Banff national park
Below, you'll find our interactive guide on Banff National Park. We encourage you to explore it thoroughly to get the most out of your visit. If you prefer to receive a complete PDF version by e-mail, please fill out our welcome page to receive your free guide. We hope you enjoy your experience.
Banff History
-
Banff National Park, located in Alberta's Canadian Rocky Mountains, is Canada's first national park and one of the world's oldest, established in 1885.
-
Originated from the discovery of hot springs on Sulphur Mountain by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1883.
-
Initially called Banff Hot Springs Reserve, it was renamed Rocky Mountains Park in 1887 and later Banff National Park in 1930.
-
The park covers over 6,641 square kilometers, featuring mountains, glacial valleys, forests, and alpine rivers.
-
Famous for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake's turquoise waters and mountain backdrops.
-
Home to diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, deer, wolves, and various birds, with strict conservation policies.
-
Popular for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding.
-
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its geological and conservation significance.
-
Banff's history emphasizes environmental conservation, exploration, and respect for nature
How to get there
-
Best airport: Calgary International Airport (1.5-hour drive)
-
Direct flights to Calgary from:
-
Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Dallas, Atlanta
-
-
Shuttle and bus services from Calgary Airport to Banff
Transportation in Banff:
-
Public buses connect Banff to major attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
-
Local car rentals and shuttle services available
​​
-
Choose the right vehicle for the season
-
Book in advance
Post Hotel & Spa: Located in Lake Louise, this hotel features rustic elegance with a renowned dining experience and a comprehensive wine cellar.
Where to Stay
Top Niche hotels:
Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the "Castle in the Mountains," provides luxury accommodations with spectacular Rocky Mountain views.
Perched on the side of a mountain, The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers premium accommodations with spectacular views, fine dining, and an exclusive spa.
Intermediate hotels:
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa: Located on Banff Avenue, this lodge features a cozy atmosphere with an excellent spa and comfortable rooms.
Moose Hotel and Suites - A relatively new addition to Banff, offering modern accommodations with rooftop hot pools and a full-service spa.
Fox Hotel and Suites: Known for its hot pool inspired by the original Banff hot springs, this hotel offers good family suites and is environmentally friendly.
Affordable hotels:
Banff Aspen Lodge: Offers a friendly atmosphere with basic amenities, including outdoor hot tubs and a convenient location.
Banff Ptarmigan Inn - Centrally located and reasonably priced, this inn provides comfortable lodging with free breakfast and access to local transit.
Red Carpet Inn: Provides good value for travelers looking for economical yet comfortable accommodation. Red Carpet Inn is known for its clean rooms, friendly service, and convenient location close to downtown Banff.
Park Overview
-
Renowned for stunning natural scenery, including majestic mountains, extensive forests, turquoise glacial lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and glaciers.
-
Encompasses over 6,641 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, dense forests, and alpine landscapes.
-
Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique geological landscapes.
-
Hosts diverse wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, elk, deer, wolves, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species.
-
Offers year-round outdoor activities: hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and snowboarding.
-
Features innovative wildlife conservation measures like wildlife overpasses and underpasses on the Trans-Canada Highway.
-
Audio guides can be an options for those that want to have a more in depth experience with Banff National Park.
-
Ongoing environmental initiatives ensure sustainable tourism through strict regulations, waste management, and visitor education programs
Hotspots
Lake Louise Overview:
-
Located in Banff National Park with turquoise glacier-fed waters.
-
Famous for stunning scenery and vibrant turquoise waters.
​​
Summer Attractions:
-
Hiking trails: Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Lake Agnes Trail, Big Beehive Trail, Consolation Lakes Trail.
-
Water activities: canoeing and kayaking.
Winter Attractions:
-
Lake Louise Ski Area: one of North America's largest ski resorts.
-
Snowshoeing tours and serene snow-covered landscapes.
Nearby Attractions:
-
Moraine Lake: accessible from June to mid-October, known for azure waters and dramatic views.
-
Iconic peaks: Valley of the Ten Peaks, including Mount Fay, Mount Little, and Mount Bowlen.
Unique Experiences:
-
Neil Colgan Hut: accessed via challenging Perren Route for mountaineering.
-
Wildlife viewing: grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and bird species.
Time to visit
Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time, with pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking, boat tours, cycling, and wildlife watching. The days are long, allowing more time for exploration.
Autumn (September to November): Less crowded, it offers beautiful scenery with autumn leaves. It's a good time for wildlife watching, especially during the elk mating season.
Winter (December to February): Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, with spectacular snowy landscapes.
Spring (March to May): Fewer tourists and the melting ice bring fresh water flows, revitalizing the landscape. Ideal for those who want to avoid the summer crowds
What to do
Outdoor Adventures
-
Explore Lake Louise: Canoeing in summer and ice skating in winter.
-
Hiking: Trails like Johnston Canyon (waterfalls) and Sentinel Pass through Larch Valley.
-
Banff Gondola: Panoramic views from Sulphur Mountain, with boardwalks and dining.
-
Visit Moraine Lake: Famous for vivid blue waters and the Ten Peaks view.
Cultural Experiences
-
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Performances, exhibitions, workshops.
-
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies: History, culture, and art of the Canadian Rockies.
Relaxation and Leisure
-
Banff Upper Hot Springs: Natural hot springs with mountain views.
-
Spa Day: Luxury hotels like Fairmont Banff Springs and Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Wildlife and Nature Tours
-
Wildlife Tours: Guided tours to spot elk, bears, and bighorn sheep.
-
Scenic Drives: Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper, including the Athabasca Glacier.
Winter Sports
-
Skiing and Snowboarding: Resorts like Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort.
-
Ice Climbing and Snowshoeing: Unique winter activities in Banff's wilderness.
Shopping and Dining
-
Browse Banff Avenue: Shops, restaurants, and galleries with local specialties and souvenirs.
Nightlife
-
Evening Entertainment: Pubs, bars, and Lux Cinema for movies
Smart Travelling
Explore Banff National Park on a budget by using smart strategies for accommodation, airfare, and car rentals, along with additional cost-saving tips:
-
Accommodation: Book early, use comparison tools, if hotel does not fit in your budget, consider camping or renting an oTENTik.
-
Air Travel: Be flexible with dates, book 70 days in advance, use flight comparison tools.
-
Car Rentals: Use comparison tools, choose economy models for better rates and fuel efficiency.
-
Additional Tips: Get travel insurance, join cash back programs, use eSIM for local data plans, pack necessary items.
Comparison Tools:
Others:
Planning a trip to Banff National Park promises a breathtaking experience. To ensure you make the most of your adventure, having the right gear is crucial.
In this section, we've curated a selection of top-rated products that will enhance your journey, making it safer, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable.
Each item is chosen for its quality, reliability, and usefulness, whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to capture the perfect photograph of Banff's stunning landscapes. As an Amazon Associate, we've included links to these recommended products. By purchasing through these links, you not only equip yourself with the best gear but also support our mission to bring you valuable content and travel tips. Happy exploring!
Essencial equipments
Having a power bank while visiting a national park is essential for ensuring your devices remain charged, allowing you to capture stunning photos, stay connected for navigation and safety, and access important information without worry.
Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent designed to protect individuals from aggressive or charging bears. It's a type of pepper spray specifically formulated to stop bear attacks by temporarily impairing the bear's sight and respiratory system without causing long-term harm.
Having the right backpack when visiting a national park is crucial for comfortably carrying all your essentials, keeping you organized, and ensuring you’re well-prepared for a day of exploration and adventure
Having a multi-tool when visiting a national park is invaluable for tackling various tasks, from quick gear repairs to handling unexpected situations, ensuring you're prepared for any adventure.
Bringing sunscreen when visiting a national park is vital to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, ensuring you enjoy your outdoor adventure without the risk of sunburn or long-term skin damage.
Having the right hiking boots when visiting a national park is essential for providing support, comfort, and protection on rugged trails, ensuring you can explore safely and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.
Having a portable water filter when visiting a national park is crucial for emergency situations, ensuring you have access to clean water from natural sources, and keeping you hydrated and safe throughout your adventure
Do you know how many National Parks Canada has? Go to our Canada National Park for details on all the National Parks in Canada.