Welcome to the picturesque wonderland of Banff, where breathtaking vistas and jaw-dropping landscapes await at every turn. Nestled amidst the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park boasts an array of must see viewpoints that showcase the very best of nature's grandeur. From snow-capped peaks piercing the sky to crystal-clear turquoise lakes reflecting the surrounding beauty, these 10 must-see viewpoints promise to leave you utterly spellbound. Whether you're an avid hiker, a passionate photographer, or simply an admirer of nature's majesty, you’ll want to explore these most captivating and Instagram-worthy spots in Banff.

a list of Our favorite viewpoints in Banff

1.Banff Sign

When visiting Banff, there's one iconic viewpoint that should be on every traveler's must-see list—the Banff Sign. Perched on the outskirts of the charming town of Banff, this picturesque spot offers more than just a photo opportunity; it symbolizes the gateway to an adventure-filled experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Sign boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a clear blue sky serving as the perfect backdrop. Arrive early and strike a pose to commemorate your Banff journey.

2. Lake Louise

Nestled amid the rugged peaks of Banff National Park, Lake Louise stands as an absolute must-see viewpoint for any traveler in the area. Renowned for its surreal turquoise waters that seem to mirror its surroundings, Lake Louise offers a postcard-perfect vista that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Whether you choose to visit during the vibrant summer months, when the lake shimmers under the sun's warm embrace, or venture here in the winter, when a pristine layer of ice transforms it into a magical skating rink, the beauty of Lake Louise remains unparalleled.

Arrive for sunrise and watch the mountain warm as the sun lifts in the sky and then take on a challenging hike to experience vantage points of Lake Louise and its other attractions.

3. Pedestrian Bridge

When it comes to must-see viewpoints in Banff, the Pedestrian Bridge in Downtown Banff takes center stage. Spanning across the tranquil waters of the Bow River, this bridge offers an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the surrounding natural splendor of the Rockies and alpine trees. The scene surrounding the bridge changes with the seasons. We visited in late May and enjoyed an early morning visit with even lighting.

4. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is at the top of our must-see list when visiting Banff. As you make your way to the iconic Bow Summit, anticipation builds, and suddenly, you're met with a jaw dropping scene straight out of a postcard. The vibrant, mesmerizing turquoise waters of Peyto Lake come into view, surrounded by soaring peaks and lush forests. The surreal color of the lake is a result of glacial rock flour suspended in the water, creating a captivating contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop. As you stand on the viewing platform, you can't help but marvel at the sheer beauty and tranquility of this remarkable sight. You’ll even question how something like this is real.

While the views from the viewing platform are great, head below it for a more unobstructed view and less crowds to really take in this magical scene.

5. Surprise Corner

Nestled along the scenic Banff Avenue, Surprise Corner lives up to its name. This must-see viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping panorama of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, majestically perched atop a hill, framed by the rugged Canadian Rockies and Bow River below. The view is particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset, as the golden hues cast a magical glow over the landscape.

You can walk or drive to this viewpoint from downtown Banff. I’d recommend driving if you’re tight on time. We walked and the image below was captured on the side of the road right before the parking lot and viewing platform.

6. Hoodoos Viewpoint

The Hoodoos Viewpoint is just a short drive from downtown Banff. The viewpoint parking gives you a different perspective of downtown and you’ll need to walk the trail a bit to see the Hoodoo rock formations.

The parking lot area for this viewpoint is small and tour buses come here, but it wasn’t too crowded when we visited on a Friday afternoon. This is also the only place where we saw a Grizzly Bear on the side of the road.

7. Bow Lake

Along the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake stands as an absolute must-see viewpoint. As you approach this glacial-fed gem, prepare to be mesmerized by its striking turquoise hue, a result of suspended rock flour in the water, and soaring peaks surrounding the lake's mirrored surface. Whether you choose to stand along the shoreline, basking in the serene ambiance, or venture on one of the nearby hiking trails for a higher vantage point, Bow Lake never fails to leave visitors awestruck.

Don’t miss the hot cocoa from the cafe at the trailhead on your way out!

8. Mistaya Canyon

No visit to Banff National Park would be complete without venturing to the awe-inspiring Mistaya Canyon, a must-see viewpoint that embodies the raw power and beauty of nature. Carved over centuries by the relentless forces of the Mistaya River, this narrow gorge presents a mesmerizing display of swirling turquoise waters, surrounded by towering walls of rock. As you stand on the sturdy wooden platform that overlooks the canyon, you'll feel an exhilarating rush as the river rushes through the narrow chasm below and want to get a closer look. Venture beyond the platform down onto the rock formations along the canyon to get up close to this beautiful, natural creation.

There is a large parking lot for Mistaya Canyon and an easy 1mi out and back trail leading to the viewing platform.

9. Tunnel Mountain

If you have time, ascending the well-maintained trail for Tunnel Mountain will reward you with sweeping vistas of Banff townsite, the Bow Valley, and the majestic peaks of the surrounding Rockies. The trail is considered moderate, and if you’re not used to hiking a lot of elevation this one will be a little tough because you’re switchbacking the mountain the entire way up. The anticipation builds with every step (and breath), knowing that a panorama view awaits at the summit. Once you reach the top, sit down and take the views. I would have thought this view was more worthwhile had we done it sooner in our trip, but we climbed this trail on our last day and the view didn’t quite hold up to some of my favorites on this list. Nonetheless, still worthwhile if you have the time. If you’re visiting in the summer, start early to beat the heat and enjoy the trail to yourself. We saw mountain goats and deer on this hike.

10. Vermillion Lakes

Located just minutes away from the town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes are a series of three interconnected bodies of water, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, creating a postcard-perfect scene that seems almost fake. What makes Vermilion Lakes truly unique is the way they capture the reflection of Mount Rundle, a towering peak that mirrors its grandeur on the calm waters below. Parking is along the side of the road and can be a bit tricky for this area, especially near this dock, because the road is also used for pedestrians and bikers. You might have to wait for others to clear off the dock, but it’s totally worth it to walk out on the water and snap some picture perfect photos.