Drives & Points of Interest
Please click here to view Parks Canada's Mountain Guide Park Map.
Trans Canada - Highway 1
Drive with care along this busy highway. Look for two animal overpasses just west of Banff, built to allow wildlife to cross the road safely.
Trans-Canada Highway construction is underway. Obey construction speed-zone signs and flag people. Anticipate some delays.
The Nature of the Trans-Canada Highway
To improve safety for people and wildlife, the Trans-Canada Highway is being upgraded through Banff National Park. The most recent upgrade from a two-lane to four-lane divided highway is underway near Lake Louise.
There is no other location in the world with as many and different types of wildlife crossings or with the largest data set on wildlife use of crossings.
See here for details on highway twinning and wildlife crossings in the park.
Town of Banff
Explore Canada's first national park community;
population 8,721
The Village of Lake Louise
MOST SERVICES
Experience the hospitality of this hiker's haven;
population 1,500
Bow Valley Parkway - Highway 1A
Experience life in the 'scenic' lane. Roadside Interpretive panels at pull-offs along the way connect you to the diversity of life and life forces that flow through the Bow Valley.
The Bow Valley Parkway Seasonal Road Restriction from March 1 to June 25, evenings 6 pm - 9 am helps protect wildlife at a critical time of year. This voluntary travel restriction is in effect between the east exit on the 1A near Banff for 18 km to Johnston Canyon. When traveling east from Lake Louise to Banff, connect to the Trans-Canada Highway at Castle Junction to help protect wildlife. Access to Commercial facilities along the parkway during this time is best from Castle Junction.
Johnston Canyon
A paved trail and exciting cat-walks cling to the canyon walls.
1.1 km (20 min) to the Lower Falls
2.7 km (1 hr) to the Upper Falls
For safety's sake, stay on the trail and away from the edge.
Icefields Parkway
This spectacular 230-km drive along the backbone of the continent passes through remote, high-altitude terrain. Weather and driving conditions can be severe. Chains or all-season radials are required in winter. No services November to March. A park pass is required. No commercial trucks are allowed.
Watch for reduced speed limits in congested zones and places frequented by wildlife
Ask for the Icefields Parkway brochure, your guide to peak names, icefield names and other points of interest.
This spectacular 230-km drive along the backbone of the continent passes through remote, high-altitude terrain. Weather and driving conditions can be severe. Chains or all-season radials are required in winter. No services November to March. A park pass is required. No commercial trucks are allowed.
Watch for reduced speed limits in congested zones and places frequented by wildlife
Ask for the Icefields Parkway brochure, your guide to peak names, icefield names and other points of interest.
Crowfoot Glacier
34 km (25 min) from Lake Louise
A century ago, there were three "toes" of ice here. Since then the glacier has melted back and the lower toe has been lost. These days the middle toe is disappearing, too.
Bow Pass ("Bow Summit") and Peyto Lake Viewpoint
40 km (30 minutes) from Lake Louise
This is the highest road pass in the four mountain parks at 2 088 m (6 849 ft.) above sea level. A short uphill walk from the parking area leads to a view of Peyto Lake, glacially fed and brilliantly turquoise.
Mistaya Canyon
72 km (50 minutes) from Lake Louise
Only 10 minutes by trail from the road. Look for rounded potholes and a natural arch on the canyon sides
Saskatchewan River Viewpoint
77 km (55 minutes) from Lake Louise
Fuel, food and accommodation are available from April to late October. At the viewpoint located just south of the resort, enjoy spectacular views and learn about Howse Pass National Historic Site.
Columbia Icefields
130 km (1.5 hours) from Lake Louise
For more information please visit our Concierge or stop in and see Parks Canada at the visitor centres.
Banff Information Centre
224 Banff Avenue
403.762.1550
Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Samson Mall
403.522.3833
TTY: 1.866.787.6221
Emergency telephone: 911
www.pc.gc.ca/banff