Banff National Park Travel Guide
Here’s a complete guide to experiencing one of the world’s best national parks
Christian Petrone / Shutterstock
Banff National Park isn’t just Canada’s first national park—it’s the crown jewel of the Rockies, a spectacular collision of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and glacier-fed rivers. It’s where black bears roam the valleys, where elk block traffic like they own the roads (because, frankly, they do), and where the air is so fresh it makes city life feel like a bad dream.
Whether you're here for backcountry solitude, world-class skiing, or just a few days of hiking and craft beer, Banff delivers in a way few places on Earth can. But with its rising popularity, soaring costs, and unpredictable weather, knowing what to expect is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of a trip to Banff without wasting time, money, or patience.
What to Expect
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Expect stunning views in every direction, but also expect crowds—especially in summer. Banff is no longer the sleepy mountain town it once was. With over four million visitors annually, it’s become a year-round hotspot for hikers, skiers, and Instagrammers desperate for that Moraine Lake shot.
Summer (June to August) brings warm days and packed trails, while winter (December to March) offers world-class skiing and quieter landscapes, but frigid temperatures. Spring and fall can be magical shoulder seasons—fewer tourists, golden larches in September, and the chance to experience Banff without elbowing past influencers at Lake Louise.
One thing to prepare for? Prices. Banff is expensive. Hotels are among the priciest in Canada, and even a simple breakfast can set you back more than you'd like. But that’s the cost of beauty, and with a little planning (and some self-catering), you can keep expenses in check.
Location & Getting There
Banff National Park is in Alberta, about 125 km west of Calgary. The easiest way in is via Calgary International Airport (YYC), followed by a 90-minute drive along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). If you're coming from Vancouver, expect an 850 km road trip through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in North America.
You don’t technically need a car—Banff’s ROAM public transit system is decent, and there are shuttles to popular spots like Lake Louise—but a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore beyond the townsite. If you're visiting in winter, be sure to rent a car with snow tires, as conditions can be brutal.
Permits and Entry Requirements
The visitor centre offers on-day and advance booking tickets and passes | i viewfinder / Shutterstock
Banff National Park requires a Parks Canada pass for entry. As of 2025, a daily pass costs CAD 11 per adult, while a Discovery Pass (valid for a year at all national parks) costs CAD 75. Families or groups traveling together can get a group pass for CAD 22 per day. These are available online, at park gates, or at visitor centers in Banff and Lake Louise.
International visitors don’t need a separate visa to enter Banff, but they do need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if flying into Canada. For those planning backcountry hikes, bear in mind that some areas require additional permits, and camping in designated sites is mandatory to minimize human impact on the environment.
What to See
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The short answer? Too much. The long answer? Prioritize.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the most famous attractions, and for good reason—their glacial-fed waters shift colors throughout the year, and they look like paintings come to life. But unless you love pre-dawn wake-ups and jockeying for parking, take the Parks Canada shuttle, because personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is now restricted.
If you’re after alpine drama, drive the Icefields Parkway—230 km of sheer Rocky Mountain magnificence connecting Banff to Jasper. Highlights include Peyto Lake (a striking wolf-head-shaped body of water) and the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier. For those who prefer a hike, the Larch Valley Trail in autumn is a bucket-list experience, while Johnston Canyon’s frozen waterfalls in winter are pure magic.
Wildlife
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Yes, there are bears. No, they aren’t waiting to eat you. Banff is home to both grizzlies and black bears, but attacks are rare if you follow proper precautions—carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise in dense areas.
More commonly spotted are elk, who tend to stroll through town like they’re running for mayor. In winter, you’ll likely see bighorn sheep near Lake Minnewanka, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a lynx or wolverine. Just remember: never feed wildlife, keep your distance, and don’t be the tourist who gets gored trying to take a selfie with an elk.
Where to Stay
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Banff has everything from five-star luxury to budget-friendly hostels, but accommodation books up fast—especially in peak summer months. If money is no object, the Fairmont Banff Springs is the grand dame of the Rockies, a castle-like resort with history, spas, and a hefty price tag. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a similarly extravagant experience but with a lakeside view.
Mid-range travelers should look at the Moose Hotel or the Fox Hotel, both of which offer comfort without total financial ruin. Budget travelers have fewer options, but HI Banff Alpine Centre and the Samesun Banff Hostel offer affordable stays with a social atmosphere. If you want a truly immersive experience, try camping—Two Jack Lakeside and Tunnel Mountain Village are great options (just book well in advance).
Guided Tours & Experiences
Tour groups offer a great way to hear Banff’s story and see more without having to figure it our yourself | i viewfinder / Shutterstock
If you’re new to mountain life, a guided experience can make all the difference. In winter, consider a guided ice walk in Johnston Canyon or a snowshoe tour in Sunshine Meadows. Summer offers guided hikes to avoid getting lost (or mauled), and the Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay is a great way to experience high-altitude thrills with the safety of a harness.
For wildlife enthusiasts, a sunrise or sunset safari increases your chances of spotting elusive creatures like wolves and moose. And if you want to go full tourist, the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain provides panoramic views without the sweat of a hike.
Tips for Visiting Banff
First, book everything in advance—hotels, shuttles, even dinner reservations, especially in peak months. Second, pack for all seasons, because Banff’s weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures can drop to near freezing at night. If you’re hiking, don’t underestimate the trails—what looks easy on paper can feel brutal at altitude.
Fuel up at local favorites like Wild Flour Bakery for breakfast, Eddie Burger Bar for a solid casual meal, and The Bison for upscale Canadian cuisine. If you want to escape the crowds, consider Canmore, just outside the park, where accommodations are often cheaper, and the vibe is more relaxed.
Finally, respect the park. Stay on trails, don’t litter, and don’t get too close to wildlife. Banff is beautiful because it’s protected—let’s keep it that way.
Conclusion
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Banff National Park is one of those places that lives up to the hype—if you know how to do it right. Avoid peak crowds, plan ahead, and don’t just stick to the Instagram-famous spots.
There’s so much more to Banff than Lake Louise, from quiet backcountry hikes to hidden hot springs. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, this is one of the world’s great wilderness escapes—just make sure to respect it, enjoy it, and, most importantly, leave it better than you found it.
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