Banff National Park Tourism

Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. It spans over 2500 square miles encompassing diverse terrain including mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, forests and glaciers. Originally discovered in 1883, Banff became Canada's first national park and the third in the world. The town of Banff is the largest community inside the park and is located in the southwest corner of the park. Lake Louise, a small hamlet, is 50 miles west of the town of Banff and is also within the park's borders.

Calgary, Alberta is the closest major city to Banff National Park and is 80 miles from the park. Upon arriving at the airport, foreign visitors must declare their country of original, Canadian destination and length of stay. There are bus shuttles and trains that travel between the Calgary and the park. A number of limousine, car and taxi services are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At least six different rental car agencies are available at the airport. The drive time from Calgary to Banff is approximately 90 minutes. Other airport choices are in Edmonton (250 miles from Banff) and Vancouver (500 miles from Banff).

Camping is the most rustic way to experience the park. Parks Canada operates the 13 different campsites within the park, and two of those offer year-round accommodations. Campers are required to purchase permits, and fee range from about $16 to $40 (Canadian) per night. Hostels and RV camping are other alternatives for overnight accommodations. Hotel selections range from small inns, to lodges and motels to the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Clearly, there is place to stay for every budget and interest.

Summer visitors to Banff National Park can hike, boat/canoe, bike, camp, mountaineer and even scuba dive in Lake Minnewanka. The opposite season affords opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, waterfall climbing and even ice diving. Regardless of when you visit, there are always bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities, driving tours and interpretive programs. There are year-round places to swim, and the hot springs found within the park can be enjoyed in summer as well as winter. Photography enthusiasts enjoy Banff any time of year. Prohibited activities inside the park include hunting, motorized off-road travel, hang-gliding or parachuting, use of personal watercraft (jet skis, wave runners), snowmobiling, ice fishing or collecting natural or cultural objects.

Daily fees are assessed and are used to maintain the facilities and services throughout the park. Fees are based on the size of group and ages. These fees are as follows (as of 2009): adults (17 to 64 years old), $9.80; seniors (age 65 and older), $8.30; and youth (age 6 to 16), $4.90. A family or group (up to seven people in a single vehicle) pays $19.60. Fees for commercial groups are $8.30 per person and school groups pay $3.90 per student. Fee must also be paid for day use of campsites and dump stations. Other fees include those for fishing, back country permits and grazing for those on horseback. Published fees are valid from April 1 until March 31 of the following year.

July is the hottest month in Banff and January is the coldest, and because of the extreme variability, no other generalizations are possible. Weather can change dramatically from day to day and from one place in the park to another. It's always important to be prepared. Visitor's Centers can provide up-to-date conditions and can be reached by calling (403) 762-1550 (Banff) or (403) 522-3833 (Lake Louise). Additionally, the weather office has recorded messages with weather conditions, alerts and advisories. That number is (403) 762-2088.
Snow is a consistent element in Banff, but it can be as deadly as it is beautiful. Avalanches are a threat whenever you hike or ski in the back country. Avalanche reports are available at 1-800-667-1105 (Canada Avalanche Center) or the Banff Warden Service at 762-1460 (recorded message).

Driving is statistically the most dangerous activity in the park. Watch for wildlife along the roads and for other cars that may have stopped suddenly to view it. In winter, be sure your vehicle is well-equipped containing shovels, blankets, flashlights, food and additional clothing. Cell phone reception is often spotty or non-existent.
Keep your distance when viewing wildlife. Even the most docile-seeming creature can become aggressive if agitated. Heed all signs throughout the park and stay behind safety fences. Falls can be as deadly as predators.