13 BEST Stops On The Drive From Golden To Banff

The drive from Golden to Banff is a short 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the scenery is breathtaking. You will pass through the beautiful Canadian Rockies and get to see some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes.

I’ve experienced this route many times on my way from Whistler to Banff. I have many trips to Banff under my bent, but I recently took some time to also explore the town of Golden. Although these two towns are so different, there is plenty to explore in both.

I’ve put together this detailed post so you don’t miss any of the best stops. From Yoho National Park to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, this Golden to Banff road trip has it all!

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About The Drive From Golden To Banff

The drive from Golden to Banff is approximately 140 kilometres one way and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes without stopping. Although relatively short, this scenic drive is one of the most popular routes in Canada.

You will start your journey along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), before the final stretch along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. This route includes iconic places such as Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, before arriving in the town of Banff.

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Best Stops On The Drive From Golden To Banff Drive

Town of Golden

The first stop on this short road trip is the town of Golden. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Golden is a small mountain town that serves as a gateway to some of the most popular national parks in Canada (Mount Revelstoke NP, Glacier NP, Yoho Np, Kootenay NP, and Banff NP)

One of the best things to do in Golden is the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This world-class ski resort offers year-round activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking. You can also take a scenic gondola ride up to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Take some time to explore this quaint town and discover its rich history and vibrant arts scene. Visit the Golden BC Museum to learn about the town’s railway and mining history, or check out the Art Gallery of Golden-Kicking Horse Culture which showcases local talent.

There are lots of local restaurants and cafes in Downtown Golden. My favourite place is Wandering Fern Café, where we stopped each morning on our recent trip. I also highly recommend Reposados for Mexican food and tacos—the best I’ve had in BC!

If you enjoy trying craft beer while traveling (like I do!), head to Whitetooth Brewing Co. This craft brewery creates artisanal, small-batch beers inspired by its stunning surroundings.

After sampling some of Golden’s best craft beer, take a walk over The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge. This bridge is unique to Golden as it is the longest free-span pedestrian bridge in Canada, stretching 200 feet across the breathtaking Kicking Horse River.

If you want to add some excitement to your time in Golden, book a whitewater rafting trip. On this 5-hour whitewater rafting tour you’ll navigate Class III and IV rapids while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Kicking Horse River. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Where to stay in Golden

• Days Inn By Wyndham Golden: About 5 minutes east of Golden, the Days Inn Golden offers beautiful views of the town and surrounding mountains. I stayed here during my recent visit and appreciated the quieter location. The rooms are well-equipped and come with a complimentary breakfast.

• Basecamp Lodge Golden: Basecamp Lodge is a great spot to stay, located by the river on the north side of Golden, just a 2-3 minute drive from downtown. You can choose from various room types, enjoy a cozy wood-burning fireplace in the lobby, and grab a coffee at the on-site bar. It’s the perfect location for outdoor adventures, with mountains and nature just outside. Basecamp Lodge is an ideal choice for a few nights in Golden, BC.

Related Read: Check out the best stops on the drive from Revelstoke to Golden!

Golden Skybridge

The Golden Skybridge is Goldens newest attraction and a must-visit stop on your road trip from Golden to Banff. The Golden Skybridge spans 426 feet, and sits 223 feet high above a narrow canyon, making it Canada’s tallest suspension bridge.

There are actually two bridges here – the first one is the highest and then you’ll cross back the other way on the shorter one. In between the two bridges are an array of other activities that you can opt to add to your admission ticket – these include ziplining, the Mountain Coaster, and the climbing wall.

I’ve experienced several suspension bridges in BC, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Sky Pilot Bridge at the Sea to Sky Gondola, but the Golden Skybridge is the only one that gave me vertigo – so if you have a real fear of heights this may not be for you.

On weekends in the summer you can stay late and watch the summer concert series, and on alternating weekends there is a night market to explore. You can buy tickets to the Golden Skybridge online in advance.

Emerald Lake

Emerald lake is one of my favourite lakes in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a stunning turquoise lake located in Yoho National Park, just a short drive from Golden.

Emerald Lake definitely rivals Lake Louise in my opinion, it’s slightly less busy, and they offer cheap canoe rentals! The rentals are $95CAD for one hour plus GST tax – still not “cheap” but $50 less than Lake Louise.

Emerald Lake has become more and more popular in recent year with visitors looking for an alternative to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. I would recommend getting here early if you can to avoid the crowds that gather. The lake is also SUPER pretty early in the morning. Parking is currently free at the lake.

There is an easy walk that loops around the lake, but you can choose how far you want to go. There are some great views to the left side of the lake. If you want to sit and admire the lake for a little, you can grab a coffee from “Cilantro on the Lake” which is a cute café in the log cabin.

Related Read: Spending some time in Yoho National Park? Check out my full review of Emerald Lake Lodge!

Natural Bridge

Next on this Golden to Banff drive is a quick stop to see the Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge is located at the beginning of Emerald Lake Road, you will pass by it on the way to Emerald Lake.

This unique rock formation is a result of years of erosion from the Kicking Horse River. It’s an easy and short walk from the parking lot to the Natural Bridge. There are several viewing areas, where you can see the bridge from different angles. You will only need 10-20 minutes here but it’s a nice stop to stretch your legs!

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is another stunning attraction located in Yoho National Park. After your stop at Emerald Lake, take the 20-minute drive to reach this towering waterfall.

With a height of 302 meters, Takakkaw Falls is the second highest waterfall in Canada. I loved visiting Takakkaw Falls, you can see it from varying points in the park, but it’s definitely worth taking the short hike to get up close and feel the mist from the waterfall (be prepared to get wet!)

There is a campground near Takakkaw Falls, so if you have more time on your Golden to Banff road trip, consider spending a night here and waking up to the sound of rushing water.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise has to be my favourite stop on this drive – it’s somewhere you definitely need to spend the night. Although most people will think of the actual lake, Lake Louise is actually a small town within Banff National Park – and there is plenty to do here!

I often find myself spending most of my time in the Lake Louise area when I visit Banff National Park – the views take my breath away every time.

Summer in Lake Louise is the most popular time to visit – this is when the lake thaws and reveals its famous turquoise colour. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Lake Louise, my favourites are the Big Beehive and Little Beehive trails, two of the best hikes in all of Banff. Both lead to equally stunning views looking down over Lake Louise.

Both of these hiking trails pass by the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse, a must when visiting Lake Louise. The Lake Agnes Teahouse has been serving hikers since 1905 and features over 100 varieties of tea to choose from. The hike to the teahouse is around 3.4km one-way, with an elevation gain of 400m.

If you don’t want to hike in Lake Louise, you can opt to canoe on the lake instead. Canoe rentals are operated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and start at $145CAD per hour. The Boathouse is located to the left hand side of the lake.

After completing a hike or canoe trip, head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to explore its grandeur lobby. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most iconic hotels, and the only hotel that sits on the shore of Lake Louise.

I have stayed here, and it is very bit of luxury you could imagine – you can check out my full review of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a more detailed look inside. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the lobby is accessible and has some great gift shops.

Where to stay in Lake Louise

If you want to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, be prepared for a hefty price tag. An alternative option is to stay in one of the nearby hotels.

• Mountaineer Lodge: For a more budget-friendly choice, the Mountaineer Lodge is just 10 minutes from Lake Louise. I spent two nights there recently and enjoyed the cozy mountain lodge atmosphere. The rooms were spacious and clean, with super comfy beds, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Plus, the lodge has a hot tub for guests to relax in after a day of exploring.

• Lake Louise Inn: I haven’t stayed at the Lake Louise Inn myself, but I’ve visited several times because they have the best restaurants. From what I’ve seen, it seems like a great place to stay. The Lake Louise Inn is a solid budget option, featuring cozy rooms, an indoor pool, and various on-site dining choices. Plus, the location is excellent – just a 5-minute drive from Lake Louise Village and the ski resort!

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: If budget isn’t a concern, I always recommend staying at the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise. This iconic hotel in the Canadian Rockies boasts a breathtaking location right on the shores of Lake Louise. It offers luxurious rooms, various dining options, and access to outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking. My stay here was unforgettable – check out my full review!

Moraine Lake

You cannot leave Lake Louise without also stopping by the famous Moraine Lake. Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks Moraine Lake is another stunningly beautiful lake in Banff National Park.

Similar to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is also glacier-fed which gives it that famous deep turquoise colour. The best time to visit Moraine Lake is in late June or early July when the snow has melted and the lake has reached its highest level. This means you’ll also be able to take the famous photo of Moraine Lake with the “twenty-dollar bill” mountain range in the background.

Moraine Lake is a popular spot for hiking, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. The easiest and most popular hike is the Rockpile Trail which takes you up a short but steep path to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Moraine Lake. Another easy hike is Consolation Lakes, an 6km round trip hike with views of a lake and stunning mountain landscapes.

Canoe rentals are also available at Moraine Lake, operated by the Moraine Lake Lodge. A one-hour canoe rental currently costs $160CAD plus GST tax.

So how do you get to Moraine Lake? Well it’s not as easy as it once was, you can’t just drive up to Moraine Lake like you can Lake Louise any more. In 2023 Parks Canada made the decision to close Moraine Lake Road to personal/private vehicles. What does this mean for you? It means in order to visit Moraine Lake you now need to plan ahead and either book the Parks Canada shuttle, take public transit, book a tour, or the Hop on Hop off bus.

I have taken the Roam transit bus to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before the closure, and is a great option when visiting Banff without a car.

If you are visiting with a car, the best way to visit is by booking a Parks Canada shuttle from the Ski Louise park and ride – you can reserve your spot through the official website. Alternatively, the Hop on Hop off bus makes stops at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Want to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise? I don’t blame you! The sunrise at Moraine Lake really is a spectacle to watch, and yes despite the changes, it’s still possible! You can book this highly rated Moraine Lake sunrise tour that also includes a stop at Lake Louise afterwards. This tour includes convenient hotel pick up from Banff, which is great if your budget doesn’t allow for accommodation in Lake Louise.

Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola

After saying goodbye to Moraine Lake it’s time to do some sightseeing over at the Lake Louise Gondola! Located just minutes away from the lake, this gondola ride offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The ride takes you to an elevation of 2088 metres (6850 feet) and offers multiple vantage points for stunning photos.

But it’s not just about the views – there are also plenty of activities to do at the top, including guided interpretive hikes, grizzly bear viewing tours, and wildlife spotting tours. If you don’t want to miss out on spotting grizzlies, book your tickets online in advance before you arrive.

The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola is open year-round and each season offers unique experiences. If you are visiting Lake Louise in the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Lake Louise Ski Resort as well as sleigh rides and tubing.

If you’re debating whether to book the Lake Louise Gondola or Banff Gondola, I have a full comparison guide to help you choose!

Morant’s Curve

The journey from Golden to Lake Louise is stunning, but there’s plenty to see between Lake Louise and Banff – the next stop being the Bow Valley Parkway!

The first stop on you should make along the Bow Valley Parkway is Morant’s Curve, a famous viewpoint on the Canadian Pacific Railway. This spot has become quite famous for photographers as it offers stunning views of a bend in the railroad with the snow-capped mountains in the background. Keep an eye out for trains passing through – they make for a great photo opportunity!

Castle Junction

About halfway along the Bow Valley Parkway is Castle Junction, you’ll know you’ve reached this section when you come to the Castle Mountain Chalets. You will also see a road on your right hand side which leads back onto the highway with a bridge that crosses the Bow River.

This is where you can find one of Banff’s most hidden viewpoints and best photo spots. Drive towards the bridge, and just before you reach it you’ll find a small parking lot to the left – park here. Then walk across the bridge and cross the road so you are now on the right hand side.

Immediately after crossing the bridge you will see a wildlife gate – through here is an area along the shores of the Bow River that showcase the amazing views of Castle Mountain – this is by far my favourite mountain in Banff, I just love staring at it. Remember to close the Wildlife gate!

Once you re back at your car, turn around and continue along the Bow Valley Parkway southbound.

Johnston Canyon

The last stop you’ll make on the Bow Valley Parkway is Johnston Canyon, which involves an easy hike for all ages to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The canyon is stunning in both the summer and winter, but I highly recommend visiting during spring or falls when the water flow is strong and temperatures are cooler.

The trail to the Lower Falls is a paved 1.2km (one way) and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete round trip. For a more challenging hike, continue on to the Upper Falls (an additional 1.6km one way) or even all the way up to the Ink Pots (an additional 3km one way).

There is no entry fee to Johnston Canyon, which makes it one of the best free things to do in Banff. The most popular time to visit is summer, but I think the winter looks even more magical. If you are visiting Banff in winter, you can take a guided ice walk tour into parts of the canyon that freeze over – this is something most visitor to Banff never get to see!

Vermilion Lakes

After driving through Johnston Canyon and arriving back in Banff, make your way to Vermilion Lakes for a stunning sunset view. These lakes are located just minutes from the town of Banff and offer unobstructed views of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain.

There is a short path along the edge of the lake that you can walk or bike on, making it a great spot for an evening stroll. You may even spot some wildlife like elk or deer along the way. This is also a prime location to capture some amazing reflections during sunrise or sunset.

Banff Town

The final stop on this road trip from Golden to Banff is, of course, the town of Banff itself. This iconic mountain town has a ton of things to do, making it a popular year-round destination.

Banff is most popular during the summer months, when you can witness the glacier-fed lakes and the hiking trails are snow-free. Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Banff. My favourite easy hikes in Banff include Tunnel and the Hoodoos Trail.

If you happen to be visiting Banff on a rainy day, there are plenty of museums to explore to stay dry. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is an interactive museum explaining how Banff National Park was established. You can also check out the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, which highlights the history and culture of Banff and the surrounding area.

A walk down Banff Avenue is a must when staying in Banff. You can catch stunning views of Cascade Mountain towering over the town from the avenue, making it one of the best photo spots in Banff. For the best Canadian souvenirs, visit Big Bear Trading Company – my go-to for everything from t-shirts and hoodies to blankets, hats, and magnets.

To experience some of the best views in Banff, I highly recommend booking a ticket for the Banff Gondola. This scenic gondola ride takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you can walk along the boardwalk to Sanson Peak and the Cosmic Ray Station.

Don’t forget to visit the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a luxurious stay or a quick tour. This hotel is a National Historic Site known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views. If you enjoy good food, consider booking the Eat The Castle food tour to sample the best dishes from four top restaurants in the hotel.

Where to stay in Banff

• Moose Hotel and Suites: For a mid-range budget, check out the Moose Hotel and Suites. Located on Banff Avenue, it offers easy access to local shops and restaurants. Plus, it has a rooftop pool with great views—a perfect place to relax after exploring.

• Banff Park Lodge: I recently stayed at Banff Park Lodge and found an amazing hotel deal ($350 CAD for 3 nights!). This hotel is one of the best I’ve experienced in Banff. It has a great location, just a short walk from Banff Avenue, and the free Banff Gondola shuttle stops right outside. The rooms are spacious and very clean. I definitely recommend staying here!

• Banff Springs Hotel: If you’re looking to indulge in a luxury stay, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” is a great option. This historic hotel features stunning views, excellent service, and amenities like a spa, golf course, and various dining choices.

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Final Thoughts: Golden To Banff Drive

As you can see, there is quite a lot to do on this short drive! That’s why I highly recommend splitting up the drive and staying in Golden or Lake Louise. Some of my absolute favourite places in Canada are located along this route, so I suggest slowing down and taking at least 2 days to complete this drive. Do not whizz past Yoho National Park or Lake Louise! Golden is very much worth an overnight stay – I think it’s a very underrated place!

I hope this post has helped plan an epic road trip from Golden to Banff. If you plan on extending your trip, you can check out my Icefields Parkway itinerary, which is a great addition to this route. I’d also love to hear about your favourite places on the drive – let me know in the comments!