To help you find the best photographic moments to capture, the team at Skican has put together a list of nine Instagram-worthy spots to visit on your trip to Banff and Lake Louise. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos!
1. Skating at Lake Louise
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One of the most iconic places to visit (and Instagram) is Lake Louise itself. In the winter, the lake transforms into a natural skating rink where you can experience breathtaking views of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains — and snap some equally spectacular photos!
The beautiful backdrop of the mountains and glacier soaring high over the lake makes this one of the best places to capture an Instagrammable moment. Bonus points if you visit in January when the Ice Magic Festival brings talented artists from around the world to come and create fantastic ice carvings — including a fairytale castle that is the perfect place to pose.
2. Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Corner
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Located at the bottom of Tunnel Mountain Drive, the Surprise Corner viewpoint offers another iconic photo opportunity. If you have ever seen those classic shots of the Banff Springs Hotel, set among the pine trees with the Rocky Mountains in the background, then you’ve seen the view from Surprise Corner without realizing it!
Surprise Corner is undeniably the best place to capture the Banff Springs Hotel for your Instagram feed, regardless of the season — and no trip to Banff would be complete without it.
3. The Top of Sulphur Mountain
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Accessible year-round via the Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain offers the best bird’s eye view of the town of Banff below. More athletic visitors can also opt to hike all the way to the summit in good weather conditions.
The mountain provides an amazing 360-degree view of Banff National Park, including neighbouring Mount Rundle, and is named for the two sulphurous hot springs on its lower slopes. There are many great Instagram-worthy options available here.
4. The Waterfalls of Johnston Canyon
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The beautiful waterfalls of Johnston Canyon are an awe-inspiring sight in both the summer and winter when the cold weather will transform them into natural ice sculptures.
Located halfway between Banff and Lake Louise, you can park at the trailhead and hike for half an hour to reach the Lower Falls or a full hour to get to the Upper Falls.
While the real photographic treasure is the waterfalls, you should keep your eyes open to see if you can catch some shots of some ice climbers in action too!
5. Banff Avenue with Cascade Mountain
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The long view down Banff Avenue, with the imposing face of Cascade Mountain rising in the distance, is another quintessential shot that you’ll want to capture while you’re in Banff.
This is a view that will always change throughout the year — from fall foliage to first snowfall to powder days, you are guaranteed to get a unique shot each time you photograph it, yet it will always deliver a spectacular result.
6. Lake Minnewanka
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A short distance outside of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a great destination if you are looking to capture the nature and tranquillity of the area. Equally beautiful in every season, the lake curves in a lazy bend between the mountains, with groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails to explore in the winter.
7. The Top of the North American Chair at Mt. Norquay
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If you’re looking for another amazing view of the Town of Banff, head to the top of the North American chairlift at Mt. Norquay. This lift is open to sightseers throughout the year and promises beautiful views over the valley, particularly at sunset.
While you’re there, check out the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic tea room turned restaurant that offers delicious fare with some of the best lunchtime views that you could wish for!
8. The Deck of the Whitehorn Bistro
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Another great Instagram-worthy lunch spot is the Whitehorn Bistro at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Situated at the top of the sightseeing chair overlooking Lake Louise, the restaurant is open year-round to visitors. During the summer, it will host a wide range of special events, and it’s a great spot to take a midday break in the middle of a day of skiing.
9. Entrance to Delirium Dive
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One of the most infamous ski runs in the world, ranking alongside the likes of Jackson Hole’s Corbett’s Couloir, Delirium Dive is a backcountry run that is only accessible to skiers with the appropriate avalanche gear and a ski partner. However, if you’re brave enough to face it, the view from the top of Delirium Dive offers a truly legendary shot for your Instagram feed.
If you want to capture these Instagram-worthy moments for yourself, start your quote today to learn more about booking a trip.
