5 Amazing Places to Visit Near Banff that are Off the Beaten Path

Banff National Park is one of the most iconic and beautiful parks in the entire world and for good reason. People come from all over the world to see the amazing Rocky Mountains, pristine lakes, small towns and incredible hikes. However, while we all know that Banff is incredible, so many people miss these beautiful places that are right near Banff that are off the beaten path! If you have some extra time in your trip, here are five places you need to check out!

Emerald Lake

Perhaps the most underrated lake in the entire Canadian Rockies. Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, about an hour west of Banff and only about a half hour from Lake Louise!

The main attraction here is obviously the lake aptly named for it’s Emerald color. Here you can hike the easy three mile loop trail around the lake capturing it’s beauty in all angles. You start off the hike by walking next to some cabins that you can stay at, but be warned, they are quite expensive. Once you get past there the trail begins. It’s a relatively flat trail all the way along with some wet and rocky sections as well so make sure you wear some good hiking shoes.

The entire trail you are walking right along the lake with several outlets to stop and capture a picture, with the lake and the mountains in the background. It’s absolutely beautiful and an easy hike that everyone can do. And you also don’t have to worry about bears too much here as there are other people walking the trail, however there are plenty of sections you will walk for several minutes without passing by someone which is a nice change of pace from the more popular spots.

When visiting Banff, absolutely make time for this gorgeous hike.

Boom Lake

Boom Lake is a hidden gem just outside of Lake Louise, offering a peaceful, less crowded alternative to some of the more popular destinations in and near Banff. It’s located along the Boom Lake Trail, a relatively short hike that leads to a stunning turquoise lake nestled in the mountains.

Round trip it’s about 10km or six miles, however the trail is fairly easy. Depending on the time of year you go it could be covered in snow which could add to the fun depending on your view point! The views at the end of the trail make the entire trip worth it! Whether the lake is frozen or not, Boom Lake is beautiful place to visit any time of year

While the trail does see some traffic, it’s far less crowded compared to other spots like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature and your surroundings. It truly is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the unbelievable glories of Earth that we see before us.

If you’re looking for a hike near Banff that combines beautiful scenery with a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, Boom Lake is definitely worth the visit.

Marble Canyon

Just down the road from Boom Lake is Marble Canyon! You can hit both of these spots in one day. Marble Canyon is another fairly easy walk that is family friendly, stroller friendly and dog friendly.

The views from the trail are absolutely stunning. The snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, rocks, and trees make for a breathtaking winter hike. The hike in total shouldn’t take more than an hour there and back, however you are going to want to stop at a lot of points to get good pictures and admire the views.

Most people visiting Banff will most likely go to Johnston Canyon, which is also incredible, however Marble Canyon has similar views with half the people there. The Kootenay River flows below and the water is very powerful. It’s really incredible to see just what nature is capable of sometimes.

Marble Canyon is a terrific place near Banff that is off the beaten path where you can just appreciate nature and be away from the large touristy crowds. Highly recommend for families and people that are looking for a quick hike to do outside of the park.

Lake O’Hara

Also located in Yoho National Park and a little before Emerald Lake is Lake O’Hara. This spot isn’t as popular as some of the others or even as Emerald Lake is but it’s still an incredible place to visit. This place is near Banff and about a 45 minutes or so west of the town.

A stunning alpine lake with turquoise waters, surrounded by majestic peaks and wildflowers.

However access is limited to those with reservations for a bus ride, so it remains relatively uncrowded. Be sure to plan in advance if you’re looking to visit here. You either have to hop on the bus and take it to the parking lot or park at the road and walk all the way to get to the parking lot which is about a 45 minute walk, and that’s just to get to the beginning of the trail! So make sure you plan ahead for the Lake O’Hara shuttle.

The hike is relatively easy and is about a three hour-round trip depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. It’s perfect for hiking and photography all without the crowds. Be sure to add it to your list of places to hit in Banff.

Golden Skybridge

Last but certainly not least is the Golden Skybridge Adventure Park located just outside of Golden, BC. This place is about two hours away from the town of Banff however it is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. It’s also a perfect place for couples and families as well.

You can plan to spend at least two hours here. By getting the “Adventure Pass” you have access to both skybridges, the adventure and zip line course, the alpine coaster and the zip line over the canyon. All for less than $90 USD.

The adventure course is quite a workout. They teach you everything you need to know right then and there and it’s quite simple to get the hang of. You can move up in difficulty each time and each course has climbing, ladders, balance beams, zip lines and more! A ton of fun, but also a very good workout.

The alpine coaster sends you soaring through the hills and ravine. It was actually much faster than i thought it was going to be and lots of fun.

The zip line across the canyon was by far the best part. I was a little skeptical at first but boy am I glad I did it. You can go across with four people at a time and it sends you soaring very high above the ground. Really an awesome experience.

They have a jungle gym for kids, a fire pit, and a food truck as well to sit and enjoy a meal before heading back to Banff. Highly recommend checking this place out.

Conclusion – 5 Amazing places Near Banff

Banff National park is absolutely incredible and everyone should try to go there at least once in their life. With so many amazing points of interest like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sulphur Mountain, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka and all the hiking trails associated with those places, some spots can get overlooked.

I hope this article was able to shed some light on some additional spots near Banff that deserve the same kind of attention as the more popular places. There are so many hidden gems and amazing places to explore in and around Banff.

When booking your Banff adventure, be sure to add these to your list!

For the full Banff Travel Guide click here