Home to rugged mountains and emerald lakes, Banff National Park is on many people’s travel bucket lists. Are you planning to visit the park this year? I have everything you need to maximize your time in this guide.
The Canadian Rockies is a paradise for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers, offering endless activities that add excitement and thrill to your visit.
Unsurprisingly, the Banff National Park attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually, making it the most popular destination in Alberta. It’s Canada’s first national park and the most popular Canadian National Park!
Banff National Park may be one of Canada’s oldest national parks, but comprises over 2,500 square miles of rugged terrain and pristine wilderness.
It’s home to the iconic Lake Louise, surrounded by stunning vistas and the most scenic hiking trails. You can create your adventure whether you explore it for a day or camp at the park.
Where is Banff National Park Located?
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park located within the Canadian Rockies, in the Province of Alberta, just west of Calgary. The park was established in 1885 and is one of the best-known parks in Canada.
How to Get to Banff National Park
To know how to get to Banff National Park, first, you must know which airport to fly to. You’ve got 4 options on where to fly into Banff National Park Airport:
- Calgary International Airport – 90 minutes away
- Edmonton International Airport – 4 hours away
- Kelowna International Airport – 5.5 hours away
- Vancouver International Airport – 10 hours away
Calgary International Airport is closest to the national park. It’s the ideal choice for a shorter travel time, especially if you’re flying into Canada to visit the park.
But depending on your itinerary and if you plan to visit other sights and attractions to see what Canada is known for, you can also consider the other airports.
If you fly into Calgary International Airport, you have plenty of transportation options to get to Banff.
Car Rental
A car rental service is the ideal choice for anyone wanting to drive to Banff National Park. Many tourists prefer this transportation method as it gives them time flexibility in choosing what to see and do. If you’re communicating from a major Canadian city, the trans-Canada highway makes it convenient to access the park.
Renting a car to Banff is also economical if traveling with more than 3 people. It also pays to check if your hotel has parking available.
Shuttle
Various companies offer shuttle services from Calgary to Banff. It’s an excellent choice for tourists who want to avoid renting a car and dealing with the hassle of finding a parking spot.
Most shuttle companies like Banff Airporter and Brewster Express offer transportation from the Calgary airport to Banff.
Bus
Taking the bus to Banff is the most affordable but least convenient option. Check the bus departure schedule beforehand to ensure you can catch one in Banff. The availability of bus services can be limited during peak seasons and on weekends.
Tour Services
Another option from Calgary airport to Banff is booking a tour. Many tour companies offer private transportation through their services if you book a tour to Banff National Park.
While tours can be costly, depending on the inclusions, they can be a huge time-saver and an excellent opportunity to maximize the sights you can enjoy.
Once you arrive, you must buy the Banff Pass at the Banff Visitor Centre. You can also pre-purchase your pass online for hassle-free entry into the park.
When is the Best Time to Visit Banff National Park?
Due to Banff National Park weather, the best time to visit is June to August and December to March.
The weather in Banff National Park is ideal during warm weather to explore the park’s natural features. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy various winter activities, such as skiing.
While the above are the most popular times to visit Banff National Park, it’s a year-round destination. Each season offers different attractions and activities to make your stay worthwhile.
The average summer temperature is between 4.44°C to 21.1°C. Meanwhile, the summer temperature averages -1.1°C.
What to Pack for Banff National Park
As the weather conditions change in Banff National Park drastically per season, it’s crucial to plan so you can pack the essential items you need.
Check out this packing list when you visit Banff National Park:
- Rain jacket
- Quick dry pants or shorts
- Hiking boots
- Sun hat
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Hiking poles
- Waterproof backpack or bag
The above packing list is general, so you can add more items to the packing list based on the season and your intended activity.
Despite the predicted temperatures for each season, the Banff National Park weather can change daily. Always check the weather forecast before you go to ensure you can handle any conditions during your visit.
Things to Do in Banff National Park By Season
The summer and winter are the best times to visit Banff National Park. During your visit, you’ll find several options on what to do.
What to Do in Banff National Park in Summer
Hike the Trails
Banff National Park offers more than 1,000 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to get up close to the beauty of the subalpine forest.
The trek up the Tunnel Mountain is worth the hike as you’re treated to sweeping valley views. Another noteworthy trail takes you lakeside on the Lake Minnewanka Loop.
This trail will leave you in awe as you go on a tree-lined path to see the beauty of Lake Louise before reaching the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Stop by for some refreshments or to sample the daily soup!
Not interested in hiking? Drive through Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park to experience waterfalls and wildlife like moose, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. But beware of grizzly bears, keep a safe distance away, and always remain inside your vehicle.
Enjoy the Lakes
Summer is the best time to explore the lakes of Banff National Park. Rent a canoe and relish the breathtaking beauty of Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to paddle your way through the crystal-clear waters.
These stunning lakes get their colors from the glaciers melting from the surrounding mountains.
Aim for the Peaks
Heading for a view of the Rockies is one of the highlights of your trip to Banff National Park.
You can take the Banff Gondola or the sightseeing chairlift at Mount Norquay to get the best vantage point of the surrounding mountains and peaks. It’s the ultimate way to soak in the beauty of the national park from above!
You can even experience the peaks yourself with a visit to Columbia Icefield! Walk on the glaciers, experience the fresh glacier waters, and enjoy the scenery. Make reservations beforehand, and I promise you won’t forget this unique and memorable experience.
What to Do in Banff National Park in Winter
Explore the Snowy Landscape
Experience winter fun at Banff National Park with good old-fashioned winter skating.
The park offers skate rentals if you’d like to glide across the frozen surface of Lake Louise.
Another exciting activity during winter at Banff National Park is to join a guided ice walk. You’ll get to explore the surreal beauty of the cascading ice at Johnston Canyon.
When visiting Banff National Park, the snowy trails are open throughout winter. So, put on those snowshoes and embrace the winter fun!
Try Skiing and Snowboarding
Banff National Park is a haven for skiers and snowboarders! As this stunning national park transforms into a winter wonderland, you’ll find several world-class ski terrains from within the park and nearby resorts.
If you’re into skiing, you can check out other skiing destinations in Canada. Meanwhile, you’d experience the best snowboarding when you check out the country’s best snowboarding terrains.
Experience Snow Tubing
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea, snow tubing is a wonderful activity! Unleash your inner child as you immerse in this nostalgic winter activity filled with the thrill and fun you seek.
Explore Banff National Park
Nearly 5 million people can’t be wrong. Banff National Park is a national park without comparison. It’s worth visiting for scenic views, snow-capped peaks, and stunning lakes. You will be satisfied if you’re after sightseeing or an adventure-filled time.
Now you know all about Banff National Park, grab your park pass and start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.
