Banff National Park Travel Guide

Banff National Park Travel Guide Overview

Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found in Alberta, Canada and is considered as the oldest national park in Canada. Officially opened in 1885, it was originally called the Banff Hot Springs Reserve, as the area is home to hot springs. Since this national park is located in the Canadian Rockies, its snowy slopes and glaciers are excellent sites for winter sports and activities.

Popular Destinations in Banff National Park

The subarctic climate and the landscape of the Rocky Mountain range, along with the surrounding wildlife, are just some of Banff National Park’s main attractions. Visitors will have no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor activities, which can cover anywhere from skiing to bird watching.

Banff National Park is also home to many lakes, the most prominent of which is Lake Louise. Other nearby lakes include Emerald Lake, a perfect location for picnics and strolls, and Bow Lake, home to the Bow Glacier, which is a lake accessible for fishing.

In the surrounding areas of the park, in the town of Banff, visitors can experience the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and see one of the sources of thermal water in an underground cave.

Banff National Park also has an array of hiking routes for visitors who want to experience the great outdoors. One of which is the Banff Legacy Trail, which stretches over 20 km around the park, perfect for biking and walking.

When to Visit Banff National Park

Banff National Park itself is popular for winter trips, so travelers hoping to ski can visit the park from around November to February. Banff National Park is also a popular destination in summer, as the Banff National Park weather is warmer.

Please note, however, that some parts of the park are closed off at different times of the year due to avalanche warnings (warnings extend from November to June) and wildlife conservation measures, so plan your activities accordingly.

How to Reach the Banff National Park

Most international travelers start their journey from Calgary International Airport. From there you have a few options to get out to Banff National Park.

By Car: The TransCanada Highway runs alongside Banff National Park. The TransCanada is a well-maintained road that winds across the Canadian Rockies and is open all year long.
From Calgary, Alberta, Banff is a 90-minute (140 km or 87 mi) trip to the west if you are traveling from the east.

Shuttles: From Calgary’s city center to Banff, you can use On-It Regional Transit.
Operating on Fridays through Sundays and on statutory holidays from June through September, with a variety of departure times.
The Banff Express runs from Eau Claire Market, HI Calgary City Centre Hostel, or Foothills Hospital to Canmore or Banff twice daily from Tuesday through Sunday. Prices vary; reservations are needed.

By Train: From April to October, the Rocky Mountaineer offers regularly scheduled rail service that makes a stop at Banff.
Information on Rocky Mountaineer can be found on its website.

Getting Around Banff National Park

Instead of driving you can explore using one of the many shuttle and transit alternatives, so you don’t have to worry about parking, etc. Six available bus routes are also available for going to other attractions inside and around the park.
In Banff National Park, parking is scarce and tends to fill up early. Find out more about parking right here.

Banff National Park Travel Tips

Experience the wildlife of Banff National Park. The park area is home to many kinds of flora and fauna.

Don’t forget to follow park regulations, especially concerning the preservation of the landscape and wildlife. They can be found here.

Prepare for the weather in Banff. Pack winter clothes and gear, especially for those planning to go skiing, snowboarding or on an ice hike.

Don’t miss out on the scenic drive through the Icefields Parkway, which is a route that goes from Banff National Park to the Jasper national parks.

Do note the closures and safety warnings for many of the lakes and hiking trails inside the Banff National Park.

Banff National Park

Price Range for Hotels

Banff National Park offers many options for accommodations, including hotels, ski lodges, and camping grounds.

Camping grounds charge camping fee ranging from $17 to $120. Hotels and ski lodges can range from $100 to $400 a night.

Photographs

FAQ

How many days do you need in Banff National Park?

Plan at least three days in Banff National Park, and four or five if you want to hike, visit several lakes and drive the Icefields Parkway. Three days covers the town of Banff, Lake Louise and a hot springs soak. Closures for avalanche or wildlife can change plans, so leave a spare day for flexibility.

Do you need a car in Banff National Park?

No, you can visit Banff National Park without a car, using the shuttle and bus routes in and around the park. A car gives more freedom for lakes and the Icefields Parkway, but parking is scarce and fills early. If you drive, arrive early, and check the park's parking information before you go.

Is Banff expensive?

Banff is generally a pricey destination, particularly for lodging in the busy summer and ski seasons. Camping is usually the cheaper way to stay, while hotels and ski lodges cost much more and vary widely by season. Book early, and confirm current rates and park fees on official sites before you finalize a budget.

Is Banff National Park safe for tourists?

Banff National Park is generally safe for visitors, and the main risks come from nature rather than crime: wildlife, changeable mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Keep a respectful distance from animals, follow park regulations, and heed closure and safety warnings on lakes and trails. Pack warm layers for cold weather.

Is English spoken in Banff?

Yes, English is the main language in Banff and across Alberta, so you can handle transport, lodging and tours in English. Banff is a major international destination, so staff are used to visitors from abroad. French is Canada's other official language and appears on many national park signs and materials.

Is the Icefields Parkway worth driving?

Yes, the Icefields Parkway is one of the park's headline experiences, a scenic drive linking Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. Allow a full day if you want to stop at viewpoints, and check road and weather conditions first, since closures and safety warnings can affect routes in the mountains, especially in winter.