Banff National Park

Uncover the natural wonders of one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. From world-class hiking trails, and the picture-postcard-perfect Lake Louise to ice-fed glaciers and wonderful wildlife. Canada's first national park has a galore of outdoor adventures to indulge in. Go on an unforgettable journey in Banff National Park and be enchanted by the untouched wilderness.

Where should you visit in Banff National Park?

Banff National Park

With a size of 6.641 square kilometres, Banff National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, it takes approximately three hours (minimum) to drive through the park, not including stops! A nature lover's paradise, the best way to reach Banff is by flying into Calgary International Airport in Alberta. From here, you can travel by car for less than two hours (approximately 150 kilometres).

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 for being one of the world's most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. The best time to visit is during the summer between June and August and winter between December and March. We highly recommend at least five days to explore the pure beauty and iconic highlights of Banff National Park.

The town of Banff

People, animals and nature merge into one in Banff National Park. Absorb the friendly Canadian vibes in the quaint resort town of Banff. Located within Banff National Park, it's an ideal base to discover this spectacular part of the Rocky Mountains. Running through the town is Bow River, with the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade overlooking the town. Explore the unique stores, local restaurants, and vibrant streets including Banff Avenue. With breathtaking natural surroundings and adventurous activities, Banff is the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Our local tip: indulge in a trip to the Wildflower Café and Bakery, right in the heart of Banff's Old Town, offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy. Locals swear by the homemade delicacies, the fresh bread and the incomparable coffee.

Lake Louise

World-renowned for its sparkling turquoise water and soaring mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is the centrepiece of Banff National Park. Jaw-dropping, this stunning glacier-fed lake is surrounded by high peaks, unforgettable views and incredible hiking trails. Lake Louise Village is the perfect base to discover Banff.

While Lake Louise is generally always busy, the best time to visit is between late June and early to the middle of September. In the summertime, paddle out on the lake and take in the awe-inspiring views. Conquer the walk around Lake Louise which takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes but allow 3 to 4 hours to really take everything in.

Ski in the wintertime at one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The Lake Louise ski area is family-friendly and offers an excellent choice for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Take a ride on the Lake Louise gondola ride which takes approximately 14 minutes. Along the way, soak up the majestic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Hiking opportunities

Feeling active? Immerse yourself in over 1,600 kilometres of well-maintained and easily accessible trails. Hike and soak up the alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks and untouched wilderness of the Rockies. Along the way, spot unique wildlife such as elk, cougars, grizzly bears, black bears and wolves.

A hiker lover's paradise

The best season for hiking in the national park is generally between July and mid-September, during the summer months. Many of the most beautiful hikes are easily accessible from the township of Banff or the village of Lake Louise. Be sure to choose a trail that suits your fitness levels 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

With a surface of 50 hectares, Moraine Lake is a gorgeous glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. Located approximately 14 kilometres outside of the small village of Lake Louise and nestled between the valley of the Ten Peaks in the Rockies. World-renowned for its stunning and vivid colour, Moraine Lake intensifies throughout the summertime as the glaciers melt.

Only half the size of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains, plunging waterfalls, and surreal views. We highly recommend at least two to three hours to explore Moraine Lake. You can reach the lake via The Parks Canada shuttle which operates from June until October. If you are planning on coming by car, the road only opens as car spaces become available and therefore you may be left disappointed.

Glaciers

Bursting with beauty, Banff National Park has numerous glaciers to discover. Here you can find Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, and the Wapta Icefield. Athabasca Glacier is the most popular and most easily accessible. Or if you are visiting Lake Louise, you can admire the Victoria Glacier which is nestled in the mountains behind the lake.

Columbia Icefield is the biggest mass of ice found in the Rocky Mountains. And a visit to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre is a must-do! Here you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Columbia Icefield Walk, and walk on a glacier.

Icefields Parkway

Covering an area of 200 square kilometres, Icefield Parkway connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. Known for being one of the most spectacular journeys in the world, the 232-kilometre stretch of road is filled with surprises. Self-drive and discover over 100 glaciers, beautiful lakes, Canadian pine and an abundance of wildlife. 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

Things to do and see

Whether you want to ski, take a ride on the Banff Gondola or simply relax at your luxurious lodge in the middle of nature, there is so much to do in this part of Canada. Take a horse-drawn carriage in downtown Banff and soak up the friendly vibes. Visit Sunshine Meadows and enjoy the view of Mount Assiniboine, the highest peak in the region.

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which is the birthplace of Banff or stop by the oldest natural history museum in western Canada, the Banff Park Museum. Take in the spectacular views from the top of the Banff Gondola. Watch the sunrise over Vermillion Lakes or simply wander around the Lake Louise area.

Go cycling and discover an assortment of biking trails, with the Banff Legacy Trail being one of the most popular routes. Take a soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, the highest-operating hot spring in the country. Whatever your preferences are, Banff has a galore of adventures to indulge in.

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.

Why book with us?

• Well-organised holiday, designed just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in the travel industry

• Peace of mind with a local network in North America and a 24/7 emergency number

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.