A Complete Guide to Banff National Park
Banff National Park is the best place to visit in the Canadian Rockies. If you plan your trip to Banff National Park, read our travel guide first. We've put together tips on the best things to do in Banff National Park and share how to get, when to visit, where to stay, get around, and everything you need to know before you go.
Banff National Park is not an unknown destination in Canada, quite the contrary.
The most visited national park in the whole country has a rightful place on every itinerary, and the Alberta Province is the region that can proudly call itself home of this protected area.
To be fair, the Canadian Rockies have other top places such as Jasper, Kootenay, or Yoho National Park and many more provincial parks that were also blessed by turquoise lakes mirroring snow-capped jagged peaks around, but Banff National Park still stands above them all.
The Banff area is a huge playground that seems like a paradise to all outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking and biking trails in the summer, cross-country tracks together with ski resorts opened in the winter, the landscape dotted with hundreds of lakes, glaciers, forests, and the never-ending mountainous scenery, no wonder that Banff National Park is a UNESCO designated area since 1985.
We quite often find a misleading assumption that planning a trip to renowned destinations is super-easy.
Sure, there has been written a lot about visiting Banff National Park, but we often find it hard to find actually relevant information.
After a short search online, a first-time traveler can be easily overwhelmed by the number of must-visit places (no, it is not possible to see them all), by the necessity to book all services well in advance (the demand exceeds supply in the summer months), and overall by a personal pressure to get one of the best experiences of your travel life. Worry not.
With our Banff National Park travel guide, you'll not be lost, and we believe your trip will go as smoothly as possible.
We visited the Banff area multiple times, and during these trips, we focused not only on exploring this wonderful place but also on the practical side of the journey.
As we believe you want to see as much as possible during the limited time, we've put together tips on the best things to see and do in Banff National Park, including our all-time favorites.
You can also find here practical information on how to get to Banff, how to get around, what to pack, when to visit, where to stay, and most importantly, how to stay safe.
WHERE IS BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada, is located in the Alberta Province and spread on 6 641 square meters.
It neighbors with other national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper, while the last-named is with Banff connected by one of the most wonderful roads in the world, Icefields Parkway.
Approximately a half of this road and top sights along it belong to Banff National Park as well.
As this national park is quite vast, it is good to recognize a jumping-off point. In the case of Banff National Park, it is the same name town of Banff, which is 129 kilometers from Calgary, only an hour and a half drive.
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and a perfect gateway to the Rockies.
Feel free to read our travel guides on the Best Things to do in Calgary in Summer and Calgary Winter Travel Guide.
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED
How many days you need in Banff National Park is highly individual, and the answer goes back to your Canadian Rockies itinerary. Without any travel schedule in mind, you could easily spend in Banff weeks, if not months, to be able to explore the best this wilderness area has to offer.
But we assume that, like us, you are an average traveler with limited time, and we absolutely understand that you want to visit places beyond Banff as well.
In that case, we would say that two days in the park are the absolute minimum, and now we have in mind a scenario when you spend two days in Banff National Park and dedicate another whole day for exploring Icefields Parkway, that is technically still within the park, at least its part.
In two days, you'll get the chance to visit some of the most beautiful and renowned lakes in the park, such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, hike in Johnston Canyon, relax on the shore of Lake Minnewanka, and choose from a large selection of hiking trails.
We can recommend Aylmer Lookout, Corry and Edith Pass Loop, or Bourgeau Lake Trail.
If you plan on visiting the area in the winter, you must improvise a bit and be ready that some attractions are inaccessible (more about it later), or you can, of course, fill your days with skiing or cross-country skiing. But back to the point.
One day in Banff would be really only a brief introduction to the park, but as we always say, it is still better than nothing. Three to five days will give you more freedom and a chance to get off the beaten path.
If you are looking for the best things to do, keep on reading, but if you are already in the park, we recommend visiting any Visitor Center.
The staff is very knowledgeable, and they many times helped us figure out the best plan for the day.
ENTRANCE FEE
All activities in Banff National Park are free of charge, which means there is no need to buy single tickets, but to get to the national park, all travelers older than 17 years old must buy a ticket.
This information should definitely not put you away because the entrance fee is very cheap when you consider what you get in return. There are several types of tickets, from the one-day ticket that costs CAD 10 to multi-day tickets.
To be honest, we do not think it makes much sense to purchase a one-day ticket when there's a possibility to buy Discovery Pass, which can be used in many national parks in Canada and moreover, lasts one year.
Discovery Pass costs CAD 69.19 per person, but if you travel in a larger group, it is advantageous to buy a Family/Group Discovery Pass that costs CAD 139.40 and is valid for up to 7 people traveling in one car.
When we compare this price with rates for single tickets for visiting top attractions all around the world, we think this amount is insignificant, and you'll get ever-lasting memories in return.
Although Canada is not the cheapest country in the world, it is still possible to travel on a budget in Banff, and even budget travelers should spend money on the ticket because, without it, the trip would be incomplete, if even possible.
BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
To be honest, we cannot wait to show you the best things to see and do in Banff National Park.
Every single pretense of going again through our favorite places and photos gives us joy and reminds us of the wonderful times we had in the Rockies.
It is surely not possible to put together a list of every single beautiful lake or trail in this region, but we did our best to compile top attractions, must-visit places, and a few off-the-beaten-path trails we hiked in the past few years.
Banff National Park is a perfect place for active travelers, so sleep well before exploring the area; we can grant that your days will be long and full of exploration.
Here's our personally tried and tested list of top attractions to visit in Banff National Park.
BANFF TOWNSHIP
Banff is a natural jumping-off point for exploring Banff National Park, and although it is not the only option on where to stay or dine in the area, the majority of travelers want to visit here to get the right holiday atmosphere.
Banff is a classic touristy town in the mountains, where you can find many hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, but despite its popularity, it is actually quite pleasant to stay there for a while as the cheerful mood is pretty captivating.
Even if you are not a fan of crowded towns, Banff should be on your itinerary as it is surrounded by beautiful nature, and on top of that, you can stock here up on food or plan your trip in the Visitor Center.
Life in Banff revolves around tourism both in the summer and winter because each season offers top activities such as hiking or skiing.
It is possible to base yourself in Banff and start exploring the best places in the national park.
MORAINE LAKE
Moraine Lake is by many considered the most beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies, if not in Canada. So it comes without saying that even if you had a few hours for exploring the area, Moraine Lake is a place you simply cannot miss.
We believe that it is impossible to travel to this part of Canada and not see a Moraine Lake photo before arrival as this place is one of the most photographed ones in the world and one of the most famous Instagram photo spots.
Still, nothing can prepare you for the feeling when you finally reach the viewing platform and when you see the iconic scenery for the first time.
The insanely blue water surface that is on the left side lined with a massive of jagged peaks, is truly unique, and you can stand on the shore for many moments, soaking up the majestic atmosphere.
No matter how many times we had visited Moraine Lake, it always leaves us in awe. It is possible to stay by the lake for half an hour, but if you are not pressed for time, there are a few hiking trailheads worth exploring.
The most famous one, especially in autumn, is Larch Valley Hike.
Unsurprisingly, Moraine Lake is well-known sunrise and sunset spot, and the site gets very busy during these times.
So busy that it is often impossible to find a parking spot. You have to arrive either very early, book a shuttle bus that leaves from Park and Ride parking lot, or take a tour that arranges transport on your behalf.
It is necessary to know that the road to Moraine Lake is closed in winter, so your only option during this period is cross-country skiing.
LAKE LOUISE
If there's one lake in Banff National Park that can easily compete with Moraine Lake, it is Lake Louise.
Lake Louise village is often considered as a separate destination because it offers an overwhelming number of top attractions and day trips, but it is the same name lake that gets the attention.
Named after Queen Victoria's daughter, this renowned lake is another must-see place, and thanks to the location close to Moraine Lake, you can create an unforgettable combo itinerary.
Lake Louise features a slightly brighter shade of blue, and the views of the lake with mountains and Victoria Glacier in the backdrop are unbelievable.
One of the best things about famous natural attractions in Banff National Park is that they are easily accessible.
You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy them. Lake Louise and the most iconic viewpoint actually lies only a few steps from the parking lot, so literally, everyone can enjoy it.
It is possible to follow the shoreline or hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers, but more about it in the next section.
Another popular activity near Lake Louise is canoeing (there's a canoe rental on the shore) or horseback riding.
It is impossible to talk about Lake Louise and not mention a structure on the shore, the huge Fairmont Hotel, that has hundreds of rooms, and it is one of the most sought-after hotels in the area.
You may not like it, but nowadays, we cannot imagine the scenery without it.
PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS HIKE
If there's one more activity we can recommend you, it is a hike called Plain of Six Glaciers, one of Banff National Park's best trails.
The path starts from Lake Louise's shore; it follows the flat route for a while and then climbs uphill to a place called Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
You can take a rest here, accompanied by the incredible views of glaciers, after which this hike is called.
It is sometimes unbelievable that it is enough to make some effort, and you'll easily escape the crowds.
We are not saying Plain of Six Glaciers is an off-the-beaten hike, but the number of travelers here is definitely lower compared to the lakeshore, which is quite incredible, as we rate this place among the most amazing ones in the entire national park.
If you still have some time left, it is worth continuing for a while to Abbot Pass viewpoint.
Then it is possible to return via the same trail, or you can make a loop via Lake Agnes.
The classical route to the teahouse and back is 11 kilometers long; the loop we did measures 20 kilometers, so allocate at least half a day for this hike.
The trail is at its best from June to mid-October. It can be blocked by snow in the winter, but it might be passable with microspikes or snowshoes; you just need to be aware of avalanche hazards and not take any risk.
JOHNSTON CANYON
If you ask visitors what the most rewarding hike in Banff National Park is, many would certainly agree on Johnston Canyon.
Visiting Johnston Canyon is one of the best things to do in Banff because it is easily accessible even for families with kids and elderly travelers, it is not time-consuming (unless you decide to walk to the very end), and the scenery of a narrow canyon and crystal clear water is just mind-blowing.
Like many other spots in the national park, Johnston Canyon is visually attractive, so keep your camera ready.
From the parking lot, follow the trail to Lower Falls and then carry on to Upper Falls. This path is 2.7 kilometers long one way, and the majority of travelers turn around here.
If you still have enough energy and are not pressed for time (we had to return as we had a bus to Lake O'Hara booked), continue to Ink Pots, which is a photogenic meadow with several pools reflecting surrounding mountains.
Johnston Canyon is one of those places that are even more magical to visit in the winter when the river freezes - for your safety, book this Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Tour from Banff.
LAKE MINNEWANKA AREA
Only a short drive from Banff township is located Lake Minnewanka, the largest body of water in the national park, so it is clear we are talking about one of the most popular spots in the area as there are many activities to choose from.
The deep blue lake and mountain range on the backdrop create a perfect place for sitting on the bank and relaxing.
Ttherefore, Lake Minnewanka is known as a great picnic place, and it is often very lively in the summer.
We cannot forget to mention hiking and biking trails, and of course, it would be a shame not to use such a large lake for other water activities, such as fishing, boat tours, or even scuba diving.
Here you can reserve a Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
AYLMER LOOKOUT HIKE
On the shore of Lake Minnewanka starts Aylmer Lookout Hike, which provides travelers with amazing views from above.
Aylmer Lookout hike is 25 kilometers out and back trail, which means that it is not that heavily trafficked as it is physically challenging.
The first part leads along the lake's shore, providing scattered views.
Once you get to a junction, the path climbs steadily up to the viewpoint. This part is pretty exhausting, but you'll soon find out how rewarding it is.
The truth is that the return journey is tiring, but we still consider this trek among the top ones in Banff National Park. It is possible to rent a bike and cover the first part of the trail faster.
The area around Lake Minnewanka is known for bear activity, especially in the berry season, so keep your eyes wide open and carry bear spray.
CORY AND EDITH PASS LOOP
When traveling in Banff National Park, you can be sure of one thing. Beautiful views are never too far away.
We know that everyone wants to tick off the must-see places such as Moraine Lake, but it would be a shame to skip a lesser-known part of the national park only because it does not have such a promo.
We are always keen to explore less-traveled paths, so we grabbed the chance to hike Cory and Edith Pass Loop straightaway.
The circle is 15 kilometers long, and half of it leads uphill with an elevation of about 1100 meters, so it is not exactly a piece of cake, but this hike is doable by averagely fit travelers who want to see the raw beauty of the Banff's area.
This hike has two sides; one trail leads to Cory Pass, while the other to Edith Pass, but we do not see a reason to return the same way back when you can connect these two trails in a loop.
Some sections lead on rocky scree, so always pay attention,walk slow and steady, and use trekking poles.
BOURGEAU LAKE AND HARVEY PASS HIKE
Another hike that deserves to be mentioned separately is Bourgeau Lake Trail, which can be extended to Harvey Pass.
The distance to the pass from the trailhead is 10 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1075 meters, but it is absolutely enough to reach the green-blue Bourgeau Lake and then decide whether you still have enough energy to carry on.
We recommend this trail to those of you who want to get away from crowds or travelers who had already visited Banff National Park many times and look for beautiful, but not that notoriously known places.
The views along the way are admittedly not that spectacular, but once you reach Bourgeau Lake, you'll see the effort was worth it.
We decided to continue to Harvey Pass that features views of Mt. Assiniboine on the South Horizon, Sunshine Ski Village, and Sunshine Meadows.
If time allows, it is possible to carry on to Mt. Bourgeau, but we did not make it there as we started to be chased by dark clouds.
SULPHUR MOUNTAIN
Sulphur Mountain is better known for a gondola that can get you in almost no time to the top (more about it later), but avid hikers will surely appreciate the possibility to get to the top of this 2450 meters high peak on own.
The trailhead starts by Banff Upper Hot Springs, and the series of switchbacks will take you to the viewing platform, where you'll meet the rest of the travelers who opted for the gondola.
The mountain was named after sulfur hot spring found on its slopes; it is the same spring that supply hot water to the hot pool down below.
Sulphur Mountain hike is considered moderate, and it is 5 kilometers long each way (don't confuse it with similarly named Sulphur Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park).
It provides one of the best views of Bow Valley and summits on the other side, such as Mount Aylmer or Mount Rundle.
BANFF GONDOLA RIDE
As we've already outlined, there's another, more popular way how to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and this alternative is called Banff Gondola.
Once you get to the top, a boardwalk will take you to sweeping views of mountain ranges.
Cable cars have been very popular in the Rockies as it is an easy way to reach stunning views without much effort, and there's nothing bad about it.
Although we usually prefer using our legs to reach great vistas, we understand that travelers who want to enjoy a relaxed day or do not have that much time will gladly opt for this alternative.
Moreover, traveling on a gondola is an experience on its own.
The only downside is the price, ranging between CAD 40-55, depending on the date (weekends are usually more expensive).
VERMILLION LAKES
Are you tired of strenuous trails and tough hikes?
Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway and only a short distance from Banff, Vermillion Lakes is one of the best places for families with kids, travelers looking for a tranquil place without too much hassle, or visitors with time to spare.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Vermillion Lakes is during a calm day in the autumn when the lakes mirror the iconic Mount Rundle and the yellow leaves on its water surface.
If you don't believe us, this article's main photo shows Vermillion Lakes at its best.
Sunset and sunrises are magical at Vermillion Lakes, and if you are lucky or patient enough, you might even spot some wildlife at the lake's shores.
Even if you don't have much time to spare, you can stop at the Vermillion Lakes viewpoint (accessible only from the Trans-Canada Highway when heading towards Banff).
Those who want to explore this area more thoroughly or if heading west, use Vermillion Lakes Road instead. The area is also popular with joggers and bikers, so drive slowly.
Either way, if you are in Banff, you must stop at Vermillion Lakes.
BANFF'S ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Columbia Icefields Parkway, a famous road that links Banff National Park with Jasper National Park, is a destination on its own, that deserves at least one day on your travel itinerary.
The road is dotted with plenty of attractions and trailheads, and approximately half of them lies within Banff National Park.
If you do not plan on traveling to Jasper, we think it is worth it to travel Icefields Parkway for as long as you can and then return; it is definitely a better option than to skip this activity entirely.
What are the top sights to see along this iconic road?
You should not miss Bow Lake, Peyto Lake viewpoint, which is one of the most famous stops, Waterfowl Lakes, Saskatchewan Crossing, Big Hill & Big Bend.
If you have time to incorporate in your schedule a few hikes, consider either Parker Ridge Trail or Wilcox Pass Hike, or both.
Athabasca Glacier then lies on the border between Banff and Jasper National Park, but do not be limited by this natural border, and keep exploring the road towards Jasper; you won't regret it.
If you want to enjoy a relaxed day without driving, consider this Icefields Parkways Tour from Banff that also includes Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Explorer Bus.
HIKING
Banff National Park is a hiker's paradise, and if you have only two to three weeks for this part of the Rockies, you'll have to prioritize.
We've outlined only a few hikes we did ourselves and which we found interesting, but there are many more trails available, from short few hours' long walks to multi-day treks.
It is only up to you which route you'll select, but the rule of thumb is to be well prepared.
Winter in the Banff area is long so that trails can be snowbound or muddy till June.
The best and updated source that shows not only hiking options but also the current state of these trails is the official website of Parks Canada.
In our opinion, hiking is the best way how truly connect with Banff National Park and appreciate this unique environment. So lace up your hiking boots, and set off; you won't be disappointed.
BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS
The Banff area is a lot about being active and exploring places in the mountains, but it is only favorable for your body and mind to slow down and relax from time to time. Fortunately, we know about a place.
Banff Upper Hot Springs, only about 4 kilometers from Banff township, is a small complex consisting of a pool that is filled with a natural spring, cafe, changing rooms with lockers, and front desk where you can rent gear.
The temperature in the pool varies depending on the time of the year, but no worries, when the temperature drops, the pool is topped up by heated water.
Views of Rundle and Cascade Mountains highlight the experience of visiting hot pools. If you think natural hot pools are expensive, it is not the case with hot pools in the Canadian Rockies.
The entrance fee to Banff Upper Hot Springs is only CAD 8.48.
We also visited other hot pools, Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park and Radium Hot Spring in Kootenay National Park, and can only recommend you this pleasant activity.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT
One of the best ways to enjoy Banff National Park's incredible scenery is to take a flight over the mountains. We know what you think right now - this is not the typical budget-friendly activity, and you are right.
On the other hand, if you want to do a slightly different activity than usual and do not mind splurging a bit, the flight is something you'll never forget.
Standing on the lake's shore is one thing, but seeing the beauty from a bird's eyes view is even more special.
Check out one of the most popular helicopter flight tours here.
We booked a helicopter flight in order to get to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, and until these days, these few minutes are a travel memory we'll treasure forever.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
The chance to spot wildlife only increases the overall attractiveness of Banff National Park.
We remember the excitement when we entered the park as we could not wait to spot elks, moose, or even bears.
Of course, the sighting is not granted; after all, we talk about the wilderness, but your chances are high, and it is not uncommon to be stuck in a traffic jam caused by animals crossing the road or grazing on the grass next to the main highway.
No matter how much you want to see animals in the wild, there are specific rules to follow.
First of all, you should not voluntarily get too close and do not pursue wildlife. If you can see wildlife too close, stay in the car. If you are on a hiking trail without a safe place in sight, stay calm, and walk slowly backward.
You can read our guide on How to stay safe in a bear country, to be at least theoretically prepared.
It is worth it to invest in a telephoto lens such as this Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 or binoculars so you can take awesome photos without feeling an urge to get closer.
Spotting wildlife is always a coincidence; we saw bears numerous times in the Rockies, one, for example, on the road leading to Johnston Canyon.
If you want to increase your chances, book a Banff Wildlife Tour that also includes a knowledgeable guide who knows where to go.
The best time for spotting wildlife is early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter brings in Banff National Park peace and a calmer atmosphere when we talk about activities such as hiking, but centers like Banff and Lake Louise still do not suffer from a lack of visitors.
The main reason is the large number of available winter sports such as skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing.
Lake Louise is a renowned ski resort, so if you expect the rates will drop in the winter season, do not put your hopes that high.
Traveling in Banff National Park in the winter is certainly different, especially if you do not plan on doing traditional winter sports. It is possible to plan a road trip journey, but there are a few things you need to take into account.
First of all, days are shorter, so make a realistic itinerary.
Second, always have a backup plan as roads do not need to be passable because of snowfall (and some of them are closed for the winter). Last but not least, you should be well-equipped and always have warm clothes and snacks in the car.
It is also worth reading up-to-date information because some services such as fuel stations or hotels in less-visited parts can be closed for the winter period.
HOW TO GET TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Getting to Banff National Park is pretty easy, but it is important to know that options are quite limited, despite the fact that over four million visitors travel to the area yearly, most of them in the summer season.
You also need to consider that getting to the park is one thing, but then you must consider how you will get around, as traveling in the Canadian Rockies is about jumping from one point to another.
Of course, it is possible to get to Banff and explore the area thoroughly, but if your trip also includes other places that are further away, you will probably eventually end up renting a car.
But it is good to know there are also other possibilities.
BY CAR
If Banff is not the only stop on your itinerary, renting a car only makes sense.
Well, based on our multiple visits, it makes sense even if you plan on visiting only Banff National Park because the must-see places are spread across the area.
Although the initial price for a car might seem high (do not forget to add fuel price and insurance), the flexibility you get in return is incomparable with other means of transport.
Banff National Park is connected with Calgary by Trans-Canada Highway, so getting there is really quick, but you'll reach Banff this way from any corner of Canada.
Rental cars are in high demand between June and mid-October, so make your reservation as soon as you know the travel dates. Of course, classic cars are not the only option; you can also consider an RV or campervan.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Quite surprisingly, there's no public transport to Banff in the right sense of the term. In the season, roughly between May and October, it is possible to book tickets with On-It Bus or Banff Express.
As both lines are seasonal, this is not an option for winter travelers. It seems to us a bit strange that the Canadian Rockies are not better serviced by public transport; on the other hand, we know the majority of travelers get to or from Banff by car, so it would probably not be profitable.
These buses leave from downtown, but there's one more alternative that connects Calgary International Airport with Banff, so you can hop on the bus right after landing.
Check out the transport from Calgary Airport to Banff, or there's also an option for those of your traveling from Banff to Calgary Airport.
TOUR
Travelers short on time who are in the area, want to see the best Banff National Park has to offer, but do not want to rent a car and public transport would be too time-consuming, have a possibility to book a tour from Calgary.
This way, you do not have to arrange transportation and worry about itinerary, everything will be made on your behalf.
Here you can reserve a Banff Day Tour from Calgary.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Getting around Banff National Park depends on your initially selected transport option. If you arrived in the park by car, you'd have a little motivation to get around by shuttle buses or tour.
On the other hand, it is necessary to mention that especially the most popular sites such as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake have insufficient parking lots for the number of visitors, so it is possible to book a shuttle bus instead, that guarantees you that you won't have to turn around.
If you've arrived by bus to Banff and do not plan to rent a car, your best bet is to check out Roam Transit, a company that serves top attractions in the area, but also only in the main season.
It is also possible to reserve a Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, that will take you around the best places every visitor must-see, without the hassle.
Another option for those without a car is to book a specialized tour to a selected area every day.
This way, you can also explore, for example, places such as Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway Tour.
Last but not least, it is always possible to hire a cab. However, it is not the cheapest option, that's for sure.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BANFF NATIONAL PARK
There's not a wrong time for visiting Banff National Park, although the difference between summer and winter season could hardly be more significant.
Banff township is accessible all year-round, but the scenery dramatically changes when winter arrives, so you should first always consider activities you plan on doing and then also your experience.
The Canadian Rockies are notoriously known for the changeable weather, so even though the area traditionally has four distinct seasons, it is worth it to arrive well-prepared.
SUMMER
Summer is the busiest season in the Rockies, and in this period is Banff a buzzing hot spot that is almost impossible to visit without reservations.
Restaurants and hotels are full, and you'll meet on the streets hundreds of similar-minded people who are excited to be in such a unique area. Banff National Park's popularity in the summer is closely connected with stable weather conditions (although it can rain any time of the year), long days, accessible hiking trails, and overall the holiday mood.
The disadvantage is that it is necessary to book everything well in advance, and even if you do that, prices skyrocket.
Summer is certainly not the best season for budget travelers - if you want to save money, plan your trip for the shoulder season.
WINTER
Winter arrives quite early in the Banff area, usually in mid-October, and is often quite reluctant to leave: you can expect to see snowfalls until April or even mid-May.
Planning a winter trip might be a bit challenging, but it is definitely worth it for travelers who want to experience something different and more peaceful. The winter scenery is fairytale-like, and you might be surprised by the accessibility of this place.
Sure, the activities in the winter are a bit different, and your itinerary must reflect that. For example, the access to Moraine Lake is closed for cars in the winter, same as other hiking trails might be under snow and not opened to the public.
That's something you must presume and plan accordingly. As winter brings heavy snowfalls, always have a backup plan.
If you think that Banff and Lake Louise are cheaper in the winter, you could not be more wrong, as popular ski resorts are nearby.
Days are cold and shorter, and you should also plan where to stay as most campsites are closed for the season.
SHOULDER SEASON
Both spring and autumn are pretty short in the Rockies.
Autumn usually lasts from September till November, but the first snow usually arrives in October, so the shoulder season usually lasts only two months.
Autumn is an incredibly colorful period, popular among photographers. Especially visiting Larch Valley during this time is magical.
If we were you, we would be planning the Banff trip for mid-September to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere but still take advantage of solid weather.
Spring is usually even shorter.
Winter usually fights tooth and nail and does not want to pass the rule to spring, but the time usually arrives at the end of March and ends in June.
The truth is that Banff National Park's trails are under the snow until late April, so plan accordingly.
Late spring is an amazing time as snow melts and waterfalls are at their best, and it is also a perfect opportunity for wildlife watching.
WHAT TO PACK
The packing list for Banff National Park very much depends on activities and places you plan on visiting, same as on the time of the year.
But in general, as the weather can change within seconds from sunny warm days to hail, storm, and back, and as we assume you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible, you should pack a bit of everything.
For inspiration, read the Canadian Rockies Packing List, but here we would like to outline essentials you should not forget.
First of all, the key to success is in layers, so pack functional t-shirts with long and short sleeves, fleece jacket, same as a rain jacket and even down jacket is great. We used it even in the summer, later at nights at campgrounds.
Leggings and hiking pants, like hiking boots, are a must for spending time outside; we also found useful trekking poles for more challenging hikes.
If you plan on camping, it is necessary to either rent gear or bring your own. Quality lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and the inflatable sleeping pads are a must-have, same as a cooking set.
Tap water in Canada is drinkable, so to protect our environment, do not buy single-use plastic bottles to lower your plastic footprint, rather invest in reusable water bottle or water bottle with a filter or SteriPen.
We'll briefly touch on the safety topic in the paragraph below, but you should definitely buy a bear spray for hiking in Banff National Park.
As the area is often considered among the world's most beautiful destinations, bring a camera, your trusty lens, and do not forget the tripod.
SAFETY
We never had a single reason to feel threatened in Banff National Park and consider this destination super-safe for all types of travelers, experienced and inexperienced alike.
If you follow a few simple rules, we hope your trip will be hopefully without any incidents.
First of all, although Canada is a safe country, opportunistic crimes can happen, so never leave your valuables visible in the car.
If you are on the road and cannot store electronics in the hotel room, always keep them out of sight in the car's trunk.
Another possible danger is closely connected with the weather. Always check the weather forecast, and even if it looks promising, never underestimate elements and pack extra layers.
The situation can really change quickly in the mountains, and a pleasant walk can easily turn into a run for life.
That's even more important to realize in the offseason, between October and April, when we recommend visiting and hiking in the area to experienced travelers who are aware of all risks, the avalanche hazard including.
Another point when it comes to safety concerns wildlife encounters. We’ve already touched this topic in the section best things to do in a paragraph about widlife watching.
The rule of thumb is to keep distance.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
We've already mentioned that Banff town is one of the most popular places in the Rockies, and although the selection of accommodation options is wide, it is not the fact in the season, when most of the hotels are booked out.
Fortunately, Banff town is not the only place where you can stay in the park, and you can search for hostels and hotels in Lake Louise or Canmore. For more detailed information, read our guide on Where to Stay in Banff.
When rates are too high, you can even try your luck in Calgary, which is still within driving distance.
Same as anywhere else in the world, it is essential to make a room booking several months in advance, especially if you want to travel in July and August.
Here, we've selected the best hotels in Banff National Park and beyond.
Banff | Banff Inn - Perfectly located hotel is a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and functional facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Wonderful location with views of surrounding mountains, heated indoor pool, and modernly furnished rooms are the main reason why you should check out this hotel.
Canmore | Blackstone Mountain Lodge - This mountain resort has it all. Perfect views, it is easily accessible, and there are an outdoor pool and fitness center. In case this hotel is not available, try its sister hotel Stoneridge Mountain Resort.
Calgary | Aloft Calgary University - A modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with excellent service.
CAMPGROUNDS
Camping is a very popular way to spend a night in Banff National Park, so it deserves a separate section.
When we can, we always prefer camping in the Canadian mountains as it gives us a chance to reconnect with nature and this alternative is also cheaper.
Banff National Park offers its visitors both frontcountry and backcountry camping, and you only have to follow a few basic rules to enjoy staying in campgrounds; one of them is to be prepared for lower comfort and the ever-changing weather.
Although there are thousands of camping spots in the Banff area, that does not mean you do not have to make a booking. It is quite the opposite as spots fill up quickly, usually right after the booking site opens, especially for the most popular dates as long weekends.
At the moment, there are 14 campgrounds in Banff National Park, all campsites combined; we talk about whopping 2488 sites.
Most of them are opened only in the summer season, only Tunnel Mountain Village II and Lake Louise Trailer are opened all year round, but for winter camping, it is definitely necessary to consider an RV.
It is possible to choose a campsite based on facilities, but also based on location.
You can basically stay near Banff town, in the Bow Valley, closer to the Lake Louise area, and then also along Icefields Parkway.
If you are interested in camping in the Banff area or overall in the Canadian Rockies, feel free to get inspired by our guide to camping in the Canadian Rockies, where we talk about this experience more in detail.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
