Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Kananaskis

"Lake Minnewanka is another lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff and right next to Two Jack. The lake is 21 km long, and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta. In the summertime in Banff, it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing, and in the winter, it’s a sight to behold."

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"The lakes in Banff National Park are really some of the most beautiful places to visit. Lake Minnewanka is no different and everyone who comes to Banff to get amazing photos should visit. Lake Minnewanka is located only 15 minutes from Banff town and is most famous for the Lake Minnewanka cruise."

"The gondola in Banff takes you up almost 3000ft up above the town and is a great place to take photos, especially at sunset. If you like hiking then it's possible to walk up there too. It takes around 2.5 hours to get to the top and you can reward yourself with a soak in the Banff hot springs when you come back down."

"Next on our list is one of the most famous things to do in Banff and that’s taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. From the top, the views are absolutely stunning!. To me, the Banff Gondola is the most spectacular gondola ride in Canada."

"After exploring the Banff town, head to the Sulphur mountains. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located 5 minutes from the Town of Banff."

"Head west of Banff and you will arrive at a gorgeous set of lakes known as the Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes are formed in the Bow River Valley and this is a real hotspot for wildlife sightings, possibly one of the best-known locations throughout the national park. Mount Rundle in the background is a towering sight but anyone visiting this part of Banff National Park would be hard-pressed to take their eyes away from this spectacular series of lakes."

"Vermilion Lakes is largely a marsh, so it doesn’t hold the brilliant blue waters like many of the other lakes around Banff, but it still makes for an incredible place to enjoy the park. These Banff lakes are well protected by the winds, and the shallow water means that the waters remain calm on most days, so it’s an easier place to canoe, kayak, or SUP. The Vermilion Lakes are prime habitat for wildlife, and it’s a well-known spot for birders."

"This is perhaps the most heavily photographed location in the Canadian Rockies next to Lake Louise. Take the classic shot of Mt. Rundle, but see if you can challenge yourself to create an image of Vermilion Lakes that is unique to you. Paul’s Photography Tip: For a more balanced composition, look for foregrounds that can compete with Rundle in the background."

"Movie buffs may recognize Bow Falls as the falls Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum went over while escaping from Indians in 1953’s River of No Return. The 9-meter (30-foot) high falls is a major waterfall on the scenic Bow River that joins with the Spray River just outside of Banff. Visitors can get a better view of the roaring rapids by taking a ¾-mile trail along the river to the falls."

"A popular tourist attraction, Bow Falls can be accessed from a parking lot or by hiking a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail from the town of Banff. Combining Bow Falls with a trip downtown to ice cream at COWS is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Insider Tip for Families: The trail has minimal elevation but does have a few sets of stairs to traverse."

"A wider and shorter waterfall than most, Bow Falls is a scenic attraction that is not quite easily accessible without prior knowledge, or planning ahead. It is a peaceful location that can be enjoyed by either simply sightseeing, or venturing around the water's edge."

"Two Jack Lake is easily accessible from the town of Banff, yet during our time there we saw very few people. Perhaps more people prefer to visit the largest lake in Banff, Lake Minnewanka. Nonetheless, Two Jack Lake is a beautiful albeit small lake with excellent reflections."

"Go at sunrise to beat any crowds and see Mount Rundle light up at the far end of the lake. For another image, wander down the west side of the lake for ten minutes. This will give you a more peaceful experience and a clear shot of Cascade Mountain."

"Just like Vermillion Lakes, heading out to Two Jack Lake will give you awesome views of Mount Rundle, albeit from a new perspective. The lake is situated on the Lake Minnewanka loop road, and has some great hiking, fishing, and even scuba diving."

"This small lake has a nice 1 km loop around it plus a small beach where kids can play. Quarry Lake is a fun place to stand up paddle board in Canmore. Quarry Lake parking fees: Effective May 14, 2021 visitors will have to pay to park at Quarry Lake."

"Two spots to check out in this region are Grassi Lakes and braving the summit of Ha Ling Peak. You can also visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary and get up close in person with these amazing creatures."

"Starting from Stoney Trailhead, it’s only a 1.7 km hike into Kananaskis Country to visit the glorious Troll Falls. The trail is flat and comfortable for most beginner hikers. Over the winter these falls will completely freeze over, leaving you with an icy mass that you can climb onto."

"Troll Falls is not technically located in the Canadian Rockies, but in Kananaskis country. The short, relatively flat stroll to the falls is appropriate for families, especially those with small children, who will love the falls at the end!. What’s special about these falls?"

"You've finally made it to the Bow Valley!!!. I bet Whistler seems like an age away. Canmore is where I spent majority of my time when living in Canada. Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later!"

"At Wendy’s in Canmore, AB we’re serving burgers made with 100% fresh, never frozen beef. Order natural cut fries, Wendy’s classic"

"We’ve tried several Canmore sushi restaurants, but we always come back to Mii Sushi. Whether we eat in or order takeout, we feel that Mii Sushi has the best sushi in Canmore. Everyone’s tastes are different , of course, but our favorited at This excellent Canmore sushi restaurant are the tuna sashimi, salmon sushi I, the Mii house special roll, the mango salmon roll and the Flames roll."

"Wild Flour Bakery churns out the most delicious breads, both sweet and savory, baked daily in their stone hearth oven (look for aged cheddar sourdough and a walnut & cranberry rye). If you’ve got time in the morning, the homemade granola and croissants are no-brainers."

"The artisan breads and baguettes are cooked in their stone hearth oven. The menu has sandwiches, daily soups, salads and fresh baked pastries. The breakfast specialty is a frittata made with free-range eggs."

"JK Bakery is another small, locally owned coffee shop that sells a good assortment of baked goods, cakes and pies to take on the go. Coming from England, I was pretty over the moon to find sausage rolls and pies for sale here, which are the perfect road trip snack. They also have pretty tasty cinnamon rolls occasionally, sandwiches and soups."

"K Bakery Cafe is a cute little coffee shop that serves the delicious black tea that I LOVE – creamy earl gray tea. They also offer specialty coffees, teas, and light snacks and baked goods. Located at 229 Bear St by the movie hall in Banff."