The Ultimate Guide to Banff National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, just under 100 miles from Calgary. This spectacular park stretches over 2,564 square miles of mountains, ice fields, striking lakes, scenic valleys, rivers, forests, and meadows. Each year, Banff National Park attracts over 4 million visitors who want to explore and discover all the park offers.

How To Get to Banff National Park

Where Is Banff National Park?

Banff National Park is located in Alberta, about 90 minutes outside of Calgary along the TransCanada Highway. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors for traveling to Banff National Park.

The Airports Nearest to Banff National Park

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest international airport to Banff National Park. Flying into Calgary is the easiest way to get to Banff.

This airport is served by popular airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, and WestJet. Once arriving at the airport, renting a car to drive the remainder of the way is the best and easiest option.

Driving to Banff National Park

Most travelers visiting Banff National Park arrive from Calgary. The main highway, the TransCanada Highway, is the road that will lead you to the national park. Guests coming from Vancouver or other areas have a variety of ways to get to the park, some of which include utilizing the Icefield Parkway or Highway 93.

Taking the Brewster Express to Banff National Park

If you prefer to have someone else take over driving duties, taking the Brewster Express coach will get you straight from the airport to the town where you are staying.

The Brewster Express has luxury seating, large picture windows, and complimentary Wi-Fi to give travelers every amenity needed for a stress-free, relaxing journey. This service has reasonable travel fees to and from the park, with the bonus of kids ages 6 and under riding for free.

Taking the Train to Banff National Park

For those wanting to travel to Banff by train, Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail can take travelers to Jasper, north of Banff. It is possible to rent a car from Jasper or transfer to another rail service to get to Banff.

Getting Around Banff National Park

The best way to explore Banff National Park is in your personal vehicle. Driving allows you to set your own pace for park explorations and not feel rushed by timelines and schedules.

The town of Banff also has a transit system for those who prefer to let someone else do the driving. This transit system is called Roam Transit. Roam Transit takes guests around the town of Banff and to several top attractions, including Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Banff Gondola.

Banff can also be explored on foot. Banff National Park is vast and has many hikes and sights to explore. Several trails, such as the Hoodoo Trail, Sulphur Mountain, and Sundance Canyon, can be hiked.

Bicycling is another way to explore Banff. Biking up Tunnel Mountain Drive and cycling the Sundance Canyon Access Road provides opportunities to make memories and sneak in a workout. There are rental bikes available in town if you do not bring your own bicycle.

What To See and Do in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is brimming with opportunities for each season of the year. From hiking, fishing, and rock climbing to skiing, ice-skating, and snowboarding, you can expect your Banff trip to be filled with excitement and activities. Let’s dive deep and see what Banff National Park has to offer.

Banff Gondola

One of the most popular things to do while visiting Banff National Park is a ride on the Banff Gondola. The Banff Gondola takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain where they can see breathtaking views of the park, grab a meal at one of the fantastic restaurants, and listen to live music.

The gondola cabins hold 4 guests and travels an 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain — a 7,486-elevation gain. The ride provides panoramic 360-degree views of the stunning mountains, forest, and striking blue sky.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the gondola online, which is recommended. Buying in advance reserves your preferred date and time and gives you cheaper pricing options.

General admission for the gondola costs CA$55 per adult or CA$27.50 per child. There are also discounts for local admission and family packages.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs is Canada’s highest-elevation operational hot springs. This incredible geothermal attraction is found near the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Hot Springs are 5,200 feet above sea level, and this area is the perfect place to take in Banff National Park’s stunning views.

The Hot Springs are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and entry to the Hot Springs is first-come, first-served. Reservations and tickets are not available.

While visiting the upper Hot Springs area, visitors enjoy picnicking on the deck overlooking the Upper Hot Springs or hiking to the peak of Sulphur Mountain. Should hunger strike, Banff Upper Hot Springs Café is great for grabbing a quick coffee or meal. This area also has swimming pools and a gift shop.

Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic highway that runs parallel to the TransCanada highway through Banff National Park. This parkway runs from the town of Banff to Lake Louise.

This scenic road has plenty of places for taking in incredible views, hiking, and picnicking. Wildlife is plentiful in this area, and the chances of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat are excellent here, especially if visiting during the early morning or at the end of the day.

Bow Valley Parkway is an extremely popular road for cyclists. Be on the lookout for cyclists and follow speed limits to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

For over 10,000 years, Cave and Basin has been a notable place for indigenous people. In 1883, the thermal springs were discovered by 3 railway workers. This discovery led to the creation of Banff National Park.

Cave and Basin is where visitors can learn about conservation and the history of the land and people in Banff and other national protected areas.

Bottom Line: This park area features interactive exhibits, seasonal activities, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is situated centrally in Banff National Park. This spectacular hotel is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Fairmont is world-famous and stands as a landmark in the alpine town of Banff, Alberta.

Lovingly nicknamed the “Castle in the Rockies,” the Fairmont has provided stellar hospitality to visitors for over 130 years. This massive hotel has world-class amenities with 745 guest rooms and suites, superior accommodations, and personalized service so guests can enjoy a luxury resort stay.

On top of luxury accommodations and amenities, this hotel has a golf course, an on-site spa, sponsored activities for guests of all ages and stages in life, and an incredible in-house restaurant and bar. Whether staying in this beautiful hotel or just stopping by to see how spectacular it is, Fairmont Banff Springs is truly a sight to behold.

Helicopter Rides

A helicopter ride is a spectacular way to view Banff National Park’s natural scenery. Taking a helicopter ride will provide you with views of the incredible glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and majestic mountains of Banff National Park.

Several different types of helicopter rides are available at Banff National Park, each lasting anywhere from 30 to 55 minutes long.

Hiking Through the Park

With over 1,000 miles of hiking trails available in Banff National Park, you have extensive options when it’s time to hit the trail. Some popular hikes include the Grassi Lakes hike, the Rockpile Trail, Tunnel Mountain, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, and the Vermilion Lake hiking trails. There are trails available for every skill level.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a scenic canyon located in Banff National Park that features rushing waterfalls and mesmerizing pools. This canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock by thousands of years of erosion.

The canyon is an incredible attraction at Banff National Park. The most popular times to visit Johnston Canyon are during the summer and winter.

Visiting this area allows spectacular views of the overhanging canyon walls and the lush forest that surrounds the area. There are many viewpoints where you can look over the canyon and down into the deep blue Johnston Creek below. Several trails lead through the canyon, the creek, and the forest.

Johnston Canyon is one of the most accessible areas of the park for visitors of all ages who want to see the stunning natural beauty in Banff National Park. This site can be accessed by private vehicle or utilizing the Roam Transit Route 9.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a world-famous lake in Banff National Park. This stunning lake is known for its bright turquoise waters, the nearby Victoria Glacier, and the mountains in the background.

Visitors enjoy various activities in this park area, such as hiking, lake tours, canoeing, and horseback riding. Winter at Lake Louise is a fantastic location for snowshoeing, skiing, ice climbing, ice skating, and sleigh rides.

Lake Louise also has exquisite lodging for guests looking for a luxurious, memorable stay. One of the most popular lodging facilities in the park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, is located in this area.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a striking glacial lake known for its vibrant turquoise color. This lake is found in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is surrounded by mountains, rock piles, and waterfalls. Lake Moraine seems as if it was taken from a picture book and offers visitors plenty of activities, including canoeing, hiking, gondola rides to the top of the mountains, and horseback riding.

Norquay Lookout

Norquay Lookout is located about a 10-minute drive from Banff. This lookout is a free alternative to the Banff Gondola.

Norquay Lookout offers incredible views, especially when the sun is setting. This lookout is located on Mount Norquay and towers over the town of Banff. Sights seen from this lookout include the Bow Valley, the Canadian Rockies, and the charming town of Banff.

Bottom Line: This Norquay Lookout provides excellent views at sunset and is a magical place for stargazing at night.

Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. This mountain was named for its 2 sulfurous hot springs on its lower slopes. From the summit of Sulphur Mountain, visitors can take in 360-degree views of 6 different mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff.

This summit can be reached by a scenic gondola ride or a hike. The summit ridge is where several restaurants, observation decks, hiking trails, and interpretive boardwalks are located. A little further above the summit ridge, visitors can visit the Cosmic Ray Station and the Old Weather Station and take a journey back in time and learn about the local history of this area.

Other features and activities on Sulphur Mountain include the Banff Upper Hot Springs pool, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and hiking opportunities that end in jaw-dropping views of the Bow Valley and the town of Banff, the turquoise lakes, flowing rivers, and the vast valley below.

Town of Banff

The town of Banff is found in Banff National Park. This resort town is one of Canada‘s most popular tourist destinations. It is well-known for its gorgeous mountains and Hot Springs. The town of Banff is a place for adventurers to participate in outdoor sports, with excellent hiking, biking, skiing, and rock scrambling opportunities.

The historic downtown area of Banff is filled with gourmet restaurants, lively bars, and unique shops. There is also a wide variety of art galleries and museums. This charming town has something for everyone to enjoy right in the heart of Banff National Park.

Winter Sports

Banff National Park is the ultimate location for winter sports. Whether you enjoy a simple snowy stroll through the streets of Banff, skiing and snowboarding down freshly groomed runs, or ice-skating on the frozen lake, there’s a magical winter experience for everyone to enjoy in Banff National Park.

Some of the most popular winter sports include skiing and snowboarding at one of the 3 ski resorts in Banff National Park. These snowy areas have different skill levels for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Sleigh rides are another popular activity to enjoy in the snow. Visitors love taking in the sights and scenery while snuggling up on a sleigh ride through the town of Banff and around Lake Louise.

Snowshoeing is a unique way to explore Banff and the surrounding areas. There are plenty of opportunities for guided snowshoe tours or self-guided snowshoe tours. The most popular sites to hike through include Marsh Loop, the Ink Pots, and Bow Valley. Snowshoeing is a unique way to view the wildlife and winter landscapes in Banff National Park.

Other winter activities include tubing and cross-country skiing; for extreme winter adventurers, ice climbing is available.

The Best Times To Visit Banff National Park

Banff National Park has a neverending list of activities and attractions to explore during your park stay. Depending on what activities you want to participate in, some times are better than others for your visit. Let’s look at the best times to visit Banff National Park for different activities.

The Best Time To Visit Banff National Park in the Winter

Winter is a magical time in Banff National Park. For those who want the ultimate winter experience, the best time to visit Banff National Park is at the end of November or late January.

The Best Time To Visit Banff National Park To Avoid the Crowds

For those wanting to visit Banff National Park with fewer crowds, the best times to visit are in the spring and fall. Banff has 2 peak seasons with higher tourist numbers, so avoiding a visit from July through August and December through January will help you beat the crowds.

Bottom Line: Exploring the park with fewer crowds is an incredible way to enjoy your visit and appreciate all that Banff National Park has to offer.

The Best Time To Visit Banff National Park for Wildlife

Wildlife is plentiful in Banff National Park. Bow Valley Parkway is one of the most popular places for viewing wildlife, and you have a great chance of seeing deer, coyotes, elk, wolves, and bears in this area. The best time to watch the animals who make their home in this park are spring, fall, and winter.

The Cheapest Time To Visit Banff National Park

Visiting from April to May or September to November are the cheapest times to visit Banff National Park. These months are when you will find the best rates on lodging, resort packages, outdoor activities, and travel expenses. These are the off-season months when fewer tourists are exploring the park.

Annual Events in Banff National Park

Banff National Park hosts various events throughout the year that bring visitors from all over the world. Whatever your interests may be, from nature to adventure, filmography to art, Banff National Park has spectacular events planned that are sure to impress you. Let’s delve into some of this incredible park’s most popular annual events.

Banff Craft Beer Festival

Every November, visitors come to “The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival,” which is held at Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

This event features beer sampling from local Alberta breweries and incredible dishes from the local pubs and restaurants, all with a remarkable backdrop featuring views of the Canadian Rockies and glacial lakes. Craft beer enthusiasts are sure to remember this festival for years to come.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

The Banff Mountain Film Festival takes place each fall, either in October or November. This event began in 1976 and continues to be popular.

This festival is comprised of competitions and presentations centering around mountain culture, sports in the environment, and documentaries. The event hosts a variety of workshops for those who may be interested in adventure photography and wilderness writing.

Canada Day

July 1st is a special day that the entire country celebrates. Celebrating in Banff National Park is truly an event to be remembered. Each year, a parade is held downtown that features a central market with over 50 vendors and an ongoing list of family-friendly activities.

Ice Magic Festival

The Ice Magic Festival is held each year in January on Lake Louise. This ice carving event is a 9-day festival featuring art from artists worldwide. Those who come during this magical time can explore ice castles, ice bars, and a variety of other ice creations showcased at Fairmont Chateau.

Where To Stay in Banff National Park

There is a vast array of places to stay when visiting Banff National Park. This national park is unique in that an entire town is located inside the property of the park.

The town of Banff is an obvious choice for those visiting the park as it has a host of hotels, restaurants, breweries, and activities readily available for all visitors.

Not only is the town an option, but there are also other accommodations found inside the park. A small village near Lake Louise is another popular option for those traveling to this national park.

The Town of Banff

The town of Banff is located inside Banff National Park and offers travelers incredible accommodations while visiting this remarkable park. This charming resort town of 8,000 is surrounded by the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascades, both part of the Rocky Mountains.

On Banff Avenue, visitors will find boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Staying in the town of Banff is the most popular choice for lodging when visiting this park.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located in the town of Banff and is a luxury mountain resort that offers superior accommodations and activities. This enchanting resort has 745 guest rooms and suites for guests to choose from.

Fairmont Banff Springs is in the perfect location for those who want to explore the charming town of Banff and the nearby attractions. 

Several restaurants are on the property, including an Italian restaurant, a steakhouse, and gourmet dining rooms. The resort also offers private dining experiences in exclusive areas of each restaurant or its unique glass 360-degree dome.

Fairmont Banff Springs is lovingly nicknamed Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” and has provided exceptional hospitality to guests for over 130 years. The hotel offers various services, such as a concierge, fitness and aquatic center, childcare, and business services.

The Fairmount Banff Springs Golf Course is a big draw to golf enthusiasts. The on-site Willow Stream Spa is a popular place for visitors to receive services like deep tissue massage therapy and signature facials. The hotel also offers a variety of activities centered around sports, adventure, and culture.

Moose Hotel

Moose Hotel is located in the town of Banff and is an excellent option for those seeking a lovely stay at a great cost. This hotel is designed in a chalet style and has a spa center and on-site bar.

The Moose Hotel is within walking distance of all the restaurants, cafés, and bars. The hotel offers incredible amenities, including rooftop hot tubs, an indoor spa, a gym, and room service.

Lake Louise

The Lake Louise area is like stepping into a painting with the mountains and turquoise lake surrounding you. Many people choose to lodge in the Lake Louise area for its easy access to the lake and hiking trails. It’s ideal lodging for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The location has several restaurants and 1 pub and is calm and quiet compared to the livelier town of Banff.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Château Lake Louise is one of the top hotels in Canada and the only hotel right on the shore of Lake Louise. This hotel was originally a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists 100 years ago but has since transformed into a luxury mountain resort.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has remarkable services and facilities, such as a health club, hair salon, full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pools, and several fine dining establishments.

The hotel offers incredible programs and activities such as guided mountain tours, scenic hiking and canoe activities, a kids’ camp, luxury spa, and world-class skiing in the winter.

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows is another lodging facility in the Lake Louise area. This hotel is the perfect area for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The lodge has become well known for its friendly hospitality and service. This family-run business has served park visitors for the past 50 years. The facilities have recently been updated to provide contemporary comfort and convenience to all its guests.

The lodge and bungalows offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forest. The historic main lodge is a great area to view the flower gardens and the Canadian Rockies in the background.

Where To Eat in Banff National Park

Banff National Park has many restaurants for visitors to choose from. From steak houses to southwestern grills, Indian cuisine, and home cooking, one thing you won’t have to worry about is going hungry. Your hardest decision may be figuring out which restaurants to try. Let’s look at some of the top restaurants in Banff National Park.

Eden

Eden is a French restaurant in the Rimrock Resort Hotel and one of the top restaurants in Banff National Park. For more than 10 years, Eden has received the AAA/CAA Five Diamond award for its French-inspired menu. The restaurant also boasts stunning views of Rundle Mountain and Spray Valley, which makes for an incredible meal with a view.

Farm & Fire

Farm & Fire is located in the town of Banff and is a modern restaurant serving farm-to-table specialties. This restaurant is also known for its specialty cocktails and happy hour specials.

Farm & Fire has an impressive menu that features the freshest ingredients from local Canadian farmers. Its claim to fame is that it brings out the natural flavors Mother Nature intended because it slow roasts its food and cooks it over a wood fire.

La Terrazza

La Terrazza is an Italian restaurant located in Banff Park Lodge. This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and features a menu using locally-sourced ingredients.

La Terrazza has incredible dishes and offers stunning, panoramic views from Sulphur Mountain to Mount Norquay from its massive windows and glass ceiling. Whether you’re looking for a place for a gourmet dinner or a cozy place to end the day with a glass of wine and views, this is the place to be.

The Maple Leaf

The Maple Leaf is an iconic landmark in the heart of downtown Banff. It serves Canadian fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. The menu features top-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and wild game dishes.

Bottom Line: For those looking for an ideal place for a romantic evening or celebrating a special occasion, The Maple Leaf has a cozy, intimate atmosphere with private rooms available for special events.

Banff National Park Facts

1. It’s Canada’s First National Park

Banff National Park was established in 1887 and is the country’s first national park. Originally, the park was named the Rocky Mountains Park but received a new name in 1930 under the National Park Act.

2. It’s the World’s Only National Park with a Distillery

Park Distillery is located in Banff National Park and is a top spot for dinner or grabbing a drink with friends and loved ones. Visitors love stopping by for a tasting or to shop in the on-site gift shop for tasty souvenirs to take home. No other national park in the world has a distillery.

3. It Has a Scottish Name

Banff National Park was initially called Rocky Mountains Park. In 1930, the park received a new name. The president of the Canadian Pacific Railway chose the park’s name after his Scottish homeland, Banffshire.

4. You Can See Turquoise Waters

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, along with all the other lakes in Banff National Park, have striking turquoise waters that take your breath away. There’s a reason for these bright blue pools of water, and there’s also a popular urban legend.

The legend is that someone drained the lakes and painted the lake beds, but the real reason these lakes are so striking in color is that they are filled with glacial runoff.

The lakes are filled with fine deposits of rock flour that come from the glaciers as they melt. Once the rock flour settles, it refracts the sunlight, which results in the bright turquoise water that seems to glow, especially in the summer.

5. It Started From Small Beginnings

Banff National Park started as a 25 square kilometers reserve around Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs that the Dominion of Canada established. Today, the park stretches over 6,641 square kilometers and is the second largest of Canada‘s mountain parks.

6. Mount Forbes Is the Highest Peak

The highest mountain found in Banff National Park is Mount Forbes. This mountain stands at 3,612 meters.

7. You Can Study the Stars

Sulpher Mountain is home to 2 research facilities. In 1903, a meteorological observatory was built on the peak of Sulphur Mountain. From 1956 to 1957, the “International Geophysical Year,” the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station was created to study cosmic rays.

This site was declared a National Historic Site of Canada. Today, visitors can explore the building by walking around it and looking through the windows.

8. It’s Home to Many Indigenous People

The Banff National Park area has been home to numerous indigenous groups for over 10,000 years. The park is situated on the territories of many groups, including the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Bearspaw and the Blackfoot Confederacy of Siksika. Today, visitors to the park can learn about the cultural history from local experts and historians.

9. It’s Home to Hundreds of Glaciers

Hundreds of glaciers in Banff National Park are believed to be between 45 and 120 million years old. The number of glaciers is decreasing. From Icefields Parkway, it is possible to see nearly 100 glaciers. Some famous glaciers include Peyto, Bow, Crowfoot, and Athabasca.

10. A Legendary Man Lived in Banff

Bill Peyto was a famous introvert that is very well-known around Banff National Park. He was a legendary pioneer, guide, and park warden in Banff National Park. You can see his face on the welcome signs and in the saloon when you enter the park.

Stories about Bill Peyto have been passed around for decades. Some of these stories include rumors that he raised cougar kittens in a cabin through the winter. At the same time, another legend talks about him walking into the bar with a live lynx on his back to scare people away.

11. Banff Gondola Is the First and Only Canadian Bi-cable Gondola

The Banff Gondola officially opened in July 1959. This gondola was the first and remains the only bi-cable gondola in the entire country of Canada. The Banff Gondola offers sweeping 360-degree views and a calm ride up Sulphur Mountain. The ride takes about 8 minutes in each direction, and the track is approximately 1 mile long.

12. It Features Canada’s Longest Cave

Banff National Park is home to the longest cave in the entire country of Canada. Castleguard Cave begins at the park’s northern end and stretches over 66,700 feet. This cave is not only the longest in the country but also one of the deepest caves, measuring 1,260 feet deep.

13. It’s Home to an Endangered Species

The woodland caribou, also known as reindeer, is at risk of becoming extinct in Canada and is endangered across the entire continent of North America. It’s estimated that fewer than a couple hundred caribou remain in Banff National Park. Plans are in place to re-introduce more caribou into the park to keep this animal from becoming extinct.

14. You’ll See Ancient Mountains

The mountains in Banff National Park vary in age. It’s believed that many of the mountains in the park are between 145 and 600 million years old. Some of these mountains date back to the pre-Cambrian era, the earliest geologic age.

Final Thoughts

Banff National Park is spectacular for those who love history, nature, and culture. It’s one of Canada’s most scenic national parks and has something to offer to every visitor.

Each year, Banff National Park brings in over 4 million visitors who want to explore this incredible land. Spending time in this national park will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime and sites that can’t be seen from any other location in the world.