Banff is Canada's first national park and also one of its most scenic, offering stunning views of snowcapped peaks, blue-green lakes, alpine meadows and even some glaciers. It should come as no surprise that this beautiful scenery draws a record number of visitors each year.
If you're planning on visiting, this article covers some must-know Banff travel tips, like when to visit, where to stay, what to do while you're there and how to make the most of your visit.
1. Choose Your Season: Summer Crowds vs. Fall Larch Madness
The best time to visit Banff depends on whether you prefer wildflowers or larch season. Wildflower season runs from July to August. These months give you the most access, with all park roads open, full shuttle services running and warm weather for high-alpine hiking. The trade-off is larger crowds, higher lodging prices and a serious scramble for shuttle reservations.
“Larch madness” is a short, specific window from mid-September to early October, when the larch tree needles turn a brilliant gold. The beautiful natural display draws dense crowds to popular trails like Larch Valley, and weather can be unpredictable from crisp fall days to early snowstorms.
For a complete change of pace, you can also visit Banff in the winter. The park is quiet, snow-covered and free from peak-season hiking crowds.
2. Book Accommodation and Tours Up to a Year in Advance
It’s best to book your accommodation a year in advance. Rooms at iconic hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs or any lodging in the Lake Louise area often sell out 10 to 12 months ahead of peak summer. Popular guided experiences, like the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise, also fill months ahead.
Banff camping reservations are just as competitive. The Parks Canada reservation system usually opens in January for the whole summer, and the best campsites for July and August book up quickly.
3. Master Layering for Changeable Weather
It’s tempting to pack only shorts and cotton t-shirts for a July trip to Banff, but its mountainous climate means the weather can be unpredictable. That warm, sunny 70 °F (21 °C) morning in town can easily become a 45 °F (7 °C) sleet storm once you gain elevation on a trail. Stay prepared by dressing in layers.
When that happens, your base layer should pull moisture from your skin, ideally using merino wool or a synthetic. Your mid-layer, such as a fleece or a packable puffy jacket, provides insulation. Your outer layer needs to be a fully waterproof and windproof shell, since “water-resistant”won’t hold up in a real downpour. Pack all three layers in your daypack, even on clear summer mornings.
4. Rise Before Dawn: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
If you plan to visit top Banff attractions like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake during the summer, you’ll need to get started early.
Parking lots at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake fill up quickly, sometimes by sunrise, so get there early. You can also ride the Parks Canada shuttle, which stops at both lakes., It’s a great way to see both lakes and explore popular things to do at Lake Louise, like the Lake Agnes Tea House hike.
5. Cruise the Icefields Parkway, Canada’s Most Scenic Road Trip
One of the most memorable Banff things to do is drive the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper, Alberta. The 144-mile (232 km) road is an all-day excursion, not a quick commute. You’ll want to budget a full day for essential stops like the short hike to the Peyto Lake viewpoint and the massive Columbia Icefield. You can also book the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway over the valley.
You need to plan for this route. Download your maps, as you’ll have almost no cell service for the entire drive. Fill your gas tank in Banff or Lake Louise, since the only station at Saskatchewan River Crossing is seasonal and pricey. Because the parkway is a high-elevation pass, it can close for snow even in late spring or fall. From October to May, winter tires and avalanche preparedness are essential for safe travel.
6. Hike to Waterfalls: Johnston Canyon Is a Must-Do
Waterfall hikes top the list of things to do in Banff any time of year. Johnston Canyon is the park’s most famous and accessible example. It’s an easy hike that follows a special walkway attached directly to the canyon walls. It takes you right to the loud Lower Falls and then up to the taller Upper Falls.
In winter, the canyon completely transforms as the waterfalls freeze into massive blue ice pillars, and the trail becomes a popular “ice walk.” Wear ice cleats or microspikes, because the catwalks can become dangerously slick.
7. Soak in History and Relaxation at Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a long day of hiking or skiing, the classic way to soothe sore muscles is a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. You get to sit in naturally hot, mineral-rich water while overlooking the Rundle Valley from Canada’s highest-elevation hot spring.
The pool is part of a restored 1930s-era bathhouse, the park’s original historic attraction. The springs get extremely crowded, especially late in the afternoon. For a quieter visit, go first thing in the morning or stop by in the evening to soak under the stars.
8. Be Bear Aware
It’s always a good idea to carry bear spray on any hiking trail in Banff. “Carrying” means keeping it immediately accessible on your hip or chest, not buried inside your backpack. You should also make noise as you hike. Talk, clap or call out regularly, especially near streams or blind corners, so you never surprise a bear. A surprised bear is the most dangerous kind.
You should also secure your food. Never leave food, coolers or any scented items like toiletries or even empty wrappers unattended at a campsite or visible in your vehicle.
9. Keep Your Distance From Wildlife
Seeing elk graze by the road is a classic Banff experience, but the safest place to watch them is from inside your car. The park’s guidelines on distance say that you should stay at least 100 meters (about 330 feet, or the length of a football field) from predators like bears, cougars and wolves. For other large animals, including elk, deer and moose, the minimum distance is 30 meters (about 100 feet). A good zoom lens is the safest way to get a great photo.
Another firm rule is to never feed any wildlife. This includes small animals like squirrels or birds, since feeding them can make them aggressive and dependent on human food.
10. Take Public Transportation to Avoid Parking Issues
Opt for public transportation whenever possible. Roam Transit has bus routes that run all over downtown Banff in the summer. These routes make it easy to get to popular places like the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.
Have exact fare handy (cash/coins only) as you board the bus, as the driver can’t provide change (they can only issue a paper voucher for select shops).
11. Buy a Discovery Pass for Longer Visits
You’ll need to pay a national park fee to enter Banff National Park or stop at any sites within its boundaries. You’ll also need to pay a park fee if you want to visit nearby Jasper, Yoho or Kootenay national parks.
For trips longer than a week, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass can be more cost-effective. The pass offers unlimited entry to Canada’s national parks for a year. For trips less than a week long, paying the daily admission rate at the park gate, visitor center or staffed campground is usually the better value.
12. Explore on Foot to Escape Crowds
While summer can be the best time to visit Banff, it can also mean heavy crowds. Find some solitude on an easy, in-town hike.
Two multi-use trails follow the curving path of the Bow River and are easily reached from downtown — just a short walk south on Banff Avenue toward the river. The Bow River Trail follows the north shore, while the Bow Falls Trail hugs the south side. The south shore is particularly scenic if you head east to the Bow Falls Viewpoint (about 1.2 km, or .75 mi., from Banff Avenue). It's also a great spot for a photo of the waterfall and the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.
13. Stay Outside the Park: Explore Affordable Lodging in Canmore
Lodging inside Banff National Park can get expensive and difficult because lodging sells out quickly. A good alternative is the town of Canmore, Alberta, about 20 minutes east of the park gates. You’ll often find lower prices there. Canmore is also less crowded than Banff, with a more relaxed, “local” vibe and its own excellent restaurants and shops.
The town also has a wider range of lodging, including many apartment-style hotels with kitchens, like Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide or The Malcolm Hotel. You’ll also find standout dining from änkôr and its seasonal menu to Chuck’s Steakhouse & Patio for classic grilled meats.
14. Save Money by Self-Catering and Packing Trail Lunches
Eating out for every meal in any city adds up quickly. A simple way to manage your budget is to self-cater, especially for breakfast and trail lunches. Packing your own lunch saves money and often saves a lot of time. You can also enjoy your meal at a scenic viewpoint instead of driving back to town for a busy, expensive lunch.
A good plan is to stock up at a large supermarket in Calgary right after you land, or in Canmore before you head to your hotel. And try to book accommodation with a mini-fridge or a full kitchen so that you have a comfortable place to prepare your food.
15. Hike for Free Views
Some of the free viewpoints and hiking trails are some of the most popular things to do in Banff, which will also save you some money. For a free bird’s-eye view of downtown Banff, drive to the Banff View Point. At the viewpoint, you can walk out to a grassy bluff overlooking the town and the surrounding mountain peaks.
A more touristy but still scenic option is the Banff Gondola. The gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes, and there are observation decks and boardwalks at the summit (fare is $44-$69).
Nearby ski resorts also offer sightseeing gondola/chairlift rides in summer for around $40. Two great examples are the Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village Ski Resort, and the one at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and Wildlife Interpretive Centre).
FAQ
Here are answers to a few common questions people ask when planning a trip to Banff.
How many days do you need in Banff?
Most people find that four to seven days is a good minimum to see the main highlights without feeling too rushed. If you’re planning a five-day Banff itinerary, you’ll still have time for scenic drives, wildlife watching and a few solid day hikes.
Can you get altitude sickness in Banff?
Altitude sickness is possible, but it isn’t a major concern for most. The town of Banff sits at around 4,500 feet, so you might feel a bit short of breath or have a mild headache on your first day. If so, it’s a good idea to take it easy and stay hydrated.
Do you need bear spray at Lake Louise?
If you are just walking on the busy, paved path right by the lake, you will be fine. If you plan to take trails that lead away from the lake, such as the popular Lake Agnes Tea House hike, carrying bear spray is the smart, standard precaution.
Plan Your Banff Adventure With AAA
A successful trip to Banff is all about seeing the best that this amazing national park has to offer. Having a few good Banff travel tips in your back pocket, like knowing when to book shuttles or where to buy groceries, can help you prepare for any adventure to see the best of Eastern Canada.
Once you have your dates set, AAA Travel can help you lock in the key details, from the right rental car for mountain roads, to flights to Canada and hotels that fit your itinerary. An AAA membership adds even more value with discounts on flights, accommodation, adventures, free roadside assistance and helpful travel agents.