Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies have dominated Instagram feeds with some of the most beautiful images on the social platform. Iconic stops such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are uploaded daily while lesser-known spots in Banff National Park surprise those who visit and create equally “like-worthy” selfies.
There are countless locations in Banff and Lake Louise year-round that are the perfect selfie-worthy spots to make your friends jealous.
Here are our top 10:
- Sulphur Mountain
Mountaintop selfies with panoramic views that are too much to get in one image are found at the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Take an eight-minute ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of this accessible experience and snap your shots on the lookout platform at the upper terminal—or at Samsun Peak, a short hike across a stunning boardwalk. - Mt. Norquay Green Spot, Sightseeing Lift and the Via Ferrata
The Cliffhouse Bistro at Mt. Norquay is a true hidden gem of Banff and offers stunning views of Banff and Mount Rundle found nowhere else. Ride the sightseeing chairlift to the top in summer or winter and grab a drink inside the bistro. In the summertime, experience the Via Ferrata, an easy climbing experience that anyone who can hike will enjoy. Climb to the summit of Mt. Norquay while secured to an accessible trail with ladders, steps, handles and suspension bridges. You’ll look very hardcore in selfies while all geared up at the top of Mt. Norquay. If a short drive is more on the agenda, stop at the Mt. Norquay Green Spot, where two Parks Canada Red Chairs are waiting for the perfect selfie to be taken. - Johnston Canyon
Waterfall selfies might be the coolest of them all: Hike along a suspended walkway through Johnston Canyon to two sets of waterfalls. Crystal clear water and unique rock formations compliment an already stunning view. And for those who want to capture a unique phenomenon, hike the trail in the winter to enjoy frozen waterfalls. - Rat’s Nest Cave at Grotto Mountain
Canmore Cave Tours offers multiple unique and accessible caving tours year-round inside Grotto Mountain. Light up with headlamps and flashlights; this area provides a selfie setting that can’t be found anywhere else in Alberta! - Sightseeing Flight with Alpine Helicopters
In both summer and winter, Alpine Helicopters offers multiple sightseeing flights that take visitors eye-to-eye with glaciers, mountain peaks, lakes, waterfalls and—if you’re lucky—some wildlife. Snap a selfie beside the window for a sky-high picture that will definitely make friends jealous. - Vermilion Lakes Docks
Vermilion Lakes are walking distance or a short drive from Banff. Three lakes make up the iconic location looking at Mount Rundle and all have a dock to hang out on. Third Vermilion Lake has a small hot spring outlet that allows the water to never freeze, always creating the reflections that leave people speechless. - The Bow River and the Banff Canoe Club
The Bow River in Banff is a picture-perfect location teeming with flora and fauna on the shorelines. In the summer, hop in a canoe with the Banff Canoe Club and snap the perfect adventure selfie. - The Icefields Parkway
Rated among top drives by Lonely Planet and National Geographic, there are countless locations to stop off at on the Icefields Parkway that are perfect selfie spots. A few of our favorites include Crowfoot Glacier lookout, Bow Lake and the little bridge near the shoreline, Peyto Lake Lookout (snowshoes recommended in winter), Waterfowl Lakes and the Columbia Icefields. - Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
What would a top selfie list be without (arguably) the most photographed lakes in the world? Moraine Lake (road open May to October) and Lake Louise are iconic selfie locations. In the summer, visit these places very early or in the evening, to have the best experience and get the perfect shot. In the winter, take advantage of the sleigh rides, ice skating and the ice castle built on Lake Louise. - Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola Sightseeing Chairlift
In both summer and winter, take advantage of the Whitehorn Bistro and the most beautiful balcony in Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola. In the summertime, bears are seen daily roaming below the lifts.
Courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
Photo Courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
