So you want to know where to go in the Canadian Rockies to get incredible Banff photography.
Visiting Banff National Park and taking fantastic pictures is simple. All you have to do to capture an incredible shot is to simply toss your camera into the air. It requires a bit more work than that, just kidding.
But really, the Canadian Rockies are among the most beautiful places on earth, so it makes sense that you would want to visit and take endless pictures.
This list is for everyone who wants to take incredible photos in Banff. These are a few of Banff’s greatest locations for photos. Therefore, make sure to visit at least a few of these spots, whether your goal is to become well-known on Instagram or simply to snap some pictures for your photo collection!
We’ll begin with the most picturesque lakes in the Canadian Rockies and proceed to easily accessible Banff photography locations, hikes in Kananaskis, and other destinations.
Top Locations for Photos in Banff – Lakes
Moraine Lake
We will begin this list of Banff photographer spots with Moraine Lake because it is the most iconic image of the Canadian Rockies, and of Canada in general. You have undoubtedly seen pictures of Moraine Lake. Whether you knew it was in Banff or not, you can’t help but notice it—it was once featured on Canada’s $20 bill. The Ten Peaks provide a stunning backdrop for the alpine lake, which is a frenzied turquoise blue due to glacier melt.
There isn’t a place on earth that is quite as magnificent and breathtaking as Moraine Lake. It’s among the greatest spots in the world—not just in Banff—for photos.
The best thing about it is that, provided you can get a ride on the Moraine Lake shuttle, it’s very accessible. It’s also only open during the summer. You can only take summertime photos of Moraine Lake because the road is closed from early October to early June because of the risk of snow and avalanches. Alternatively, you could choose to walk or ski in on a snow-covered road, but this is not safe in avalanche terrain.
That is, if you can manage to visit Moraine Lake in the window of opportunity that follows the first significant snowfall, but before Parks Canada closes the road and the lake thaws. (I wouldn’t anticipate this, though.)
I recommend renting a canoe at Moraine and/or hiking up to Sentinel Pass, which is at its most stunning during the larch season, if you want some truly stunning photos.
Ideal Time for Moraine Lake Photography? When the sun rises, the alpenglow reaches the peaks of the ten, but most visitors won’t be able to see this unless they are extremely committed, due to the recent parking restrictions at Moraine Lake. If you can stay until the sunset, it can also show off some interesting colors. The water’s deepest blue hue is found in July and August.
How to Get There: Alight at Lake Louise on the Trans Canada. View our post here for directions to Moraine Lake.
Lake Louise
For more than a century, Lake Louise, the jewel in the crown of Banff National Park, has captivated tourists to the Canadian Rockies. One of the must-see locations for Banff photography is Lake Louise, so plan to include it in your itinerary when you visit Moraine.
Huge Banff mountains encircle Lake Louise, a sizable lake, on all sides. Mount Fairview lies to your left, and Mount Victoria, topped by a massive glacier, is directly ahead of Lake Louise.
You can see Mount Whyte, Niblock, and the Beehives by looking to your right. After Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is among the world’s most breathtaking locations, in my opinion.
Its stunning blue color, which is caused by light-refracting rock flour—fine particles of rock—is the reason for its popularity. The lake is frozen from October through late May for most of the year, so the opportunity to see this vivid color is limited. That being said, it’s always open and even more beautiful in the winter!
The most visited location in Banff is Lake Louise because of its accessibility. Arrive before sunrise, in the evening after 6pm, or during the winter to avoid the crowds.
What Time of Day Is Ideal for Taking Lake Louise Photos? The most breathtaking colors over the mountains can be seen at sunrise, but Lake Louise is still lovely in the middle of the day because the blue hue is so vibrant. Come visit us from June to September to see Lake Louise thawed. The best time to visit Lake Louise for wintertime photography is between December and March.
How to Get There: Drive up Lake Louise Drive until you are unable to go any farther after getting off at Lake Louise on the Trans Canada.
Peyto Lake
After Lake Louise and Moraine, Peyto Lake is the most popular Banff lake. It’s another that’s simple to get to—just a quick hike uphill will get you to the viewpoint. It’s a must-stop when traveling the Icefield Parkway, particularly in the summer when a portion of the Wapta Icefield and the Peyto Glacier, which sit high above the lake, provide the stunning blue display.
Photographers love this viewpoint because it’s one of the most breathtaking in all of Banff National Park. We think Peyto Lake is just as beautiful as Moraine Lake, but with fewer visitors—just be aware that it’s still very busy.
Peyto Lake is the most visited lake in Banff, following Lake Louise and Moraine. It’s another easy one to reach; all it takes is a short hike uphill to the viewpoint. It’s a must-visit location when traveling the Icefield Parkway, especially in the summer when the breathtaking blue display is provided by parts of the Wapta Icefield and the Peyto Glacier, which are situated high above the lake.
This viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in all of Banff National Park, which is why photographers adore it. Even though Peyto Lake receives fewer visitors than Moraine Lake, it’s still quite crowded, in our opinion.
Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is still a must-see in Banff even though it is not glacier-fed and is not nearly as blue as the lakes mentioned above. Not only is Two Jack a great lake for swimming, SUPing, and canoeing, but it’s also one of the park’s most photographed locations, all just a short drive from town.
Thanks to its endless views of Mount Rundle, Two Jack Lake attracts photographers from all over the world.
The good news is that taking great photos here doesn’t require a lot of effort. You’ll get amazing views and photos straight from the coast.
When is it ideal to take pictures of Two Jack Lake? When the light hits Rundle just so, it’s a great place to take pictures at sunrise or sunset. You might even get a cotton candy sky if you’re lucky.
How Can You Travel to Two Jack Lake? Before you get to Minnewanka, turn off at Two Jack Lake while traveling along the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road.
A helpful tip is to reserve a campsite at Two Jack Lake campground in Banff. This way, you can spend the entire day relaxing in front of Mount Rundle and taking advantage of the beautiful early-morning and dusk light photography.
Lake Minnewanka
Another lake, Lake Minnewanka, is located next to Two Jack and only ten minutes’ drive from the town of Banff. One of the biggest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta, the lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep. It provides hydroelectric power to Banff.
While it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing in the summer, Banff is also a sight to behold in the winter. It’s a great place for me to unwind and take in the scenery, but it’s also a great lake for photography.
When it comes to taking the best photos, Lake Minnewanka is more of a free-for-all than some of the other lakes on this list where there are designated spots. There’s no “one spot” where you can take the ideal shot. It will be up to you to explore and select your own photographic journey.
When Is the Ideal Time to Take Pictures of Minnewanka Lake? Summer and winter are both wonderful, but I think winter is better because you can ice skate on the frozen lake. Watch for the well-known methane bubbles.
How Am I Going to Get There? Drive the Lake Minnewanka Loop from Banff.
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes, the perfect location for Banff photography, mirror the famous Mount Rundle that towers over the town. The Canadian Rockies’ three lakes are fed by the Bow River and are located west of Banff. You’ll need to pause in order to get a great picture, but you can see them directly off the Trans Canada.
We frequently witness people pulling off the side of the road, so please don’t do that. There’s a place to pull over and take pictures while admiring the scenery.
Nevertheless, take the exit off the highway and turn onto Mt. Norquay Road, then onto Vermilion Lakes Road, to get the best perspective and angle of Vermilion Lakes with Rundle in the background. There are a lot of bikers on this road, so proceed cautiously.
There are numerous pull-off spots and the lakes are to your left. My personal favorite is the first dock you’ll come to, but there are three docks along the road that plunge into the water and offer fantastic views of Mount Rundle.
Ideal Time for Vermilion Lakes Photography? Though we’ve also had some incredible sunsets here, sunrises in both the summer and winter are fantastic times to take pictures of the lakes.
How to Get There: Take the second exit (Mt. Norquay Rd.) towards Banff when traveling from Canmore to Banff. As soon as you get off, you must turn right to drive on Vermilion Lakes Road.
Bow Lake
One of the many lakes that border the Icefields Parkway is Bow Lake, which is a well-liked destination for tourists visiting Alberta’s Banff National Park. When this brilliant blue marvel appears out of nowhere on your left as you travel the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper, you’ll be in for a real surprise if you don’t know what to expect.
It’s not a big lake by global standards, but it is large for the Canadian Rockies. When the lake thaws in the summer, the glacier melt from the Wapta Icefield and Crowfoot Glacier gives it an amazing blue color. Everyone who looks at the scenery is naturally humbled by the sheer rock wall of Crowfoot Mountain, the hanging glacier, and the vast Wapta Icefield.
It’s a well-liked location that’s convenient to the Icefields Parkway, making it a popular summer and winter destination. The lakeshore is lined with many fantastic locations for photos. But if you want to truly experience an adventure and see breathtaking views of Bow Lake, you’ll need to ascend to a high point on a hike like Mount Jimmy Simpson or The Onion Scramble.
When Is It Best to Take Bow Lake Photos? is at first light, when the sun perfectly grazes the peaks.
How to Get There: Park your vehicle at Num Ti Jah Lodge (The Lodge) when traveling the Icefields Parkway.
Herbert Lake
Herbert Lake is not the most popular location for photos in Banff. Herbert Lake is the first stop you’ll come to when you cross the park gates on the Icefields Parkway before Bow Lake (driving from Banff to Jasper). Herbert Lake is on your left. If you’re not paying attention, it could be simple to overlook, but I assure you that it’s worthwhile to stop.
Although not as well-known as other lakes in the park, this one is well-liked by the locals. especially considering that it’s peaceful and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
When Is the Best Time to Take Herbert Lake Photos? dawn
How Do I Get There? The first lake on the left side of the Icefields Parkway as you travel from Banff to Jasper is Herbert Lake.
Waterfowl Lakes
The Waterfowl Lakes in Banff are another lesser-known location for photography. Compared to the other lakes on this list, the two tranquil Alberta lakes in the park, the Waterfowl Lakes receive comparatively few visitors.
It’s simple to pull over on the side of the Icefields Parkway and capture breathtaking pictures of the lakes. The most well-liked location for photos is right next to the car and offers up close views of Mount Chephren.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Waterfowl Lakes Photo? dawn
How Am I Going to Get There? Look out for the campground at Waterfowl Lakes. A few pull-offs next to Waterfowl Lakes are located past this.
Emerald Lake
One of the best lakes in the Canadian Rockies, Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park and is a breathtaking site to see. Because the glacial waters refract light in the summer, Emerald Lake literally has an Emerald Color. This is why it got its name.
You’ll have to travel there in the summer to witness the color at its best because light is refracted in a brilliant hue in the lake due to the rock flour—fine rock particles—that melting glaciers high above the lake deposit into it.
This area has just one lodge, The Emerald Lake Lodge, and if you stroll around the lake, you’ll get an ideal view of Mount Burgess dominating the background landscape, Emerald Lake, and the Lodge.
When Is the Best Time to Take an Emerald Lake Photo? The lake’s vivid colors are still visible in the middle of the day, though sunrise and sunset are equally breathtaking.
Simple Locations for Photography in Banff
Castle Mountain Lookout
Unless you’re asleep, you can’t possibly miss Castle Mountain when driving the Bow Valley Parkway or the Trans-Canada. It’s a distinct mountain in Banff with an amazing shape and characteristics that make it stand out from the other mountains in the area.
Although the mountain was named for its features that resembled castles, it was known as “Mount Eisenhower” for more than 30 years, in honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Castle Mountain was once again given its original name after some pressure, but Eisenhower Tower is the name of the pinnacle on the southeast side of the image.
It’s one of our top spots for Banff photo ops because it’s so picturesque. Just off the Castle Junction exit is one of the best places to take pictures of Castle Moutain. There’s a place along the Bow River where you can walk before you cross the bridge. There is a gate that you must go through, but it keeps animals off the road, so be sure to lock it after you’re through.
What Time Is Best for Castle Mountain Photos? All Year Long!
Johnston Canyon
A popular destination for visitors to Banff, Johnston Canyon is a short hike that’s suitable for families with young children. The Upper Falls are reached by following the trail that passes through the middle of the narrow canyon in Johnston Canyon.
It’s conceivably the most popular trail in all of Banff, so if you want to escape the crowds during the busiest time of year, get there early. Having said that, Johnston Canyon has some amazing natural features during the summer and winter seasons.
The falls roar in the summer, especially in June and July when the surrounding mountains’ snowmelts. But I believe that winter, when the waterfalls transform into ice cascades, is the ideal season to take pictures of Johnston Canyon.
Ideal Time for Johnston Canyon Photography? when a Winter Wonderland is in place. One of the best locations for snowy Banff photography, open December through March.
Morant’s Curve
Driving from Banff to Lake Louise on the 1A (Bow Valley Parkway), you’ll pass a location just before the lake that offers views of the train tracks descending a spectacular valley.
One of the best places to take pictures in Banff is this curve, known as Morant’s Curve. It appears especially beautiful in the winter, when the trees and mountains are covered with snow.
It looks fantastic without the train, but in order to get a good picture, you’ll have to wait outside in the bitter cold for the Canadian Pacific train to pass by (the schedule is unknown). Although it calls for perseverance and warm clothing, it is possible. If the holidays truly mean something to you, find out when the Canadian Holiday Train travels through in December for Christmas.
Ideal Time for Morant’s Curve Photography? Following a New Snowfall in the Winter
Sulphur Mountain
One of the closest mountains in Banff for hiking is Sulphur Mountain. Additionally, the Banff Gondola is located there. A world of fun awaits you at the summit of the mountain that you might not have imagined. A weather station, a cafe, a pleasant visitor walkway, and the Sky Bistro—one of Banff’s most picturesque eateries—can all be found here.
It might not be the most thrilling experience if you hike or scramble frequently, but even if you have never hiked before, I wanted to highlight it as a fantastic mountain summit for people of all ages. Either ride the gondola up or hike (my favorite option) up an endless series of switchbacks to the top.
You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Banff town and the Bow Valley once you reach the summit. For stunning photos, I recommend coming here at dusk in the winter.
What Time Is Best for Sulphur Mountain Photos? Winter Sunset
Cascade Ponds
Cascade Ponds will appear before you get to Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake. which, to put it literally, are a set of ponds beneath Cascade Mountain. In addition to having lots of picnic tables and fire pits, this is a great place to visit all year round to take pictures of the bridges that allow people to stroll between the ponds. One of the simplest locations for photography in Banff is this one.
Perfect Time to Take Pictures of Cascade Ponds? Dawn! There are many aspen trees in Banff that turn a golden yellow in the fall.
