The Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s most spectacular hikes. Draped in verdant forest, framed by towering peaks, and home to glistening lakes, it is a wonderland for lovers of the outdoors.

The crown jewel of the provincial park is Garibaldi Lake—a brilliantly blue body of water surrounded by soaring snowcapped mountains. After seeing photos of Garibaldi Lake from the Panorama Ridge hike, Dan and I immediately knew we would have to make the trip to Canada.

So on a warm sunny weekend in mid-October—at the tail end of hiking season in the Pacific Northwest—Dan and I drove to Canada in order to undertake the 21 mile Panorama Ridge hike in British Columbia’s Garibaldi Provincial Park.

With our newly acquired Nexus Passes in hand, we left early Saturday morning and returned late Sunday night. Our short weekend getaway gave us time to explore Vancouver’s green spaces on Saturday afternoon, as well as an opportunity to hike to Panorama Ridge the following day.

GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK

The next day, we awoke at the crack of dawn and dragged our tired bodies an hour and a half northward, to the entrance of the Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The Garibaldi Provincial Park is among the most beautiful places in Canada. This 1950 square kilometer wilderness  is justly renowned for hiking trails and its panoramic vistas.

Though Dan and I would have loved to explore the park’s various hiking trails and spend time by the shores of Garibaldi Lake, our lack of camping reservations and limited time meant we only had time for the Panorama Ridge hike.

PANORAMA RIDGE HIKE

The hike to Panorama Ridge begins at the Rubble Creek Trailhead. The first five miles of the trail meander upwards through coniferous forest. As it makes its way through a dense umbrella of towering pines, the trail’s grade climbs steadily. Once past Taylor Meadow, however, the trail emerges from the trees and sweeping views of snow-capped peaks replace the zig-zagging tunnels of green.

Many people choose to divide the hike to Panorama Ridge into multiple days. The campground at Taylor Meadow is the perfect base for a few days of exploring the park. From the campground, access to Garibaldi Lake’s shoreline gives trekkers ample opportunities to take advantage of swimming and boating in the area.

Since we had done very little research, neglected to book a campsite in advance and only budgeted a day for exploring the park, Dan and I didn’t visit the lakeshore during our hike. Instead, we plowed ahead–past the turnoff to the lake, past the campsites and the rippling meadows and past the ebony peak of Black Tusk Mountain.

The trail beyond Taylor Meadow yields spectacular views of Black Tusk. During our visit, a tapestry of greens, yellows and browns contrasted beautifully against the brilliant snow. Two small glacial lakes at the mountain’s base burst with vibrant shades of green, turquoise and blue.

With views so sublime, I could hardly believe that we had yet to arrive at the park’s most famed and photographed viewpoint.

After a gradual ascent from Taylor Meadow to Helm Lake, the leisurely trail takes a markedly upward turn. When we visited, the remaining three miles to the top of Panorama Ridge were icy, snowy and rocky. It was October and fresh snowfall had already begun to blanket the mountainside.

The slippery conditions forced us to slow down our pace.We scrambled carefully to the summit, stopping periodically to relish the spectacular views of Black Tusk that unfolded behind us.

Upon reaching Panorama Ridge, the stunning blues of Garibaldi Lake took our breaths away.

So we sat on the ridge for lunch and waited to catch our breaths again.

Dan and I relaxed at the top of Panorama Ridge for a while, soaking in the 360 degree views of our surroundings. The sun shone fiercely in front of us, partially drenching out the colors of the landscape with its rays.

Still, the hike to Panorama Ridge provided me some of the most stunning alpine panoramas that I have ever seen—rivaling the staggering scenery of Jasper and Banff in Canada’s nearby Alberta Province.

EXPLORING VANCOUVER FOR AN AFTERNOON

Though Dan and I traveled to Canada in order to visit Garibaldi Park, our visit north of the border included a half day in Vancouver.

We traveled to Vancouver on the day prior to our hike, in order to be closer to the trailhead the following day.

With just half a day to explore Vancouver’s myriad attractions, we decided to spend our time at Stanley Park. Covering more than 1,000 acres of forest and surrounded on all sides by the Vancouver Harbor, it is one of the world’s best and largest city parks–comparable to New York’s Central Park, London’s Hyde Park and Sao Paulo’s Ibirapuera.

Stanley Park has a vast network of hiking trails and cultural attractions, including totem poles, gardens and sculptures. It offers some of Vancouver’s best skyline views, as well as a perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Visiting Stanley Park is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Vancouver.

After a few hours of strolling along Stanley Park’s seawall, visiting its famous totem poles and admiring Vancouver’s dynamic modern skyline, we ate a hearty Native American meal at Salmon n’ Bannock and headed straight to our Airbnb in North Vancouver. Though there are many fantastic places to stay in Vancouver, we wanted our next morning to begin as close as possible to the highway–ensuring that we could squeeze in as much sleep as possible before our daybreak adventure the following morning.

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British Columbia, for example, beckons adventure-seekers with rugged mountains, alpine lakes and world-class cities. And now that Dan and I live only a couple hours away from the Canadian border, we’ve vowed to consider the opportunities that lie just beyond our doorstep.

Though Dan and I had spent nearly eleven hours of hiking in order view Garibaldi Lake from Panorama Ridge, we realized that there were countless other hiking trails, lakes and mountains in the area that we had yet to explore.

Lucky for us, this wonderland of craggy peaks, glacial lakes and alpine forests is only a short weekend trip away.

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The Canadian Rockies are a hyperbole of beauty and an exaggeration of nature. Home to sparkling lakes, towering mountains, and jaw-dropping vistas, they contain some of the most photographed and revered alpine scenery on Earth. It goes without saying that I had high expectations for the area. But despite these expectations, my four days in Jasper and Banff were everything I had dreamed of. They gave me a break from by hectic summer flying schedule and allowed me to trade my rollaboard for a backpack, my hotel room for a tent, and Google images for real-life, breathtaking scenery.

The first two days of our whirlwind trip were spent primarily in Banff National Park. We visited the park’s iconic lakes, photographed its jagged peaks and hiked its scenic trails. Then, after exploring many of the park’s beloved highlights, Dan and I found ourselves waving adieu to the crown jewel of Canada and setting foot into Jasper National Park–the less visited but equally beautiful park that shares its southern border with Banff.

JASPER NATIONAL PARK IN ALBERTA

Jasper is like Banff’s little brother. The park is younger, less talked about and less visited. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from Jasper when I first began researching the area. After all, when I asked Google images to show me pictures of the park, half of the results were photographs of Banff. I began to believe that Jasper National Park would fail to live up to the majesty and grandeur of its southerly neighbor.

But from the moment we entered Jasper, the national park impressed us with its mountains, canyons, lakes and waterfalls.

THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD

Merely seconds after crossing into the national park, we found ourselves face to face with the Columbia Icefield. The Colombia Icefield lies at the southern confines of Jasper National Park, along the Icefield’s Parkway—a spectacular road that travels from Banff to Jasper and showcases some of the park’s most breathtaking scenery.

The Colombia Icefield is the largest of its kind in the Canadian Rockies. It measures an area of 325 square kilometers and has a depth of up to 365 meters. From the Icefield Discovery Center, one can purchase tickets for excursions onto the glacier. Tours last about an hour and cost upward of $50 per person. We considered joining a tour so that we could walk on top of the icefield, but then ultimately decided against it due to time and budget constraints.

Though I’m sure walking atop a blue ice sheet would have been a memorable experience, I was perfectly content enjoying the splendor of the icefield from the lookout below. From the parking lot where we stood, we were close enough to see the blue undertones of the glacier as well as the cracks and crevices in the icefield’s surface.

After taking in the sights of the Columbia Icefield, Dan and I continued on toward the town of Jasper, where we planned to set up camp before exploring other areas of the park. The park ranger at the Discovery Center had warned us that many campsites could be full due to Jasper’s modest number of camping options. He suggested we drive toward town and reserve a site, before doubling back to visit Mount Edith Cavell.

So we heeded his advice and headed Northward, toward town. Along the way, we stopped to see waterfalls, mountain goats and the picturesque Johnston’s Canyon.

ATHABASCA FALLS AND CANYON

The Athabasca day-use area lies about twenty miles south of Jasper town and makes for an excellent road trip stop. The area’s  short, well-maintained interpretive trail leads to views of a beautiful waterfall that tumbles into the Athabasca Canyon–a narrow gorge that has been chiseled by the tumultuous river.

MOUNT EDITH CAVELL

After setting up camp, Dan and I drove toward the Mount Edith Cavell lookout. Mount Edith Cavell is amongst Alberta’s tallest peaks. It lies at the end of a road that deviates from the park’s main artery. The area boasts spectacular surroundings. From the parking lot, Dan and I hiked to a ridge that granted us views of Angel Glacier.

Shaped like an angel with outstretched wings, the delicate Angel Glacier flows down the northern face of Edith Cavell and overlooks a lake of turquoise meltwater. The ice surrounding the turquoise pond is striped with brown sediment, revealing the stratification that took place within the glacier’s lifespan. We admired the pond’s turquoise color and the floating chunks of ice that litter the lake’s placid waters.

Road-tripping through Jasper and Banff reaps many rewards and, once again, Dan and I were awestruck by the majesty of the Canadian Rockies.

From Edith Cavell, Dan and I returned to our campsite for the night, hoping to wake up early the next morning for another full day of sightseeing and animal viewing.

LAKE MALIGNE IN JASPER

At about 6am the following morning, we headed toward Lake Maligne. Along the way, we scoured our surroundings for signs of wildlife. Our quest to find animals was met with mild success, for we did not see bears, moose or the elusive caribou. Perhaps we were too anxious to spot big game. Or perhaps our eyes were glued too firmly to the towering mountain peaks. Yet, while we walked away without seeing any of the park’s most prized sightings, we enjoyed keeping our eyes peeled for glimpses of elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

When we first reached the shores of Lake Maligne, low-laying clouds hindered our view of the surrounding mountains and covered the area in a dense layer of fog. We walked around the shoreline and waited futilely for the clouds to lift. Finally, Dan and I ducked into the lake’s lodge for a cup of hot cocoa.

And just as we were about to leave the lake and begin driving toward the Miette Hot Springs, the sun burned through the clouds and rewarded us with views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

We sat at Maligne Lake for a while, waiting for the clouds to break up and watching their reflections dart about the lake’s glassy waters. Then, we hopped back into the car and headed toward the Miette Hot Springs.

As the sun peeked through the clouds and colored the mountains in various shades of green and purple, it created a palette of color that made me feel as though I were looking at a painting.

THE MIETTE HOT SPRINGS

The Miette Hot Springs were the final stop on our Canadian road trip. The well-developed hot springs are the warmest in the Canadian Rockies. The water that feeds the springs flows down a narrow canyon along Sulfur Creek and is collected, cooled and filtered into a series of soaking pools that have become popular with tourists. 

The entire complex contains two large heated pools and two smaller, colder ones. After three shower-less days of camping, hiking and sleeping in our clothes, soaking in the Miette Hot Springs was not only rejuvenating and cleansing, but also wholly necessary. I could practically feel the sweat and dirt from three days of travel wash off my skin.

We darted between the hot pools and the cold ones for about two hours, enjoying the soothing water and cleaning layers of grime off our bodies in preparation for our return flight home. It was a perfect way to cap off three days of hiking and camping.

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Our visit to Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies may have been short, but it was exactly the break that Dan and I needed from our busy schedules.

And so as we drove back to Calgary for the night, I tried to savor our last few hours in the Canadian wilderness. For I knew that a return to reality would involve me trading my tent for a hotel room, my backpack for a roll-aboard and the incredible views of the Canadian Rockies for computer-screen images of destinations I longed to visit.

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‘Amazing’ might be one of the most overused words in the English language. We use it to describe everything from food to places to moods to people.

Yet, as Dan and I drove into the Canadian Rockies and craned our necks to see the majestic peaks of Banff National Park in Alberta, I could think of no other word to adequately describe what I was seeing. 

Throughout our short Canadian Rockies road trip, I would try time and time again to come up with words that could convey the majesty of our surroundings.

But every time, I came up short.

Banff National Park is simply amazing. Words cannot possibly do its beauty justice.

Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park is the most renowned place to visit in Canada’s National Park System. Surrounded by Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay, it is the crown jewel of an area that overflows with riches.

The national park lies at the heart of the dramatic Rocky Mountains—a chain of peaks that boasts some of the most incredible scenery in North America. In addition to housing many of Canada’s most beautiful parks, the Rockies encompass  Glacier National Park, the Grand Tetons, and the mountains of western Colorado.

Established in 1885, Banff is one of the world’s oldest national parks. The Canadian park attracts millions of visitors each year to its towering mountain peaks and impossibly blue lakes.

In recognition of its geology and natural beauty, UNESCO has included it among its selective list of World Heritage Sites.

Top Banff Attractions

While you could easily fill a multi-week itinerary with incredible Banff attractions, there are a few unmissable highlights that should be on everyone’s radar.

Canmore and Banff: Gateways to the National Park

Canmore is a scenic mountain town in Alberta, located just east of Banff National Park. Known for its dramatic peaks, including the iconic Three Sisters, the small town has evolved from a historic coal mining community into a hub of outdoor adventure and recreation.

Canmore lies on the route from Calgary to Banff, about 10 minutes from the park gate. It is a quieter alternative to Banff town.

Banff is a picturesque resort town situated within Alberta’s Banff National Park.

Established in 1885 alongside the creation of Canada’s first national park, Banff is ideally situation near the historic Fairmount Banff Springs and the Sulphur Mountain Gondola.

The Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

While hiking in Banff is a no-brainer, it isn’t the only way to summit the park’s mountains.

Located five minutes outside of Banff Town, the Banff Gondola provides a birds-eye view of six different mountain chains. The gondola takes visitors on an eight-minute ride in fully enclosed cabins to an elevation of 2,281 meters (7,486 feet) above sea level. Each gondola car accommodates up to four people.

At the summit, the modern mountaintop complex features multiple viewing decks, interpretive exhibits, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant and bar. A boardwalk extends along the ridge line, showcasing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, Banff town, and Lake Minnewanka.

I took the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain on my second visit to Banff and enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding snowy wonderland.

Taking a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain is one of the top things to do when traveling to Banff with kids. It costs $65 per adult, but the views more than make up for the hefty price tag.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is located 13km east of Banff Town. The scenic recreation area has plenty of hiking, swimming, sailing, boating and fishing opportunities.

A level path surrounds the lake and provides a good strolling option for casual hikers and families with kids.

Moraine Lake

Lake Moraine is the typical image of Banff that you’ll see plastered on magazine covers. A beautiful glacial lake nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the oft-photographed body of water is one of the most beautiful places in Banff.

Lake Moraine gets its distinct turquoise color from chalky rock flour that has been deposited into the lake over millennia due to glacial erosion.

Dan and I stopped by Lake Moraine during our first day in Banff. From atop a lakeside rock pile, we soaked in the postcard-worthy panoramas of the lake’s pristine surroundings.

While Lake Moraine is among the most popular places to visit in Banff, its photogenic scenery is absolutely worth the hype.

If you wish to experience the lake without dozens of selfie sticks blocking your view, I suggest you avoid visiting midday.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most iconic lakes and a top place to visit along the Icefields Parkway.

The glacial lake has a striking turquoise hue that glistens in the sun. Like Lake Moraine, its color comes from rock flour that is carried into the lake by melt-water from the surrounding glaciers.

Lake Louise is more than just a photogenic backdrop. The mirror-like lake is a starting point for many hiking trails in Banff–including the spectacular Plain of Six Glaciers.

The lakeshore is also a popular launching pad for mountain biking and canoeing trips.

In the winter, the slopes around Lake Louise transform into one of the largest ski areas in North America.

Situated at the northeastern end of Banff’s Lake Louise, you’ll find the historic Fairmont Chateau. The storied hotel dates back to the 1890s and offers spectacular views from its doorstep.

Plain of Six Glaciers

From Lake Louise, we hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers–a seven mile roundtrip path that has become a mainstay on many Canadian Rockies itineraries. The hike passes through rugged mountain scenery and provides hikers with awe-inspiring views.

Starting as a gentle stroll along the edge of Lake Louise’s placid waters, it gradually runs uphill—past waterfalls, glaciers and barren rock faces—to the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the top places to visit in Banff.

But in my hurry to see the park’s iconic lakes, I managed to skip the area entirely.

The Johnston Canyon’s main draws are its two picturesque waterfalls. A series of man-made bridges takes you through the rocky landscape, showcasing the cascades from different angles.

If you continue on the trail past Upper Falls, you’ll come across colorful glassy springs called the Ink Pots.

Next time I visit Banff, the canyon’s hiking trails will be a top priority.

The Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefields Parkway is a 232km scenic highway that cuts through jagged mountain peaks and sweeping valleys.

The highway begins just off the Trans-Canada Highway 1, near Lake Louise. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the top things to do in Banff and an undeniable highlight of the Canadian Rockies.

Though driving the Icefield’s Parkway only takes a couple hours from start to finish, Dan and I spent all day exploring the route—stopping for pictures of dazzling turquoise lakes and gaping at its glacier-adorned mountains.

Along the road we saw elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

• Bow Lake

Beautiful Bow Lake sits north of Lake Louise, along the Icefields Parkway. Its dramatic mountain-ringed setting offers spectacular vistas and plenty of photo opportunities.

The sheer rock wall of Crowfoot Mountain, the hanging glacier, and the expansive Wapta Icefield create a dazzling backdrop to the lake’s shimmering waters.

Level pathways along the lakeshore provide family-friendly hiking opportunities.

• Peyto Lake

Merely five minutes from Bow Lake, lies milky-blue Peyto Lake—one of the most iconic images of the Canadian Rockies and yet another highlight of Banff National Park.

The Peyto Lake Lookout sits less than half a mile from the Icefields Parkway. Its viewing platform is the best place from which to photograph the turquoise lake and its towering mountain backdrop.

• Waterfowl Lakes

Easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway, the Waterfowl Lakes are beautiful yet seldom-mentioned.

The two bodies of water don’t have the milky hue of some of Banff’s other lakes, but they are nonetheless spectacular—framed by glacier-studded mountains and towering coniferous trees.

At the Waterfowl Lakes, you’ll find a campsite and short family-friendly walking trails.

• Big Bend

As we neared the confines of Banff National Park, the scenery began to change. The glaciers and peaks became fewer and farther between and, in their stead, we saw more granite cliff faces and sweeping panoramas. We noticed more yellow deciduous trees dotting the emerald coniferous forest.

Big Bend is a kink along the ribbon of highway that extends from Banff to Jasper. The attraction lies at the northern terminus of Banff National Park, in the shadow of the 9,000ft Big Bend Peak.

The view of granite peaks from the Big Bend pullout is an unmissable highlight of the Icefields Parkway.

• The Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield straddles the border of Banff and Jasper (though I think it technically lies north of Banff’s confines). It is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies, measuring an area of 325 square kilometers.

From the Icefield Discovery Center, you can book excursions onto the glacier.

However, having already been to the expanding Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina and the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau Alaska, Dan and I chose to bypass the experience in favor of spending more time at the other Banff attractions.

Other Things to Do in Banff

The Canadian Rockies are a magnet for thrill-seekers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’ve got more than one day in Banff, you’ll have a plethora of different ways to fill your time—from glacier hikes, to skiing, and from canoeing, to gondola rides.

Hiking in Banff

Though many of Banff’s top attractions can be accessed by vehicle, you’ll want to lace up your hiking boots in order to appreciate the area’s lakes and mountains from a different vantage point.

During our long weekend in Banff, Dan and I hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers, in addition to a few short lakeside trails.

On a return trip to the park, we would love to tackle some of the area’s other spectacular pathways.

Banff National Park is one of the world’s best hiking destinations.

Top-rated hikes in Banff include the Johnston Canyon, the Cory Pass-Mt Edith Circuit, and the Cascade Amphitheater.

Kayaking and Canoeing in Banff

With its stunning chain of turquoise lakes, Banff National Park is a renowned kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing destination.

Canoeing in Lake Louise is among the top things to do in Banff. Other popular lakes for water sports include Moraine Lake, and Lake Minnewanka.

Each of the three lakes has boat rentals, though prices are quite high and can easily approach $100 per hour.

If you have your own paddling device, you can also consider Bow Lake, the Vermillion Lakes, or Emerald Lake.

Skiing in Banff National Park

The Canadian Rockies boast some of the best snow on the planet, in addition to beautifully varied terrain, spectacular views, and one of the longest ski seasons anywhere.

Banff Town is the main hub for three world class ski resorts—Mt. Norquay Ski Area, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Known as the Big 3, the resorts draw visitors from around the world during winter months.

Alternatively, you can ride up the Mt Norquay Chairlift in summer for views of the Spray and Bow valleys.

Chairlift rides cost $43 per person.

Where to Stay in Banff

Banff Town is home to most of the national park’s accommodation options.

If you’re planning on staying in the park’s tourism hub, you’ll be privy to restaurants, bars, and the area’s largest selection of hotels.

Still, for budget travelers, pickings are slim within the boundaries of the national park. The Banff Inn provides one of the more affordable options in town. Alternatively, the Banff Boutique Inn offers a comfortable place to stay that is equipped with kitchen access and a dining area. It is perfect for extended stays in the park.

Just outside of town lies the Fairmont Springs—one of the park’s famous historic resorts. Dating back to 1888, it is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle. The hotel is a National Historic Site.

Outside of Banff Town, you’ll find some additional hotels at Lake Louise Village. Overnighting near the lake allows you to stay in a peaceful setting, just a stone’s throw from the park’s most popular destinations.

The Lake Louise Inn and Paradise Lodge and Bungalows are two of the best places to stay in the area.

Situated on the lakeshore, the historic Fairmont Chateau is difficult to surpass. It is the most renowned accommodation in Banff National Park and the top place to stay if you’re looking to splurge.

Getting to Banff National Park

Calgary is the gateway to Banff National Park. The city boasts an international airport that connects Alberta with destinations throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.

If you’re traveling the 1.5 hours from Calgary to Banff, a car will be your best option. Traveling with your own vehicle gives you freedom to experience the park at your leisure.

If traveling by private vehicle is not an option, however, there are shuttle buses and airport transfers available between Calgary and Banff.

The Brewster Express and RTB Tours offer transport between Calgary and the national park starting at $50 each way.

Best Time to Visit Banff National Park

Depending on what you want to do, Banff can be seen as an almost year-round destination (though Fall and Spring are generally seen as gambles weather-wise).

The national park has two main tourism seasons: Summer (June-September) and Winter (December-March).

During Summer months, Banff is a wonderland for hikers, mountain bikers, and lovers of outdoor adventure.

In winter months, the national park beckons skiers and snowboarders to its powder-covered slopes.

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Banff National Park is one of North America’s ultimate bucket list destinations.

The national park is breathtaking. Photogenic. Wild.

I said it a zillion times during our visit to the Canadian Rockies and I’ll say it again and again:

Banff is nothing short of amazing.

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