Is Banff, Canada on your bucket list? If it is not, it should be!! Seriously, go grab your bucket list and add this destination ASAP! I hope by the end of this post, you will be convinced to plan your next trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
In this post, I will provide information on how to get to Banff, where to stay while here, and what to do to have the BEST experience in Banff!
My husband and I are travel therapists currently completing an assignment in Kalispell Montana. If you are unfamiliar with this area, it is ~30-40 minutes from Glacier National Park. We have had the absolute best time while living here for 16 weeks. We went into GNP almost every weekend! We couldn’t get enough of it… well that was until we did every hike we wanted to in the park. So then we started looking into other places to go outside of Montana. We knew we were close to the Canadian border, so one day we went to get our passports and the rest is history!
I mentioned all that to say, if you are planning a trip to Northern Montana, you need to add Canada to your itinerary! Vice versa, if you are planning a road trip through Canada, you should definitely add Kalispell, MT to your itinerary to visit GNP. From where we live in Montana, we are only 1.5 hours to the Canadian border. So, Kalispell is not a bad place to start an epic road trip.
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History of Banff National Park
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s oldest national park and one of the first in the world. Its creation was prompted by the discovery of hot springs in the area, which attracted visitors seeking therapeutic benefits. You can actually visit these hot springs while visiting Banff- The Cave and Basin Hot Springs. The Canadian government recognized the need to protect this natural treasure and the surrounding landscapes, leading to the park’s formal designation.
The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s further facilitated access, promoting tourism and economic development in the region. Over the years, Banff has evolved into a major destination for outdoor recreation, attracting millions of visitors each year to experience its stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The park’s establishment marked a significant step in the conservation movement, reflecting a growing appreciation for preserving natural landscapes for future generations.
Orientation to Banff National Park
Before going in to Banff, I feel it is only necessary to provide some foundational understanding of this destination. To get to the actual town of Banff, you have to enter the national park. There is no other way in to the town. The highway will lead you directly to the park entrance to pay for a day pass in the park. Do not feel trapped by this!
First, everything you will want to do is inside the park- it is humongous. Second, if you do need to go outside of the park (probably only for camping purposes), you can use your receipt to get back into the park until 4:00 pm the next day. So, if you arrive on Monday (no matter the time), your pass is good until Tuesday at 4:00 pm.
There are also other options for pass purchases including weekly pass and a Discovery pass to gain access to all the Canadian National Parks for the price of one. You can read more about that here!
What to Pack for Banff National Park
Packing can be a stressful experience when going somewhere you have never been! What to pack for Banff will greatly depend on what season you are going to visit. Make sure you check the weather prior to going to know how to pack most accordingly. But here are some items that are definitely staples to your packing necessities for your stay in Banff, well if you plan to camp 🙂
- Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
- Jacket: Since you will be traveling north in comparison to America, you will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
- Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
- Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
- Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
- Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
- Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
- Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
- Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
- Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!
How to Get to Banff National Park
This is depending on which way you are coming in and where you are starting. Here are the most popular options:
- America:
- Fly to Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, MT
- From here it will be ~4 hour trip to Banff in your rental car
- If you are planning to drive in from the American side, I would highly advise you to also take a couple days to visit GNP while lodging in one of these North Western Montana cities:
- Kalispell [see above for more info on this], Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Eureka
- No matter which town you choose to lodge in if you are also visiting GNP, you will fly into Glacier International Airport
- Also, if you are driving in from MT, you might as well stop in Waterton Lakes National Park! Read this blog post on what to do in Waterton Lakes National Park!
- Canada:
- Fly to Calgary, Canada
- From here it will be ~1.5 hours to Banff in your rental car
- The drive from Calgary to Banff is absolutely beautiful! But that is just a sample of the beauty you are about to experience!
Where to Stay in Banff National Park
Devin and I opted to car camp while in Banff. We prefer car camping to save on time and money. We also really love to camp! However, there are plenty of options to meet your desires for lodging!
Camping in Banff National Park
Banff National Park offers a variety of camping options, each providing unique experiences amidst stunning natural scenery. It should be noted that you need to be very careful with putting you full trust in the Banff National Park website when looking for a first come first serve campground. Since this was a last minute trip we planned, we were unable to reserve a campsite ahead of time. All of the reservation campgrounds were completely full. So we opted for the first come first serve campgrounds. Two of the three first come first serve campground we drove to were closed even though the website said they were open. This was extremely frustrating especially since we purposely drove 40 minutes to one of these campgrounds to camp close to the IceFields Parkway. The other first come first serve campground (Mosquito Creek) was full by the time we arrived so we were unable to set up camp there.
With that said, here are some popular campgrounds:
- Mosquito Creek Campground: Do not let the name scare you off! There is nothing about this campground that attracts mosquitos more than the others! This campground is located right on the creek offering a little over 30 campsites. The campsites have a fire pit and picnic tables. This is a first come first serve campground, so get there early to claim a spot!
- Two Jack Lakeside Campground: Nestled by Two Jack Lake, this picturesque campground features stunning lake views and is great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. It has a mix of campsites and is ideal for families. This is a reservation only campground.
- Lake Louise Campground: Situated near the famous Lake Louise, this campground is a great base for exploring the area’s iconic attractions and hiking trails. It has both tent and RV sites, as well as amenities like showers. This is a reservation only campground.
- Protection Mountain Campground: This campground is on the way to Lake Louise. So, if you are on your way to Lake Louise, I would advise stopping in to set up camp/ claim a campsite as this is a first come first serve. This was one of the two that was closed when we visited in mid September.
- Waterfowl Lake Campground: This is the campground we drove 40 minutes to in attempt to camp at so we could be right at the IceFields the next morning. But it was also closed when we went in mid September. This campground is a first come first serve with over 100 sites. The location is prime since it is very close to the IceFields Parkway and Jasper National Park!
- Lake Louise Overflow Parking Camp: This is another option for camping that you will not find on the Banff National Park website. However, this is a legitimate place to camp that the park allows. The overflow parking campsite is a graveled parking lot near the boat inspection site. By the time we drove to the Waterfowl Lake Campground, it was already after 9:00 pm. All the reservation and first come first serve campgrounds were full. We literally just needed a place to park our car to sleep since we would be up early the next morning anyway.
Thankfully, I was able to find the Lake Louise Overflow Parking overnight camping area via Reddit in Banff. Again, this is not technically a campground, but a place to park your car/ RV/ set up a tent for the night in desperate measures when everything else is full. There are signs for this camp area and a place to pay the $12 for the night. The park does ask for this to be a one night stay only to prevent overcrowding and continue the protection of the park. This was not sketchy or unsafe at all!! There is also a creek that runs in the back of the parking lot. You are close to the highway so you will hear cars going by in the night. However, it is hardly noticeable while car camping.
Hotels and Lodges in Banff National Park
- Fairmont Banff Springs: A luxury hotel known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” offering stunning views, fine dining, and a full-service spa.
- Banff Park Lodge: Located near downtown Banff, this lodge features comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Lake Louise Inn: Situated near Lake Louise, this hotel provides various room types and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Moose Hotel & Suites: A charming hotel in Banff with modern amenities, including a rooftop hot tub and on-site dining.
- The Rimrock Resort Hotel: Offering luxurious accommodations with beautiful mountain views and a spa.
Airbnb / VRBO In & Near Banff National Park
Due to the town of Banff being in the National Park, there are residential homes and even a school inside the park! Thus, there are plenty of unique options of experience Banff via Airbnb and VRBO.
You can also consider staying in Canmore or Calgary for a more cost efficient option.
Here are 5 Airbnb and VRBO listings in/ near Banff National Park. Search these names in the Airbnb/ VRBO search engines:
- Pet-friendly Getaway with Pool Access: Located in the Rocky Mountains, this cozy condo offers a wood-burning fireplace, free parking, and access to a hot pool. It accommodates up to five guests with three beds and one bathroom. Perfect for pet owners, the hosts even offer a complimentary pet package.
- Cascade Cabin Bed and Breakfast: A newly renovated guest suite close to downtown Banff and Bow River, featuring two bedrooms and a cozy patio. The host provides a free breakfast including fresh fruits, milk, eggs, and coffee, ensuring a good start to your day.
- Banff Squirrel’s Nest B&B: This basement suite is perfect for a family getaway, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and space for up to five guests. The property offers a fully equipped kitchen and is only a short walk from downtown Banff.
- The Black Bear Chalet: This luxury chalet offers breathtaking mountain views from its large windows and balcony. With spacious living areas and high-end amenities, it’s ideal for those looking for an upscale experience.
- Luxurious Mountain Home: Set in a quiet neighborhood, this mountain home boasts modern decor, stunning views, and an outdoor hot tub. It can host larger groups, making it ideal for family vacations or group retreats.
How Long to Stay in Banff National Park
This is going to depend on your style of vacationing/ traveling. If you are anything like my husband and I, you can quickly experience everything you want to do and see in a new place! What may take others 3-5 days, we can complete in about 1-2 days. We are up at sunrise and sometimes do not set up camp until late in the night!
So with that being said, we were perfectly content with only spending 2- days in Banff to experience everything we wanted to see.
But, you can easily spend an extra day or two here to gain the full experience!
10 Things To Do in Banff National Park
Now to the fun stuff! If you would enjoy watching a video on what we did in Banff, see below!
Please read carefully this information to ensure you get to experience the number one landmark while in the park!!
Shuttle System To Lake Louise and Moraine Lake:
The park provides a shuttle system to the two popular lakes- Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. A shuttle reservation is required to go to Moraine Lake. If you do not make a reservation on the shuttle, you will not be going to Moraine Lake. You have to make reservations accordingly to gain access to going to the lake. The reservations open 2- days prior. There is a shuttle time to reserve every hour. Since this was a last minute trip for us, we did not make those reservations. HOWEVER, the park oh so kindly offers a “last minute” reservation for each hour and we were able to get the last one!! Whooo! That was a close one.
Lake Louise does not require a shuttle reservation. You can drive your own car to this lake. However, because of this, it is a very popular stop for many people making it difficult to gain a parking spot. If you get a reservation on the shuttle, you can get dropped off at Lake Louise! Your shuttle reservation is a 2- for- 1.
The shuttle provides access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise via the connection shuttles. This is easy to follow and understand how to transition to the other shuttle to get to each lake.
You have to arrive to the park and ride area (located at the Lake Louise Ski Lodge) at your allotted time. After that, you are welcome to spend as much time as you want at each lake as long as you are on the last shuttle back to your car by 7:00 pm.
Depending on which reservation you purchase, that will determine which lake you start at. But again, you have access to both lakes so it doesn’t really matter which one you start with. Luckily for us, the reservation that was open was for Moraine Lake to be our first stop- this was lucky for us because the weather was perfect while there then turned to rain when we arrived to Lake Louise. Although Lake Louise was beautiful, I am so glad we got to see Moraine Lake in good weather!
The connection shuttles are first come first serve to transition to the other lake. You only need one reservation to have access to both lakes!
Okay now that we have that understanding, here’s more information about the lakes!
- Moraine Lake
The number one thing you will want to see while in Banff is Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is popular for its glacier blue water that looks just like blue Gatorade… seriously! The blue water against the beautiful Rocky Mountains is a sight that no picture, video, or painting could ever capture.
While at Moraine Lake, there are different activities you can choose from including:
- Canoeing: You can rent a canoe to take out on the lake to get a new point of view of the amazing scenery
- Hiking: The Rock Pile trail is a quick, easy hike to the overview of the lake you do not want to miss! You will hike your way to the top of a peak to look down at the lake.
- There is also the lake trail you can walk to get more views around the lake.
- Eating and shopping: Moraine Lake has a coffee shop and gift shop for you to enjoy as well.
After you have spent how ever long you want at Moraine Lake, jump on the connection shuttle to get to Lake Louise.
- Lake Louise
I would put Lake Louise as number two compared to Moraine Lake. The water is beautiful but not as blue as Moraine Lake. However, the activities at Lake Louise is more special compared to Moraine Lake.
While at Lake Louise, there are different activities you can choose from including:
- Canoeing: You can rent a canoe to take out on the lake to get a new point of view of the amazing scenery
- Hiking:
- Lake Agnes Tea House Trail: this is a 4.3 round trip trail that has rewarding views to a tea house! This is considered a moderately difficult hike with an elevation gain of 1,300 ft.
- We unfortunately was not able to do this hike. Since we got the last minute reservation, we only had about 30 minutes at the lake before we had to get back on the shuttle by 7:00 pm. Also, it was rainy and cloudy so we wouldn’t have had a good view of the lake from the overlook.
- Lake Louise Shoreline Trail: this is a 2.5 round trip, easy walk along the shoreline of Lake Louise.
- Lake Agnes Tea House Trail: this is a 4.3 round trip trail that has rewarding views to a tea house! This is considered a moderately difficult hike with an elevation gain of 1,300 ft.
- Hike Johnston Canyon
After you finish spending time at the lakes, you will now head to Johnston Canyon! You should try to plan these back to back if possible since they are in the same area.
Johnston Canyon has three options for hiking.
- Lower falls: this is a quick, easy hike to a lower portion of the falls. This hike is 0.7 miles one way with slight elevation. The hike to the falls is gorgeous as you follow the river. I would HIGHLY advise you getting there as early as possible. This is a very popular hike and can get crowded. When you get to the falls, there is a bridge that connects to an opening in the rocks where you can get an up close view of the falls. We unfortunately got a late start with the hike causing us to stand in a long line on the bridge waiting for our turn to get to the opening in the rocks. After waiting 30 minutes and not make much distance in line, we decided to leave. But we got a great view of the falls anyway!
- Upper falls: you can continue the hike up to the a different set of falls. The hike is 1.7 miles one way from the lower falls. This is considered a moderately difficult hike, but the views are rewarding to see a more impressive and wider falls. We did not have time to complete this hike.
- Ink Pots: you can continue even further beyond the upper falls to the ink pots. These are a series of fascinating mineral springs that bubble up from the ground, creating a unique visual experience. The hike is 3.2 miles one way from the upper falls. We did not have time to complete this hike.
- Go to Downtown Banff
One of my favorite things about Banff that I was not expecting, was downtown Banff! When you think about a “perfect/ ideal” downtown, Banff meets that expectation! There are so many cute stores, yummy restaurants, adorable dessert and coffee shops, and more!
We stopped in at the restaurant Melissa’s for a delicious, hearty breakfast! It was large and delicious! We looked at the breakfast menus from many different restaurants in downtown and although they all looked delicious, I would highly recommend Melissa’s! Not only was the food amazing, the service was above and beyond. AND, if that wasn’t enough, our waiter sat us at a table with the most amazing view of the mountains. The restaurant is located upstairs so you have an optimal view of beautiful scenery no matter where you sit!
There are also plenty of shops to find the perfect souvenir to remember your amazing trip!
Take time to explore downtown as it is quite large! Beyond the shops, there is also a recreational area with an open field and playground where you may be able to catch a intramural game!
- Visit the Cascade of Time Garden
At the end of downtown, you will find the Cascade of Time Garden. It is gated, but visitors are welcome to enter through the gate to enter the garden. Once you get to the doors of the museum, turn toward downtown to get an amazing view of the beautiful vibrant flowers against the Rocky Mountains.
The Cascade of Time Garden is a beautiful and serene spot, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The garden features a variety of native plants and flowers, designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
One of the garden’s highlights is its unique layout, which tells the story of the area’s geological and cultural history through its landscaping. You can find pathways that wind through the garden, providing lovely views of the surrounding mountains and the Bow River.
- Walk to Bow River Falls
Bow Falls is a stunning waterfall located just a short walk from downtown Banff. It’s renowned for its breathtaking views and the powerful rush of water that cascades down into the Bow River. Enjoy the walk to the falls through downtown across the picturesque bridges over the Bow River. Stop to take pictures!
We did not have time to go all the way to the falls but we were able to follow the river and cross bridges while walking to the Cascade of Time Garden, and that alone is beautiful!
- Drive the Lake Minnewanka Route
Lake Minnewanka Drive is a scenic route in Banff National Park that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the shimmering blue waters of Lake Minnewanka. The drive is about 12 miles starting in downtown.
Along the way, you’ll find several viewpoints and pull-offs where you can stop to take in the scenery or have a picnic. The remaining activities to do are along the Lake Minnewanka Drive. Just stay on the drive and you will come to each of these landmarks! Here are the places to pull off:
- Lake Minnewanka Viewpoint
The viewpoint is the main attraction, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There are picnic spots and trails nearby. Take time to get out here and take in the beautiful water agains the Rocky Mountains. You might find others taking a swim, depending on the season you are going.
At this viewpoint, visitors can admire the clear blue waters of Lake Minnewanka, framed by towering peaks, making it an ideal location for photography or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. Activities in the area include hiking along the lakeshore trails, picnicking with picturesque views, or taking a boat tour to explore the lake further. It’s also a popular spot for wildlife sightings, so keep an eye out for deer, elk, and other native animals.
- Two Jack Lake
A lovely stop just off the main road, with a beautiful view of the lake against the backdrop of Mount Rundle. This is another picturesque gem located within Banff National Park. Known for its calm, turquoise waters and surrounding mountain views, it’s a great spot for picnicking, relaxing, or kayaking. The lake is particularly popular among photographers for capturing reflections of the surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise or sunset. Visitors can also enjoy hiking the nearby trails, camping at Two Jack Lake Campground, or simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere. The area is perfect for wildlife watching, and it’s a quieter alternative to other more crowded spots in Banff.
- Johnson Lake
A great spot for a more tranquil experience, this lake offers lovely views and a loop trail. It’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Johnson Lake offers a peaceful retreat with serene waters surrounded by lush forests and mountain views. It’s a great spot for swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shoreline. The lake also has a popular, easy hiking trail that loops around it, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and stunning views. The calm atmosphere makes it a perfect location for a picnic or family outing, and it’s a quieter alternative to some of Banff’s more well-known lakes, offering a peaceful nature experience.
Have More Time in Alberta, Canada?
If you are looking for more things to do near Banff, there are plenty of options to consider!
Visit Fernie
On our way in to Banff from MT, we stopped in the town Fernie. This is a well known, picturesque mountain town located in southeastern British Columbia, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Fernie is most known for being a ski- town due to Fernie Alpine Resort being close by. If you are visiting in winter, plan to spend a day having fun on the variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. During the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The town itself has a charming, historic downtown with vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafés, reflecting its rich mining history.
Visit Calgary
Calgary is a major city closer to Banff. We decided to drive through Calgary on route to Banff after leaving Waterton Lakes National Park.
Calgary was inviting, warm, and beautiful. Although cities are not our preferred scene when road tripping, we felt it necessary to stop in! We spent our time in Calgary at Stephen Avenue. This is a vibrant pedestrian street located in downtown Calgary, Canada. Renowned for its historic architecture, the avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a popular destination.
Waterton Lakes National Park
If you make your way to Fernie, you might as well go all the way to WLNP! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Read about what to do in Waterton Lakes National Park here!
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Banff National Park! We really enjoyed our time in this park and are thankful for another opportunity to experience God’s creation. I hope that you will get to experience it as well!!
Leave a comment below if you have visited Banff, or if you are planning to!
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