Banff National Park — Travelrags

AfarOct 15, 2026

Pine Trees That Change Color in the Fall? See Them in the Canadian Rockies.

These are Alberta’s larches, a unique species of deciduous pine whose needles change color in the autumn and drop off for the winter. And, for a few brilliant weeks each September and October, they ...

13 things in this story

Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaOne of the best regions for larch hikes.
Moraine LakeSightBanff, CanadaFamous scenic spot, particularly in autumn for larch hikes.
Kananaskis CountryNeighborhoodCanmore, CanadaA vast, protected wilderness area of mountains, lakes, and trails.
Chester LakeSightCanmore, CanadaGlacier-carved lake with golden larches ringing its shoreline.
Kootenay National ParkSightRadium Hot Springs, CanadaLarches are found here generally at elevations around 2,000 meters.
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial ParkSightCanmore, CanadaIt is within the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Larch ValleyTrailBanff, CanadaA 2.7-mile hike starting from Moraine Lake.
Rocky Mountain AdventuresPlaceCanmore, CanadaJoin us for a guided hike through the stunning golden larches of Larch Valley — a Canadian Rockies fall highlight.
The Malcolm HotelHotelCanmore, CanadaScottish-inspired mountain lodge overlooking two creeks.
SauvageRestaurantCanmore, CanadaA contemporary restaurant in Canmore, Alberta, offering seasonal tasting menus and à la carte dining in an intimate…
Grizzly Paw PubPubCanmore, CanadaTown's original craft brewery with an elevated restaurant.
Tank310RestaurantCanmore, CanadaElevated restaurant at the Grizzly Paw Pub.
Peter Lougheed Provincial ParkSightCanmore, Canada

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 4

The Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada, From the Tourist Favorites to the Hidden Gems

Whether you want to paddle across a glacier lake, hike a mountain trail, or spot moose and bison, Canada’s national parks offer stunning settings for numerous outdoor experiences.

24 things in this story

West Coast TrailTrailTofino, CanadaBackpackers navigate over 100 ladders in rainforest.
Long Beach Lodge ResortHotelTofino, CanadaBest for stylish beach lodgings.
Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelBanff, CanadaBest for exceptional views of the park's famous lake.
Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaMost visited park with aquamarine glacier lakes.
Lake LouiseSightBanff, CanadaHike above shoreline to leave selfie-taking tourists behind.
Wickaninnish InnHotelTofino, CanadaBest for oceanfront luxury.
Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelBanff, CanadaBest for classic opulence.
Pacific Rim National Park ReserveSightTofino, CanadaNine-mile sand dune is longest on Vancouver Island.
Kwisitis Visitor CentreSightTofino, CanadaLearn about nine First Nations communities in the region.
Broken Group IslandsSightTofino, CanadaBest explored by kayak in Barkley Sound.
Black Rock Oceanfront ResortHotelTofino, CanadaBest for contemporary suites in the rainforest.
Mingan Archipelago National Park ReserveSightLongue-Pointe-de-Mingan, CanadaLargest collection of stone monoliths in Canada.
Auyuittuq National ParkSightPangnirtung, CanadaArctic wilderness park, harder to reach, less trodden.
Icefields ParkwaySightBanff, CanadaRoad trip between mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Rimrock Banff, Emblems CollectionHotelBanff, CanadaBest for a wellness getaway.
Yoho National ParkSightField, CanadaMountain park with waterfalls, hoodoos, and emerald lakes.
Wapta FallsSightField, CanadaLargest cascade on the Kicking Horse River.
Takakkaw FallsSightField, CanadaOne of Canada's highest waterfalls.
Burgess ShaleSightField, CanadaUNESCO World Heritage Site with world's oldest fossils.
Emerald Lake LodgeHotelField, CanadaBest for lakeside ambiance.
Cathedral Mountain LodgeHotelField, CanadaBest for a log cabin stay.
Edelweiss VillageHotelGolden, CanadaBest for historic Swiss chalets in nearby Golden.
Gros Morne National ParkSightRocky Harbour, CanadaPark with cliffs, red rocks, boreal forest, wetlands.
Seven Corners projectPlaceRocky Harbour, CanadaHighlights life in communities surrounding the park.

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 22

Where to Stay Near Banff National Park for Incredible Views and Proximity to Lake Louise

No matter the season, here's where to stay in the birthplace of Canada's national parks system.

23 things in this story

Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelLake Louise, CanadaOne of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Moraine LakeSightLake Louise, CanadaGuests can use a private shuttle service.
Big BeehiveTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise.
Sulphur MountainSightBanff, CanadaBook a table at the top for an elevated dining experience.
Victoria GlacierSightLake Louise, CanadaFlanks the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Big Beehive trailTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers unmatched views of the surrounding scenery.
Fairview Bar & RestaurantRestaurantLake Louise, CanadaEnjoy cocktails with a view.
Post Hotel & SpaHotelLake Louise, CanadaEuropean elegance meets Rocky Mountain grandeur.
Lake Louise Ski ResortSightLake Louise, CanadaFive minutes away from the hotel.
Temple Mountain SpaPlaceLake Louise, CanadaOffers a Roman-inspired saltwater pool and hot tubs.
Rimrock ResortHotelBanff, CanadaDramatically poised on the edge of Sulphur Mountain.
Parker's TableRestaurantBanff, CanadaServes Canadian dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Rimrock SocialRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers an afternoon Art of Coffee ritual.
Upper Banff Hot SpringsSightBanff, CanadaHot pool.
Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelBanff, CanadaThe copper-roofed castle with a million-dollar view.
Banff Springs Golf CourseSightBanff, CanadaBoasts one of the world's highest-ranked holes.
Surprise Corner lookoutSightBanff, CanadaOffers a view of the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Rundle BarRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers a mixology class.
Waldhaus RestaurantRestaurantBanff, CanadaServes warm fondue.
GrapesRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers a cheese board.
Moraine Lake LodgeHotelLake Louise, CanadaPerched right on the shores of Moraine Lake.
Valley of the Ten PeaksSightLake Louise, CanadaOffers stunning lake views.
Banff GondolaSightBanff, Canada

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 3, 2025

50 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From the Serengeti to the Grand Canyon—plus 55 more destinations you need to see to believe.

10 sights in this story

Valle de la LunaSightAtacama Desert, ChileLandscape startlingly similar to the moon.
Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon, United StatesHike scenic loops for views of rocky badlands.
Avenue of the BaobabsAttractionMadagascarCenturies-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.
Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaOverwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies.
Moraine LakeSightBanff, CanadaIt is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres (6,181 ft).
Lake MinnewankaSightBanff, CanadaThe lake is 21 km (13 mi) long and 142 m (466 ft) deep, making it the 2nd longest lake in the mountain parks of the…
Bathsheba BeachSightBathsheba, BarbadosKnown for huge boulders and best waves for surfers.
Whitehaven BeachSightWhitsundays, AustraliaConsidered one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Danxia Landform Geological ParkSightDanxia, ChinaStriped, multicolored mountains formed over 20 million years.
Lake LouiseSightBanff, Canada

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