Banff National Park in Canada holds a special place in my heart—it was our home for an entire year, and without a doubt, it was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives. But my love for Banff began long before that. Years earlier, I visited the park with my mom, and from that moment, I knew I had to return.
Even though I had explored the Alps many times, it was the Canadian Rockies that inspired me to swap high heels for hiking boots and truly embrace mountain adventures. Banff’s breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities are simply unmatched.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do and see in Banff National Park, the ideal times to visit, and what you need to know about entry fees. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer stay, Banff has something magical waiting for you.
Best Time to Visit Banff
The best weather in Banff is from June to September, but keep in mind that this is the mountains—unexpected snowfall can happen even in July (trust me, we experienced it 😁). For the most stable weather, September is your best bet. Not only are the conditions usually more reliable, but you’ll also find fewer tourists, making it a great time for a more peaceful experience.
Spring in Banff has its own charm, with snow still blanketing the mountains, creating stunning scenery. However, many trails will remain snow-covered, so reaching the summits might not be possible unless you’re prepared for winter hiking conditions.
Winter in Banff is absolutely magical. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, you’ll love the chance to experience Canada’s perfect winter wonderland, with world-class slopes and breathtaking snowy landscapes.
Best Hotels in Banff
For the best experience, start your trip in Banff, then move on to Lake Louise, and finish in Jasper. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance—otherwise, you may end up with only the most expensive options.
Banff: We highly recommend staying at Peaks Hotel and Suites, which offers excellent ratings and some of the most affordable rates in town. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Lake Louise: Accommodation options in Lake Louise are limited, and many hotels can be overpriced for what they offer. One of the better options is Baker Creek by Base, which provides a cozy stay with great amenities.
Jasper: Jasper offers a wider range of accommodations, but booking early is key to securing the best deals. One solid choice is the Mount Robson Inn, located right in the heart of town, offering convenience and comfort at reasonable rates.
Banff National Park Entry Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Visit
To enter Banff National Park, you’ll need to purchase a Park Pass. A single-day pass costs CAD 10.50 per person.
If you plan to explore multiple national parks, it’s worth getting the Discovery Pass. This pass grants access to over 80 national parks and protected areas across Canada and offers great value for those traveling beyond Banff.
How Long Should You Stay in Banff National Park
If you’re planning to explore Banff through hiking and adventure, we recommend staying for 7 to 10 days to fully experience the park’s beauty. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace with sightseeing and light hiking, 5 days should be enough to enjoy the highlights.
After exploring Banff, you can continue your journey to other nearby national parks, such as Jasper and Yoho, which offer even more stunning landscapes. Overall, plan for about 10 to 14 days to make the most of your time in the Canadian Rockies.
How to get to Banff from Calgary
Most tourists visiting Banff National Park fly into Calgary and make their way to Banff by car or bus.
While buses are available, they tend to be expensive in Canada and may not offer the best value for your trip to visit Banff National Park. Renting a car is the better option, as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and take in the stunning scenery along the way. You can easily rent a car through services like RentalCars for a more convenient and flexible journey.
History of Banff National Park
Before diving into the top things to see in Banff, let’s explore the rich history of this stunning national park in Canada, which attracts around 4.5 million visitors annually.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff holds the distinction of being Canada’s first national park. It was established in 1885, closely tied to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the discovery of natural hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain.
The discovery sparked interest, leading to the creation of a small 26-square-mile preserve, which later became part of the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887.
In 1930, Banff National Park was expanded to its current size of approximately 6,641 km², solidifying its place as one of Canada’s most iconic and beloved natural treasures.
Where is Banff National Park Located
Banff National Park is located in western Canada, within the province of Alberta. It spans an impressive 6,641 km² and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
With its breathtaking landscapes and ecological significance, Banff has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park lies within a network of protected areas that make up the Canadian Rockies, with neighboring national parks including:
- Yoho National Park to the west
- Kootenay National Park to the southwest
- Jasper National Park to the north
Getting to Banff is easy via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs through the park, connecting Calgary (to the east) and Vancouver (to the west). This highway offers scenic views and serves as the main route for visitors traveling to the park.
Wildlife in Banff National Park: Animals You Can Spot During Your Visit
Lukas and I were guides in Lake Louise, and during that time, we gained detailed knowledge about Canada’s wildlife, especially its bears, mammals, and birds. Here are some animals you might encounter:
- Canadian wolf (Canis lupus)
- Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and Baribal bear (Ursus americanus), also known as the black bear
- Elk (Wapiti) (Cervus canadensis), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and caribou (reindeer) (Rangifer tarandus)
- Mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Birds:
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
- Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Black Coot (Fulica atra)
Fish:
- Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Banff’s lakes and streams, framed by stunning peaks like Lake Louise, are home to a variety of freshwater fish species, offering a serene experience for nature lovers and anglers alike.
12 Best Things to Do and See in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is filled with so many breathtaking places that even after spending a year here, as we did, we couldn’t explore it all. To help you make the most of your visit, here’s a list of the Best Things to Do and See in Banff National Park to explore during your holiday.
City of Banff
Banff isn’t just the name of a national park—it’s also a charming mountain town often regarded as the gateway to Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains. Together with Lake Louise and Jasper, Banff is one of the most popular places to stay and will likely serve as your main base for exploring the wonders of this incredible national park.
Sulphur Mountain
While in Banff, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the area’s iconic peaks: Sulphur Mountain. You can hike to the summit, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the trail is a bit monotonous as it winds through dense forest. Alternatively, you can take the Banff Gondola for a scenic and effortless ride to the top.
I recommend taking the gondola if you want to save your time and energy—there’s so much more to explore in Banff, and it’s better to conserve your strength for peaks that aren’t accessible by cable car.
For a hassle-free experience, buy your tickets in advance on GetYourGuide to avoid waiting in line.
Johnson Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hiking trails in Banff, especially in the summer, as it’s accessible to everyone—kids, seniors, and all levels of hikers. However, it’s best to arrive early in the morning, as it can get as busy as Wenceslas Square later in the day.
We personally enjoyed it most in winter, when the snow blankets the landscape, and you can watch ice climbers scaling the frozen waterfalls. Plus, the trail is much quieter during the colder months, making it a more peaceful experience. 😁
Lake Louise
One of the most stunning spots in Banff National Park is Lake Louise. The name refers not only to the picture-perfect turquoise lake but also to the charming village where Luke and I lived for a time. However, if you’re visiting, your main destination will likely be the lake itself.
For a quick adventure, head to Fairview Lookout, just a short one-mile walk from the parking lot, offering great views. If you have more time, consider tackling the Lake Agnes Trail, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and rewards you with even more breathtaking scenery.
While in Lake Louise, be sure to visit the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola. In winter, it’s one of Canada’s most renowned ski resorts, offering world-class slopes. During the summer, the gondola takes you up to some of the most spectacular views in the region. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of where we used to work! 😁
Moraine Lake
Just a short distance from Lake Louise lies another iconic gem of Banff National Park: Moraine Lake. I highly recommend renting a canoe and exploring the lake’s serene, turquoise waters from the best seat in the house—right on the water.
If you have more time, consider taking the scenic Eiffel Lake Trail, a beautiful trek that offers breathtaking views.
It’s no surprise that this stunning lake is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural beauty and significance.
Cave and Basin Historical Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, discovered in 1883, played a pivotal role in the creation of Canada’s first national park. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history through engaging exhibits and interactive displays, highlighting the stories of the land’s original Indigenous inhabitants, early explorers, and the evolution of conservation efforts in the region.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are one of the top attractions in Banff National Park. These natural thermal pools offer a fantastic experience year-round, whether you visit in summer or winter. In the colder months, the crisp mountain air adds to the magic—there’s nothing quite like soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters after a long day of hiking through the Rockies. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge, no matter the season.
- Water temperature: average 37-40°C
Kananaskis River
The Kananaskis River winds through Banff National Park, captivating visitors with its stunning turquoise waters and crystal-clear flow. For an unforgettable adventure, we highly recommend rafting on the river during the summer months. You can easily book your rafting experience in advance through GetYourGuide.
Peyto Lake
One of the most photogenic spots in Banff National Park is Peyto Lake. Its breathtaking turquoise color makes it stand out, and the best part? A short walk from the parking lot brings you to a perfect viewpoint. You won’t find another lake in Canada with such an intense turquoise hue.
During our time working in the area, tourists often asked if the lake’s color was artificial. 😁 Rest assured, it’s 100% natural!
The lake’s stunning turquoise color comes from fine glacial silt – microscopic particles carried by meltwater that reflect blue hues when hit by sunlight.
Peyto Lake is a glacial lake named after Bill Peyto, an early explorer and park warden who worked in the area in the early 20th century.
Bow Lake
Another must-see spot in Banff National Park is Bow Lake. If you have extra time, consider hiking to the stunning Bow Glacier Falls for an unforgettable experience.
By the lake, you’ll also find The Lodge at Bow Lake, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or even stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.
Vermilion Lakes
The Vermilion Lakes are a trio of scenic lakes nestled in the Bow Valley, just minutes from the town of Banff. These lakes are a local favorite, especially for picnics and relaxing by the water. From this spot, you’ll also have the perfect vantage point to capture stunning photos of Mt. Rundle, one of the most iconic and majestic peaks in the Banff area.
Glaciers in Banff National Park
Glaciers evoke a sense of sadness for me, as each visit reveals how quickly they are receding. It’s astonishing—and heartbreaking—how visibly they shrink from year to year.
If you’d like to experience a glacier up close, we recommend booking a tour through GetYourGuide to the Columbia Icefield. These tours take you right onto the glacier, offering a rare chance to witness its beauty before it changes even further.
If you have extra time, be sure to explore the Parker Ridge Trail—a local favorite and well worth the hike!
