Banff National Park

Within the boundaries of Banff National Park lie some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. The park showcases the Canadian Rocky Mountains in all their glory and offers world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and outdoor attractions. It's a year-round haven for day-trippers from nearby Calgary and for international visitors galore.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.