Lake Minnewanka is a breathtaking gem in Banff, surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters. Its stunning views and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for nature lovers.

The views here are amazing. The water is surrounded by mountains, making for a scenic drive. There is a short hike to Stewart canyon which was really nice and refreshing. A great place to stop by nearby Two Jack Lake!

Lake Minnewanka is absolutely beautiful! The crystal-clear water surrounded by stunning mountain views makes it a perfect spot to relax and take in nature. Whether you’re walking along the shore or just sitting and enjoying the scenery, it’s a peaceful and picturesque experience. A must-visit when in the area!

Lake Minnewanka is absolutely stunning and a must-visit in Banff! The crystal-clear water surrounded by towering mountains creates a breathtaking view. It’s perfect for a boat ride, hiking along the trails, or just relaxing by the shore. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great spot for nature lovers. Whether you’re into photography, outdoor adventures, or just soaking in the scenery, this lake has something for everyone.

One of my favorite lakes in Banff National Park. Crystal blue/turquoise water, gorgeous mountain views, silly ground squirrels hustling around and moderate crowds as compared to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Besides, you can get there with a 25-min ride on a local Roam bus (line #6), which makes it very accessible.

This place is a wow 🤩very beautiful scenic and landscape views to just mesmerize.They have cruise to explore the attracting views around and also kayaking. Done the kayaking,not the cruise. We spent lot of time at the lakeside to enjoy the view. There are also so many chipmunks 🐿️ around come to you also they are very great at posing for the pictures 😀

Gorgeous. It's an easy drive from Canmore, and a good place for a walk or three

Moraine Lake is absolutely stunning! I went there early in the morning in July (bring warm clothes even in summer) to watch the sunrise. Simply amazing!

Crazy busy but incredibly beautiful. The lake was not nearly as big as I thought it would be so it was a bit underwhelming after having seen Lake Louise, but it was stunning nonetheless.

This place is stunning even when it’s gloomy, which it was when we went this past summer (early Aug). We waited out a short storm under a tree (8/10 rain protection), and when it cleared up we had the entire view to ourselves. Sure it could’ve been prettier on a sunny blue day, but the water was still turquoise and the mountain view was beautiful even with the clouds.

INSANELY busy. Think Disney World of National Parks. A bit disturbing how many people they allow into the park each day. Hiking is essentially standing in line. It’s rough. But it is absolutely stunning. We did the Rock Pile which be prepared to be patient. There are SO many people here. We also did the Larch Valley Trail. You can’t see the lake but the view of the peaks is phenomenal. You are very exposed at high elevation so hats are an essential!

What an absolutley breathtaking lake to kayak on. We had our shuttle reservations way in advance, so the day was set. Unfortunately, it was dark, rainy, AND stormy. So it was with some worry that we got on our shuttle and headed to the lake. Just as we arrived, the sky cleared up! We immediatley got our kayaks with almost no wait (I think because we were early and the weather, we didn't have any crowds). For the time we were on the lake, it was cloudy but there wasn't any rain. There were so few people on the lake it felt like we had it all to ourselves! What a wonderful memory, and some of the prettiest views I've ever seen.

A SCENIC HIKE FOR ALL AGES Moraine Lake, located in the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, offers a breathtaking hiking experience for visitors of all ages. The hike around the lake is perfect for families, with its relatively short distance and moderate terrain. Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying this iconic trail. TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY AND DIFFICULTY This hike is suitable for all skill levels, including families with toddlers. However, it’s essential to note that the trail is uneven in places due to exposed roots, making it unsuitable for strollers. A child backpack is a much better option for carrying younger children. Walking sticks can be a helpful addition for extra stability, especially for those who prefer a little extra support while navigating uneven terrain. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS 1. ICONIC VIEWS OF THE LAKE Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters are world-famous, and the trail offers multiple points to soak in the lake’s beautiful colour. The reflections of the Ten Peaks in the water make for incredible photo opportunities. 2. ROCKPILE VIEWPOINT A short climb up the rock pile at the start of the trail provides a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks. This is the most famous spot for photos and a must-visit before continuing your hike. 3. PEACEFUL PATHS WITH TREES The trail winds through peaceful forests of fir and pine, offering a serene environment. The scent of evergreens and the soft crunch of the forest floor underfoot add to the sensory experience. 4. WILDLIFE SPOTTING Keep an eye out for wildlife! Birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer are common along the trail. Be sure to stay a respectful distance from any animals you encounter. 5. LOVELY STREAMS AND CASCADES Depending on the season, you might come across small streams and cascades flowing into the lake. These add another layer of beauty to the already picturesque hike. TRAIL TIPS 1) Timing: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photos. 2) Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes to handle the uneven terrain. 3) Gear: Walking sticks can help with balance on the roots, and don’t forget to bring water and snacks. 4) Weather: Check the weather before your trip, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. SUMMARY The Moraine Lake hike is a family-friendly adventure offering unparalleled views of one of the most beautiful spots in the Canadian Rockies. While even a toddler can manage the trail with help, it’s best to leave the stroller at home and opt for a child backpack. Walking sticks can add stability, making the hike even more enjoyable. From the iconic rock pile viewpoint to the peaceful forest paths, this trail promises a memorable experience for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you’re seeking beautiful landscapes or a leisurely family outing, Moraine Lake delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Banff National Park. Annie W. Master Reviewer Local Guide / Google Maps

A Must-See Natural Wonder: Moraine Lake, Canada Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: Moraine Lake is a breathtaking gem nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. The vibrant turquoise waters, surrounded by towering peaks, create a truly awe-inspiring landscape. The hike around the lake offers stunning views at every turn, and the opportunity to spot wildlife adds to the experience. While it can get crowded during peak season, it's well worth the effort to visit Moraine Lake. The tranquility and natural beauty make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. Tips: * Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. * Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. * Take time to appreciate the surrounding nature and wildlife.

I checked on Google near place to visit in band so cave and basin come first. We visited there on Feb 24,2025 and we really liked it. I would give my appreciation to the gentleman who make us played the winter wheel. I must say back to back people were there to play and his enthusiasm was perfect every time. Everyone greet with smiles. My all friends will be there soon to visit. Bug thanks to the game gentlemen.

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is an interesting place to visit, especially if you’re into history and learning about the origins of Canada’s national parks. The cave itself is unique, and the bubbling thermal waters are cool to see. However, the site is relatively small, and there isn’t a ton to do after you’ve explored the main features. Worth a visit if you’re nearby.

It was neat to see the old cave and pools, but there wasn’t much else there and the admission price is more than triple what it was years ago. There was a short video played on the screens, but not very informative. I will say, though, all the staff were super friendly and very eager to assist. Good people.

A fascinating experience with a rich history. There may not be a lot to it but a quick visit to the cave and hot water basin is worth your time. The park staff is exceptional, friendly, and helpful. Be advised, DO NOT purchase admission online from TripAdvisor or any other vendor. All you get is a self guided audio tour around the area not admission to the park itself. This is deceitful advertising. To add insult to injury, our 'tour' was scheduled for October 16th, a day the park was closed.

Incredibly cool to see and learn more on the National parks were created! Cave and Basin was an insanely cool experience to see inside, you can walk to both the upper and lower pools. From rare snails, and tiny minnows, to super sulphur-y marshs, waterfalls, and cave system. It is definitely a must visit when in Banff and open all year long! They have an interactive museum for the springs, and an internment camp museum (a bit past the main building but well worth seeing truly!!), as well as a beautiful courtyard with seasonal activities. When we were there, there was curling, hockey standoffs, and other games!! There is an accessible boardwalk that allows for a stunning view of the mountains and springs, may be challenging going back up, but a very wide and clear boardwalk. Lastly, you have free admission with an annual park pass!

What an amazing experience to have, to learn about the history of the national parks of Canada and visit the amazing hot springs ♥️😍 mesmerizing experience! Love it!

Well worth the price! The young gentleman working in the first lobby area before you enter the cave was very kind and informative! Something that you don't see very often, and the historical writeups are interesting. Learnt alot about the Winter Carnival

This place is amazing, the food, the service, the aesthetic and vibe. I love this place so much and their in-house liquor is sooooo good!!! I highly recommend the maple rye and alpine gin!!! And if you have the time, do the distillery tour with the tasting! You get to try 4 out of all of their current brewed alcohols. We stayed for a week and I think we went here 3 times😂. And just to give a little testament to their liquor, most restaurants/bars in banff use their alcohol in a lot of their drinks!! The Mac n cheese was my fave and their burgers are amazing as well!

It's such a cute place! The food was to die for. My husband had the bison burger, and I had the filet mignon. We shared a spinach and artichoke dip. For desert, we shared a huge serving or apple crumble. I highly recommend it!

Had a very simple but delicious meal here. The Alberta Angus Ribeye steak was wonderful. The steak was cooked medium rare to perfection and was juicy & delicious. The accompanying broccolini and roasted carrots balanced out the meal, while the crispy onions elevated each bite. Loved the baked potatoes as well. The Mac and cheese was light and not super heavy compared to other variations I’ve had, but I personally enjoyed it! The garlic breadcrumbs added a nice texture to it. The backpacker bowl was surprisingly quite good! It contained all of my favorite fresh ingredients and the peanut sauce tied everything together beautifully. I also forgot to take pictures but the drinks here were solid as well. Loved their alcoholic root beer.

I had the pulled rotisserie chicken sandwich and slightly messy to eat but so good! Chicken was very tender and juicy. Fries perfectly crisp and salty! Delicious!

Delicious food and drinks with a view of these beautiful mountains? How could you say no? Highly recommend as everything was absolutely perfect! I mean, have you seen this drink? It’s beautiful! This review was made in connection with a Toast partnership

Great place to stop in and grab some delicious food and cocktails 🍸 they also have distillery tours and a retail shop to buy some bottles 👍 their spirits are used by a lot of surrounding restaurants and bars! Highly recommend if you are looking for a fun place to stop in Banff!

The bison burger was hands down the best I’ve had in Canada! The top sirloin steak was cooked to perfection, and the place has a cozy, welcoming vibe. The rotisserie chicken was great too!

This is THE best meal we’ve had in Banff! (We’ve tried farm and fire, fat ox, brazen etc..) We tried the spring set menu and it was $39 for 3 course menu (generous portions!). The highlight of our meal is probably Steven - our server. He went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our food and gave the best recommendations. He recommended a great local IPA and offered a taster to make sure it’s something we like. We had the cucumber salad, Denver steak, cod, bison tartare, chocolate budino and broccoli. Everything was very enjoyable but my favourites were the broccoli! A MUST visit in Banff.

We had this special which was a three course meal. I can’t remember all the names but every food we had was pretty great. There was also an option to pair the food with a wine they selected. I’m not an expert with wine but it was hard to tell how much thought was put into it, whether It be a lot or none at all. Their Brussels sprouts were some of the best I’ve ever had. I definitely recommend for a fancy dinner.

We were lucky enough to stumble across Bison on a recent trip to Banff and we will not forget the experience. We did not make reservations and at first it looked like we would be waiting a while but the hostess managed to get us in very quickly which was amazing. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list and was a big help in our decision making. The menu consists of a very well curated selection of small farm, regional ingredients from across BC and Alberta which was very refreshing and just how we like to eat. We had the roasted beet salad, the steak frites and bison short ribs and shared everything between the two of us. Each dish was unique and exquisite in quality, flavour and presentation. Combined with the very well recommended wines it made for the best meal of 2025 to date. If you are in Banff do yourself a favour and eat at Bison!!!

We had an amazing experience at this restaurant! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for our celebration. The food was absolutely delicious—every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. What truly made the night special was our incredible server. They were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make our birthday celebration memorable. Their kindness and enthusiasm added a personal touch that made all the difference. If you're looking for a place with fantastic food, a great ambiance, and top-notch service, this is it! We can't wait to come back.

I dined at The Bison Restaurant last night, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience! The service and ambiance were a perfect 10/10—cozy winter aesthetics with a warm, inviting vibe that made the evening so special. The food was easily one of the top 3 meals I’ve ever had, rivaling the quality I’ve experienced in Spain and Croatia. We ordered the beet salad, bison tartare, and mushroom gnocchi, and every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The open kitchen and mountain views added to the overall charm. I can’t recommend this place enough for anyone visiting Banff!

Had a lovely evening at The Bison Restaurant in Banff. The service was excellent, friendly, attentive, and professional. Cocktails were top-notch, crafted with care and really added to the experience. The food was decent, not mind-blowing, but satisfying. Overall, a solid 4-star experience. Would return for the atmosphere and great service alone.

Food was okay, nor extraordinary. We did not like Alberta steak, had to sent it back :/ but the Bison was great and we love the beef carpacio as an appetizer. Rest of the food we tried was okay, not impressive. If you want to have dinner at great restaurant at Banff, just go to Bluebird!

We have visit this place twice. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. Each dish was outstanding, but I must say the duck breast and ribeye were particularly remarkable. The quality of the food was certainly reflected in the price, which I found to be worth every penny. The customer service was stunning and truly enhanced our experience.

We chose the tasting menu which turns out to be a great choice. It was unique and flavourful. The chef Sergio came out to introduce every course and was very pleasant. We loved his explanations of each dish.. The view from the restaurant was incredible and the entire staff were friendly and prompt to anything we needed. We will go back anytime we are in Banff.

Came here for brunch the other weekend. The server was so incredibly nice and went out of her way to make our visit memorable. Amazing rustic feel and mountain views. However, the salmon eggs benedict immediately made me feel upset. The salmon was too salty and the hollandaise sauce did not have much taste. The potatoes had a comfortable and homemade taste to it, and the portions were just enough. Great presentation. Prices are fair. I would come back for another try.

The most exceptional breakfasts with my kids voting the waffles as the best they've ever had! Silver always makes sure we are comfortable and satisfied. The view is also second to none!

made reservations. btw you have to enter your credit card info for this and if you don’t show up they’ll charge $20 a person! i’ve never seen this anywhere! this was at least my 3rd time here. anyways, we were able to choose any table we wanted. we chose one by the window as you have a great view of the mountains, and you can go out to look/take pics. our server said they will take some for us, but never did for our meals we ordered bennys and a burger. i had a trio, my dad had the salmon, and my aunt had the short rib. they took pictures for us so that was nice first thing i noticed is they are incredibly small bennys that i could eat in one bite. my dad said his was very salty. so was mine. i think they put an incredulous amount of salt, pepper, or other seasoning. like random bites would be extremely salty. it was strange my moms burger was really dry, you could see how cracked the bun was and hard the cheese was. she took a few bites and didn’t like it. they did take it away and she ordered the squash soup instead. it was better, but she was really disappointed there were only 2 servers in the whole restaurant, and they would disappear a lot - i heard the back of house calling for hands for like 5 min and i knew it was my moms new soup order, just sitting there. anytime we needed a server it took quite a while to call anyone for our initial water, water refills, checking in on the food, the bill. when we received the bill, they still had the $27 burger on it. we had to ask them to take it off as she only had a few bites and they took it away. after waiting quite a while for our new bill, the lowest tip option was 18%. i know you can do custom, but they know most people won’t bother. overall the staff are personable but take a long long time for everything, are forgetful. maybe they are understaffed and overworked? management should put on an extra server if that is the case. the food is just ok, maybe it depends what you order. maybe the cooks changed and aren’t as attentive to what they throw on. the wait is long even though it wasn’t busy. the atmosphere out the window is the best part. having this being my 3rd time here, it seems the quality has gone down, esp the food. not sure if i would recommend anymore sadly

Can't say enough great things about the bistro. Views are serene, service was attentive and excellent, and food was great. I had the root veggie cast iron roast (forgetting name), and it was outstanding. Underlying white bean hummus was delicious, the vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned well with paprika, and the crunchy poached egg was a fun, tasty topping. My wife's quesadilla was solid but not amazing. Would come again. Came at lunch mid week in February and was empty

I was so excited to sink my teeth into the Juniper Burger when I came to Banff. I've had it twice before and it was the second best burger id ever had. Unfortunately now it's just another generic, overly expensive mid burger. The price was to much for what you get. Service was excellent.

Stopped in to try the local beer options in Banf. This brewery is a fun place! The staff was friendly and efficient. The black IPA was very good. The place was in a feather mood due to the hockey playoffs. We didn't eat but the food looked good. Overall it was a fun experience.

YOU NEED TO COME HERE! Hands down the best Reuben sandwich i have ever had. Compliments to the chef! The brisket meat was extremely tender and flavourful & there was lots of it! The Russian dressing it’s paired with is incredible and bread was nicely toasted and not overly greasy. Massive thanks to Our server Lindsay who was so kind & helpful. Will be coming again :)

Great spot, and even better beers! I went here on vacation and tried a beer flight one night, and it was so good I decided to go back the following night for dinner. It was fabulous -- the restaurant is really beautiful, the staff was kind, the food was delicious! The beef dip was especially great. They also have pool tables, if you are into that.

Good location, located in the beautiful valley of Banff. Excellent beer selection, with slightly inflated prices (due to location). Food is delicious but also slightly expensive. Pricing is definitely based off tourism. Service was good. Wait times for seating were not existent and times from ordering to plates on the table were quick. Drinks and alcohol was served quick as well. Atmosphere is large, warm but cozy. Staff is friendly and inviting. Lots of windows with views of the downtown core and the surrounding mountains.

Planed to went to three bears but they were full, the other customers recommended this store, good thing was still have seat. Food was ok, service and atmosphere was super, server really passion and always asked is anything going well do we need anything, the tap beer I recommend the seasonal one: ski patrol berry sour. Will come back again!

We were disappointed. We did have 9 people and the server did tell us that there was a mandatory 20% gratuity BUT we had the worst service of Banff and Whistler by a long shot. The beer was flat (is it a a flaw or are the glasses washed in detergent?), cider was warm. Food was average with soggy fries and we left more than half uneaten. There are much better breweries in Banff.

I visited this bar many years ago. Nice bar to visit as a one-off try if you are around because good friendly staffs and right amount of music with good atmosphere. But unfortunatley I didn't much enjoy either drinks or foods. I ordered their signature IPA draft and it was disappointing. For food, I had poutine but can't tell if it was good or bad because it was literally my first time trying poutine. I think it would have been a nice dish if served as a side rather than main dish.

Had a great experience at Block Kitchen + Bar last night in Banff! Even though we had to wait a little, we didn’t mind—it was totally worth it. We ordered a bunch of food, and everything was delicious! The flavors were unique, and the drinks were really interesting. The cocktails were great too! I am not gonna go into details of how the food tastes because you have to try it for yourself. The ambiance is cozy and cute, and the service was fantastic. Just a tip—make a reservation before going, as it gets busy. Definitely coming back to try more food!

Small "hole in the wall" restaurant and bar. Set up ramen restaurant style with lots of high top bar seating and a few small tables. Tight space but great atmosphere. Servers were attentive and well informed about menu items. Food was very good, perfect portions and good price for the value. I would recommend Block if you are looking for a quick bite to eat with upscale cocktails.

Block is outstanding food, service, drinks, everything! I went to Banff on vacation and found myself eating at Block three times for the week I was there. My goodness was the food amazing, I did not have a single item that did not blow my socks off. The staff is also super kind. I can not recommend this spot enough!!

First meal in Banff! The restaurant is small and with Japanese decor. Servers are very friendly. Mushroom risotto: very curry forward flavor which was surprising and had a classic risotto texture. Not my favorite personally. Tuna tataki: tuna was very fresh and had a flavorful crust! The seaweed salad was a nice addition. Salt & pepper duck drumettes: Very juicy and the pepper was incredibly fragrant. I enjoyed the sweet dipping sauce that came with it. Bison & pesto flatbread: this was just okay. It tasted very dry overall and could've used more pesto. Bison steak and frites: My personal favorite. The bison was cooked perfectly and it was rich & slightly sweet. I loved the chimichurri sauce and the fries were solid too! Zen salad: Nothing to write home about... it was a very simple salad but it was nice to have something fresh to accompany our meal.

The food was really good. Be aware that outside of sandwiches, the menu is really limited. Otherwise, I highly recommend this place! Make sure you try the Tokyo fries, the Korean fried chicken and the daily ramen dishes (we had the spicy beef).

Visited from Toronto and was blown away by this izakaya! The food and drinks were outstanding—better than many spots back home. Can’t wait to return next time I’m in Banff. Highly recommend!

We love Block! The food here is fresh, delicious and they nail the flavours everytime! I had my doubts at first - Asian fusion with a pretty big menu, but everything we’ve had has been delicious! From burgers, to seafood, to dessert! Highly recommend any of the fresh seafood dishes from their daily specials - we got the clam with sake and butter, as well as the mussels in Thai curry! And don’t forget to try their tiramisu brownie brûlée! It’s so so good. Textures are perfect. Sounds like it would be overly sweet and decadent - but it isn’t! It’s perfection!