Banff Blog - Day 2
Day Two: Drive the Bow Valley Parkway and See Lake Louise
and Lake Moraine
The Bow Valley Parkway
Your second day in Banff is a fantastic day to drive the Bow Valley Parkway. The Bow Valley Parkway (or the 1A) was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise in the early 1900s. Now it's a scenic drive with tons of unique stops. You can drive it or even cycle the road in the summer! Some of the best stops on the Bow Valley Parkway are Johnston Canyon, Storm Mountain Lookout, and Morant's Curve. If you want to stay along the Bow Valley Parkway, we recommend booking a night at either Castle Mountain Chalets or Baker Creek Mountain Resort. You can enjoy a toasty fire under the stars before returning to your cabin for a night in the wilderness.
Lake Louise
When you finish driving the parkway, you will end at the fabulous Lake Louise. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Louise, like hiking, having afternoon tea at the Fairmont, or skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort if it's winter. One of the best hikes in the area is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.
Moraine Lake
If it's summer and the road to Moraine Lake is open, it's worthwhile to make the journey up to it. However, there are some parking limitations you will have to pay attention to, and Parks Canada has recently launched a Park and Ride shuttle to deal with the congestion in the area (details are here). Visiting Moraine Lake will take some advance preparation, but it's well worth it to see the Ten Peaks in the background of the bluest lake in the world!
Have Dinner at the Mount Fairview Dining Room
Consider making reservations at the Lakeview Lounge Room at the Fairmont for a special night out. Here you can dine on delicious cuisines with views of Mount Victoria throughout the meal.
Day Two: Drive the Bow Valley Parkway and See Lake Louise and Lake Moraine
The Bow Valley Parkway
Your second day in Banff is a fantastic day to drive the Bow Valley Parkway. The Bow Valley Parkway (or the 1A) was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise in the early 1900s. Now it's a scenic drive with tons of unique stops. You can drive it or even cycle the road in the summer! Some of the best stops on the Bow Valley Parkway are Johnston Canyon, Storm Mountain Lookout, and Morant's Curve. If you want to stay along the Bow Valley Parkway, we recommend booking a night at either Castle Mountain Chalets or Baker Creek Mountain Resort. You can enjoy a toasty fire under the stars before returning to your cabin for a night in the wilderness.
Lake Louise
When you finish driving the parkway, you will end at the fabulous Lake Louise. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Louise, like hiking, having afternoon tea at the Fairmont, or skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort if it's winter. One of the best hikes in the area is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.
Moraine Lake
If it's summer and the road to Moraine Lake is open, it's worthwhile to make the journey up to it. However, there are some parking limitations you will have to pay attention to, and Parks Canada has recently launched a Park and Ride shuttle to deal with the congestion in the area (details are here). Visiting Moraine Lake will take some advance preparation, but it's well worth it to see the Ten Peaks in the background of the bluest lake in the world!
Have Dinner at the Mount Fairview Dining Room
Consider making reservations at the Lakeview Lounge Room at the Fairmont for a special night out. Here you can dine on delicious cuisines with views of Mount Victoria throughout the meal.