Banff National Park
Discover Banff National Park, where Lake Louise, ice-fed glaciers, world-class hiking trails and wonderful wildlife create an unforgettable journey through Canada’s first national park.
Discover Banff National Park
Banff National Park covers around 2,564 square miles and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, it takes at least three hours to drive through the park, not including stops.
A paradise for nature lovers, Banff is best reached by flying into Calgary International Airport in Alberta. From there, it is less than a two-hour drive, covering around 93 miles.
Local tip: Be sure to arrange your Parks Canada Pass, which gives you access to Banff National Park.
What attracts travellers from all over the world to visit here?
Discover beautiful lakes, clean, fresh air, unique wildlife, majestic mountains and unforgettable outdoor activities. This part of Canada is renowned as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations.
The best time to visit is during summer, from June to August, or winter, from December to March. We recommend spending at least five days here to experience the natural beauty and iconic highlights of Banff National Park.
The town of Banff
In Banff National Park, people, wildlife and nature feel closely connected. Soak up the friendly Canadian atmosphere in the charming resort town of Banff, an ideal base for exploring this spectacular part of the Rocky Mountains.
Set within the national park, the town sits beside the Bow River, with the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade rising around it. Explore unique shops, local restaurants, and lively streets, including Banff Avenue. With breathtaking natural surroundings and plenty of adventurous activities, Banff is the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Our local tip: Visit Wild Flour Café and Bakery in the heart of Banff, the perfect place to pause and enjoy homemade treats, fresh bread and excellent coffee.
Lake Louise
World-renowned for its sparkling turquoise water and soaring mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is the centrepiece of Banff National Park. This stunning glacier-fed lake is surrounded by high peaks, unforgettable views and excellent hiking trails, while nearby Lake Louise Village makes a convenient base for exploring Banff.
Lake Louise is usually busy, but the best time to visit is between late June and mid-September. In summer, you can paddle out onto the lake and take in the remarkable Rocky Mountain scenery.
The walk around Lake Louise takes around 30 to 40 minutes, although it is worth allowing three to four hours if you want to take your time and fully enjoy the setting.
In winter, Lake Louise becomes one of the largest ski areas in North America. The resort is family-friendly and offers a great choice of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. You can also take the Lake Louise gondola, a ride of around 14 minutes, with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains along the way.
Hiking opportunities
Feeling active? Immerse yourself in more than 994 miles of well-maintained and easily accessible trails. Hike through alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks and untouched Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Along the way, look out for wildlife such as elk, cougars, grizzly bears, black bears and wolves.
A hiker lover's paradise
The best season for hiking in Banff National Park is generally from July to mid-September, during the summer months. Many of the most beautiful trails are easily accessible from the town of Banff or the village of Lake Louise. Be sure to choose a route that suits your fitness level and hiking experience.
Hiking tips:
Always carry bear spray with you
Make noise and always be alert
Bring enough water
Carry a first-aid kit
Wear sunscreen
Be prepared for changes in the weather
Tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to return
In case of an emergency, call 911 or via satellite phone: 403-762-4506
Moraine Lake
Covering around 124 acres, Moraine Lake is a beautiful glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. Located approximately 9 miles from the small village of Lake Louise, it sits within the Valley of the Ten Peaks in the Rockies. World-renowned for its vivid turquoise colour, Moraine Lake becomes even more striking during summer as the glaciers melt.
Around half the size of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains, plunging waterfalls and surreal views. We recommend allowing at least two to three hours to explore the area. You can reach the lake via the Parks Canada shuttle, which operates from June until October.
If you are planning to travel by car, be aware that the road only opens when parking spaces become available, so you may be left disappointed.
Glaciers
Bursting with natural beauty, Banff National Park is home to numerous glaciers, including Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier and the Wapta Icefield. Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular and easily accessible, while those visiting Lake Louise can admire Victoria Glacier, nestled in the mountains behind the lake.
The Columbia Icefield is the largest mass of ice in the Rocky Mountains, and a visit to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is well worth including. From here, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Columbia Icefield Adventure and walk on a glacier.
Icefields Parkway
Covering an area of around 77 square miles, the Icefields Parkway connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. Known as one of the most spectacular drives in the world, this 144-mile stretch of road is full of surprises.
Self-drive along the route to discover more than 100 glaciers, beautiful lakes, Canadian pine forests and abundant wildlife. The Icefields Parkway is waiting to be explored.
Must-see spots along the Icefields Parkway
Lake Louise
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Waterfowl Lake
Glacier Skywalk
Big Hill & Big Bend
Sunwapta Falls
Parker Ridge
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Athabasca Glacier
Athabasca Falls
What is there to do in Banff National Park?
Whether you want to ski, ride the Banff Gondola or simply relax at a luxurious lodge surrounded by nature, there is so much to experience in this part of Canada.
Take a horse-drawn carriage through downtown Banff and soak up the friendly atmosphere, or visit Sunshine Meadows for views of Mount Assiniboine, the highest peak in the region.
Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Banff National Park, or stop by Banff Park Museum, the oldest natural history museum in western Canada. Take in the spectacular views from the top of the Banff Gondola, watch the sunrise over Vermilion Lakes, or spend time exploring the Lake Louise area.
You can also go cycling along a range of biking trails, with the Banff Legacy Trail one of the most popular routes. After an active day, unwind in Banff Upper Hot Springs, the highest operating hot spring in Canada. Whatever your travel style, Banff offers plenty of memorable adventures.
Wildlife spotting
One of the most exciting things to do in Banff is wildlife spotting. You never know who you may encounter around each corner of the bend! From caribou, deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and even grizzly and black bears. There are more than 50 mammals that can be found living in this part of the world.
It is important to know where to spot the wildlife, which can also be rather difficult and purely based on luck. We would, therefore, highly recommend that you take a guided tour with a local expert and wildlife enthusiast to give you the highest chance of meeting some of Canada's greatest locals.
Where to stay?
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our extensive collection of hand-selected accommodations in Banff National Park and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied.
We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Banff is one of Canada’s most rewarding national parks, especially if you want dramatic mountain scenery without giving up comfort. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway, hot springs, wildlife and the town of Banff all sit close together, so it works beautifully as part of a self-drive route through Alberta and the Canadian Rockies.
Our favourite time to visit Banff is usually June to September, when the lakes are thawed, hiking trails are more accessible and the mountain scenery is at its most vivid. December to March is better for skiing, snowshoeing and a proper winter Rockies atmosphere, especially around Banff and Lake Louise.
We usually recommend at least 4 or 5 nights in Banff National Park. That gives you time for Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff town, a scenic drive, and one or two walks without rushing. In summer, an extra night is useful because popular lakes and viewpoints need early starts or shuttle planning.
