If you are planning a trip to Banff National Park, you are in for a treat! Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest, most popular, and most breathtaking national park.
There is a lot to see and do in Banff, so it can be overwhelming. Not to worry. I’ve been visiting Banff National Park for decades, and the great thing about it is that no matter when you go, how much or little you do, you’re not going to be disappointed.
Keep reading for a list of things to consider and know to ensure your experience in Banff National Park is the best it can be.
VISITING BANFF AND NEED A GAME PLAN? CHECK OUT OUR ITINERARY.
Banff National Park owes its existence to a dispute over smelly water.
Upon discovering the natural hot springs, three men filed an ownership claim with the government for the site, knowing it could be a tourist hotspot. Disputes erupted over ownership of the hot springs and who had the right to develop them. The government of the day settled the dispute by turning the area into a protected reserve.
The town of Banff was quickly established and remains the heart and commercial center of the Banff National Park.
Banff National Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, so there’s no ‘best’ or ‘bad’ time to visit. Getting the best experience out of a trip to Banff National Park will depend on personal schedules and preferences.
Most of the major attractions are accessible year-round, but there are some exceptions. Refer to the “Places to Visit” section for more details on when attractions and activities are available.
When it comes to activities, it’s a split between whether you prefer summer water activities or winter snow sports. The shoulder seasons are the most challenging for activities because of the variable weather and conditions.
The tourist season never ends in Banff, but there are highs and lows between the busier summer season and the less busy winter season.
The summer season starts after the May long weekend and builds until it peaks in July and August, then starts to ramp down through September and into October. The low tourist season months or shoulder months are March, April, early May, October, and November. The last two weeks in October and April are the quietest times in Banff.
The October Thanksgiving weekend is the transition to the winter tourist season. It stays quiet through November and into December, then peaks going into the Christmas season. There’s a slight lull in January, then it picks up into February and March (over the school breaks). After the Easter break, there is a quiet time until the summer season starts in May.
| Family Day – 3rd Monday in February | Long weekend for Albertans. Schools will tag on extra days off to make this an extended break for the entire week. |
| March Break | The last week of March for some schools. |
| Easter Break | Good Friday, Easter Sunday and for some Easter Monday. Some schools will have an Easter break and extend holidays through to the end of the week. |
| Victoria Day -3rd Monday in May | May long weekend. The start of camping season. |
| Canada Day – July 1 | Free entry into National parks. First long weekend of the summer and the official start of summer vacation. |
| Heritage Day – 1st Monday in August. | August long weekend. |
| Labour Day – 1st Monday in September | September long weekend. Last long weekend of the summer. |
| Thanksgiving – 2nd Monday in October | October long weekend. |
| Christmas Break – Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1. | Two-week period over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. |
Visiting Banff National Park during the shoulder months requires less planning. Reservations are not required to see the attractions, and summer parking restrictions and road closures are lifted, so less planning is required. However, during holiday breaks and weekends, I would recommend making accommodation and restaurant reservations.
Travelling in the shoulder months is considerably cheaper – easily a $200 savings per night – and you’ll likely be able to score some deals (especially in the stores with ‘end of season’ sales).
April and May tend to be wet and muddy, with the expectation of snow into the end of May. Because of the moisture in the air, it can feel chillier than the actual temperature. These months tend to have the least sunny days. September and October can be very dry and pleasant. However, snow is possible but not likely to stay until the end of October and into November.
If viewing as many animals as you can is on your bucket list, the best time to do so is in the spring and fall when wildlife moves lower into the valley.
Banff National Park has a late growing season, so don’t expect to see much greenery until the end of May. Mid-September is the start of the spectacular Larch season, where the trees turn from green to brilliant yellow.
Guide includes shuttle, bus, and tour options as well as reservation windows
Visiting in the summer season, especially July and August, requires more planning and preparation. Reservations, when available, are highly recommended for all major attractions, activities, and restaurants. Parking is extremely limited or not allowed during this period, so you will need to book shuttles to travel to some locations – such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
July and August are the busiest times in Banff and also the most expensive, with very few deals to be found.
The warmest weather is during the summer season when it can hit +30° C (86° F). Banff National Park is at a high elevation, so temperatures in the mountains constantly fluctuate. June is typically the rainiest month (and it’s a cold rain). July and August can bring afternoon thunderstorms.
Wildlife is plentiful in Banff National Park, but in the summer months, the animals move to higher elevations. Bugs are more prevalent, so bug spray is necessary between June and August.
Mid-May is when the leaves and flowers start to emerge. The height of the wildflower season is mid-July to mid-August; this is when you want to take the gondola to Sunshine Meadows.
Visiting in the winter season also requires less planning. Reservations are not required, and parking restrictions and road closures are lifted. During holiday breaks, especially Christmas and weekends, I would recommend making accommodation and restaurant reservations.
The winter season is cheaper than the summer season, but still more expensive than the shoulder seasons.
From November to March, Banff National Park is a winter wonderland that can range from +5° C (41° F) to -30° C (-22° F). The area around Banff National Park experiences winter chinooks, which can lead to periods of warming during the winter. While the winter season months are much colder, there are plenty of clear, sunny days.
Don’t expect to see as many animals. No bears will be around, but elk, deer, and coyotes like to hang out in the valley. During this time, you can leave the bug spray at home.
Getting to Banff is easy, as there are only two options: air or vehicle.
The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport, about 1 hour and 20 minutes away, so even if you come by air, you still have to drive to Banff.
Only one road goes to Banff – the Trans Canada Highway, also referred to as Highway 1.
If you are driving to Banff National Park, there are various routes depending on whether you are coming from the east, west, north, or south. Check out our article How to Get to Banff (Airports, Roads, Shuttles) for more details.
The entrance to Banff National Park, from the west, is marked by the National Park Gates. If you pre-purchased a pass online, stay to the right and drive through. If you didn’t purchase a pass, pick one of the open lanes to purchase one. If you are arriving from the west, there is no park gate, so you will need to stop at the Visitor Information Center on Banff Avenue to purchase one.
Depending on where you are lodging, take the East (to Lake Minnewanka) or the west entrance (to Mount Norquay) into Banff. The town is not big, so either entrance will get you where you need to go.
I usually take the entrance closest to my destination, but my preference is to take the west (Mount Norquay) entrance for the following reasons:
Take the East Entrance if:
Check out our article What is the Best Entry into Banff? Banff’s Four Main Entrances for more information on which entrance to use.
There is no shortage of things to do in Banff National Park. Here are some of the more popular attractions and activities.
A very popular Banff “to-do” is to take a picture with the Banff sign. The sign is located on Mount Norquay Road. From the highway, it’s accessed using the west entrance by the Mount Norquay turn-off. From town, you can follow the Bow River Trail to the Fenland Recreation Centre or take Railway Avenue or Gopher Street.
A unique and special historical and geographical site. The original hot springs cave and the catalyst for the creation of Banff National Park. The Cave and Basin is accessible year-round.
Enjoy a historical experience at the contemporary thermal hot springs amid a high-elevation mountain landscape. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round (yes, even in the winter when it’s -30°).
Ride a gondola to explore the top of Sulphur Mountain and experience the expansive views of the Banff townsite and valley. There is also the option to hike the switchback trail to the top or bottom. The Banff Gondola is open year-round but is best enjoyed from May to October.
Known as the Castle in the Mountain, check out the splendor of this historical building, which has hosted royalty, celebrities, and families from around the world. Explore the landscape and nearby Bow Falls. The Banff Springs Hotel is accessible year-round.
Manicured gardens featuring waterfalls, footbridges, and gazebos. Located behind the historical stone Parks Canada administration building in Banff, they’re free to explore. The gardens are open all year round and are best enjoyed in the summer months when the flowers are in bloom. In the winter, the gardens abound with lit animal characters.
Vermillion Lakes are marshy wetlands located on the outskirts of Banff off the Mount Norquay exit into Banff (just before the Banff sign). The Lakes are accessed via a 4.5 km road to nowhere. Vermillion Lakes is popular for paddling, photography, cycling, running, and drinking a morning coffee. Access is open all year round, but is best visited from May to October.
Nothing gives you a more immersive experience of the Banff National Park landscape than hiking. There is no shortage of trails within Banff, and there’s something for every ability. Here are some popular family-friendly trails:
All these trails are open year-round but are best enjoyed from May to November unless you have winter cleats or spiked shoes.
Biking is a great way to enjoy Banff and other areas of the Park. Bikes can be rented in Banff and Lake Louise. Biking can be done on most of the trails within Banff. The roads are bike-friendly with designated bike lanes as well as suggested bike routes. Two of the more popular places to bike are:
A note of caution when biking, be aware of how far you have travelled and the conditions of the trail to ensure you can make the return trip. Don’t forget bear spray.
Lake Minnewanka is a large, stunning glacial lake located about 10 minutes from Banff. In the summer, the area offers great hiking, boat cruises, fishing, and mountain biking. Lake Minnewanka is accessible year-round. Boating activities and the lake cruises stop mid-October and resume again in mid-May. In the winter, there’s cross-country skiing.
On the way to Lake Minnewanka, you’ll pass by Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, and Two-Jack Lake.
Lake Louise is the most famous glacier lake in Banff National Park. Its stunning landscape makes it a popular destination in the summer and winter. Enjoy a variety of activities like hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and sleigh rides. The spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the lakeshore. Parking is impossible to get in the summer season, and parking fees are in effect, so it’s highly recommended that you book a shuttle to visit. After visiting the lake, head to the village and explore the local shops and river trails. Read How to Get From Banff to Lake Louise: Driving, Parking, Shuttles, and Tours for more information.
Lake Louise Gondola/Ski Resort
The Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-renowned ski resort, and I highly recommend a day on the slopes here if you visit Banff in the winter. During the summer, the resort runs the ski gondola up the mountain for summer hiking. This is also where the Parks Canada shuttles operate.
Sunshine Village Gondola/Ski Resort
Sunshine Village is another ski resort, best known for its powdery snow conditions, which allows it to stay open into May. A gondola is required to get from the parking lot to the ski resort. In the summer, the resort transforms into Sunshine Meadows, a World UNESCO Heritage Site with easy, boardwalk hiking and a view of some alpine lakes.
Moraine Lake
Another glacial lake, Moraine Lake is known for its stunning beauty and brilliant blue water. Enjoy a lake paddle, picnic, or one of the many hikes. Moraine Lake is accessible between June 1 and mid-October and only by shuttle – no private vehicles are allowed – so you will need to make a reservation to visit here. In the winter, Moraine Lake Road is converted into a cross-country ski trail.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a canyon adventure of fragrant forests, suspended catwalks, tunnels, and waterfalls. Prepare to get misted. This site is free to visit during daylight hours all year round. If you visit in the winter, ice cleats are a must. Read more in Johnston Canyon: Ultimate Guide (Hike, When to Visit, Where to Stay).
There’s a wide range of accommodation options in Banff National Park, from hotels, chalets, condos, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and camping. Unfortunately, accommodations are expensive.
The most popular place to stay is in Banff. There are a variety of hotel options. The majority of the hotels have been renovated many times over.
My experience with Banff hotels, which was based on the cheapest price I could get, is that while some hotels were better quality than others, none were so exceptionally bad to the point I wouldn’t stay there again.
The Ptarmigan Inn (book here), where I have stayed the most, is an example of a standard hotel at a good value price. There is nothing special about it, but I didn’t feel ripped off by the price I paid (winter season rates), which was not my experience with some of the luxury hotels.
Lake Louise doesn’t have as many accommodation options as Banff, and most of them are quite expensive.
One of the cheaper options is the HI Alpine hostel (book here). There are several room options, and it has a mountain lodge feel. My family has stayed here multiple times for ski camps. A bonus is that Bill Peyto’s Café is located in the hostel and is a great place to have breakfast and lunch.
There are several chalet options between Banff and Lake Louise. These are good options if you want a quieter mountain experience away from the hustle and bustle of Banff, have a larger family, or want to do your own cooking. For a weekend ski vacation with friends, my preferred option was Castle Mountain Chalets (book here), located about halfway between Lake Louise and Banff, west of Johnston Canyon. The Baker Creek Chalets (book here) are also a good option. These chalets are located closer to Lake Louise, and there’s the option of staying in a stand-alone chalet or the lodge.
If you opt to stay in the Lake Louise area, be aware that there are limited options to purchase food, including groceries and fuel.
There are no accommodations available at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Airbnbs in Banff National Park are illegal. Ensure the owner is a registered Bed and Breakfast operator before booking, otherwise, it’s an illegal rental. Do your due diligence when renting through a private operator. With the competitive accommodations market, some private rental places are not as they appear.
Camping is a premium in Banff National Park. The camping season mostly operates from May to the end of September. A few sites like Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise – Hard Side are open all year round.
Camping is a hybrid of reservations and first-come, first-served. It’s highly recommended that you make a reservation through the Parks Canada reservation website as soon as possible. You will need a credit card to complete the reservation.
Most of the camping available in the park would be considered ‘old school’ rustic and is largely unserviced. A list of campgrounds can be found on the Parks Canada website.
Fees for camping range from ~$12 to ~$78.
If you don’t have a tent or a camper, you can still camp. Tunnel Mountain II and Two-Jack campgrounds have oTENTiks (similar to glamping) – A-frame canvas structures with wooden floors that sleep 5-6 people. You have to bring cooking equipment and bedding. They book at $133 a night, definitely a cheaper option than a hotel.
If you are planning to go backcountry camping, you will need a permit. Random camping is not allowed in Banff National Park.
Tunnel Mountain is the largest and closest campsite to the Banff townsite – about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) away. It’s walking distance to Banff, but it’s quite the trek up and down a hill. However, it is serviced by Roam Transit. This campsite offers full RV services.
An alternative to staying in Banff National Park is to stay in the nearby town of Canmore, where accommodations are slightly cheaper. Canmore is located just outside the Park boundary and is a 20-minute drive from the Banff townsite. Read Should You Stay in Banff or Canmore? A Local’s Advice to help you decide where to stay.
Camping is available in Canmore as well as nearby Kananaskis Country.
There is no shortage of places to eat in the Banff townsite, which means there is something for every palate and budget.
For the budget-conscious and grab-and-go crowd, Banff has all of the mainstream fast-food outlets, but there are also a few lesser-known options like Banff Poutine, Aardvark Pizza & Sub, Banff Pizza, and Ramen Arashi.
If you’re looking for something with a Korean flavour, try Hankki Banff or Hello Sunshine for some fun sushi with a Japanese flair.
The Eddie Burger Bar and Banff Ave Brewing Company are great options for laid-back post-activity beer and casual fare like burgers and nachos. More casual dining options with local flair would be the Magpie and Stump, Melissa’s Steakhouse, and Brazen. For an authentic Mexican experience, try Añejo, where the guacamole is made fresh at your table.
On the higher end of the dining scale are the Bluebird Wood-Fire Steakhouse and Fondue, The Bison, the Eden at the Rimrock Hotel, and the Vermillion Room at the Banff Springs Hotel.
For vegetarian options, try Nourish Bistro or the 3 Bears Restaurant.
If you’re looking for a very unique dining experience, you’ll find it at the Grizzly House. This specialty fondue and steak house is a Banff landmark that offers cuisine from chicken to exotic meats.
My favourite place for soup and a plate of fries after a hike, bike, or ski is Bill Peyto’s Café, located in the HI Alpine Hostel. With a low-key atmosphere, it’s one of the cheapest places to eat and offers great value for the price.
The Trailhead Café is located in the village mall. It’s more of a coffee shop where you can grab fresh sandwiches and baked goods to go (the lemon bars are to die for!). Again, one of the cheaper options in Lake Louise.
For casual sit-down family dining, the Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar, which is also located in the mall, offers a little bit of everything from burgers to salmon fillet.
If you’re looking for higher-end dining, head up to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The Walliser Stube serves European cuisine like Wiener schnitzel and cheese fondue, while Louiza serves more Mediterranean-flavoured pasta, seafood, and chicken. Reservations are needed, and preference is given to hotel guests.
The Dining Room at the Post Hotel offers upscale dining with offerings of elk, cod, veal, and bison. Reservations are required, and there is a dress code.
CHECK OUT: Where to Eat in Canmore: For Every Type of Traveller
Before you arrive in Banff, ensure you have made any required reservations. Regardless of when you plan to travel, the following are the most important ones you should make.
Reserve a place to stay. The days of showing up and being guaranteed a place to stay in Banff are gone. This is also true for campers. There’s no Walmart to overnight park in, and there is no tolerance for overnight camping on streets or parking lots.
Buy a National Park Pass. This can be purchased online. It’s not a ‘must-do’, but it’ll be one less thing you need to worry about when you arrive.
Reserve Transportation if required. If you are arriving by air, you will want to book a shuttle from the airport to Banff or reserve a rental car. If you’re travelling in the summer season, you will want to book any activities and shuttles.
Prepare to dress for all seasons. The temperature in the mountains is variable and can quickly drop 10 to 20 degrees. It also gets windy, and when it rains, it’s a cold rain.
Banff National Park can be enjoyed in any weather. Don’t let inclement weather get you down. Choose another activity more appropriate for the weather or an indoor option.
When exploring mountain landscapes, wear sturdy footwear and keep your activities within your abilities.
Always carry bear spray and keep it within easy reach (think gunslinger) and know how to use it. Wildlife can be anywhere at any time, even in townsites. NOTE: Bear spray is not used like bug spray. You spray it (downwind) toward an advancing bear or animal; do not spray it on yourself.
Animals that live in Banff National Park are bears, elk, deer, mountain sheep (with curled horns), mountain goats (white long shaggy coat, most likely seen hiking at high elevation), wolves and cougars (elusive but there), marmots (these critters are everywhere on the Sparrow Hawk trail), and coyotes (they will steal your bag).
Bugs and insects you’ll encounter are: mosquitoes, ticks (check your arms and legs after hiking), bees, hornets, and wasps.
Please enjoy viewing the wildlife from a distance for your safety as well as the safety of the animals. These animals are not tame, no matter how docile and ‘cute’ they appear.
In Canada, you will pay a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases (except food).
If you are staying in accommodations where you are preparing your food, consider buying groceries in Canmore. Banff has one major grocery store – IGA (which isn’t that big) – and some smaller convenience stores. Canmore has two full-sized grocery stores side-by-side (Safeway and Save-on-Foods), so there will be more selection and slightly cheaper prices.
All grocery stores struggle to remain stocked during peak tourist times. Shop in the morning (8:00 – 9:30 am) and on a Thursday. Peak grocery shopping times are 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
Alcohol is not available in grocery stores; it’s purchased in liquor or beer stores. There are plenty of them around. The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18 years old.
Always travel with food and water, no matter where you are in the park. Unexpected events can happen in a mountain landscape, and access to food, water, and assistance is not always immediately available.
911 is the emergency service call number.
The Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff services the Banff National Park area. If you need urgent medical attention, go to the emergency room.
For non-urgent issues, the Alpine Medical Clinic in Banff accepts walk-ins and international visitors. Hotel visits are available for certain medical treatments to visitors without Canadian health care. There is also a hospital and walk-in clinic in the neighbouring town of Canmore.
Policing within the Banff National Park is provided by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for local and federal criminal matters and Parks Canada Conservation Officers for Park violations.
DON’T MISS: Driving in Banff: 10 Things You Should Know.
Banff National Park is crowded!
Need a game plan to avoid the crowds? Check out our itinerary.
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.
BANFF TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Banff National Park, check out our Banff Homepage
THINGS TO DO: Don’t miss all that Banff has to offer, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Banff Hot Springs, the Icefields Parkway, the Cave and Basin Historical Site, and shopping downtown
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out how to get to Banff, which entrance is best, what reservations you may need, and all about driving around. Also, find out our best tips for how to get from Banff to Lake Louise with our free printable
WHERE TO STAY: Learn about whether you should stay in Banff or Canmore when visiting
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Banff National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Banff YouTube Playlist
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