Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Turquoise Louise Lake in Rockies Mountains, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Turquoise Louise Lake in Rockies Mountains, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The Best of Alberta

#21 best destination in the world

Map view

Banff Gondola

Sulphur Mountain Gondola on a blue sky with snow peaked Rocky Mountains background (Banff. Alberta. Canada)

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • The Banff Gondola is a popular attraction located at the base of Sulphur Mountain in Banff
  • It offers visitors a scenic eight-minute ride in glass-enclosed gondolas that ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, providing views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff
  • At the summit, there are walking trails, viewing platforms, and an interpretive center

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park

Small island on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, Canada

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake located in the eastern area of Banff National Park
  • Aboriginal people long inhabited areas around Lake Minnewanka, as early as 10,000 years ago, according to stone tools and a Clovis point spearhead discovered by archaeologists
  • The area is rich in animal life such as elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, bears
  • The construction of a new dam in 1941 engulfed the village there and preserved them in glacial waters
  • Because of the presence of a submerged resort village, submerged bridge pilings, and submerged dam (one from 1912) the lake is popular among recreational scuba divers

Bow Falls, Banff

Bow Falls near the village of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada.

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Bow Falls is a major waterfall on the Bow River, located near the Banff Springs Hotel
  • Bow Falls is characterized by its wide expanse, which cascades over rocks
  • The falls can be accessed via a short hike along the Bow River Trail

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Beautiful turquoise waters of the Moraine lake with snow-covered rocky mountains in Banff National Park of Canada.

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks
  • The lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, which are a result of glacial meltwater that carries finely ground rock flour into the lake
  • Many visitors seek to view the sunrise at Moraine Lake, with options available for early morning shuttles to witness the alpenglow illuminating the peaks

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Turquoise Louise Lake in Rockies Mountains, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Lake Louise is a glacial lake located within Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies
  • It is renowned for its turquoise waters, which are fed by glacial melt, and is surrounded by mountains and the Victoria Glacier
  • Lake Louise offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and photography
  • It features one of North America's largest ski resorts

#16 in Best Landmarks in the World

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

Very relaxing and easy Spring hike along the Upper and Lower Falls trail of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking destination located in Banff National Park, located 30 minutes from the town of Banff
  • It is renowned for featuring lush evergreen forests, deep canyons, and several waterfalls

Calgary Tower

Calgary Alberta Canada, April 03 2024: Tourists overlooking the downtown Cityscape while walking around the viewing deck of the Calgary Tower.

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • The Calgary Tower is an observation tower located in downtown Calgary, originally constructed in 1968 as part of a project to celebrate Canada's centennial
  • The tower offers visitors a unique 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding landscapes, including the nearby Rocky Mountains

Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park

Athabasca falls rapids flowing is waterfall in Jasper national park, Alberta, Canada

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

  • Athabasca Falls is a waterfall located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, situated on the upper Athabasca River
  • The falls are renowned for their powerful flow, which is fed by the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield
  • Athabasca Falls was formed as a result of glacial retreat, and it is characterized by its volume of water, making it one of the most powerful waterfalls in the region

Icefields Parkway

Beautiful scenery of Road trip on highway with rocky mountains and frozen lake at Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

  • The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a renowned scenic drive that connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park
  • The parkway stretches approximately 232 kilometers (about 144 miles) from Lake Louise in the south to Jasper in the north
  • It is celebrated for featuring mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park

Peyto Lake of Banff National Park in Canada

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, near Icefields Parkway
  • During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake from a nearby glacier, and these suspended rock particles are what give the lake a bright, turquoise colour
  • The lake is best seen from Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway