Ultimate Banff National Park Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Embarking on a journey to Banff National Park can be the adventure of a lifetime, and with a little bit of preparation, you’ll be set to enjoy all the natural beauty this haven has to offer.
This travel guide helps ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, covering when to go, things to do, and where to stay once you arrive.
Weather in Banff
winter in banff national park
The weather can change a lot depending on the time and how high up you are. This means it’s hard to guess what the weather will be like in Banff.
Remember, mountains can make their own weather, so you should be ready for anything!
Typically, January is the coldest month averaging between 12 °F (-11 °C) at night and 23 °F (-5 °C) during the daytime, while July is the hottest at around 73 °F (23 °C).
Average Temperatures in Banff (Highs)
Best Time to Visit to Banff
LARCH VALLEY NEAR LAKE LOUISE
The ideal time for your Banff adventure can depend on what you’re eager to do. A visit during the shoulder season—May, September, and October—offers snowy landscapes and frozen lakes without the summer crowds.
Want to steer clear of the chilly weather? July and August offer warm, sunny days ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Here’s a simple guide that breaks down when is the best time to travel to Banff:
June – August (Summer)
In summer, Banff’s lakes are an emerald-green color and the valleys are filled with colorful wildflowers blooming. This is the most popular time for people to visit Banff.
If you don’t mind being around all the crowds, you’ll get to see amazing views of the mountain peaks.
The hiking and biking trails are also in great condition during summer, making it a perfect time for those activities.
September – November (Fall)
With most families returning home ready for the start of the school year, it’s highly recommended to visit Banff during the fall. The crowds of tourists are just a fraction of those seen during the peak season and most summer activities are still in full swing!
December – March (Winter)
Although you can expect snowfall almost every month in Banff, December to March is the height of the winter season and the best time to visit if you’re hoping for some thrills on the slopes.
Ski vacations are pretty popular during the winter but there is so much more to do in the mountains including dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
April – May (Spring)
May marks the end of the ski season in Banff and it can be the perfect time to catch the end-of-season bash and events.
The ski conditions are obviously variable — you might enjoy a huge dumping of fresh snow one day and have to weave through slush the next day.
If you’re not an avid skier, you can have some fun hiking with cleats or snowshoes and take in the awe-inspiring views of the white vistas.
When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?
In our opinion, the best time to visit Banff is during the shoulder season – you can snag irresistible deals in the fall when the demand is lower and the crowds are fewer!
How to Get to Banff
icefields parkway, alberta
Located about 80 miles (129 km) west of Calgary, traveling to Banff National Park is pretty straightforward.
There are lots of national and international flights checking in to Calgary’s International Airport and from here, you can purchase a bus ticket that takes you straight to Banff.
As another option is to rent a car — take Trans-Canada Highway 1 (accessible from the west of Calgary) and head straight to the park.
Or if you want to take all the hassle out of planning, you can always join a group tour to Banff.
How to Get Around Banff
driving down icefields parkway
Before you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, it’s important to know how to get around Banff National Park, understand the costs involved, and stay safe. Let’s jump into making your trip smooth and worry-free.
By Car
Exploring Banff by car undeniably offers you more flexibility when planning out your route.
It’s a great way to take in the beauty of the park at a leisurely pace while accessing parts of the park that would otherwise be hard to reach.
However, parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially in some of the most popular tourist spots.
By Bike
Alternatively, you can ditch the stress of parking and enjoy the many benefits that come with riding a bike.
Hop on your bike and weave your way to the Tunnel Mountain Drive, take in the views of Mount Rundle, Bow River, or aimlessly ride through the streets of the charming Downtown Banff.
Renting a bike will roughly cost you about $60 CAD a day for a mountain bike or $100 CAD a day for an e-bike.
By Walking
Banff National Park is massive but you don’t have to travel tens of miles to marvel at its beauty.
Some of the most famed sites, attractions, and hiking trails are accessible from the heart of the town which means you can explore them on foot.
Hop on Hop Off Bus
An excellent option if you’ve only got one day in Banff and want to check out all the highlights at your own pace.
The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass is valid for one day and will take you to all the major attractions, saving you time as you won’t have to look for parking.
Parks Canada Shuttle Bus
Better still, you can park your car in town and catch a shuttle bus offered by Parks Canada to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Lake O’Hara.
Banff National Park Entrance Fee
WELCOME SIGN AT BANFF NATIONAL PARK
For your visit to Banff National Park, a Parks Canada Pass is required and can be purchased in advance online or in person at select locations.
The park pass provides entry into multiple national parks, including Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Park.
The pass must be printed and displayed clearly on the left side of your car’s dashboard or else you run the risk of getting a ticket!
Day Pass
The daily park pass expires at 4 PM the following day.
It costs $11 CAD per adult (18-64) and $9.50 CAD for seniors (65+).
Youth that are 17 or under can access the park for free.
A $22 CAD family/group pass is available for groups up to 7 people that are visiting in one car.
Discovery Pass
The Discovery Pass provides access to the parks for one year and costs about $75 to $151 CAD, depending on if it’s for a single person or a group pass.
The added benefit of buying the Discovery Pass is that it also includes admission to national historic sites and marine conservation areas that are operated by Parks Canada (not included in the Day Pass).
Things to Do in Banff
bow lake, banff
There are so many activities to do and lots of attractions to visit in Banff!
Must-see attractions include:
- Take in the natural beauty at Lake Louise and hike to Agnes Tea House. Paddle in the lake or just soak in the views; Lake Louise never fails to stun.
- Taking a scenic drive through the Icefields Parkway
- Also featuring striking blue waters, Moraine Lake is surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Getting here early allows you to enjoy the serenity before the crowds arrive.
- Cave & Basin: There’s no better way to start your trip than at the historic site where it all started. Explore the amazing cave and hot spring then immerse yourself in the history of Banff.
- Go soaking in the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs
- For a panoramic view of the surrounding area, take a ride on the Banff Gondola. The summit offers walking trails and interpretive exhibits.
- Go canoeing and enjoy the tranquility at Vermilion Lakes
- Johnston Canyon is a great place to hike, with the most amazing waterfalls in the summer.
- Peyto Lake is the most gorgeous lake in Banff National Park. You’ve likely seen this view before but no picture can do it justice. Want to avoid the crowds and get an even better view? Take a hike via the Caldron Peak Trail.
- Almost any outdoor activity you can think of is available at Lake Minnewanka including fishing, kayaking, hiking, and biking with the most incredible surroundings.
- Make sure to check out the local artisan shops for unique Canadian souvenirs like hand-knitted woolen hats or maple syrup!
- Walk in the footsteps of the past at the Banff Park Museum. Capture how explorers and naturalists saw these lands over a century ago.
Where to Eat in Banff
Embarking on an adventure to Banff National Park isn’t just about the breathtaking scenery; it’s also a chance to indulge in local flavors!
Sky Bistro – Contemporary West Coast cuisine meets exceptional service paired with breathtaking views on the peak of Sulphur Mountain.
Eden – As soon as you step into Eden, the restaurant screams class and elegance. Sit down and you’ll be greeted with sublime views of Bow Valley and the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.
The food here is as remarkable as you’d expect, featuring the freshest west coast cuisine represented as art on a plate.
Chuck’s Steakhouse – Are you really experiencing Alberta at it’s fullest if you haven’t tried some famous Alberta beef? This is the best spot in Banff if you’re craving a mouth-watering steak.
Lakeview Lounge – This one is more about the experience than anything; unwind and feast on some delicious food on the most scenic patio in the world.
Where to Stay in Banff
FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAKE LOUISE
From cozy cabins to luxury hotels, Banff has a lot to offer. Plan early, as places get snapped up quickly!
Summer and winter are high seasons, so booking months in advance is wise to secure your spot.
Here are a few of the top hotels in Banff that are well-loved by past travelers:
For a luxurious stay, the famed Fairmont Château Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are great options.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are viable choices for mid-range accommodations.
The Juniper Hotel and Banff Inn are also great choices and rates can be cheaper during the shoulder season.
Banff Travel Tips
sunset in downtown banff
- If you don’t have time to drive the Icefields Parkway all the way to Jasper, you can take a 30-minute trip up the drive to have a taste and glimpse of the beauty the area has to offer.
- Regardless of the season, pack clothes for all types of weather. The weather conditions are unpredictable in Banff and it’s not unusual to experience really cold days or nights even during the summer.
- Are you on a tighter budget? You don’t have to stay at the throbbing heart of Banff to have an epic stay. Canmore town is a few miles from Banff National Park — equally charming and accommodation prices are much cheaper!
- Canoe rides can cost you a pretty penny — over $120 CAD per hour (but absolutely worth it).
Final Thoughts
With so much to do and so much information scattered across the internet, planning your Banff National Park vacation can get pretty overwhelming.
Hopefully, this travel guide has all you need to get the ball rolling on making your trip to the Canadian Rockies an unforgettable one!
