I cannot wait to tell you about this campground in Banff National Park. It ticks all the boxes. I even have a specific site recommendation for you so you’re guaranteed a perfect experience. Keep reading!
Two Jack Lakeside Campground is located about 15 minutes from the Town of Banff and very nearby Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. Two Jack Lakeside Campground should not be mixed up with the main Two Jack campground; the Lakeside campground is just that– lakeside.
The campground only has 23 sites and a few O’Tentiks. It is small, private, and absolutely serene. It has centrally-located bathrooms, showers, and a kitchen (the kitchen is currently closed due to Covid-19) that are only a short walk from every campsite. The sites have fire-pits and while we were there, firewood was free.
Any site at Two Jack Lakeside Campground will be wonderful due to the small size of the grounds, however, for the best experience, choose site #42 or #44. They are located right on the shore of Two Jack Lake and have a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The lakeside has a small beach area which is perfect for picnics, swimming (although it is cold!), and launching your canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Two Jack Lakeside Campground is in a great location relative to the town of Banff. It is far enough away that there is limited traffic noise, but close enough that you can scoot in for a walk, tour, or meal with ease. We went into town several times, twice for meals and once for a tour that didn’t happen…
On our first day in Banff, it was 26 degrees and sunny. We enjoyed drinks and appetizers from the best rooftop in Banff that we stumbled on by accident. The Rose & Crown was hidden by scaffolding from ongoing exterior renovations and there was no lineup to attest to its excellent location and menu. Since we couldn’t get in to any of the more popular restaurants without a reservation (i.e. Grizzly House, Park Distillery, Balkan), we took a chance on the Rose & Crown. It really paid off. (The caesar was amazing.)
On our second night, we visited Banff Ave Brewing Co. The beer was amazing, the ‘ninja’ was amazing, our appetizers were amazing, Mack’s steak was amazing, and the atmosphere was amazing. But, my bison burger was awful and it made me feel sick. Definitely visit Banff Ave Brewing, but maybe pass on the bison burger.
Finally, on our third and final day, we drove back into Banff from Two Jack Lakeside campground for a trip up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Remember how it was 26 degrees on our first day? Well, it was -1 degree and snowing on our last day. The weather can change quickly and drastically in the mountains– and while it makes a good story, do not take this for granted. There was zero visibility at the top of the mountain and we could reschedule our tickets, so we passed. I had done the gondola once before, but Mack hadn’t, so it’s too bad he missed it. Hopefully we get to go to Banff again soon so he can have this cool experience.
Have you ever been camping in Banff? Where did you stay? Let us know in the comments!
Happy adventures,
char
Hello! I’m planning a trip to Banff, and the campsite numbers that your recommended don’t match up with the map I’m looking at. Any chance you’d look at that and give an updated recommendation? All the lakeside sites look good, but #32 looks like it might be the best.