Banff is beautiful and everyone knows it. Everyone knows that they want to visit, but not everyone knows the details about how to visit Banff. And honestly, there’s a lot to know!
Take it from me, someone who traveled there with a large group; we didn’t do nearly enough research about all the parking rules and driving logistics until after we got there, which meant a lot of last-minute researching and scrambling. This honestly made our trip more stressful than it needed to be!
If you’re planning a trip to Banff yourself, you’re going to want to read this even before your plane lands in Canada.
In this guide, we’ll share some essential Banff travel tips to help you prepare for your trip and make the most of your time in this world-famous destination.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Visit Banff’s top highlights without the stress of driving! The Hop-On and Hop-off Banff Bus allows you to discover the park at your own pace — without having to worry about Banff’s many parking issues!
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Wake up facing the most beautiful view of Banff National Park, Lake Louise.
The view from your hotel room is the main event at this 5-star hotel—thanks to the fact that Fairmont Chateau sits right in front of the iconic turquoise lake.
Don’t miss their elegant Afternoon Tea experience—served since 1890—where you can sip tea and snack on scones while soaking in one of the most beautiful backdrops in Canada. And the decadent breakfast? A must.
Fairmont Château Lake Louise is by far one of the most luxurious options in town — if you have the budget to treat yourself, do it.
21 Essential Travel Tips For Banff National Park
1. For a way more peaceful park experience, try to avoid crowds.
If you’re someone who loves national parks because of the magic you feel when you’re one with nature, you’ll want to avoid visiting Banff National Park during its peak season.
Wait, avoid?? Yes. Let me be the first to tell you — I was shocked at how un-magical Lake Louise was up close (by the parking lot area). “But Elle, why would you say this?” you might ask! I’ll tell ya why.
There were hordes upon hordes of people crowding the lakeside trying to capture the perfect picture. We had to actually weave through/dodge people while attempting to walk from the end of the trail back to the parking lot. It was terrifying to see because I was not used to seeing that many people all at once at a national park!
If overcrowding at national parks sounds unappealing to you, the best way to avoid the crowds is to visit outside of the July to early September timeframe.
And when you do get there, I recommend you leave your accommodation in the morning as early as possible (to beat the late-morning folks) and stay out later (once the afternoon crowds dissipate).
We stayed in Canmore during our last trip and headed out by 6:30 am every morning. Yes, that sounds horribly early, but we were able to beat a lot of the crowds on our hikes which made for much more enjoyable experiences!
2. If you’re flying into Canada for Banff NP, the closest airport is Calgary International Airport.
Banff National Park is located in the southern part of the Alberta province, approximately 120 km west of Calgary (a 1.5-hour drive).
Most visitors to Banff will rent a car at Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is the easiest way to get around the mountains. Renting a car for your trip to Banff means that you’ll be able to stop wherever you want and see whatever you want on your own schedule. It’s definitely the way to go!
Rentalcars.com is our go-to these days! They’re the world’s largest online car rental service and help you compare prices of all the rental car companies out there. This is the best way to see the lowest prices out there.
Not only does the Rentalcars.com tool allow you to compare rental car prices across the major rental car companies, but most of the time you can book with no prepayment and no cancellation fees. You’ll only be charged if you show up to pick up the car.
3. If you’re on a budget, stay in the town of Canmore instead of Banff.
If you’re on a budget and looking for affordable accommodations in Banff National Park, consider staying in the town of Canmore instead of Banff.
While Banff is the more popular home base for the park, it can also be the most expensive. Staying in Canmore can be a great way to save money without sacrificing the beauty and adventure of Banff National Park.
Canmore is a charming mountain town located just outside the park, about a 20-minute drive from Banff. The town offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, at a fraction of the cost of Banff. And don’t worry, Canmore is also a cute town!
You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it a great base for exploring the park.
Another advantage of staying in Canmore is its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. While Banff can be crowded and busy, Canmore offers a more peaceful and tranquil setting, making it a great destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Where To Stay in Canmore:
- Tamarack Lodge by Spring Creek Vacations – gorgeous condos perfect for larger groups!
- Rundle Cliffs Lodge by Spring Creek Vacations – apartment-style rentals also great for groups
- Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE – lodge rooms with full kitchenettes
Where To Stay in Banff:
- Canalta Lodge – free breakfast for guests
- Peaks Hotel and Suites
- Fairmont Château Lake Louise – the ultimate splurge ($$$$), but soooo perfectly located
4. Pulling out cash is not a must for Banff.
Starting with the basics, the local currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar. When you see the “$” on a price tag, be aware that it’s referring to Canadian Dollars, or CAD.
In terms of how much cash is needed to visit Banff, the answer is entirely up to how you like to pay for things. For someone who typically uses credit cards for payment, you can easily get by with $0 in cash! You can pay for almost everything in the Canadian Rockies with your credit card.
You can expect most shops/restaurants in Canmore and Banff to accept electronic payments like Apple Pay too.
If you usually pay for things in cash, then allocate about $50-75 per person per day for things like snacks, a meal, gondola lift tickets, souvenirs, etc. If you happen to run out of cash, you can use your card to cover the difference.
5. Plan as much of your daily itinerary as you can in advance.
Before you start heading to the park every day, make sure you have a clear idea of where you want to go and what you want to see on that day.
Cell phone service is spotty and even non-existent in some parts of the National Parks lands. Be sure to download Google Maps for offline use if you’re getting around by your phone’s GPS.
6. Parks passes are required at all Canadian national parks.
Unless you have a yearly pass, these are daily entrance fees.
If you don’t get the yearly pass (~$145 for a family or group for one year), it will cost ~$9-10.50 per person per day (depending on if you’re an adult or senior). Youths up to age 17 are FREE!
At the time of writing, these are the entrance rates:
Daily Entrance Fees
- Adult – $10.50
- Senior – $9.00
- Youth – free
- Family/Group – $21.00
- Commercial Group, per person – $9.00
Parks Canada Discovery Pass – gives you access to all Canada parks for a whole year
- Adult – $72.25
- Senior – $61.75
- Family/Group – $145.
You can find more info about NP rates here.
7. Traveling with a larger group of adults? The family/group rate is going to be the best deal.
“Family/Group” is defined as up to seven people arriving in a single vehicle in a national park. If you have a car of 3+ adults or more, opt for the family/group pass. The family/group daily fee is $21 per day.
For reference, 1 adult will cost you $10.50. In the case that you’re traveling with three adults total — would you rather pay $21 for the family/group rate or $31.50 for three separate adults?
Again, if you’re traveling with youth under 17, they are free!
8. You will have to pay the national park entrance fee to enter the town of Banff.
Be aware that since Banff the town is located within Banff National Park, you will have to pay the national park entrance fee to enter the town if you don’t have the yearly pass. You’ll want to make sure you only visit Banff town on a day when you also plan to do national park things in Banff!
9. If visiting Lake Louise by car, get an early start to get parking.
Parking is such a hassle within Banff National Park, so it really does take some planning ahead if you want to get a spot without hassle.
As long as you arrive early (I recommend no later than 8 am), you won’t have too many issues finding a spot. Remember to pay for parking at the pay station when you arrive!
Yes, it sucks that you have to pay both national park entrance fees AND parking fees at this lake, but what can you do…
I mean it though! Lake Louise gets crazy packed, and not in a good, relaxing, or peaceful kind of way. During my last visit in the month of September, after we had finished the Big Beehive Trail (we started early), we returned to the Lake Louise area to find hoards and hoards of people snapping away at the lake. It was so stressful and crowded!
I can only imagine what those people went through to secure a parking spot…
Can’t make it to the parking lots early? You can always check BanffNow for real-time updates on traffic and available parking!
Extra tip: Try to beat the crowds everywhere you go, especially during the high season. For example, the parking lot at Johnston Canyon usually fills up between 9:30 and 10 am in summer.
10. For some of the best views of Lake Louise, do the Big Beehive Trail.
No trip to Banff National Park is complete without a visit to Lake Louise, one of the most iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies. This beautiful lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
If you only have time for one hike, let it be the Lake Agnes Tea House to Big Beehive hike. This is a 2-for-1 hike, meaning your efforts will payoff two-fold!
The first part of the hike features an ascent to a functioning tea house that sits next to a lake, while the second part will reward you with stellar views of Lake Louise from high in the mountains!
On this hike, you’ll start with parking your car at the Lake Louise Parking Lot. After enjoying some morning views of Lake Louise, hop onto the Lake Agnes Tea House Trailhead.
Along the way, you’ll encounter two lakes–Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes. Lake Agnes is the star of the show here! Framed by magnificent jagged mountains, Lake Agnes is one of the most scenic lakes in all of Banff National Park.
This trail is wildly popular, so if you don’t get an early start, you can forget about enjoying a warm drink at the tea house. The line gets crazy long by late morning.
Still have energy? The fun doesn’t have to stop here (and the best part is yet to come!). If you have the time and energy, continue from the tea house onto the Big Beehive Trail.
By hiking the short yet steep Big Beehive Trail, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of Lake Louise found in the entire park. I’m serious, just look at the views! This hike is a must-do!
11. Not every day in the park needs to be go-go-go!
Even though, yes, there is SO much to see in Banff National Park, I would suggest not jamming your travel itinerary with all the hikes and attractions you could possibly fit in.
Part of the fun of being in a world-class national park is just breathing and existing among the brilliance of the lakes and mountains.
Take a stroll along the lakeside of one of the famous lakes, enjoy patio dining at one of the casual restaurants, grab a seat at one of the park’s famous Adirondack red chairs, or even pack a picnic to enjoy outside while people-watching.
Slowing it down means you’ll have the time to actually reflect and appreciate where you are!
12. Interested in soaking in a hot spring bath? Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs.
One unique and relaxing thing you could add to your itinerary is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning mountain views.
As you soak in the warm waters (preferably after a tiring hike), you won’t be able to stop yourself from also soaking in the amazing views around you!
The water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is heated geothermally, meaning it bubbles up to the surface from 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) into the earth’s crust. During the winter, the water temperature can be as hot as 116°F (47°C). In the spring, the flow increases and the temperature cools off to a minimum of 81°F (27°C).
The bathhouse is also a federal heritage building, so if you’re into history, take a moment to look at the interpretive exhibits that celebrate the history of this iconic hot spring haven.
You can find more info about day-use rates here.
13. Lake Moraine is a pain in the butt to visit.
Prior to the 2023 season, it was still possible to get a parking spot at 6 am (yes, that’s annoyingly early). However, it seems Parks Canada has updated the rules.
Taking public transportation is likely the only viable option going forward. As of 2023, the Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial buses are the ONLY vehicles permitted in the parking lot from June to mid-October.
That means you’ll either have to book your shuttle reservation, take the Roam Public transit, or book a national park day tour to get to Lake Moraine. Find out more here to plan your visit.
Parks Canada Shuttle: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Adult (18 – 64 years) – $8.00
- Senior (65+ years) – $4.00
- Youth (17 and under) – free
- There is a non-refundable $3 reservation fee if booking online, and $6 if booking by telephone.
A great alternative to avoid all the logistical issues of planning public transportation at Banff is to opt for the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour from Banff OR this Banff National Park Tour. Both include visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake — without all the headache.
14. Bring footwear fit for the mountains.
If you’ll be hiking, you’ll want to pack a sturdy pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and traction. You want something that can grip uneven terrain and protect your feet from rocks and other hazards.
In addition to hiking boots, it’s also a good idea to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for exploring the town of Banff and other areas that don’t require as much rugged footwear. These shoes should be comfortable for walking long distances and provide good support for your feet.
Another important consideration when choosing footwear for Banff is the weather. The park’s climate can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. It’s important to bring footwear that is appropriate for the weather, whether that means waterproof boots for rainy days or insulated boots for cold weather.
My shoe recommendations for Banff National Park:
- Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot – men and women
- Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot – men and women
- And for casually walking around town, for both guys and gals, I’d highly recommend getting a pair of Blundstone boots or Ecco Soft 7’s (men and women)!
15. Grizzly bears and black bears can be found in BC/Alberta’s national parks.
Banff National Park is a beautiful, family-friendly destination, but it’s important to be aware of the wildlife that calls the park home. One of the most notable animals in Banff National Park is the grizzly bear, and encounters with these bears can be dangerous if not handled properly.
It’s important to remember that grizzly bears are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. If you’re planning to hike or explore the park, it’s a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bear spray is a type of pepper spray that is specifically designed to deter bears and can be a life-saving tool in the event of an encounter.
In addition to carrying bear spray, it’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid hiking alone, especially in areas where bears are known to be active. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear, and keep an eye out for signs of bear activity, such as tracks or scat.
If you see a bear, be sure not to approach it – and stay far away from it.
If you do encounter a bear, it’s important to remain calm and avoid running. Stand your ground and slowly back away, making noise to let the bear know you’re there.
Never feed wildlife or leave food or garbage outside. It is illegal here. Secure your food in a car, or put all trash in bear-proof garbage bins.
You can learn more about the bears of Canada and about wildlife safety here.
16. Harsh mountain conditions can mean dry, damaged skin.
Banff is a beautiful yet rugged destination, and the harsh mountain conditions can take a toll on your skin. After a day of hiking and exploring, it’s important to take care of your skin to keep it healthy and hydrated!
One of the most important things you can do to care for your skin after a day of hiking is to moisturize. The dry mountain air can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy, so it’s important to use a good moisturizer or an after-sun lotion to keep it hydrated and fed with nutrients.
In addition to moisturizing, it’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When you’re hiking in the mountains, it’s easy to become dehydrated, which can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Don’t let this be you!
Finally, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun when you’re outside! Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be strong in the mountains, and unprotected skin can be damaged by UV radiation. Make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating!
17. Check the weather every morning before your day begins.
The weather in the Canadian Rockies can be really unpredictable, so it’s important to check the forecast before you set out.
The weather at one point in the park may be quite different from that of other nearby points. Moreover, it can vary wildly from day to day too, so be prepared!
Dress in layers and pack accordingly, including warm clothing and rain gear. Better yet, just keep a rain jacket or travel umbrella in the trunk of your car in the case of random rain showers!
18. Check for seasonal closures before your visit.
This is an important one. The park is a dynamic environment and each year’s conditions can be different from the prior years! Flexibility and setting proper expectations is key.
You’ll want to keep an eye on seasonal and safety closures to avoid any disappointment.
If you think you’re going to visit Banff National Park and hike all of your dream hikes during April or May, you may want to think again!
Because of the snow that this area gets during the winter season, some hikes, especially the ones that are in high alpine areas, may be closed until July due to snowpack.
Also keep in mind that Moraine Lake Road is open mid-May to mid-October.
19. Bring a map with you in the car.
It’s always a good idea to have a physical map on hand, especially if you’re going to be exploring some of the more remote areas of the Rockies.
At the entrance of the national parks, be sure to grab one from the park ranger. Ensure you also have a GPS device or smartphone with a reliable map app. We like to have Google Maps downloaded for offline use!
20. Pack plenty of supplies.
This is a road trip! Expect hours of driving. Make sure you have enough food, water, snacks, and other supplies to last the duration of your trip.
In addition to food for the car ride, you’ll probably want to pack snacks for the trails (like nuts, fruits, Stinger Waffles, energy bars, candy, etc.)
It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a spare tire.
ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST:
License and registration | This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before it’s too late and you get too far away from home. Do NOT leave home without them. They are road trip essentials!
Spare Tire | In addition to carrying a spare tire with you, don’t forget to check your current tire conditions before you set off as well.
Jumper Cables / Car Jump Starter | A must-have for any road trip! If you’re looking to invest in something exponentially more powerful/convenient than simple jumper cables, get the NOCO Boost HD Car Battery Jump Starter Box. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable power–all in one!
iOttie car mount | This is my partner in crime on any road trip. It’s got an amazing grip and popping your phone in and out of the mount could not be easier. If you’re renting a rental car and you’re not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. The iOttie attaches by suction, so it’s easy to transport from car to car.
Roadside Emergency Kit | You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. This convenient little kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags.
Trunk Organizer | With any road trip comes lots and lots of stuff to pack. Keep your road trip essentials organized with a trunk organizer. Not only will this make it so much easier to find what you need, but it will also lead to more space in your trunk for you to pack other necessities.
Portable Cooler | Coolers are a must for any road trip. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. A portable hard cooler will allow you to pack picnic lunches, bring cheese and jams, and more.
21. Respect the environment.
The Canadian Rockies and the national parks are a beautiful and fragile ecosystem, so make sure to leave no trace and follow Leave No Trace principles when you’re out exploring.
Remember, you’re a visitor there, and there are plants and wildlife that call this area home. So do what you can to respect their home.
Here are some tips for practicing Leave No Trace and respecting national park environments:
- Stay on designated trails: Stick to designated trails and avoid trampling on delicate vegetation or disturbing wildlife habitats.
- Pack it in, pack it out: Bring all trash and waste back with you, and dispose of it properly in designated trash receptacles or recycling bins.
- Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid approaching or feeding them. Do not disturb or damage their habitats.
- Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed: Do not remove or disturb rocks, plants, or other natural features, and do not touch or remove cultural artifacts or structures.
- Use designated campsites and fire rings: If camping in a national park, use designated campsites and fire rings, and follow all fire regulations and restrictions.
- Respect other visitors: Be courteous and respectful to other visitors, and avoid making excessive noise or disturbing others’ experiences.
By following these guidelines and practicing Leave No Trace principles, we can help preserve the natural beauty and integrity of our national parks and other outdoor environments for future generations to enjoy!
Visitng Banff National Park: Travel Insurance
Hiking in the mountains on alpine terrain is a scenario where you should definitely consider travel insurance. Take it from me — the only ankle sprain I ever had was on a mountain! I had to hike 9 miles back to the trailhead with my sprained ankle because I didn’t have medical evacuation insurance — not fun.
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:
- emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Looking for more Canada travel tips? You may also like:
The Perfect 7-Day Banff And Jasper National Park Itinerary
9 Beautiful Lakes in Banff National Park To Add To Your Itinerary
