Joignez-vous aux membres de Canoo, Charan et Priyanka, alors qu'ils explorent Banff et la beauté environnante de l'Alberta! Lisez et planifiez votre propre voyage pour créer les meilleurs souvenirs et voir toute la beauté que le Canada a à offrir.
Banff, Canada is often considered a dream destination for many people around the world. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Banff National Park is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine alpine landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Its combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a dream destination for many travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, Banff, Canada is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Notre road trip à Banff a été l'un des meilleurs trajets de notre vie.
We took a flight from Toronto to Calgary in the early morning before driving to Canmore, which took 90 min. Canmore is a charming town approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Banff and about 100 kilometres west of Calgary, making it easily accessible by car. It’s also well-connected through public transportation, including buses and shuttles. Canmore offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Whether you prefer a cozy mountain lodge or a modern hotel, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets. Canmore’s proximity to Banff National Park, its stunning natural surroundings, and its wealth of outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both. You can explore the mountains, indulge in local cuisine, or simply enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere! Canmore is sure to provide memorable experiences for all visitors.
Jour 1
Coin des surprises
We started the day by visiting the Surprise Corner Viewpoint in Banff. It is located along Tunnel Mountain Road. The Surprise Corner observation deck provides an elevated vantage point for visitors to enjoy the scenic views of the Bow River Valley, the town of Banff, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Surprise Corner Viewpoint is easily accessible by car or on foot. There is a small parking area available, and from there, you can take a short walk to the viewpoint. It’s also possible to reach Surprise Corner by walking or biking along the Bow River Trail from Banff town. Whether you’re interested in capturing stunning photographs, enjoying the scenic views, or simply soaking up the beauty of Banff, the Surprise Corner Viewpoint is a must-visit spot.
Chutes Bow
De là, nous sommes allés à Bow Falls, une attraction à proximité. Il est situé à une courte distance de la ville de Banff. Il est situé le long de la rivière Bow, qui traverse le parc national Banff. Bow Falls n'est peut-être pas la plus grande chute d'eau de la région, mais elle compense par son débit et sa puissance spectaculaires. Bow Falls est facilement accessible à tous les visiteurs, y compris ceux à mobilité réduite. Le point de vue est situé à quelques pas du parking, ce qui le rend adapté à tous les âges et niveaux de forme physique.
Centre-ville de Banff
Notre prochain arrêt est le centre-ville de Banff, qui est le cœur vibrant et animé de la ville de Banff en Alberta. La rue principale du centre-ville de Banff est l'avenue Banff, qui traverse le cœur de la ville. Il est bordé d'une variété de magasins, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galeries et magasins de souvenirs. Le centre-ville de Banff est une destination populaire pour acheter du matériel de montagne, des cadeaux canadiens uniques ou des vêtements à la mode. Le Bear Street Parkade est le principal parc de stationnement du centre-ville de Banff. Parallèlement à cela, il y a beaucoup de places de stationnement dans la rue et des terrains dont le prix varie.
Télécabine de Banff
Après notre déjeuner sur Banff Avenue, nous nous sommes rendus à une attraction populaire, Banff Gondola! Situé juste à l'extérieur de la ville de Banff, près de la base du mont Sulphur, le trajet panoramique en gondole emmène les visiteurs dans un voyage pittoresque sur le flanc du mont Sulphur. Vous verrez des vues panoramiques sur les montagnes environnantes, les vallées et la ville de Banff tout au long de votre séjour dans la télécabine. Au sommet du mont Sulphur, les visiteurs peuvent explorer la zone du sommet, qui offre une vue spectaculaire à 360 degrés sur les Rocheuses canadiennes.
At the summit of Sulphur Mountain, there is a visitor center that includes a gift shop and dining options. The Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Cafe offer a unique dining experience with panoramic views. Banff Gondola requires a ticket and we purchased a Pursuit pass and used it to check-in. The operating hours for the Banff Gondola may vary depending on the time of year. It’s always a good idea to check the official website or contact the Banff Gondola directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their timings. Make sure to check Canoo if there are any discounts or offers for this activity, as well!
That’s our first day in Banff. We returned to our lodge around 10 PM at night to get ready for another day of adventure.
Jour 2
Columbia Icefields Parkway & Athabasca Glacier
We started our day driving from Canmore to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, a scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies. From Canmore, you would typically start by heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) toward Banff. After reaching Banff, continue driving west on Highway 1 until you reach the junction for Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. Once you turn onto Highway 93, you’ll embark on one of the most picturesque drives in the world! The Icefields Parkway stretches for approximately 230 kilometres from Lake Louise to Jasper. Along the Icefields Parkway, there are several notable attractions and viewpoints worth exploring. First, we stopped at Bow Lake and then Peyto Lake. A short walk from the parking lot leads to a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Waputik Range.
Ensuite, nous nous sommes dirigés vers le Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, un centre d'accueil situé sur la promenade des Glaciers dans le parc national de Jasper. Le Centre de découverte offre diverses installations et services, notamment des expositions d'interprétation, des restaurants, des boutiques de cadeaux, des toilettes et des aires de stationnement. Il sert de point de départ pour explorer le champ de glace Columbia et le glacier Athabasca. Pour accéder au glacier Athabasca, les visiteurs peuvent prendre le Glacier Adventure, qui comprend une visite guidée en bus. L'Ice Explorer est un véhicule massif équipé de pneus spécialisés et d'un système de suspension robuste. Il est conçu pour naviguer sur le terrain accidenté et la surface glacée du glacier. Des chauffeurs expérimentés conduisent le véhicule et fournissent des commentaires et des informations sur le glacier et son environnement pendant la visite. La visite vous emmène sur le glacier lui-même, vous permettant de marcher sur la glace et d'explorer ses caractéristiques uniques.
Conseil utile
Il est recommandé de faire des réservations à l'avance pour le Glacier Adventure et l'Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer, en particulier pendant les hautes saisons touristiques. Vous pouvez acheter des billets au Columbia Icefield Discovery Center ou sur le site officiel de Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. Notre billet est inclus dans le pass poursuite. La visite du glacier dure environ 90 minutes.
Skywalk des champs de glace de Columbia
Après avoir visité le glacier Athabasca, retournez à l'arrêt de bus après avoir débarqué de l'explorateur de glace. De là, vous pouvez prendre la même navette jusqu'au Columbia Icefield Skywalk, situé à proximité. La navette vous ramènera à l'aire de stationnement du Centre de découverte. Le même service de navette continue vers le Skywalk. Le Columbia Icefield Skywalk est une plate-forme d'observation au sol en verre qui s'étend sur la vallée de Sunwapta. Il offre aux visiteurs une occasion unique de découvrir la beauté et l'immensité époustouflantes des Rocheuses canadiennes.
The Skywalk is suspended 280 meters above the valley floor! To access the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, visitors can purchase tickets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or through the official website of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. The Skywalk has specific operating hours, which may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. For this attraction also, our ticket is included in the Pursuit pass. Visiting the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and taking the Athabasca Glacier bus tour provides an incredible opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and unique environment of the Athabasca Glacier. It’s a chance to explore a breathtaking ice formation and learn about the importance of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies.
Informations Complémentaires
Remember to bring appropriate clothing, snacks, water, and a camera to capture the stunning vistas and memories of your trip along the Columbia Icefields Parkway. The drive from Canmore to the Columbia Icefields Parkway takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. It’s advisable to allocate enough time to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and attractions along the Icefields Parkway. When travelling to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, it’s essential to consider gas stations and cellphone signal availability along the route.
As you drive along the Icefields Parkway, especially in more remote areas, cellphone signal coverage can become spotty or non-existent. The mountainous terrain and remote location contribute to limited coverage. You may experience gaps in service along the route, particularly between Lake Louise and the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Keep in mind that emergency call boxes are available at various points along the Icefields Parkway for any emergencies or assistance needed. It’s important to plan accordingly by ensuring your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey and that you have necessary communication plans in place.
The Saskatchewan River Crossing is located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately halfway between Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields. Here, you’ll find the Saskatchewan River Crossing Gas Station and the Crossing Cafe & Restaurant. There are no gas stations directly at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre provides public Wi-Fi, which is accessible within the facility. Also, consider using offline maps or other offline resources to ensure you have the necessary information for navigation or emergencies.
Jour 3
Lac Louise
Nous avons commencé tôt le matin à Lake Louise, afin que nous puissions profiter de la vue du matin. Il a fallu plus d'une heure pour atteindre Lake Louise depuis la ville de Canmore. Commencez par vous diriger vers l'ouest sur la route transcanadienne (route 1) depuis Canmore. Continuez sur l'autoroute 1 sur environ 50 kilomètres jusqu'à la sortie pour Lake Louise. Prenez la sortie et suivez les panneaux vers Lake Louise.
Lake Louise offers breathtaking views of the turquoise-coloured lake, surrounded by towering mountains. You can enjoy walking along the lakeshore, hiking the nearby trails, or having a picnic in the picturesque setting. The surrounding mountains, including the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, further enhance the scenic charm of the area. Please note that parking at popular attractions, like Lake Louise can be limited, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to arrive early in the day or consider taking a shuttle service if available from ski resorts.
Lac Moraine
Le lac Moraine est situé à environ 14 kilomètres au sud-est du lac Louise dans le parc national Banff. Ce magnifique lac alpin est connu pour son eau turquoise éclatante et ses imposantes montagnes en toile de fond. Le lac Moraine est souvent considéré comme l'une des destinations les plus pittoresques et emblématiques des Rocheuses canadiennes.
There is a small lodge near the lake that provides dining options and restrooms. It’s advisable to bring food, water, and other essentials with you, as there are no stores or gas stations at Moraine Lake. To access Moraine Lake from Lake Louise, a shuttle service is available during the peak tourist season. To ride the shuttle, you will need to purchase a ticket on the Parks Canada website, which includes round-trip transportation from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake.
Lac Emeraude
We returned to Lake Louise afterwards and headed towards Emerald Lake. The distance from Lake Louise to Emerald Lake is approximately 40 kilometres. As you drive along Yoho Valley Road, you will enter Yoho National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty. Yoho Valley Road leads directly to Emerald Lake. Follow the signs for Emerald Lake Lodge, just on the shores of the lake. Enjoy the scenic drive as you pass by lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and towering mountains. You’ll find parking areas near the lodge where you can leave your vehicle. Find a spot along the shoreline or at one of the benches to sit back, relax, and take in the serene atmosphere. Emerald Lake is a gem of the Canadian Rockies, and its tranquil setting and vibrant colours make it a must-visit destination!
Jour 4
Visite en bus à ciel ouvert
These tours use open-top buses to provide panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. You can enjoy the fresh mountain air, unobstructed views, and the opportunity to take great photos. These vintage-inspired buses have the look and feel of the 1930s, including a fully open-top roof and a guide in period costume! They even come with modern comforts like USB charging ports for your phone. The tour name is “Legendary Banff” and the departure location is Mount Royal Hotel in Banff downtown. It’s a 90 min tour and timings may change daily.
Croisière sur le lac Minnewanka
La croisière sur le lac Minnewanka est une excursion en bateau populaire qui permet aux visiteurs d'explorer le magnifique lac Minnewanka. La visite se déroule sur un bateau de croisière d'interprétation entièrement fermé, offrant un abri et un confort aux passagers. Pendant la visite, des guides expérimentés fournissent des informations sur l'histoire, la géologie et la faune de la région. Ils partagent des faits et des histoires intéressants, enrichissant l'expérience et donnant un aperçu du patrimoine naturel et culturel du lac. Veuillez arriver au moins deux heures avant l'heure de votre croisière pour vous assurer de trouver une place de parking et d'avoir le temps d'explorer la région depuis le rivage.
Canyon de Johnston
Johnston Canyon is approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Banff. It is easily accessible and well-signposted from the main highway. Johnston Canyon offers two main hiking trails, Lower and Upper Falls trails. The Lower Falls are easily accessible, while the Upper Falls require a longer hike. Both offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The trails can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s important to stay on designated paths and follow safety signs. Remember to be cautious on wet or slippery surfaces.
Lacs Vermillon
Vermilion Lakes is a series of three interconnected lakes just outside the town of Banff. These Lakes offer a tranquil and scenic escape, providing an opportunity to connect with nature and capture the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The lakes offer stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, especially during calm weather conditions, creating beautiful mirror-like images. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk, capturing stunning photographs, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, Vermilion Lakes is a worthwhile destination to explore during your visit to Banff National Park.
Lac Deux Jack
Two Jack Lake est un autre magnifique lac situé dans le parc national de Banff et se trouve à environ 8 kilomètres au sud-est de la ville de Banff. Il peut être atteint en empruntant la route panoramique du lac Minnewanka depuis Banff. Il dispose de plusieurs aires de pique-nique le long de son littoral, ce qui en fait un endroit populaire pour les pique-niques et les barbecues. Profitez d'un repas avec une toile de fond pittoresque du lac et des montagnes.
Thank you to Charan & Priyanka for sharing their experiences and travel itinerary!
Avec Canoo, les projecteurs sont braqués sur vous et sur les expériences extraordinaires que vous vivez à travers le Canada ! Nous aimons entendre vos histoires et les partager avec d'autres membres de Canoo. Contactez notre équipe au canoopass@inclusion.ca pour soumettre votre histoire.