A Summer Road Trip Through Banff National Park, Canada
Some places just beg to be road-tripped, and Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is one of them. This summer trip took me through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery I’ve ever pointed a camera at — and I’ve pointed a camera at a lot of places.
Chasing blue lakes and mountain air
The lakes here are the kind of turquoise you assume is photoshopped until you’re standing on the shore looking at it yourself. Glacier-fed and impossibly clear, they’re framed by peaks that make you feel appropriately small. Between lake stops, we filled the days with hikes — the kind that leave your legs sore and your camera roll overflowing.
A helicopter’s-eye view
Banff from the ground is stunning. Banff from a helicopter is something else entirely. Getting up above the treeline for a bird’s-eye view of the valleys and glaciers is one of those experiences that recalibrates your sense of scale — highly recommend it if you get the chance.
Heaven, basically
Day hikes, a helicopter ride, and lake water so blue it looks unreal — if that sounds like your kind of trip, Banff delivers. It’s easily one of my favorite stops for anyone chasing big mountain views and quiet, wild places.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to visit Banff National Park?
Summer (June through September) is ideal for hiking and seeing the lakes at their most vividly turquoise, since the color comes from glacial meltwater at its peak flow.
Is Banff National Park good for a road trip?
Yes — Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rockies are made for road-tripping, with scenic drives connecting alpine lakes, hiking trailheads, and mountain overlooks within easy reach of each other.
Can you book a helicopter tour over Banff?
Yes, helicopter tours are available near Banff and give an incredible aerial perspective of the glaciers, valleys, and lakes that’s hard to capture any other way.
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