Banff National Park is the oldest National Park in Canada. Located in the Western province of Alberta, the park is over 65,000 square kilometers and is filled with everything you might be seeking: glacial lakes, rivers, forests and ice fields and views that will awe you. The best part about it? If you are travelling around, it borders other great National Parks such as Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper.
Banff National Park is a beautiful place to be in all year round. No matter the season or the weather, there is something to do in Banff National Park, something breathtaking and spectacular. Home to some of the most visited lakes in Canada, and rightfully so, Banff is a place bustling with tons of activities from hiking all the way to festivals and community events in Banff town and surrounding areas. If you find yourself in this park or even driving through, make sure you set some time aside to give these activities a try.
Hiking
If you are looking for an adventure, there is a good chance this is where you will find it. Banff National Park is home to many turquoise lakes including Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Peyto Lake, Vermillion Lakes and Moraine Lake among many others. They are usually surrounded by giant mountains and look very surreal. It almost feels as if you are standing in front of a painting but one that is breathing life.
If you are planning a hike, it is best to get going as early as possible to fully enjoy the trails and the quiet that comes with it. There is a trail for everyone in Banff National Park, from super short ones to long and challenging others that stretch for miles. It is a great escape destination for those who lives in the towns and cities nearby but also for tourists that travel long distances to come and marvel at the beauty that is contained within this park. At the end of the day, no matter which path you choose to take within this park, remember to always stop and take it all in, take a look of everything around you as there is something to see in every corner.
Biking
For bike aficionados, Banff National Park offers a lot of options and wonderful trails. There have been a number of trails built over the course of a few year and this has certainly been attracting more and more people. There are trails around the city of Banff but you can also bike all the way to Lake Louise, if you choose to. The park offers options for everyone, whether you are new to the sport or are a more experienced biker. Many bikers swear by the Tunnel Mountain trail and how amazing it is. If you prefer a long bike ride with a lake views, you can bike around Lake Minnewanka. You can even get on those wheels and roam around Icefields Parkway.
Canoeing
For the water lovers, canoeing on the lakes on Banff National Park is a different kind of experience. Its glacier lakes make for a serene experience as you paddle on a canoe all the while taking in the views surrounding you. Just imaging yourself in that red canoe on the lake. Now imagine all of the above and add a sunrise or a sunset to it.
With so much beauty around you in Banff National Park, these are a small fraction of the activities that you can do around here. Bring yourself, a camera and a mind ready to be blown away.
It is always good practice to keep in mind that Banff National Park is home to a large number of flora and fauna and every precaution must be taken to not disturb them. There is a good chance that you will come across animals crossing the road or the trails as you hike or bike, so keeping a safe distance is the best way to go. There is room for everyone in the park!
Originally published at https://vocal.media.
