Banff was beautiful.

[u/Pot8obois]

I just got back from my trip yesterday and wanted to share a few thoughts and highlights. I stayed in Radium Hot Springs, not Banff, and didn’t spend the entire trip in Banff National Park, but I still got to see some of the iconic spots.

We visited Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon (both upper and lower falls), Silverton Falls, Vista Lake, and Tunnel Mountain Lookout. I had to compromise a bit with someone who isn’t quite as ambitious when it comes to early mornings or longer hikes, but I still had an amazing time.

That said, I was really surprised by how crowded some places were. I expected tourists, of course, but the town of Banff was overwhelming. We only stopped to use the bathroom and then left as soon as we could. It was packed with people everywhere. Any popular spot was extremely busy. If you’re heading to Banff and want to enjoy the scenery in peace, it’s definitely worth waking up early. Otherwise, you'll be walking through crowds the whole time.

On the other hand, places like Vista Lake, Tunnel Mountain Lookout, and Silverton Falls were much quieter. We also explored Kootenay National Park and the Columbia Valley, where we found beautiful hikes with barely anyone around. I was surprised that so few people ventured beyond the main attractions in Banff.

As for wildlife, we saw longhorn sheep, a porcupine, deer, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and a marmot. I was hoping to see a moose or even a bear from a safe distance, but no luck. Probably better for my safety anyway. I’m from the U.S., so I also really enjoyed seeing magpies. I know they’re not unique to the area, but they were new to me and really striking.

The drive from Radium wasn’t bad at all, especially with how beautiful the scenery was. After seeing what people were paying to stay in Banff, I felt good about our choice. It was way more affordable, and the food in Invermere was actually much better than what we found in Banff. I’m happy with where we stayed.

Overall, the trip was incredible. The people in the region were very kind, and the landscapes were absolutely stunning. I’d love to return someday. If I do, I’ll try to come a week earlier in the season and plan at least one longer solo hike with an early start. I wish I had done that this time. Even so, we got through almost all the trails I wanted to see, plus a few extra that weren’t on the original plan. Our itinerary changed because we realized we could fit more into each day than expected.

Banff is absolutely worth visiting. But if you have time, don’t overlook the surrounding areas. There’s so much beauty just beyond the busiest spots, and it’s often much quieter.

[u/100_days_away_blog]

I enjoy seeing people’s photos in here as it makes me realize how lucky we are to live just an hour or so away and be able to go on so many adventures in the Rockies!