain peaks, glaciers, and hot springs. – Lake Louise: One of the most photographed lakes in the world, Lake Louise, boasts crystal clear water and is surrounded by towering mountains. – Moraine Lake: Another beautiful glacial lake, Moraine Lake, is known for its stunning blue-green color and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. – Banff Gondola: Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the town and the Rockies. – Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in the natural hot springs with a view of the nearby mountains. – Johnston Canyon: Hike through the beautiful canyon and see waterfalls and natural pools along the way.

What are the best outdoor activities in Banff?

Banff is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best activities to enjoy are: – Hiking: Banff has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys. – Skiing and Snowboarding: Banff has three ski resorts, namely Banff Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village, offering over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. – Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle through the picturesque lakes and rivers in and around Banff, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Bow River. – Mountain Biking: Explore the scenic trails on two wheels and enjoy the thrill of downhill biking at the bike parks. – Wildlife Watching: Banff is home to various wildlife species, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Take a guided wildlife tour or go on a self-drive adventure to spot them. – Fishing: Cast a line in the Bow River or one of the numerous lakes and streams in the area to catch trout, whitefish, and other species.

What are the best accommodations in Banff?

Banff has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best ones are: – Fairmont Banff Springs: A historic luxury hotel with a grand castle-like architecture and excellent facilities. – Rimrock Resort Hotel: A boutique hotel perched on Sulphur Mountain, offering stunning views and upscale amenities. – Moose Hotel and Suites: A modern hotel with cozy rooms and suites, rooftop hot pools, and a great location near downtown. – Tunnel Mountain Resort: A family-friendly resort with condos and cabins, multiple pools, and outdoor activities. – HI-Banff Alpine Centre: A budget-friendly hostel with shared and private rooms and various amenities, including a sauna and a kitchen.

What are the best restaurants in Banff?

Banff has a diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Some of the best ones are: – The Bison Restaurant: A farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on Canadian cuisine, including bison, elk, and locally sourced produce. – Park Distillery: A restaurant and distillery that serves wood-fired pizzas, grilled meats, and signature cocktails made with their own spirits. – Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar: A romantic fine dining restaurant with an extensive wine list and imaginative dishes. – Block Kitchen + Bar: A trendy restaurant that blends Asian and Western flavors, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. – Nourish Bistro: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant that serves healthy and creative dishes, including bowls, burgers, and smoothies. In conclusion, Banff is a picturesque mountain town that offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Plan your trip wisely and enjoy all that Banff and the Canadian Rockies have to offer.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Banff

Banff is a beautiful town located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque scenery, outdoor activities, and wildlife sightings. In this guide, we will show you the best things to do and see while you’re visiting Banff.

1. Visit Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada’s most popular national parks. It’s home to numerous hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and magnificent mountains. You can spend your time taking in the breathtaking views, going for a hike, or even camping overnight.

1.1 Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

One of the most popular hiking trails in Banff National Park is the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. This trail is 10.6 kilometers long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. It is a moderately difficult trail, but the views of the glaciers and mountains are well worth it.

1.2 Visit Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. It is known for its turquoise water and the surrounding peaks that reflect onto the lake. You can spend your time hiking around the lake, kayaking, or just sitting on the shore taking in the stunning views.

2. Take a scenic drive

Banff has some of the most scenic drives in Canada. You can take a drive down the Icefields Parkway, which is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The parkway stretches for 232 kilometers and takes you through some of the most stunning alpine scenery.

2.1 Visit Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a glacier-fed lake that is located along the Icefields Parkway. The turquoise-colored lake is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, making it a spectacular sight to see.

2.2 Stop at Peyto Lake lookout

Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake that is known for its stunning blue color. The lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway, and there is a lookout that provides a panoramic view of the lake.

3. Go skiing at Banff Ski Resorts

Banff is home to some of the most popular ski resorts in Canada. You can spend your time skiing, snowboarding, or even snowshoeing. Some of the best ski resorts in Banff are Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay.

3.1 Ski at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. It has 145 runs, and terrain parks that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort also offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

3.2 Snowshoe in Banff National Park

If skiing is not your thing, you can still enjoy the snow by going snowshoeing. There are many trails in Banff National Park that are perfect for snowshoeing. Some popular ones are Cascade Amphitheatre and Tunnel Mountain.

4. Visit Banff Hot Springs

Banff is known for its hot springs. The Banff Hot Springs is one of the most popular attractions in the town. The hot springs are located in a beautiful natural setting and have been a popular destination for over 100 years.

4.1 Relax in the Upper Hot Springs

The Upper Hot Springs are the most popular of the Banff Hot Springs. They are located at an altitude of 1,585 meters and offer stunning views of the Rockies. You can relax in the hot springs, which are naturally heated at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, while taking in the gorgeous view.

4.2 Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

If you want to learn more about the history of the Banff Hot Springs, you can visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. This site is where the hot springs were discovered, and it has a museum that tells the story of the hot springs and Banff.

Book Your Tour Now

Banff is a beautiful town with lots of outdoor activities, natural attractions, and stunning scenery. Whether you want to go skiing, hiking or just relax in the hot springs, Banff has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and come experience the beauty of Banff for yourself.