The top Instagram photo spots in Banff

I ♥️ Banff because every spot is as pretty as a postcard! Here are the top photo sights for your Instagram feed.

I have to preface this piece by saying that I consider myself such a lucky person because I live within driving distance of Banff National Park.

It's a long drive, mind you, but it's still driveable, and it's in my own country, and I get to travel here using my own currency and with my own health plan should anything happen to me.

So I've driven this route a zillion times (only a slight exaggeration) and I'm still not tired of it. There is simply so much to see that you'll never run out of new things to love.

For those of you who are researching a trip here, my best tip is to fly to Calgary and rent a car. You could try to do all of your sightseeing by shuttle but honestly it would cost you an arm and a leg.

From Calgary it's a 1.5-hr drive to Banff. But don't stop here! This is the route I'd take:

Calgary to Banff on Hwy 1 (90 minutes)
Banff to Lake Louise on Hwy 1 (45 minutes)
Lake Louise to Jasper on Hwy AB 93 N (2 hours, 40 minutes without stops)

Hwy 1 is the Trans-Canada Highway and goes coast to coast all the way across Canada. Someday I hope to be able to road-trip this route.

Meanwhile, Hwy AB 93 N between Lake Louise and Jasper is better known as the Icefields Parkway. You'll note I said this stretch will take about two hours and 40 minutes to drive it but that's only if you don't make a single stop. But you should stop ... that's the whole point of taking this highway. And with stops, it can take five or six hours to drive this stretch, which is one of the prettiest routes I've ever seen.

Below, I've posted my personal favourites but click on this link and you'll see every possible stop along the Icefields Parkway; trust me, they're all gorgeous. Also, here is a map of the Icefields Parkway stops.

Icefields Parkway map, every stop you should make

In 2022, this was my only road trip and it was a great one. In addition to all the beauty in Banff, which is better known, there are some stunning sights closer to Jasper and I've included photos of my favourite spots here as well.

The best thing is that with the exception of the Columbia Icefields Skywalk (and this is not expensive), everything is free to see. So happy planning, and if you have any questions about how to navigate these parks just ask in the comments and I'll help however I can.

Just remember:

• You’ll need a Parks Canada pass to visit these national parks. The passes can be purchased in advance online or at the park gates.

• Check your travel dates because spring comes LATE here. The road to the popular Moraine Lake is often still closed in very late May if the road there is deemed unsafe.

• Also, it's important to note that personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is not available as of 2023. Reserve a seat on the Parks Canada shuttle, book a guided tour, or take Roam Transit (fall service only). Get all the info you'll need here.

• Try to visit in shoulder season, as peak season hotel rates are pretty prohibitive.

Now, let's start taking some photos!

The Banff sign, my main photo, is a huge Instagram draw so be prepared for lineups. The sign can be found southbound on Mt. Norquay Road, on the right. There is parking across the street from the sign.

Here are the rest of my top photo picks: