You can also find aspen habitat around the east end of Banff Springs golf course. The largest lake in the area is Lake Minnewanka, a short drive north and east of Banff townsite. This area has never been very productive for me and I wouldn't recommend it. Grey jays and ring-billed gulls do however frequent the shore area. Johnston Canyon Going west from Banff townsite, there are two highways taking you to Lake Louise.
Highway one is the main high-speed thoroughfare, but.
I would choose instead highway 1A, which has lots of little meadows and spots you can stop at. It is also a good place for water dippers. Definitely stop there. Take a quick 10km excursion up this road as well. There are still lots of dead standing trees and an abundance of berry bushes, so it is worth a look.