For someone who is new, such as myself, to Instagram. This is not something I would normally post. However I love scenic photography and have a great eye for amazing backgrounds.
Banff is the perfect backdrop for those stunning Instagram photos. Turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, lush green forests and of course mountainous peaks. What more could you ask for.
If you google or search in Instagram for Banff, the two most popular are Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. These are the most photographed in Banff National Park. So lets start with them.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is my favorite out of it and Lake Louise. Now, to get that perfect shot you will need to rent a canoe. Rentals here are just over $100 for an hour. Make your way around the tree line area and you will be centered for the perfect Instagram photo.
So this is not the only place to get that infamous photo of Moraine Lake. Don’t want to spend that kind of money? Head to the rock pile. Once you enter the park from the parking lot, to the left you will see a rockpile. Make your way up there for a stunning panoramic view.
Lake Louise
Another amazing background is Lake Louise. We have all seen it. Ladies looking stunning with the gorgeous lake and mountains. I was doing the biggest hike that day so had to put away the fancies for hiking wear lol. Once you enter the lake area you will find a lot of places to take that ultimate picture. Want an over view picture of this stunning lake? Well better get that hiking gear!
Big Beehive view. This to me is the most mouth dropping view of Lake Louise. It is however a long hike and not easy to get to. Is it worth it? Heck yes! Back your hiking gear and set off on the crazy 11km trail.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is famous for the bridge. With that said I loved so many views from here. This was during the last couple days of our trip and the British Columbia forest fires put some haze in the air. Even still with all that, this area was breathtaking.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka has again so many stunning viewpoints. From the parking lot make your way left. You will find the red chairs on the dock for the famous National Parks shot. Or you can take the trail to Stewart Canyon Bridge and find so many Instagram worthy areas.
Another great area is along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. As you make your way to Two Jack Lake there is a lookout. If you want the below shot you will need to go back about 200 meters. There is a pile of rocks and is stunning in pictures. Perfect for Instagram.
Grassi Lake
Grassi Lake trail is not in Banff National Park but is nearby in Kananaskis Park. This trail offers two amazing views. One which is the Lakes themselves. Emerald blue waters, stunning cliff backdrop and an easy hike to get there.
The next top spot for stunning backdrops is the overview of the Bow Valley and Canmore. Once you get to the flat zone of the trail. To the right is a pile of rocks. That is the spot to get the perfect shot. Just make sure you get around the lines that run down the side of the mountain.
Banff Ave
I’m going to end this with something fun. Banff Ave, the heart of Banff is another iconic spot for Instagram. Just be sure to be looking North! I had fun with this one. Maybe you can see my little face within the sunflowers?
Final Thoughts
Banff no matter where you go is filled with so much beauty. You can take a picture anywhere and your background will be breathtaking. Don’t forget to sit down and take in the places you are photographing. We all want that perfect picture and when we look back on it we can remember that view. Just take 10 min and absorb the beauty that is the Canadian Rockies!
I really enjoyed this post–the concept was good! I feel like it is content you can expand on: Why should someone want to take beautiful instagram photos? (They really should. Every time I get a little more success online I feel like an influencer.) And how do we get photos that aren’t a bit cliche? (“Try taking a photo of the rockpile and ONLY the rockpile.”)
Travel is hard, but honestly, if I know someone is going to get jealous knowing I’ve been somewhere they haven’t, that’s actually a pretty good reason to go somewhere.