Banff, AB - Top Attractions, Secret Locations & Easy Places To Visit

For 45 years I have been a regular visitor to Banff and even lived there a couples times. See the best attractions and secret locations in Banff that are mostly mostly easy to access including an abandoned steam train, waterfalls and amazing viewpoints.
The map of locations.
www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
Wheelchair and mobility issues information for each spot shown in this video:
Moraine Lake - People with mobility issues including wheelchairs will enjoy a quality visit. The rockpile path will be too difficult for some.
Lake Louise - Most spots here are easily accessible except when ice and snow in pathways.
Lake Agnes - This is a moderate hike and folks with mobility issues may not be able to make this trip. No Wheelchair access.
Bow Valley Parkway - There are numerous pullouts that folks with mobility issues will enjoy a quality visit.
Johnson Canyon - The lower falls are an easy walk but not wheelchair accessible. Upper falls is more difficult.
Castle Mountain Lookout - No wheelchair access and some people may find the rocks difficult to walk on.
Bow Lake - Most people should be able to enjoy this spot. If wet out, wheelchair access from the highway lookout should be used instead.
Peyto Lake - There is a special parking lot for Handicap which makes access to the lookout point easy for everyone. But it may have snow or ice here when nearby locations don’t.
Mistaya Canyon - There is no wheelchair access and the short hike does have a somewhat steep incline when returning.
Takakkaw Falls - Easy for everyone
Natural Bridge - Easy for everyone
Emerald Lake - Most areas are easy to access for everyone.
Steam Trail - No wheelchair access and at times rather steep incline.
Marble Canyon - There is no wheelchair access, and most people can easily make the lower area without a problem. Beyond this there is a steady incline that most people can handle.
Paint Pots - No wheelchair access and most people should have no problem getting here but if you have mobility issues, consider hiking from the Paint Pots parking lot. When wet or after heavy rain, this place is not a fun walk.
Grotto Canyon - No wheelchair access and only people who have a hard time walking on large rocks will find this difficult.
Jura Canyon - This place is difficult for people with mobility issues.
Hart Creek Bunker - No wheelchair access and this is mostly an easy trial. But once inside Bunker, there are large rocks and it’s pitch dark.
Grassi Lakes - No wheel chair access and because it is 2kms with a steady incline to reach this spot, some people with mobility issues may find it difficult.
Mount Lorette Ponds / Porcupine Creek - Easy access for everyone with a really nice, paved trial around the pond.
Wedge Pond - No wheelchair access but otherwise pretty easy for most people.
Johnson Lake - Wheelchair access and some access. Most trails around lake are simple.
Cascade Pond - Wheelchair access and some access. Most trails around lake are simple.
Two Jack Lake - There is some wheelchair access. Easy place to access.
Lake Minnewanka Pullout - Wheelchair view from the road, access to water level might be difficult for people with mobility issues.
Bankhead - No wheelchair access and while this is mostly easy to walk around, the short stairs in and out of the valley could be hard for some people. And lots of hazards are present when you off trail.
Tunnel Mountain - Most viewpoints are wheelchair assessable and easy for most people. Surprise corner can be dangerous when there is lots of traffic.
Mount Norquay - Wheelchair access and the viewpoint area is simple.
Banff Gondola - The parking lot, the Gondola and the 4 story visitor center on the mountain are all wheelchair accessible. The path to the cosmic ray station is not. Everyone can enjoy a quality visit here.
Vermillion Lakes Road - All of the pullouts are easy and wheelchair accessible. There can be issues getting a parking spot at busy times. But the traffic turns over quickly so a spot will show up in no time.

[@mustafakhorakiwala8202]

The Best Video I found for Banff Short and sweet to the point

[@attrell]

Thank you!!

[@Madskillsuniversity]

Wow, this is amazing!!! Your photography and videography (and editing) is awesome! YOU bring all this to life! Thank you so much. I felt like I was there. LOL. The Tourism bureau should hire you or pay for your videos. You make me want to visit. 🙂

[@attrell]

WOW! THank you!!!!

[@VonDoogan]

I'm glad that you included Natural Bridge, it's one of my favourite parts of the mountains

[@attrell]

I love that place!

[@annecomrie9408]

Good job Steve and Vendy. Your videos makes me want to go there. Keep on enjoying your adventures x

[@citrus_aves]

Also, this is a fantastic video overall. Thank you again!! ♡♡

[@MrKevstout]

thanks for sharing the map, great resource!

[@candydicarlo7663]

I appreciate this video. I thought I had a good list from numerous vlogs and general research but you presented items I was not aware of. I appreciate the time frame references as this is usually not covered and the map! Very well done! Thank you!

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willbrogan2284]

I second this, excellent!

[@bmichaud1000]

Great video Chris! Very informative. Thanks!

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dailyjapan0216]

A beautiful scenery of nature

[@gr-1123]

Probably the best travel video I've seen of Banff so far. Thanks for the insider tips! Great quality video footage and commentary.

[@attrell]

Wow, thanks!

[@studiobrar1692]

Couldn’t agree more…cheers Chris!

[@sadiqibra5309]

Really appreciate the video and the map locations!! Very helpful and good job!!

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@HinsonCo]

What an insanely helpful video! And thanks for adding the map in the description!

[@attrell]

Thank you!!!

[@strikingnature]

Amazing video and views! Thank you so much!

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gladysma308]

Thank you for the great video and the added the names of the locations.

[@attrell]

Glad you like them!

[@mdubinski]

Thanks for putting this video together. I was in Banff and Jasper last fall and saw many of the sites, but still have more to explore!

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it! Such a glorious trip!

[@naveedrana5961]

Thank you! This is amazing collection, and thanks for sharing the map.

[@attrell]

Glad you like it!

[@shylow24]

Loved seeing this. So much even has changed since I lived there 20+ years ago. You definitely showed a few of my favorite spots.

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes it changed a lot!!

[@relaxingnaturewalks]

Thanks for the very nice information with GPS info!. You are awesome!

[@attrell]

Thank you!!!

[@NataliaIvakhno]

Thank you for this video. Really great video

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@dogsbyfire]

Nicely done! Thank you.

[@attrell]

Thank you too!

[@duongminh6839]

Thank you so much for the beautiful and informative video. Love it ❤❤❤

[@attrell]

You are so welcome!

[@hawong5379]

Fantastic video with very well researched travel information. Thanks so much

[@attrell]

Thank you!!

[@canadaauroraborealis3958]

This is very basic stuff for a local. I lived in Banff for 10 years, and studied it and visited it for many, many more.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Beautiful and informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@ephraimwilliams8855]

Thank you for doing this!

[@attrell]

My pleasure!

[@IONEMusicProductions]

Thanks so much! This is seriously amazing! Can't wait for the Kananaskis and Jasper top attractions videos!

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@kalyanvatti4399]

Great job Chris!

[@attrell]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@treenabell]

Thanks for this! Going next month and added a few of these places already to stop at!

[@attrell]

Hope you enjoy your trip! THank you!!

[@chaitalisarkar6526]

This is the most precise video I came across for Banff. Such an amazing work! Thank you for putting this together.

[@attrell]

Thank you so much! I am so thrilled to know that. :)

[@ledazoroghlian]

Excellent video!!

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@emmmichael9404]

Awesome video. Banff is really a spectacular place. Been there and will definitely go back.

[@attrell]

It really is!

[@loomonda18]

Wow really love this guide and the fact that you actually put the locations on google maps is amazing!!! Thank you soo much!!

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sudiptabhowmick1670]

thank you for sharing the information. Good one

[@attrell]

My pleasure

[@mandylister7261]

Thanks for this great video. I will be visiting in June and will definitely be visiting lots of these places. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[@attrell]

I hope you have a great visit!

[@citrus_aves]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting accessibility information 🥺🥺 it means the world

[@attrell]

Thank you!!!

[@kenhuynh275]

Thank you so much for the video and google map. Just got back from Banff and follow your google map. What an amazing places.

[@attrell]

I am so thrilled! Hope you had a great trip!

[@nguyenvanbieu8497]

Cám ơn bạn đã chia sẻ, tks

[@darlasoles9064]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you! We're planning our RV adventure here in 2023 using this info. awaiting your next videos!

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@CeritaFandaVancouver]

I was there without a camera so I'm glad you captured this amazing beauty, truly loved it!

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dickferguson7663]

Incredible video!! One of my bucket list places. Thanks for sharing your recommendations to make our visit even more enjoyable. Can't wait to see it in person!

[@attrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PhotoTrekr]

Thanks for the effort you put into this video. It will be helpful to many people including myself.

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terencelee890]

Great video and very informative.

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@krutikahalkare6275]

Best video covering all the good places in Banff. Thanks for adding the google maps link.Really helpful:)

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!!

[@marleiserashford396]

Beautiful.

[@nancyeng8725]

Thanks you! This is an amazing resource, especially when I booked a last minute trip, so this gives me the relative location of each and what I can expect.

[@attrell]

Thanks! Have fun on your trip!

[@ahmedawad563]

Amazing video and effort Chris! This is a fantastic guide that I will definitely rely on as I plan on visiting the area for the first time this coming summer. Happy new year from a fellow Sask resident :=)

[@attrell]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you and enjoy your trip!

[@mikelowe5096]

Right off of the Moraine Lake parking lot is a 7.6 km (Round trip) trail to Consolation Lakes. Very easy hike and well worth it. Kananaskis Country has more hidden jewels than you could possibly imagine. Most are accessible year round.

[@attrell]

Oh wow that sounds exciting! I ll try this year! Thank you!

[@Komainu959]

Kananaskis Country is currently closed for 2022 and should reopen for 2023. Please note that you MUST purchase a pass to park anywhere in the Kananaskis area.

[@daveklinger67]

Love your style. Now I have a few extra ideas for an upcoming trip (even for a frequent visitor and former resident like myself).

[@attrell]

Thank you, I hope you have a great trip!

[@s1301950]

those are amazing spots! can't wait to see them. i'm going there in 2 weeks!

[@attrell]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@scotty2553]

Wow, beautful locations.

[@attrell]

Glad you like them!

[@tttravels2588]

Amazing video. We're planning to visit Banff and Jasper next summer and your video has so many helpful pointers of where to visit. Many thanks for sharing.

[@attrell]

Have fun!

[@hozzenfuffy]

Thanks Chris.

[@kathieodonnell6882]

Chris, thanks for the memories. About 40 years agoTakakkaw Falls was the first time I thought I was going to die. Didn't have much experience driving inclines with a manual transmission, started going backwards, scared sh*tless, thought I was going to plunge off the side. Finally, shifted to first. Probably will not visit that site again :). Love Cascade Ponds and Vermillion Lakes. Learned some new places too. Like that you focused on accessibility because I'm old now :). Your follower from South Dakota.

[@attrell]

Ha ha that road is scary!

[@southpaww]

Thinking about visiting Banff and Jasper in 2024, thanks for the video!

[@attrell]

You'll love visiting!

[@teresakay2920]

Fabulous. Completely focused on nature. Not a single view of someone's backpack center screen. Thank you.

[@attrell]

Thank you!

[@shafikulislamriponofficial4852]

Wow nice this places!!!

[@attrell]

They are!

[@airishsamel8065]

♥️♥️♥️ beautiful video ❤️❤️❤️

[@attrell]

Thank you 🤗

[@KardosoMedia]

This was awesome Chris! Hope you're doing well..

[@attrell]

Thanks! You too!

[@brendaletournal4817]

Very beautiful indeed !! Glory be to God Hallelujah 🙌

[@attrell]

Yes indeed!

[@robertgravel5160]

Excellent video. Merci 🤩

[@attrell]

thank you!

[@dangansebom1993]

Thanks!

[@attrell]

Thank you so much!

[@DrNuwanPSYDFonseka]

Thank you so much

[@attrell]

Thank you for watching!

[@roentgenium6682]

I appreciate all your effort. I visited Banff and Jasper but after watching your video I realized how many beautiful places I missed to see.

[@attrell]

I hope you get to go back!

[@ZWARBHATTAA]

Awesome. I would also like to add Sunshine Meadows, quite an underrated place.

[@attrell]

Great idea! I agree, I will go visit that next time thank you!

[@kayak2hell]

Wapta Falls and Lake O'Hara are also worth a visit.

[@attrell]

I'll go there next year!! Thanks!

[@ICboottravelvlog]

amazing ❤

[@attrell]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jacklance6266]

I must visit this beautiful area.

[@attrell]

You should!

[@meanwhileinsooke]

Love your tips! Come back to Sooke!

[@attrell]

I will! Thank you!

[@TravelHungryForLife]

Awesome video share and channel here friends see you again stay safe cheers

[@attrell]

Thank you kindly

[@VvVaAaLl]

Lovely video! I'm going to Jasper as well as Banff this July. Do you think you've uploaded the Jasper video in the meantime?

[@attrell]

Maybe, I am hoping to do taht in June! It's a great area!

[@raybrooking8084]

The most beautiful place on Earth.

[@attrell]

Agreed!

[@rayngrace]

Thank for this video. Looking forward and making it to the listed Lakes. To your Community, may I ask for AirBnB recommendations near Banff and Jasper for two couples. Love your other videos. I used to take tons of pictures with my amateur Nikon D3000. I miss it a lot. You inspire me to take it out of my camera bag. Hopefully the batteries still works

[@attrell]

Thank you, I hope you have a great trip!

[@JREVY22DECEPTICON416]

Banff is hands down my fav place in all of Canada 🇨🇦🙌

[@attrell]

I totally agree!!

[@2009142]

I went to Johnson canyon this summer and was NOT prepared physically for the ink pots 😂 it’s not a hard hike, but it’s long and had way more elevation gain than I expected. 200% worth it, would do it again!!

[@attrell]

I wanted to go, but rain rain and more rain everytime I go! Maybe next year!

[@ameliafan1428]

Thank you for your informative video and guide. It'll be very helpful for our trip there soon. May I know how long it takes for you to finish touring all the locations you mentioned in your video?

[@attrell]

It took about 4 days

[@Ludwig2342.]

God damn. One day I'll be there. I'm gonna visit all of these spots!!!

[@attrell]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@yanshuo9915]

Hi thanks so much for piling these together! And I wonder how you compare little beehive and big beehive overlooks - if you have to pick one of them? Do you have video or photos about the big beehive?

[@attrell]

I didn't go up to Big beehive, too snowy that day.

[@marunikusbakufu]

Definitely some amazing spots! I used to travel to Banff National Park every year with my parents when I was a kid. Have been spending a lot less time there though over the past 30 years. It is much more crowded now than it used to be. Perhaps a bit overcrowded. Just curious - why did you move from Banff to Shaunavon? That's quite a big change in scenery and lifestyle!!

[@attrell]

The houses were dirt cheap here in 2006. I would still be paying a mortgage in Banff had I stayed :)

[@marunikusbakufu]

@@attrell Totally understandable!

[@philrebekah4286]

Hello Chris. I've looked through you provided map with this video, excellent information. The only thing is I don't see any info on the Castle Mountain Secret Lookout. Do you have any map information for this spot? Cheers!!

[@attrell]

Sorry about that! Here is GPS 51.26662, -115.92868

[@philrebekah4286]

@@attrell Thank you!!

[@aykee1]

Love your video, my question is , is there a public transportation that runs thru near those GPS points in your map, (tourist-on-a-bus). Thanks.

[@attrell]

Yes to most of the places but not the ones in BC.

[@midland1667]

thanks

[@attrell]

You're welcome!

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Great video! You really share a lot of great information. We are planning to go in 2024. I thought of going in late June; I would love to go in September but I don’t want there to be a chance of smoke from fires ruining the mountain views. We had that issue last year at Glacier Natl Park USA. Any thoughts??

[@attrell]

Less likely in June to have forest fires that is for sure, but it has happened. Most Septembers are good too, but August and July are more likely.

[@jungersrules]

I went to Banff twice in the early and late 90s. I want to go back so bad, but dreading the crowds. In the 90s it was not crowded. Plenty of people, but never felt crowded. I went to Europe in 2017, and it was just crawling with tourists.

[@attrell]

Yes much busier now!

[@mjor6406]

Well, Calgary's population doubled since the 90s. Most of the visitors in Banff are from Calgary and area, Summer time was crowded too back then. Winter and Spring are the best times to go. 75% less tourists

[@lgmnowkondo938]

Bro, great video!! So professional, I hope you make a few dollars for this.

[@attrell]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@nikoochuu]

Hi! Loved this video and appreciate all the details but your link for the map doesn't work :(

[@attrell]

Sorry, try this link www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hm6FbcXSoaj6PaPnvLXUHp69VxNea01r&usp=sharing

[@johnandlauragrant-wong9361]

We are planning on a visit to Banff and Jasper early September. When was your video taken? It seems that it's either early spring or late fall. (I noticed people's clothing and snow on the ground.)

[@attrell]

Mostly in October

[@Ashoud_Anobetah]

Just remember you can't drive to lake louise anymore.. you need to book a shuttle

[@TheSeliner89]

Hey when is your Jasper video coming out? Im going this summer and I tend to save your videos

[@attrell]

Not until summer. We had forest fire haze when I wanted to film last summer :(

[@MICHALMALACHOVSKY]

SUPERBE

[@shamjithks]

Sir I’m a amateur photographer who plan to visit banff in two weeks for 4 days What’s the best time and place for a good pictures?

[@attrell]

This time of year all time of day and night is a good time, but I like sunrise the best. Less tourists, great light. Any of the spots in this video would be great, but if you can get to Vermillion Lakes road at sunrise, you may get a treat!

[@nob2037]

저 모든곳 중에서도 Lake Moraine 과 Sentinel Pass 정말 최고인것 같았다.

[@randyfisher8001]

Going the last week of May this year will it be cold

[@attrell]

Most years that is the perfect time to go last year still had ice on lakes but most years it is melted

[@cameronharris2862]

Rent Ebikes and do the old parkway in June when it’s closed and you’ll see tons of wildlife.

[@attrell]

That's a great idea! I will try that!

[@stephaniesantiagodiaz9231]

not sure how to find the train location

[@attrell]

There is a map with GPS in the description.

[@greathodgy22]

Does not look like that this morning. -36c in the foothills this morning. Hodgy

[@attrell]

That is cold! No tourists :)

[@greathodgy22]

@@attrell Or mosquitoes.

[@josetejada320]

All mountains are petrified giant wood stumps all minerals xome from these tree stumps you can confirm these, by watching hangman videos and also biblical trees on you tube

[@MrWiLDAPEMAN]

Comedy gold.

[@josetejada320]

Thats all petrified wood

[@slanjbo]

Hole in the Wall Babel Tower Scramble Secret Cold War Caves near Heart Creek Trail Mt Inglismaldie Scramble Give the people something interesting to discover, all you need is rental yak-tracks 😂😂😂

[@attrell]

Those are fantastic places to explore, thank you!

[@Ashoud_Anobetah]

You forgot to mention the absolute crapshow to get a parking spot at the lake. You need to take a shuttle now

[@attrell]

Parking lot even fills up at sunrise in October now. Place has become so popular the last few years.

[@wildheartxxx135]

Most beautiful place on earth ❤

[@attrell]

We agree!

[@kulish]

Great video!

[@attrell]

Thanks!