Banff National Park

The basics

There is so much to see and experience in Banff: lakes, rivers, mountains, caves, grizzly bears and other wildlife, hot springs, national historic sites, the gondola in the town of Banff, and more. To make the most of your time, a guided Banff National Park tour will help you hit the highlights and get a more in-depth look at what interests you most. 

Many multi-day tours from Vancouver take in several Canadian Rockies spots, such as Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho National Park, and the Columbia Icefield. In addition, some tours offer evening wildlife safaris or horseback-riding adventures; day trips from Calgary offer a taster of Banff's beauty.

Things to know before you go

• Banff National Park is a must for nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and all first-time visitors to Alberta.

• You must purchase a Banff National Park ticket (known as a Park Pass) to enter the park with a vehicle. 

• Bring your camera—the scenery is spectacular for photography.

• Much of Banff Town and most Parks Canada sites are accessible to those with limited mobility.

How to get there

Banff National Park is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the nearest airport in Calgary, Alberta. Tourist shuttles and buses travel between the town of Banff and Calgary. Another popular route is the scenic Icefields Parkway, which runs 179 miles (288 kilometers) between Banff and Jasper national parks.

When to get there

The summer months (June to September) are peak season in Canada's mountain parks, and things pick up again in winter (November to March) for ski season. To avoid the crowds, spring and fall are best but ice and snow may limit accessibility to hiking trails and lakes, and some attractions are open seasonally.

Banff hotels and lodging

From full-scale luxury to basic and budget-friendly, the hotels and lodgings in Banff National Park have something for every traveler. Many tours arrange stays for you at comfortable hotels, or you could join an outfitter for camping and adventure under the stars.

What is the best way to tour Banff National Park?

A popular way to explore Banff National Park is by renting a car and taking a self-guided tour; there are numerous parking lots inside the park if you also want to set out on foot. The park is also well-connected by public transport. Shuttle buses travel to the Lake Louise visitor center and Moraine Lake and the Roam Public Transit buses link Banff town and several park attractions.

How many days do you need in Banff National Park?

While it is possible to see some key sights in just a day, try to plan a trip for at least three days. This allows plenty of time for exploring, hiking, and making plenty of photo stops beyond the main attractions of Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Lake Minnewanka.

Do you need a reservation to enter Banff National Park?

Yes, visitors need a park pass to enter Banff National Park. You can pre-purchase day passes or multi-park passes online. Visitors must make campground reservations to secure a spot between May and October. You can also reserve the shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in advance to avoid disappointment.

What do I need to know before going to Banff National Park?

The ever-changing weather in the Canadian Rockies can be challenging, so bring appropriate clothing and gear for all seasons. The park also has strict rules regarding wildlife interaction and waste disposal to help preserve the park's natural beauty. Additionally, in peak season, it's best to plan well in advance.

When is the best time to visit Banff National Park?

Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer excellent opportunities to avoid crowds while enjoying beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Summer is the peak season for most outdoor activities, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports in Sunshine Village and the park's other ski resorts. During both summer and winter, it's best to plan and book in advance.

Can you drive through Banff National Park?

Yes. Banff National Park has many scenic drives, including Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway. Visitors must purchase a daily or annual park pass to drive through the park at leisure. Some roads have seasonal closures, so check in advance before heading out.

Ways to explore

Banff National Park is a year-round destination, whether you’re hiking in summer, skiing in winter, enjoying the fall foliage, or spotting wildflowers in spring. Entering the park requires a Park Pass, which you can purchase online or at the park gates, visitor centers, and campgrounds. The town of Banff is a convenient base for exploring the park, but it’s best to book ahead, as accommodation can fill up in the busy seasons.

There are plenty of tours that visit the park, ranging from guided horseback rides to bus sightseeing trips, cruises on Lake Minnewanka, and icewalks through Johnston Canyon. Many tours offer convenient round-trip transportation from accommodation in Banff or Canmore.

Accessibility

Banff National Park has many wheelchair-accessible trails, including the Bow River Trail, Banff Legacy Trail, and Lake Louise Lakeshore. Many local attractions are accessible, including Banff Upper Hot Springs, which offers water-accessible wheelchairs, and the Banff Gondola. Head to the Banff and Lake Louise visitor centers for detailed accessibility information for the area.

Age limits

None; there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Banff.

What to pack

Snacks, water, layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, map, credit card, cash, bag for your litter

What to wear

That depends on your plans and activities, but weather-appropriate attire is likely to be a must for outdoor exploration. If you book an activity, check whether there is guidance on clothing.

Not allowed

Drones, fires outside of designated areas, access without a Park Pass, drinking alcohol outside of registered areas, cycling off designated trails, wild camping, disturbing wildlife, dogs not on leashes

Amenities

Campsites, restrooms, cafés, shops, parking lots, visitor centers, picnic areas

Address

From Calgary, you can drive into Banff National Park via the Trans-Canada Highway, or join one of the many tour options. Due to its size and layout, it’s easiest way to explore the park is with your own vehicle or by booking a tour that includes all transportation.

Driving

From Calgary, it is about a 1.5-hour drive to Banff: take the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 W, then exit at Banff. Various all-day parking areas are situated outside the park—leave your car at one and then take the Roam Public Transit into the park itself.

Public transportation

From Banff, Roam Public Transit buses travel to various points within the national park. Parks Canada shuttle buses also run seasonally to popular areas, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. There are also seasonal bus routes from Calgary to Banff, while private shuttle services are available year-round.

Best times to visit

Make the most of your time in the park with an early start—it’s never too early for a hike, and it’s best to maximize daylight, especially in the winter.

Best days to visit

Many visitors to Banff come for multi-day trips, and it’s always fairly busy. Pick the days that work best with your schedule.

Best months to visit

Banff National Park is a true all-season attraction, but summer and winter are typically the busiest. Aim for September or October—there are fewer crowds and the larches turn golden. Always check ahead, as some areas of the park are subject to seasonal closures.

Special events

December and January bring a full calendar of holiday events to the park: Banff Christmas Market runs on weekends through November and December, and SnowDays Festival offers ice sculptures and live shows from January to early February.