7 Scenic Drives in Banff – Essential Guide (Maps Included)

With the mesmerizing beauty Banff is famous for, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the park offers several stunning scenic drives. In this post, I listed the seven scenic drives Banff National Park has to offer. You can drive them both in summer and winter. 

Banff’s scenic drives are good for some exhilarating road-tripping fun as the scenery will swipe you off your feet, no exceptions. Promise!

If you’re staying in the town of Banff, it’s straightforward to do most drives on this list. Only the Icefields Parkway is further away. The other drives start close to the townsite. 

If you’re staying in Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway drive – the most beautiful of ’em all – is around the corner. The other drives are also not far away. 

So no matter where you’re staying, it doesn’t take much time to be on one of those magical scenic drives Banff National Park has to offer.

About the Guide to Scenic Drives in Banff National Park

Below, you’ll find pretty much all the scenic drives you can do in Banff National Park. You might find that it’s not too many and sure, there aren’t many roads in the park; its infrastructure is quite clear and uncluttered. Still, these roads provide so much beauty, points of interest and outdoor possibilities that driving all seven will keep you occupied for a while. 

For each drive, a description of what to expect is followed by a listing of distance/duration, the highlights, the closest hotels and restaurants and the public toilets available on the route. 

The duration is based on a continuous drive, so without stopping anywhere. As you probably want to stop several times, keep in mind that the time you will spend during the drive will be longer, depending on how often and how long you stop along the way. 

Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48-kilometer (30 mi) secondary highway constructed in 1920 that connects Banff to Lake Louise. It runs more or less parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway on the east side and was purposely built for sightseeing. That’s why you’ll find pullouts and hiking opportunities along the road. 

And because it’s a much smaller road than its successor, it’s much more confined by the Rockies’ wilderness. It’s a thrilling drive that takes you over undulating terrain past stunning vistas, lodgings and the world-famous Johnston Canyon. 

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 51 kilometers (31.69 mi)
• Duration: 55 minutes

Highlights

• Backswamp viewpoint
• Muleshoe picnic spot
• Hillsdale Meadow Viewpoint
• Johnston Canyon
• Moose Meadows trail
• Rockbound Lake trail (toward Silverton Falls)
• Castle Cliff Viewpoint
• Storm Mountain Lookout picnic spot
• Castle Mountain Internment Camp
• Castle Lookout
• Morant’s Curve

Nearest Restaurant(s)

Depending on where you are on the road, the nearest restaurants are in Lake Louise village or the town of Banff. Both offer plenty of options. 

Nearest Hotel(s)

• Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
• Castle Mountain Chalets
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Public Toilet(s)

• Johnston Canyon
• Castle Mountain Chalets
• Storm Mountain Lookout

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive

The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop connects to Banff Avenue. The drive is not too long but entertaining and equally beautiful. Its 14.5 kilometers (9 mi) distance seems short, but the route has many stops that are worth checking out.

It will take you along (the remains of) a deserted mining town, several lakes, swimming ponds, and picnic areas. 

 In other words: allow yourself some decent time to drive the road and discover its beauty.  

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 24 kilometers (15 mi)
• Duration: 25 minutes

Highlights

• Ghost town of Bankhead (former mining town close to Banff)
• Lake Minnewanka (possibility of doing a boat tour)
• Johnson Lake
• Two Jack Lake
• Johnson Lake
• Cascade Ponds
• Wildlife (lots of bighorn sheep, elk and deer are seen on this route)

Nearest Restaurant(s)

• Black Anchor, Lake Minnewanka trail (a short walk from the parking lot)

You have many more possibilities within 15 minutes of the Lake Minnewanka parking lot. The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop is directly connected to Banff Avenue in Banff, which offers various restaurants, from fast food to luxurious dining.

Nearest Hotel(s)

• Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, 1029 Banff Avenue, Banff

As the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop is very close to the town of Banff, you have many lodging options around the corner. You can discover even more lodging alternatives in Canmore, which is a little further out but only a 20-minute drive away. 

Public Toilet(s)

• Lake Minnewanka parking lot
• Two Jack Lake
• Cascade Ponds
• Johnson Lake

Please note: The western section of the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road is not accessible from mid-November to mid-April. The area is a wildlife corridor and the roadblock aims to protect the local fauna.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is the most famous drive on this list and an absolute must. It connects Lake Louise with Jasper. It runs through a landscape of jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. 

Regarded as one of the most beautiful highways in the world, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

It’s 230 kilometers (142.6 mi) long and will keep you occupied all day. Spending several days on the road is also possible. There are some hotels along the route (though not many, so make sure you book your room well in time).

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 230 kilometers (142.6 mi)
• Duration: 3 hours 

Highlights

• Herbert Lake
• Hector Lake
• Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
• Bow Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Mistaya Canyon
• Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint
• Saskatchewan River Crossing
• Weeping Wall Viewpoint
• Big Hill & Big Bend
• Parker Ridge
• Columbia Icefield
• Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint
• Tangle Creek Falls
• Sunwapta Falls
• Goats and Glaciers Lookout
• Athabasca Falls
• Valley of the Five Lakes

Nearest Restaurant(s)

• Elkhorn Dining Room, inside Num-Ti-Jah near Bow Lake
• The Crossing Resort, Saskatchewan River Crossing
• The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, Columbia Icefields 
• The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls, Sunwapta Falls

Nearest Hotel(s)

• HI Mosquito Creek Hostel
• Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
• Crossing Resort
• HI Rampart Creek Hostel
• Glacier View Lodge
• HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel
• Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain
• HI Athabasca Falls Wilderness
• Becker’s Chalets
• Jasper House Bungalows

Public Toilet(s)

• Herbert Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Saskatchewan River Crossing
• Columbia Icefield
• Sunwapta Falls
• Athabasca Falls

Mount Norquay Drive

Mount Norquay Drive is a relatively short drive up Norquay Mountain that runs until the ski resort parking lot. As you get higher up the mountain, you’ll get some astonishing views of the town of Banff and the Bow Valley. 

The drive’s biggest asset is that you’ll get a unique perspective on things from the north.

Want to know other options to see the Bow Valley and the Town of Banff from above? Check the post Where to View the Town of Banff From Above.

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 6 kilometers (3.73 mi)
• Duration: 15 minutes

Highlights

• Mount Norquay Lookout

Nearest Restaurant(s)

As this road is very close to the Banff townsite, there are many restaurants to choose from. The nearest is the Juniper Bistro inside the Juniper Hotel, located near the beginning of Mout Norquay Drive. You also have various options at the Mount Norquay Ski resort at the end of the road.

Nearest Hotel(s)

• Juniper Hotel, 1 Juniper Way, Banff

Public Toilet(s)

• Norquay Mountain Resort

Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise

The longest highway in Canada, running from the east to the west of the country, passes through Banff. It’s the highway that takes you from Calgary to the park. 

It’s a big highway that keeps the impressive scenery slightly at bay. However, the drive is still remarkable, offering new stunning vistas with each corner.

Even before you approach Banff, you will get beautiful views of the foothills transitioning into the craggy mountain peaks panorama Banff National Park is famous for. 

As soon as you enter the park, the rugged peaks are everywhere. You’ll find several pullouts and viewpoints on your way, allowing you to stop and enjoy the impressive scenery. 

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 55 kilometers (34.17 mi)
• Duration: 35 minutes

Highlights

• Cascade Mountain
• Bourgeau Lake trail
• Castle Mountain Lookout

Nearest Restaurant(s)

Depending on your direction, the nearest restaurants are in either Lake Louise Village or the town of Banff.

Nearest Hotel(s)

• Castle Mountain Chalets
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort

The abovementioned hotels are relatively near the highway. Furthermore, you have many options in the town of Banff and Lake Louise Village.  

Public Toilet(s)

–

Tunnel Mountain Drive

Tunnel Mountain Drive provides a relatively short trip taking you over Tunnel Mountain, the little mountain that hugs the Banff town site in the east. 

It offers different views of the town, the towering Cascade Mountain, and the Bow Valley and takes you to the remarkable Hoodoos. On the way, you’ll also pass the big Tunnel Mountain Village campgrounds.   

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 9.1 kilometers (5.65 mi)
• Duration: 12 minutes

Highlights

• Cascade Mountain viewpoints
• Hoodoos
• Aerial view of the town of Banff
• The Banff Centre
• Surprise Corner (with a stunning view of the Banff Springs Hotel and the Spray Valley)

Nearest Restaurant(s)

• MacLab Bistro, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
• Vistas Dining Hall, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff

Nearest Hotel(s)

As Tunnel Mountain Drive is very close to the town of Banff, it goes too far to list the nearest hotels here. If you drive to Banff Avenue, you’ll find plenty, or stay on Tunnel Mountain Drive. You’ll also come across several hotels. 

Public Toilet(s)

• Sally Borden building at the Banff Centre. 

Vermilion Lakes Road

The Vermilion Lakes Road is the shortest scenic drive on this lake. It’s so short that it doesn’t really qualify as a scenic drive, but boy, is it worth it. It takes you along the famous Vermilion Lakes, providing gorgeous views over the water and Mount Rundle in the distance. 

You can park your car along the road and enjoy the scenery on one of the lakes’ benches or sit on a boat dock. 

Sunrise and sunset are breathtaking at this location. If you want to read more about it, read the post Banff By Sunrise and Sunset, the 9 Best Locations. 

Distance and Duration

• Distance: 5.1 kilometers (3.17 mi)
• Duration: 11 minutes

Highlights

• Fenland Trail
• Vermilion Lakes

Nearest Restaurant(s)

• Juniper Bistro, 1 Juniper Way, Banff

Nearest Hotel(s)

• Juniper Hotel, 1 Juniper Way, Banff

Public Toilet(s)

–

Can I Drive these Scenic Drives in Winter?

Yes, you can. However, driving in the park in winter can provide some challenges due to snow, ice, avalanches and severe weather. 

Always take extreme caution, go (much) slower than you usually would, and make sure you fill up before you head out. Also, bring an extra blanket in case you get stranded due to severe amounts of snow or a car breakdown.

If you want to know all the ins and outs of driving in the park in winter, read the post Your Go-to Guide to Driving in Banff National Park in Winter.