Getting there
Head west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Canmore is the first mountain town you reach, and Banff is about 20 minutes further. From our Rockland Park suite on Calgary’s west edge, Banff is about an hour away.
Before you go
- Get a Parks Canada pass. You need one to stop anywhere in Banff National Park. Buy a day pass or an annual Discovery Pass online or at the park gate.
- Moraine Lake is shuttle-only. Personal vehicles can’t drive up, so book a Parks Canada or Roam Transit shuttle ahead of time. Lake Louise parking fills early too.
- Check road conditions on 511 Alberta in winter. Mountain weather changes fast.
Favourite stops
Canmore
- Grassi Lakes: a short, family-friendly hike with bright turquoise pools
- Quarry Lake: picnics and mountain views
- Main Street: coffee, bakeries and patios
Banff
- Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
- Johnston Canyon: catwalks and waterfalls
- Lake Minnewanka scenic drive and boat cruise
- Banff Upper Hot Springs to finish the day
Winter
Ski or snowboard at Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village or Lake Louise, then come back to a quiet home in Calgary.