Most Beautiful Scenic Drives Near Banff
- visitorsguideteam
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
1. Icefields Parkway — Highway 93N
Banff to Jasper
Distance: 232 km
Time: 3–4 hours direct (but plan a full day)
Why It’s Stunning:
Often ranked among the top 10 most beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway features turquoise lakes, towering peaks, ancient glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Every turn looks like a postcard.
Top Stops:
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake (easy high-view lookout!)
Mistaya Canyon
Athabasca Glacier / Columbia Icefield
Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls
2. Bow Valley Parkway — Highway 1A
Banff to Lake Louise
Distance: 48 km
Time: 1 hour
Why It’s Stunning:
A quiet, wildlife-rich alternative to the Trans-Canada. Amazing mountain views, especially in early morning or dusk.
Top Stops:
Johnston Canyon
Moose Meadows
Castle Mountain Viewpoint
Morant’s Curve (iconic train photo spot!)
3. Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop
Near Banff
Distance: 14 km
Time: 30–45 minutes
Why It’s Stunning:
Close to Banff but gives you a true wilderness feel—wide-open lake views, mountain ridges, and a high chance of spotting wildlife (elk, bighorn sheep).
Top Stops:
Lake Minnewanka
Two Jack Lake
Cascade Ponds
4. Spray Lakes Road — Smith-Dorrien Trail
Canmore to Kananaskis
Distance: 63 km gravel
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Why It’s Stunning:
If you want dramatic alpine wilderness, this is it. A rugged mountain route dotted with lakes and towering peaks.
Top Stops:
Spray Lakes Reservoir
Goat Creek Trailhead
Black Prince Cirque area
Note: It’s a gravel road—beautiful but best for summer/fall.
5. Kananaskis Trail — Highway 40
Through Kananaskis Country
Distance: 66 km
Time: 1–2 hours
Why It’s Stunning:
One of Alberta’s most underrated drives. Sweeping mountain passes, rolling valleys, and serene lakes—without the crowds of Banff.
Top Stops:
Highwood Pass (highest paved road in Canada!)
Kananaskis Lakes
Ptarmigan Cirque
6. Banff to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Distance: 58 km to LL
Why It’s Stunning:
Towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. One of the most photographed areas on earth.
Note: For Moraine Lake, no personal vehicle access—must take shuttle.
7. Highway 93S
Banff to Radium Hot Springs
Distance: 103 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Why It’s Stunning:
A quieter drive with dramatic canyon walls, wildlife, and views over Kootenay National Park.
Top Stops:
Marble Canyon
Numa Falls
Sinclair Canyon
Best Drives for Photography
Sunrise: Lake Minnewanka Loop, Moraine Lake
Wildlife: Bow Valley Parkway, Spray Lakes Road
Fall Colours: Kananaskis Trail, Icefields Parkway
Most Epic Landscapes: Icefields Parkway
Comments