Banff National Park

Banff National Park is in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta. Together with six other national parks it makes up the UNESCO World Heritage site "Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks".

Established in 1885, it is the world's third oldest national park, after Yellowstone National Park in the United States, and Royal National Park in Australia.

Towns and villages

• 1 Banff
• 2 Lake Louise

Understand

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, and its creation gave birth to Canada's national park system. At 6,641 km², it is also one of the largest national parks in Canada. Millions of people visit the park each year.

The park starts in the north at 1 Sunwapta pass just south of the Columbia Icefield and Jasper National Park with the 2 southern park entrance just north of Canmore. The town of Banff and the village and resort of Lake Louise are within the park. The other park entrances are from the east near the 3 Saskatchewan River Crossing and from the west at 4 Kicking Horse Pass and 5 Vermilion Pass .

History

This area was inhabited by the Nakoda (Stoney) Indians thousands of years before the white man arrived. The area was explored by the workers building the transcontinental railway in 1882. At first the park was centred around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, and was officially born in 1885. The first Banff Springs Hotel was built three years later, the current incarnation was built in 1928. The first highway through the park was completed in 1923. The park boundaries as they are today were drawn up in 1930, as part of the National Parks Act passed by Canadian Parliament.

Landscape

Moraine Lake near Lake Louise

Other than the townsites of Banff and Lake Louise, the three ski areas (Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise), and the highways that bisect the park, it is about 93% untouched wilderness. The most dominant feature is the mountains, of which vistas are present from anywhere in any direction.

Flora and fauna

The most common wildlife seen in the park are bighorn sheep, deer, and North American elk. Moose are more elusive (their population is in decline) and mountain goats are virtually undetectable on the mountainsides without a good pair of binoculars. (Visitors often mistake female bighorn sheep for mountain goats, because female bighorns have short horns somewhat like those of mountain goats.) Although caribou are present in the park, they are rarely seen by visitors. It is important to keep in mind the park is also home to black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, and cougars (mountain lions).

On the warmer and fuzzier side, the park is home to many tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. The occasional porcupine and beaver may also be found. Bird lovers will want to watch for Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagles, and the ubiquitous Canada Goose.

Climate

In summer the climate is generally mild. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 22 °C. There is rarely snow at highway level in the summer, but the mountain tops will be snow covered year round. In winter the average temperature drops drastically. January is the coldest month with an average of -15 °C. Snow will be found at any elevation in the winter, and harsh winter conditions can be expected anywhere at any time. No matter the season, it is important to consider that the temperature will drop 1 °C for every 200 m of elevation gained.

Visitor information

• Park website
• 1 Banff Information Centre, 224 Banff Av, ☏ +1 403-762-1550, fax: +1 403-762-3380, banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca. Banff. Hours: Winter (Jan 1 to May 17) 9AM-5PM; Spring (May 18 to June 20) 9AM-7PM; Summer (June 21 to Sept 3) 8AM-8PM; Fall (Sept 4 to 19) 9AM-7PM; Winter (Sept 20 to May 16) 9AM-5PM. Closed December 25. 
• 2 Lake Louise Visitor Centre, 201 Village Road (near Sampson Mall Lake Louise), ☏ +1 403-522-3833, fax: +1 403-522-1212, ll.info@pc.gc.ca. Winter (January 1 to April 29) 9AM-4PM; Spring (April 30 to June 21) 9AM-5PM; Summer (June 22 to Sept 8) 9AM-8PM; Fall (Sept 9 to Sept 15) 9AM-7PM; Fall (Sept 16 to Sept 22) 9AM-5PM; Winter (Sept 23 to April 30) 9AM-4PM. Closed Dec. 25. 

Get in

Map of Banff National Park

By car

Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) bisects the park east/west. Banff is about an hour and a half from Calgary Alberta and the same from Golden British Columbia. Other ways to enter the park by automobile include the Icefields Parkway from Jasper, Highway 11 from Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer Alberta, and Highway 93 from Radium Hot Springs and Cranbrook British Columbia.

By bus

• Banff AIrporter, ☏ +1-403-762-3330, toll-free: +1-888-449-2901. Operates a route between Calgary International Airport, Canmore, and Banff. $73 one way for adults, no savings for round trips. Discounted rate for children and seniors. (updated May 2022)
• Brewster Express, toll-free: +1-866-606-6700. Bus service throughout the year between downtown Calgary and Lake Louise including stops at Calgary International Airport, at Kananaskis Village (some trips), in Canmore and in Banff. Some trips operate between Calgary International Airport and Banff. From May to mid-October, a trip extends beyond Lake Louise to and from Jasper. $74 one way and $126 round trip for adults traveling between Banff and Calgary. Discounted rate for children. (updated May 2022)
• Rider Express, toll-free: +1-833-583-3636. Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver with stops in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Revelstoke, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Chase, Kamloops, Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. (updated Mar 2022)

By train

Explore the Canadian Rockies by rail. Day rail tours depart from Banff connecting to Vancouver.

• Rocky Mountaineer provides independent year round vacation packages to the most unique and scenic regions of Canada, including travel on the world acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer rail journey.

Between Mid-April and Mid-October, the two-day, all daylight Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver or Whistler, British Columbia and the Rocky Mountain destinations of Jasper, Banff or Calgary Alberta. Guests relax in Silverleaf or Goldleaf Service, enjoying onboard commentary and bi-regional cuisine as the awe-inspiring scenery passes by at a leisurely pace. For selected departure dates in December, the festive Rocky Mountaineer travels through a winter wonderland where the mountain valleys are covered in a blanket of snow.

By air

The closest international airport is in Calgary. Vancouver International Airport is approximately 12 hours' drive to the west. Springbank Airport (west of Calgary, towards Banff) is nearly 80 km from Banff. Springbank operates short charter flights with small aircraft. There is a heliport in Canmore, 5 minutes drive east of the park boundary and a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff.

Fees and permits

Most Canadian national parks charge an entry fee to Canadians and visitors alike, and Banff is no exception. However, you do get some extra value: Banff, the three adjoining national parks (Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho), and two smaller ones further west (Glacier, Mount Revelstoke) essentially function as one large park: if you buy a park permit in one park, you can visit any of the others using the same permit.

All visitors stopping in the park (even just for gas) require a park permit, purchased at the gate or online. If you are driving on Highway 1 and don't intend to stop on the (very scenic) segment between Canmore and Golden, you don't need to buy a pass.

Daily entry is valid until 4pm on the next day, and fees as of July 2022 are:

• $10.50 for an adult (aged 18-64)
• $9.00 for a senior (aged 65+)
• free for children and youth (17 and under)
• $21.00 for a family/group (up to 7 people arriving in one vehicle)

Parks Canada Passes

The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included):

• Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25
• Children and youth (0-17): free
• Adult (18-64): $75.25
• Senior (65+): $64.50

The Cultural Access Pass: people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

A Discovery Pass includes admission to national historic sites operated by Parks Canada, such as the Banff Park Museum, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Bar U Ranch, Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Fort Langley National Historic Site, and more. Parks Canada does not operate all of Canada's national historic sites.

All passes can be purchased at the visitor centers at Banff and Lake Louise or at the tourism website. The Parks Canada website only allows purchase of the Annual Discovery Pass. Visitors staying in for at least 7 days are better off purchasing the annual Discovery Park pass. If you purchase online at the tourism website, it will recommend the cheapest method based on your visit dates.

Additional variable fees are required for camping and backcountry exploration. See the official Parks Canada website for a complete current schedule.

Get around

• Roam Transit, ☏ +1 403-762-0606. Bus service runs from 6:15AM to 11:30PM daily. This public transit bus system operates bus service in and between Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. (updated Jul 2022)
• Parks Canada Shuttle. Shuttle bus connecting a parking lot, Lake Louise village, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. (updated Mar 2023)
• Moraine Lake Bus Company. Shuttle bus connecting the Lake Louise Summer Gondola parking lot, Lake Louise Village, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
• By far the easiest way to get around is by vehicle. Vehicle rentals are available in Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise. The only places to purchase fuel in the park are in Banff and Lake Louise, Castle Mountain Chalets, and Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort.
• It is also possible to cover the park on bicycle, but the mountainous terrain will make this quite a workout. Bicycle rentals (town, road and mountain bikes) are also available with in Banff and Lake Louise, visit the Parks Canada information centre for road and trail routes.
• GyPSy Guide, toll-free: +1-866-477-4171. Provides the self-drive visitors with a guided tour. GyPSy Guide automatically plays audio commentary, depending on your location, and through the stereo of any vehicle as you tour through the National Parks and beyond. No buttons to push, it knows where you are! (updated Mar 2023)

Moraine Lake vehicle access restriction

No personal vehicles are allowed to travel to Moraine Lake. Roam Transit, the Parks Canada Shuttle, and commercial shuttles are your only options to reach Moraine Lake.

See

There are thousands of kilometers of hiking and nature trails within Banff park. These feature wildlife, waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, rivers, streams, and mountains. Banff is located at a high latitude and thus the scenery is four-seasonal; Banff looks completely different in the winter than it does in the summer.

Peyto Lake

Moraine Lake at sunrise at mid-summer

Johnston Canyon

• 1 Lake Louise. Glacial lake with impressive mountain backdrop. 
• 2 Peyto Lake. A scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km north of the town of Lake Louise. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted. Upon climbing the short distance to the viewing point you are greeted by what many consider to be one of the best views in Canada. The lake is located in a convergence of valleys surrounded by majestic mountains and rich forests. The lake system is fed from the Peyto Glacier to the left of the view point and this gives the lake a magnificent blue colour in the summer months due to the mineral content. 
• 3 Moraine Lake. Scenic mountain location with the lake an incredible blue colour due to the glacial rock flour. A short paved trail from the car park (The Rock Pile, 0.8 km return, 30 meter elevation gain) provides a spectacular view of the lake, known as the "Twenty Dollar View", as it was featured on the reverse side of the Canadian $20 banknote (1969 and 1979 issue). By 8:30AM the coach groups start to arrive. Driving your own car to the lake is no longer allowed; the only way to get there is by taking a shuttle bus. These fill up quickly, so reservations are essential. 
• 4 Johnston Canyon (Parking next to Johnston Canyon Resort). 11-km hike up the narrow Johnston Creek passed a spectacular waterfalls (2.7 km from car park) to the Ink Pots, six blue-green spring-fed pools. (updated Mar 2023)
• 5 Sunshine Meadows. For hikes amongst beautiful alpine meadows. Circular hike of about 6 km from the Sunshine Village. 
• 6 Lake Minnewanka (Scenic drive to the lake from Banff). 

Do

Visit the official site for Banff Lake Louise Tourism to find any activity you may be looking for.

Banff National Park also offers a large variety of activities in the winter: skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, icefishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing.

• 1 Banff Gondola, 1 Mountain Ave (at the edge of the town). Operates year-round (except for a week of scheduled maintenance in January). (updated Mar 2023)
• 2 Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, 1 Whitehorn Road (at the Lake Louise Ski Area). Only operates in the summer season. (updated Mar 2023)
• Moraine Lake. Visit and hike around the beautiful Moraine Lake, or catch the iconic sunrise shot. Moraine Lake is only accessible by commercial shuttle busses. (updated Jul 2023)
• 3 Ski Sunshine Village, 1 Sunshine access Rd (8 km west of Banff on Highway 1), ☏ +1 403-762-6500. 3,358 acres of lift-accessed terrain on three mountains. With a peak elevation of 2,730 m, you can see well into British Columbia from the top. Adult $83/day, student $49/day. (updated Mar 2023)
• 4 Ski Lake Louise, 1 Whitehorn Road (60 km west of Banff on Highway 1). 4,200 acres of lift-accessed terrain on four mountains makes this resort the largest single ski area in Canada. Adult $64/day, student $51/day. (updated Mar 2023)
• 5 Ski Mount Norquay, 2 Mt Norquay Rd (6 km north of Banff on the Mount Norquay access road). 190 acres of lift-accessed terrain. Norquay is famous for its super-steeps serviced by the original double chair. Adult $52/day, student $40/day. (updated Mar 2023)
• 6 Golf - The Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue. Teeing-off amongst the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges, with local wildlife as your gallery, is an unequalled golfing experience. Stanley Thompson, a notable golf course architect, designed the original 18 holes in 1928. The course winds along the Bow River under the snow-capped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. In 1989, the course was complemented with the construction of an adjoining 9 holes, designed by Cornish and Robinson, resulting in 27 holes of championship layout. (updated Mar 2023)
• Kayaking. A lot of the lakes in Banff National Park allow kayaking. Some nice places to do it are Lake Louise or Lake Moraine. 
• 7 Johnston Canyon Icewalk. A walk along the suspended catwalks of Johnston Canyon (30 minutes from Banff) to see the frozen Lower and Upper Falls. Hiking poles, ice cleats, and a snack is included. Make sure to dress warmly. (updated Mar 2023)
• Banff Trail Riders, toll-free: +1-800-661-8352. 7:30AM-9 PM. Horseback rides ranging from 1 hour to 6 days. Depart from Warner Stables less than a mile from downtown Banff or at the Banff Springs Corral at the south end of town. (updated Jul 2019)

Buy

In nearby towns, such as Banff, Canmore and Jasper, you may enjoy strolling alongside locals and visitors as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store. The village of Lake Louise also has a few places to purchase supplies.

Eat

Recipes change according to the seasons and make use of fresh local ingredients. During the fall and winter, this means game, squash and legumes, while spring features asparagus and mushrooms and summer highlights edible flowers and fresh fruits. The majority of restaurants are found in Banff town, with a few at other resorts in the park.

Drink

Banff town has a large variety of places to sit and enjoy a drink whether it is après ski or a patio.

Sleep

Whether camping or looking for a high class hotel, Banff National Park has something to offer. Camping spots are found throughout the park. Camping outside of designated spots is illegal without a special backcountry permit.

There are many hotels and lodges and bed-and-breakfasts throughout Banff. Vacation rental apartments can also be found easily. Some resorts provide log-cabin rentals. RV parking is available very close to Banff township.

Lodging

• 1 The Lodge at Bow Lake, ☏ +1 403-522-0148. Rooms, dining, coffee shop and small gift shop. (updated Mar 2023)
• 2 HI-Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, Hwy 1A and Hwy 93 South, ☏ +1 778 328-2220, +1 403 762-2367, toll-free: +1-866-762-4122, fax: +1 778 328-2215. Check-in: 5PM, check-out: 10AM. A small hostel about halfway down the road towards Banff, and offers a very laid back atmosphere. The facilities are excellent, with a sizeable kitchen, friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Reservations are required during the winter months, as closure dates may apply, and recommended during the summer months to ensure a bed. Dorm beds from $23, with a $4 surcharge for non-members, ski packages available. Pets not allowed. (updated Mar 2023)
• 3 HI-Mosquito Creek Hostel, Hwy 93 North directions, ☏ +1 778 328-2220, toll-free: +1-866-762-4122, fax: +1 778 328-2215. Check-in: 5PM, check-out: 10AM. It is a simple, rustic but clean hostel, in the middle of the Rockies at 1,816 m along the glacier-fed creek, offering a true back-to-nature "off-the-grid" Canadian experience. World-class outdoor pursuits are on your doorstep here, with an on-site sauna to soothe weary muscles at the end of the day. Pets not allowed. Dorms $20-23 members, $24-27 non-members. Private rooms $58-60 members, $66-68 non-members. (updated Mar 2023)
• 4 The Crossing Resort, ☏ +1 403-761-7000. (updated Mar 2023)

Camping

• Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service, ☏ +1-514-335-4813, +1-866-787-6221 (TTY), toll-free: +1-877-737-3783. Banff National Park uses Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service for campsites within the park (updated Mar 2023)
  • 5 Tunnel Mountain Village I. Open seasonally. Reservable. has drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and sewage disposal. (updated May 2023)
  • 6 Tunnel Mountain Village II. Open year-round. Reservable. Has electricity, drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and sewage disposal. oTENTik glamping sites available seasonally. (updated May 2023)
  • 7 Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. Open seasonally. Reservable. For trailers and RVs. Has full hookup, drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and sewage disposal. (updated May 2023)
  • 8 Two Jack Main. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has drinking water, flush toilets, and sewage disposal. Equipped sites with supplied tents available seasonally. (updated May 2023)
  • 9 Two Jack Lakeside. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has drinking water, flush toilets, and showers. oTENTik glamping sites available seasonally. (updated May 2023)
  • 10 Johnston Canyon. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has drinking water, flush toilets, and showers. (updated May 2023)
  • 11 Castle Mountain. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has drinking water and flush toilets. (updated May 2023)
  • 12 Protection Mountain. Open seasonally. First come first served only. Has drinking water and flush toilets. (updated May 2023)
  • 13 Lake Louise. Open year-round. Reservable during the summer. Has drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and sewage disposal. Some sites have electricity. The campground has a Parks Canada shuttle stop. (updated May 2023)
  • 14 Mosquito Creek. Open seasonally. First come first served only. Has drinking water and outhouse. (updated May 2023)
  • 15 Silverhorn. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has outhouse. (updated May 2023)
  • 16 Waterfowl Lakes. Open seasonally. First come first served only. Has drinking water, flush toilet, and sewage disposal. (updated May 2023)
  • 17 Rampart Creek. Open seasonally. Reservable. Has drinking water and outhouse. (updated May 2023)

Backcountry

• Parks Canada, ☏ +1 403-762-1550, banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca. For registration if you are planning on camping in the backcountry. (updated Mar 2023)

Stay safe

Although cougar and bear attacks may get sensationalized in the media, statistically the greatest threat for injury or death in the park is driving. If you are unfamiliar with driving in winter conditions it is highly recommended you either use other transportation, or visit in the summer. If venturing in the backcountry you must also be aware of avalanche danger. This also applies to skiing out of bounds, in three words: Don't do it.

Elk, moose and deer are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially females with young (May and June) and males during the mating season (September to November). Remember, stay at least 30 metres (3 bus-lengths) away from any elk, moose or deer.

Elk (a.k.a. Wapiti) in some areas of the park are accustomed to the presence of people and automobiles. Do not think you can photograph a bull elk (i.e. one with antlers) from close-up by driving slowly past it while you shoot. Especially during the rut (mating season), bull elk have been known to attack an automobile without warning, and can cause serious damage.

Wolves and coyotes are often seen on trails and along roads. Cougars are elusive and rarely seen, but they do live here. The chance of being approached by these carnivores is unlikely, but if you are approached, send a clear message that you are not prey.

• Pick up small children immediately.
• Try to appear bigger, by holding your arms or an object over your head.
• Face the animal and retreat slowly. Do not run or play dead.
• Maintain steady eye contact with the animal.
• If the animal continues to approach, deter an attack by yelling, waving a stick or throwing rocks.
• If you are attacked, fight back. Hit the animal with a heavy stick or rock.

Rules to follow for your safety and theirs:

• Give all the wild animals you see the respect they deserve and the space they need.
• Use your binoculars to see animals up close, and use telephoto for your photos.
• Remain at least 100 metres (10 bus lengths) away from bears, cougars, and wolves.
• Keep back at least 30 metres (3 bus lengths) from elk, moose, deer and Americans. Bighorn sheep are generally tolerant of humans' presence, but you should still give them at least 10 metres distance.
• When viewing roadside wildlife remain in your vehicle and move on after a few seconds.
• When hiking outside of the main tourist spots, travelling in groups is recommended, as is carrying bear spray for protection.

Learn more and educate yourself from a reliable source.

Ask park staff about wildlife safety, and how you can keep wildlife wild– and alive, or read Parks Canada wildlife publications available at information centers or on the Parks Canada website.

Emergency contacts

• Ambulance, Police and Fire: 9-1-1.
• Park Wardens, ☏ +1 403-762-4506. 24 hours. 
• 3 Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, 305 Lynx St, ☏ +1 403-762-2222. (updated Mar 2023)
• 4 Lake Louise Medical Clinic, 200 Hector Rd, ☏ +1 403-522-2184. (updated Mar 2023)

Go next

Although Banff is considered one of the best places to "get out" of the nearby cities, these nearby destinations are great:

• Jasper National Park: Just as spectacular scenery with a little fewer tourists, located immediately north of Banff National Park.
• Kootenay National Park: Located immediately south of Banff National Park.
• Yoho National Park: Once away from the few car parks, real away from people destination, located immediately west of Banff National Park.

The nearest major cities are:

• Edmonton: Capital of Alberta, from the National part to Edmonton Mall for a real cultural contrast.
• Calgary: Colder and smaller version of Dallas. Stampede week is in early July, one of the great world parties, and rodeo.

Routes through Banff National Park

Kamloops ← Field (in Yoho N.P.) ←	W  E	→ Canmore → Calgary
ENDS at ←	N  E	→ Red Deer → Rocky Mountain House
END ← Jasper (in Jasper N.P.) ←	N  S	→ Kootenay N.P. → Cranbrook