Top 3 Sights To See In Banff National Park And Jasper National Park
Sometimes, to make up your mind, you need a breakdown list of what sort of sightseeing you can do at either destination. We’ve compiled a list of our top 3 sights to see in both to help you compare the two parks, but of course, both parks are full of plenty more destinations and sights well worth a visit. Check out our top 3 sights for both parks below.
Top Sights To See In Banff National Park
- Lake Louise, Banff National Park: For gorgeous blue waters surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Lake Louise is a classic stop for many. As a popular destination, it can become busy and crowded during the peak season between May and October, so plan accordingly.
- Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park: Johnston Canyon is another beautiful spot with vibrant plant life and breathtaking waterfalls throughout the dramatic canyon. It also makes for a great hike, but can also become crowded during busier times of the day and on weekends. We recommend visiting during the middle of the week and in the early morning to avoid crowds, and to ensure you get the best photos.
- Bow Falls, Banff National Park: With surging waters coming from the Bow River, the Bow Falls is a dramatic sight worth visiting for many in Banff National Park. If you’re looking for the perfect spot for waterfall photography, this is a highly recommended stop. Of course, we recommend avoiding the crowds that visit this popular spot by going in the early morning or during the week.
Top Sights To See In Jasper National Park
- : As the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, many put it at the top of their must-see list. It’s also home to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies (and we can see why: it’s stunning!)
- Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park: The deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies, many love to explore its hiking trails in the summer and icy caves and pillars in the winter. Offering plenty of opportunities for unique photography, and the waters running through the canyon in summer (or snowy winter scapes in winter), Maligne Canyon is at the top of our sightseeing list for year-round adventures.
- Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park: Craving more impressive waterfalls? We can’t get enough of Athabasca Falls, and as one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies as a Class 5 waterfall, it’s ideal for getting a dramatic shot of white rapids. It’s also part of the Icefields Parkway, which stretches between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, and is a highlight for many.
Banff National Park VS Jasper National Park: Which One Is Right For You?
Both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park have their perks and drawbacks that make either park worth a visit. It truly depends on if there is a spot in one of the parks that you prefer, or what kind of travel-style suits you more.
Many find that Banff’s busy sights and tourism spots are too stressful and overcrowded, and prefer Jasper’s less commercialized and touristy vibes. That being said, both parks can be busy at peak times, and many like the energy of a vibrant, busy tour. Both parks offer plenty of possibilities for things to do and sights to see, both offering a unique experience and diverse scenery of plantlife, wildlife and landscapes. If you’re trying to narrow down between the two, here are some tips to help you decide:
- Write a list of the top sights you want to see from either park. Is there one that stands out more than the other, or is there a spot you know you’ll regret missing if you don’t visit that park?
- Think about the accommodations nearby and where you’ll be staying. For many, Banff National Park can become more expensive due to the cost of hotels and accommodations. While Jasper has plenty of high-end and expensive options, usually they’re a bit more reasonably priced than Banff accommodations. Depending on if you’re looking to splurge or save on accommodations, this might help tip you to one park.
- Do you prefer avoiding crowds, or do you like the excitement of a bustling tourist attraction? If you prefer fewer crowds, Jasper National Park is usually the better option.
- Are you planning a winter trip? For us, we prefer Jasper National Park for winter trips. Because it’s such a large park, there is a much bigger variety of things you can do during the winter months, without feeling like you’re missing out. For a summer adventure, both parks are excellent choices.
- Adding one of the park’s towns to your itinerary? While the town of Jasper is smaller, it feels more unique and less touristy than Banff and has plenty of tasty restaurants and fun attractions to see. The town of Banff is bigger with plenty to do, but many find it overly commercialized and prefer the more “local” feel of Jasper.
Visit Both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park With SunDog Tours
Still can’t make up your mind? We can’t say we blame you, which is why we recommend squeezing in a bit more time to add both national parks to your Canadian Rocky Mountain adventure. Both offer unique sightseeing, and visiting both would make for a memorable experience for everyone in your group.
If you’re planning to visit both parks, we have the perfect tour to help you get from “A” to “B”. Whether you’re leaving from Jasper National Park to Banff National Park, or you’re looking for ways to get from Banff to Jasper National Park, our tour can take you between the two with plenty of highlights along the way (including Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier).
Curious about our other Jasper tours and Canadian Rocky Mountain tours? Browse our summer and winter tour options for more mountain adventures. Or, if you need transportation during your trip, we also have comfortable and convenient transportation services to help you travel throughout the Canadian Rockies.
Check out SunDog Tours’ blog for more travel tips, or read our Ultimate Guide to Jasper for the insider scoop on visiting Jasper National Park.
