The Banff Visitor Centre is open from January 1 to May 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from May 16 to September 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After September 1, it returns to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of the year.
At Banff National Park, the daily entrance fee is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors, and free for youth. A family/group pass costs $22. An annual Discovery Pass is $75.25 for adults, $64.50 for seniors, and $151.25 for families.
Fly into Calgary (YYC), then drive 1.5 hours (120 km) west via Trans-Canada Hwy (HWY-1). Buses and shuttles are also available. From Vancouver, drive east via HWY-1 through British Columbia.
At Banff National Park, car parking is limited, especially at Lake Louise Lakeshore. No personal vehicles at Moraine Lake. RVs park at Train Station or campgrounds. Motorcycles use regular lots. Parking fees apply; no overnight parking in main lots. Free 9-hour parking at Train Station and Bear Street Parkade.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first and most iconic national park. Located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it covers over 6,000 square kilometers of glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is a playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike—offering everything from hiking and skiing to wildlife viewing and hot spring soaking. With easily accessible trails, vibrant mountain towns, and jaw-dropping scenic drives, Banff is a must-visit destination in every season.
- Area (km²)
- 4126.35
- Annual visitors
- 4 290 000
- Established year
- 1885
Top 3 Facts about Banff National Park
The tree line in this region lies chiefly around 2,300 metres, leading to glaciers and beautiful alpine meadows, highlighting the dramatic transition in ecosystem at this elevation.
Home to over 1,000 glaciers, shaping the park’s dramatic alpine landscape.
A sanctuary for grizzlies, elk, wolves, and 280+ bird species in rich mountain ecosystems.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Youth Conservation
- Virtual Junior Activities
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Purchase a park pass ahead of time. Book lodging or camping in advance, especially during summer and ski season.
Pack Appropriately
Weather changes fast—bring waterproof layers, hiking boots, sunscreen, and bug spray even in summer. Winter gear is essential for cold months.
Respect Wildlife
Always maintain distance from wildlife. Feeding animals is prohibited. Use bear-safe storage containers while camping.
Stay Informed
Check Parks Canada’s website or visitor centers for trail updates, closures, and wildlife alerts.
Seasons
Spring is when trails begin to open, and wildlife becomes active again. Elk and deer are commonly seen, and waterfalls begin to swell with snowmelt.
Summer is peak hiking season. Visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise early in the day, hike alpine meadows, and explore the Icefields Parkway. Longer days and wildflowers make this the most popular time to visit.
Fall offers golden larches and fiery foliage—ideal for photography and quieter trails. It’s a great time for mountain biking and wildlife watching with fewer tourists around.
Winter transforms Banff into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in hot springs. Ice climbing and snowshoeing are also popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Banff National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Stay in the town of Banff for its central location, good amenities, and public transit connections. Alternatively, Canmore is a nearby town with modern accommodations and better food options at more affordable prices.
-
The Fenlands Trail is a highly family-friendly option, being a 2.1 km loop with no elevation gain, making it suitable for strollers and young children. It offers the chance to see wildlife like beavers, muskrats, and elk, and its flat, wide trails are easy to navigate.
-
Yes, you must keep your dog on a leash that is 3 metres or less at all times, except in the Off-Leash Dog Park or fenced, private property. This is to protect wildlife and ensure everyone’s safety.
-
Parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore lot costs $36.75 per vehicle per day, including motorcycles, RVs, and other vehicles. Accessible parking is $8 per vehicle per day. There is no distinction in fees based on the size or type of vehicle.
-
The top attraction is the Banff Gondola, which offers scenic boardwalks, informative displays, and panoramic vistas from the top of Sulphur Mountain. It is highly rated by travelers and provides unobstructed views of the surrounding area.
