The Ultimate Guide to Your Banff National Park Trip

Location

Banff National Park is a stunning location in the Rocky Mountains of western Canada. Nestled in the province of Alberta, this park offers easy access to breathtaking views and plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to explore the mountains or just relax in nature, Banff National Park is a fantastic destination.
It is located east of Calgary and is close to Calgary International Airport.

The main town in this park is Banff, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. If you're looking to relax after a day of exploring the park or need to stock up on food or supplies for your next day out, Banff is the place to be.

It is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway. The Trans-Canada Highway spans across Canada, connecting all ten provinces, making it one of the longest routes of its kind in the world.

How to get to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is easily accessible from Calgary, which is a nearby city in Alberta. Here is how you can travel to Banff:

By Air

Banff National Park is a short drive from Calgary, the closest city and international airport. This means that it's popular for international travelers to fly into Calgary and then drive to Banff. From Calgary, it takes 1.5 hours to drive to Banff.

There are other ways to get to Banff National Park, such as through Edmonton and Vancouver. Both of these gateways have international airports, but they are much further away from the park itself. Edmonton is 360 kilometers (224 miles) away, while Vancouver is 836 kilometers (518 miles) away. Vancouver is an excellent option if you're looking for an extended road trip. Just keep in mind that there is plenty of driving to be done once you reach the park.

By Train

The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxurious passenger train that provides visitors with an unforgettable experience, allowing them to discover the wonders of British Columbia and Alberta. The train offers a unique way to see these provinces' natural beauty and landscapes while also traveling in comfort.

Some of the highlights of the journey include passing through the Fraser Canyon and Spiral Tunnels, traveling over Rogers Pass and the Kicking Horse Pass, and seeing Banff and Jasper National Parks.

By Car

If you're looking to explore the Rockies and Banff National Park, the best way to do it is by car. Not only will you save on transportation costs, but you'll also have the added flexibility to explore at your own leisure. There are several large car rental agencies located in Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton.

By Bus

When traveling to Banff from Calgary Airport, there are two shuttle bus services available - Banff Airporter and Brewster.

Banff Airporter is an excellent option if you're looking for an easy, hassle-free ride to your destination. They will take your luggage and escort you to the bus, and you'll be in Banff within 2 hours.

If you're looking for a more scenic route, Brewster offers shuttle services that travel through the Rocky Mountains, with plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the view.

Park Pass

Banff National Park is a government-funded park, and when you arrive, you will need to buy a pass. There are different types of passes - a day pass, which expires the day after you buy it, or a Discovery pass, good for an entire year.
If you plan to visit a lot and want to ski, camp, and more, the Discovery pass is the best value.

There are three different parks in this area, and each one has a day pass. The Banff park pass is $10 per adult, $8.50 per senior, and $20 per family (up to 7 people, one vehicle) per day.

The Discovery Pass is a great way to visit any National Park in Canada. For just $139.40, you can get a pass for one vehicle that will allow you access to all National Parks and historic sites. This is a great deal if you're planning on visiting Jasper Park along with Banff.

Best Time for Banff National Park

While the temperatures in Canada can range from rather chilly to downright cold, the summer months are still the most ideal time to visit.

Summer is the time of year when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore all that this region has to offer. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, though, as summer can still be quite chilly in this part of the world. This is despite the fact that you'll have to compete with hordes of tourists and might have to book your accommodations well in advance.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the rivers and lakes are perfect for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing. You can also go horseback riding, caving, and doing many other fun activities. There are many great combo tours available, so be sure to check them out!

Whichever season you choose to visit, be sure to pack warm clothing as the temperatures will likely be much colder than what you are used to.

If you're a skier, winter is definitely the season for you as the slopes will be covered in snow. However, keep in mind that securing a hotel room early is imperative, especially if you plan on traveling during the holidays.

While there are some beautiful sights to see during winter, such as ice walking in Johnson Canyon, you are likely to have more fun during the summer months. That being said, winter is still a great time to visit if you don't mind bundling up and braving the elements.

Best Things To Do In Banff National Park

No matter when you visit Banff National Park, there's always plenty to do. The town of Banff has a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, as well as museums, art galleries, and coffee shops. So whether you're looking for a fun night out or just some downtime, Banff has you covered.

There are many great slopes to ski on during the winter months, and you can also enjoy snowboarding down a mountain with views that will take your breath away! You can even take a sleigh ride through the snowy forests of Banff. All of these activities are sure to keep you warm and entertained during the winter months.

Banff National Park is a stunningly beautiful place, with hiking trails that lead to incredible waterfalls and pristine pools of glacial meltwater. The scenery is breathtaking, and there are plenty of reasons to love this park.

Here are some of them:

1. Explore the Lakes

Banff National Park is a place known for its stunning Canadian Rockies, but the lakes within the park are equally as beautiful and worth exploring. With their bright blue waters and tranquil surroundings, these lakes make for a perfect stop on any visit to Banff. Here are some of the awesome lakes to check out:

Moraine Lake - Moraine Lake is one of the most popular lakes in the park, and it's easy to see why. The incredible views will leave you speechless, and the lake is simply beautiful. If you're looking for a fantastic hike, check out Larch Valley in the fall when the trees turn orange. Just be careful and keep an eye out for grizzly bears!

Lake Louise - Lake Louise is definitely a popular spot in Banff National Park. The lake's unique color is well-known, and there are plenty of hiking trails and activities to enjoy year-round. If you're visiting during the summer, rent a canoe and explore the lake from all angles. In winter, bring your skates or cross country skis and take advantage of the frozen water.

Peyto Lake - This famous glacier-fed lake is a great place to take photos. The blue color is due to the rock flour that flows into it during the summer. If you're looking to visit this beautiful location, it's easily accessible via the Icefields Parkway - known as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

These are just a few of the great lakes in Banff National Park. If you have extra time, be sure to check out some of the other famous lakes, including Bow Lake and Lake Minnewanka.

2. Take a Gondola Ride

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Banff National Park? Take a ride on the highest gondola in Canada – it travels over 698 meters (2292 feet) and takes only eight minutes to reach the summit! This is definitely one of those "must-do" activities in the park.

Banff's Gondola provides an unforgettable experience, with stunning views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley from the Sulphur Mountain peak. It's a fantastic opportunity to see this natural beauty up close!

While at the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can walk the Boardwalk. Wooden staircases lead to an observation deck with 360° views. Inside, visitors can find the Sky Bistro, which offers an exceptional mountaintop meal.

The Above Banff interpretive center is perfect for families, with interactive exhibits, videos, and activities.

3. Hike

Banff National Park is home to many beautiful hiking trails, and there are some that you don't want to miss. The following are some of the most popular hikes in the park.

Lake Agnes - The Lake Agnes hike from Lake Louise is one of the favorite hikes in Banff National Park. It's an easy walk-up that takes about an hour, and the views of Lake Agnes from the teahouse are absolutely incredible. If you're looking for a peaceful place to rest your legs and take in some stunning scenery, the Lake Agnes Teahouse is definitely worth a visit!

Johnston Canyon - At Johnston Canyon, you can witness some of the most captivating natural wonders that Banff National Park has to offer. There are two trails at this location, Upper Falls and Lower Falls. Both are perfect for beginners!

Cory Pass - If you're looking for a challenging adventure, Cory Pass Loop is the perfect trail for you. With stunning views and difficult terrain, it's sure to take your breath away. It's an unforgettable experience that you're sure to love.

These are just a few of the beautiful hiking trails in Banff National Park. Each trail offers something unique, and there's plenty to see and do all year-round.

4. Go Rafting

The best way to explore Banff National Park is by a rafting trip down the Bow River. As you drift along, you'll be treated to majestic views of Sleeping Buffalo, Cascade, and Tunnel Mountains. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to come back for more!

The Bow River has gentle rapids that are perfect for first-timers. There are several tours to choose from, so you can go at your own pace and be sure to enjoy every moment. You can also find a "freestyle tour" that gives you the freedom to go wherever your heart desires.

5. Bathe in hot water springs

If you have never taken a bath in natural hot water pouring out of a massive rock while snow falls on you, you haven't been to Banff National Park. It's a surreal experience that is definitely worth trying at least once in your life. The nine springs in the area are all pretty nice, but the one coming out of Sulfur Mountain is pure magic.

Banff Upper Hot Springs offer a one-of-a-kind experience, being the highest in Canada at an elevation of 1585 meters. The average water temperatures are blissful, 37 to 40 degrees Celcius, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

You can relax in the natural hot water in the evening while looking up at the stars. You'll forget that you're even in Banff, which is why it's so special.

6. Try Horseback Riding

The best way to explore Banff National Park is along the mountainous terrain on a horse! The beautiful mountains and valleys will take your breath away while riding a horse, and you'll be able to experience Banff in a way that only a few get to see.

The best part about trail riding into the Rockies is that you won't have to walk a single step; the horses will take you deep into nature and show you some of the most stunning views you've ever seen.

There are so many beautiful ways to explore Banff National Park. A leisurely stroll along the picturesque Bow River is a great way to spend an hour, or why not saddle up for a horseback ride through the stunning scenery? It's a fantastic way to experience all that this fantastic park has to offer.

7. Go Skiing

Skiing in Banff National Park is a fantastic experience that you'll never forget. The pristine snow, the beautiful mountains, and the exhilarating downhill runs will have you coming back for more.

With so many slopes to choose from, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find a run that's perfect for you.

Banff National Park is a skier's paradise, with world-renowned ski resorts situated among some of the most picturesque mountains in the world. From November to May, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in some of the longest seasons in North America.

These are the three major ski resorts located in Banff National Park: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. You can find tons of tours that take you up into the mountains to enjoy the snow-covered slopes.

8. Stroll Through Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Banff National Park is a place of history and wonder. At Cave & Basin National Historic Site, you can learn all about how Banff came to be one of the world's most famous national parks. Cave & Basin is a must-see for anyone visiting Banff with its museum, guided tours of the naturally warm mineral springs, and beautiful emerald-hued basins. Cave & Basin is a must-see for anyone visiting Banff.

It is also home to rare and endangered snails in their natural environment, as well as interactive displays, interpretive walks, and informative panels describing the World War 1 internment camp that was once located here. If you're looking for an unforgettable nature experience, this is the place to be!

Places To Stay In Banff National Park

For those looking to stay in the national park, there are a variety of hotels and resorts. Most hotels and resorts offer great package deals that include spa treatments, gourmet food, and the use of some incredible facilities.
There are also more secluded accommodation options for those looking to spend some time away from city life. Whether you're looking for a rustic tent to pitch under a canopy of stars, a cozy log cabin nestled deep in the woods, or a retreat by the riverbanks, there's something for everyone.

Here are some of the best ones:

1. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

If you're looking to experience true luxury, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada's most iconic hotels. Sitting atop beautiful Sulphur Mountain, this hotel has been accommodating guests since 1888 and offers stunning views of Mount Rundle, Bow Falls, and the Bow Valley.

Their guests can take advantage of the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pool, and much more. There is something for everyone at this beautiful resort with unique restaurants and lounges like the Vermillion Room, 1888 Chophouse, Ramsay Bar, and Waldhaus Pub & Biergarten.

The best to experience this hotel is to stay in one of their luxury suites. With spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring incredible amenities like custom furniture, luxurious linens, and stunning views, you'll find yourself never wanting to leave the comfort of your elegant room.

2. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an iconic hotel in the Canadian Rockies, with expansive views of Lake Louise and easy access to hiking and biking trails all year long.

It's the perfect destination for an exclusive vacation, with plenty of activities to keep you busy and comfortable accommodations for a relaxing stay. Their guests can enjoy early boat rentals before the crowds of tourists arrive by the busload and take in all the natural beauty Banff National Park has to offer.

The Chateau Lake Louise is a place where dreams come true. This hotel provides guests with easy access to the most beautiful sunrises in Banff National Park.

As the morning sun rises, guests of the Chateau Lake Louise are treated to some of the most beautiful views in Banff National Park. The rustling of the leaves and the gentle sounds of nature provide the perfect backdrop for a morning hike to nearby Lake Agnes Teahouse. If an excursion is more your style, Moraine Lake is just a short shuttle ride away.
Banff National Park is where you can find the magic all around you. This park has something for everyone, with towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful hikes, family-friendly activities, and romantic getaways year-round. So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to add Banff National Park to your list.