The best tips & things to do in Banff National Park

Banff is known for its bright blue lakes, high mountain peaks and lots of wildlife. What are the best things to do in Banff National Park? Check out these tips!

Table of contents hide

1 About Banff

2 Visiting Banff National Park: practical information

3 The best things to do in Banff National Park

4 The best hikes in Banff

5 Where to stay in Banff National Park

6 Book a trip to Canada

7 Read more about Canada

About Banff

Banff National Park in Canada is one of the most spectacular national parks in the world. It has spectacular mountain landscapes and crystal clear bright blue and green lakes. In between you will find endless forests filled with wildlife such as moose and bears. Not surprisingly, the oldest national park (established in 1885) attracts millions of visitors each year. Along with the other national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

I visited Banff in the summer of 2024 and it’s one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited. The natural beauty is out of this world. But, this also attracts crowds. You will not be the only tourist here. But if you know when to be where, it’s not so bad and you can enjoy the best places in the park at more quiet times. In this blog post, I’ll share practical tips as well as the best things to do in Banff. Enjoy!

Hikers on a rock in the water in Banff National Park

Visiting Banff National Park: practical information

Let’s start with some practical information about Banff. How to get there, how much does it cost and – not least – how to avoid the crowds.

How to get to Banff National Park?

Banff is located in the Canadian province of Alberta, about 120 kilometers from Calgary. Just follow the Trans Canada Highway west and you’ll automatically drive into Banff.

In addition, you can also reach Banff from Jasper to the north (via the Icefields Parkway) and Golden to the west (Trans Canada Highway).

It is easiest to have a rental car or RV, but you can also visit Banff by bus. For example, the company Flixbus goes from Calgary to the town of Banff. From Banff, you can take different spots back to other places in the park. Check out this page for more information.

Opening hours

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Visitor Centers

Banff National Park has two major visitor centers. One in downtown Banff and one in Lake Louise (the town, not the lake). There is also a smaller information kiosk in Banff’s train station.

It is always helpful to stop by a visitor center. The rangers always give up-to-date information and can also tell you exactly what you can best do in the park in the time you have.

During the summer months, the visitor centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check this page for addresses and the most recent opening hours.

The best travel time for Banff

You can visit Banff year-round, but the best period to visit the park is from (late) June through September. This is when most of the roads and trails are open, you have the longest days, and you can simply see most of the park. However, this is also the busiest time in the park, so plan your visit well.

Snow at Lake Louise — I visited Banff in late June and at that time there was sometimes even still some snow on and next to the hiking trails.

What does a visit to Banff cost?

Visiting Banff National Park costs CA$11 per person per day. Children under the age of 18 may visit the park for free and there is a discounted rate for seniors (65+).

Tip! Do you spend a lot of time in the parks and plan to visit several of them? Then it’s highly recommended to purchase a Discovery Pass. This is valid for a year in all of the Canadian National Parks and costs CA$151.25 for a family/group or CA$75.25 if you are traveling alone.

Check this page for the latest information regarding entrance fees to Banff National Park.

Tips on how to avoid the crowds in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is perhaps the most popular place in Canada and it can get incredibly crowded in some places. The best way to avoid the crowds in Banff is to plan smart and keep the following tips in mind:

Come early or late in the season: The high season in Banff runs from June to September. By going in May or October, you’ll avoid the peak crowds and enjoy lower prices for accommodations.
Prefer weekdays to weekends: Weekends also tend to be a lot busier than weekdays.
Visit popular spots at sunrise: Getting up early is rewarded in Banff. At sunrise, you have the most popular sites, such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, almost to yourself. Plus, the morning light is perfect for photography.
Arrive early: Ok, I get that you don’t want to go out before sunrise every day on your vacation, but getting up early is still the best tip. If you’re at the popular spots around 8 am, you’re still early (except maybe at Lake Louise). It usually gets really crowded after 9 a.m., and from then on it will be more difficult to find parking.
Go hiking on quieter trails: While everyone else is crowding the busy trails, you can find the peace and quiet on lesser-known, or just the longer trails. For example, I personally hiked beyond the falls in Johnston Canyon, and the further I got, the quieter it was. Yum yum! Ask at the visitor centers for recommendations for leisurely hikes that suit your skill level.
Take advantage of shuttle buses: During peak season, you can use shuttle buses to reach popular destinations, such as Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka. This way you avoid stress and parking problems. There are some shuttle buses you need to book early, as they fill up quickly. These include those to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Check BanffNow for real-time updates: BanffNow is a special website where you can see exactly where it is currently crowded and which parking spaces are full. Very convenient!

Shuttle buses at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park — Shuttle buses are a convenient way to get around Banff.

The best things to do in Banff National Park

So, now you’ve had all the practical tips. Time for the best sights, because Banff has an abundance of natural treasures. These are some of the highlights you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the park.

Lake Louise

This iconic lake with turquoise water with the snow-capped mountains in the background is an absolute highlight of your visit to Banff. You can rent a canoe to explore the lake from the water or take a scenic walk along its shores.

Good to know: Lake Louise is extremely popular and the parking lot is full almost all day.
It’s best to book a shuttle bus or rent a bike. Still want to go by car? Keep in mind the parking fee, which is CA$36.75.

Want to see the lake from a different angle? Then climb up via one of the many hiking trails, for example toward Lake Agnes with its legendary Tea House. The views are magnificent and Lake Agnes is also amazingly beautiful.

Moraine Lake

Many people think Lake Louise is the most beautiful lake in Banff, but I found Moraine Lake even more beautiful. This lake is less easily accessible (you can’t go there by car, only by shuttle bus or bike) and is tucked away in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The view from the Rock Pile Trail is breathtaking, and the color of the lake is an incredible sight.

You can hike along the lake shore, but if you want to avoid the crowds a bit, the hike to Consolation Lakes is also highly recommended. This one is about three kilometers and then you’ll end up at another stunning mountain lake. The trail ends at a big pile of rocks, so to get closer to the lake you have to do some climbing and scrambling. Nice adventure with a wonderful reward.

Icefields Parkway

This 232 km road connects Lake Louise to Jasper and offers a succession of impressive glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks along the way. Half of the road falls under Banff National Park and the other under Jasper National Park.

The first 118 kilometers are part of Banff National Park and filled with highlights. For example, you can check out Bow Lake and the world-famous Peyto Lake (another improbably beautiful color). Other scenic spots include Mistaya Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife, like moose, bears, elk, and mountain goats.

Johnston Canyon

For me personally, Johnston Canyon was the biggest surprise in Banff. I had not read much about this (my mistake, because it is indeed one of the most popular spots in the park) and was really impressed by this natural beauty.

You hike through a gorge with a couple of big gurgling waterfalls. You’ll walk right along the rock face, sometimes over a bridge hanging above the fast-flowing river. The moss-covered rocks create a mysterious atmosphere. Incredibly beautiful!

Ink Pots

It can get very crowded in Johnston Canyon and if you want to find some peace and quiet, it is really recommended to continue walking to the Ink Pots after the Upper Falls. These are a number of water pools with beautiful colors. And unlike at the falls, there are far fewer people here. A great place for a picnic

Lake Minnewanka

This 21 km long lake is located a few kilometers above the town of Banff and is very popular as a recreational area. You can go boating, kayaking, and fishing here. Of course, you also have several hiking trails here so you can fully enjoy the views of the weather and the beautiful mountains in the background.

Bow Valley Parkway

Would you like to see wildlife during your stay in Banff? Although you have a chance to see bears, moose, or deer anywhere in the park, for example, the Bow Valley Parkway is the most likely place to see them. Especially if you drive here at the beginning or end of the day.

I myself unfortunately did not see any wildlife along this road, but there are several nice viewpoints such as Castle Mountain and Morant’s Curve which are great places to check out. In addition, there are several fine picnic areas where you relax and have a nice picnic.

Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park

The village of Banff

Located on the south side of the national park, the village of Banff is incredibly charming. Banff is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, and dense forests, and the impressive Bow River runs right through it.

Banff has a mix of historic buildings, modern amenities, and a cozy downtown area. It’s a great place for shopping (lots of outdoor shops), dining at fine restaurants or just relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Tip! Want to enjoy great views of Banff and the surrounding area? Go for a ride on the Banff Gondola, a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain. From here you’ll have a panoramic view of Banff and the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks.

The best hikes in Banff

Banff National Park is a fantastic place for hiking enthusiasts. There are trails for everyone, from easy trails along bright blue lakes to hefty mountain climbs for fantastic views. This is a selection of some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Banff.

Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail – 3 kilometers – easy – Along the shores of Moraine Lake, with beautiful mountain views.
Johnston Canyon Trail – 5 kilometers – easy – Along a series of waterfalls and unusual rock formations.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail – 7 kilometers – easy – To a teahouse on the shores of Lake Agnes, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Bow Glacier Falls – 9.2 – average – To a waterfall by an icy glacial lake.
Big Beehive – 10.8 kilometers – medium/difficult – Up past Agnes Teahouse with many nice viewpoints.
Sulphur Mountain Trail – 11 kilometers – moderate – Takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can get panoramic views of Banff National Park.
Ink Pots – 11.4 – average – The extension of the Johnston Canyon Trail to clear blue cold springs.
Helen Lake Trail – 12 kilometers – moderate – to a glacial lake with beautiful views.
Cory Pass Loop – 13 kilometers – difficult – A substantial climb with unobstructed views of Mount Louis, an imposing limestone monolith.
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – 14.6 kilometers (incl. Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail – moderate – Takes you to a valley with views of six glaciers.

Always check trail conditions beforehand. There may be snow on the higher-elevation trails. Check this page for all hiking trails in Banff National Park.

Where to stay in Banff National Park

It’s impossible to see Banff National Park in one day, so it’s really advisable to spend a few nights in or near the park. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for that; both the town of Banff and Lake Louise are great bases for exploring the park. These are some of the nicest places to stay.

Lake Louise Campground – Nicely centrally located and a perfect base to explore both Banff and Yoho National Park. I myself slept here for no less than 4 nights. The campground consists of two parts, a soft-sided for tents and trailer tents (this is surrounded by a large fence to keep animals out) and a hard sided for RVs. Reserve in time through the official website, the campground is almost always fully booked.
Peaks Hotel and Suites. (3⭐) – Fine hotel in a nice location in downtown Banff. The rooms are all very spacious.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise (5⭐) – One of the most iconic hotels in Canada, right on the ice-blue Lake Louise. It is pricey, but also over the top luxurious. It really is a treat to stay here.

Check out Booking.com for more tips, availability, and prices if you’re looking for a hotel or B&B. For campgrounds, check the Banff National Park website.

Book a trip to Canada

These were all my Banff tips! This famous National Park is just one of the many beautiful sights in Western Canada. Want to visit the Canadian Rockies? Use the websites below to book an unforgettable trip!

✈️ Plane tickets – To reach the Canadian Rockies, it’s easiest to fly to Calgary or Edmonton. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.

🚘 Rental car & RV – It is very difficult to explore the Canadian Rockies without a car or RV. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

📱E-sim – While traveling in Canada, I use an e-sim from Airalo to stay connected. It was very useful for navigation, but also easy to keep family and friends updated on my adventures.

💊 Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🐻 Tours and activities – There are plenty of fun tours and activities to do in Canada. From historical tours of cities to boat rides among orcas and whales. Check out Get Your Guide for options.

The best tips & things to do in Banff National Park

About Banff