Discover the Top 5 Insta-Worthy Photo Spots in Banff National Park

Uncover the most captivating and Instagram-worthy locations in Banff National Park with our guide to the Top 5 IG-Worthy Spots, guaranteed to make your feed stand out with stunning natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. Explore these picture-perfect locations and capture unforgettable moments in one of Canada's most prized national parks.

Morant’s Curve

Morant's Curve is a bend in the Bow River that mirrors the curvature of the nearby railway track. Midsummer's golden hours of sunrise or sunset are key for this spot.

To reach Morant's Curve, jump on  the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). After approximately 21km (13 miles) west of Castle Junction, keep an eye out for the Parks Canada roadside sign that reads "Outlet Creek." On the east side of the road, a small parking lot awaits. Just across the road, you’ll find the viewpoint, offering a remarkable sight of the iconic railway curve against the majestic Canadian Rockies. To secure the best vantage point, it's advisable to arrive early.

Sulphur Mountain

The best time to head up to Sulphur Mountain is before 10AM or after 5PM to avoid the crowds/lineups and harsh midday sunlight.

The most obvious way up the mountain is taking a ride on the Banff Gondola. A ticket starts at $60CAD when you reserved it in advance online, but will vary depending on the day when purchasing at the ticket office. Both Summer and Winter, the gondola ride itself offers incredible panoramic views, and once you reach the top, you'll find various viewpoints and hiking trails to explore and grab that epic shot.

Banff Gondola - Booking Website

With the sexiest light shining during sunrise and sunset, the best way up is on foot when the gondola is closed. It’s often recommended to hike up the mountain using the Sulphur Mountain Trail so you can experience golden hour in the alpine. The trail is 6km to the top and takes about 2-3 hours round trip.

Castle Mountain

The best time to shoot Castle Mountain is in the mornings when the sun is rising and lighting up the front of the mountain. Winter mornings are also a great time to catch the frost and ice features along the river.

Capture Castle Mountain at one of the prime photography spots near the Castle Mountain Junction exit. As you approach the bridge, follow the path along the Bow River, just before the bridge, accessed through a gate (don't forget to close it behind you). This pathway leads you to the shore of the Bow River, offering an ideal vantage point for your perfect shot.

Lake Agnes Area

Plan your visit to this area between June and October when the lakes are thawed, and the risk of avalanches is minimal. Lake Agnes Area features a variety of lakes with mesmerizing colors, elevated viewpoints, and the high possibility of encountering wildlife. To make the most of your time here, we recommend dedicating a full day, starting from the early morning until the evening, ensuring ample opportunities for photography.

Located near Lake Louise, begin your adventure by parking in the Lake Louise public parking lot. From the shores of Lake Louise, take a stroll past the Chateau and keep an eye out for a prominent and well-traveled Lake Agnes trail that leads right through the forest.

Vermillion Lakes

Welcome to the ultimate photo spot that guarantees stunning shots throughout the year. Our personal favorites are during summer sunsets when the light sits behind Mt. Rundle. However, the Vermillion Lakes truly come alive with vibrant colors in the fall.

Situated just a 5-minute drive from downtown Banff, this spot is the perfect starting point for a photography road trip. It's conveniently located just steps away from the road, allowing for easy access to the Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint.

Pro tip: The second lake steals the show with its photogenic charm. It remains open year-round, offering incredible views of the Rundle Mountain  and Tunnel Mountain. When you arrive, park on the left near the bench, and then take a short stroll down to the lake level.

Honorable Mentions: Moraine Lake, Surprise Corner & More

Moraine Lake

It's important to note that it tends to be crowded at Moraine Lake from 5:30am to 7pm. We highly recommend securing a sunrise shuttle to witness the lake's stunning colors at their finest. Personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is not available, so utilizing shuttles, public transit, or guided tours is the preferred means of transportation.

Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner offers a vantage point showcasing the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the stunning Spray Valley, making it one of the most renowned photo locations in Banff.

Lake Minnewanka Loop

The Lake Minnewanka road is a 12-km loop drive that goes past both Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake (two of the most beautiful lakes in Alberta), which on their own are stunning photo spots in Banff National Park.

Get ready to capture epic shots with the best photo spots in Banff National Park. From turquoise lakes to mountain peaks and forests, these locations will take your Instagram feed to the next level. And when it's time to recharge, Basecamp Resorts has got you covered with a range of properties in Banff, Lake Louise, and the Canmore area.