Banff National Park
Banff National Park
5
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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About
It's hard to beat the breathtaking scenery and landscapes at Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park. Here, you'll see pine forests, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and elks. If you love adventure, summer is ideal for stunning hikes up Banff's peaks, and winter is great for skiing against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. There are plenty of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers as well, from outdoor campgrounds to luxury hotels.
Don't know where to start? You can tour Banff on a guided canoe, a horse-drawn wagon ride, or even on a multi-day adventure tour from Vancouver. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Attractions
2 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
560 reviews
Excellent
478
Very good
60
Average
16
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Danielle P
Coastal South Carolina, SC105 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We visited the Banff National Park this week, while we were in the Alberta Canada area. This is very popular tourist attraction year round, so keep this in mind when booking hotel reservations. You will need a park pass during your stay, and you can purchase them online, upon entering the park, or at the Banff visitor center. We had beautiful weather during our visit, and we were able to see plenty of wildlife during our visit. We would highly recommend this National Park to people who enjoy the outdoors and the wonders of the wilderness. Please keep in mind that many of the hiking trails are not handicap accessible.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry & Pat
Sugarloaf Township, PA274 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Amazing, if you love the outdoors, wildlife and majestic mountains this is the place for you. Any season can bring you all of this and more.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2TravelersMn
Stillwater, MN562 contributions
Jul 2022
Banff National Park is Canada's first national park. It covers 2,564 amazing square miles and includes the towns Banff and Lake Louise. There are more than 1000 miles of hiking trails and some of the most breath-taking scenery in Canada.
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TarHeel
Durham, NC1,068 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a lovely region of Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and quaint towns. If you're driving in, you have to stop and purchase admissions decals for your car. Driving around mountains, rivers and lakes was lovely. We also noticed overpasses for the wildlife to cross the highways without being struck. We stayed in Lake Louise and Banff and also enjoyed visiting Canmore. We're not skiers but know there are plenty of ski resorts in the park as well. Definitely a natural treasure.
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fiamma11
Vienna, VA4,760 contributions
Jun 2022
We loved our stay in Banff National Park. The beauty is mesmerizing. We stayed 4 nights and we could have stayed much longer. It is relaxing and a perfect commune with nature.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
poppoprt
Wall, NJ22 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
An absolutely beautiful area with many things to do. The town of Banff has so much to offer. There are excellent restaurants, wonderful watering holes and unique shops. It is a very walkable town. As for the area the views are outstanding. There are variety of activities which should meet everyone’s needs. We were there for 5 days and it was one of our favorite places to visit.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAMUEL H
Maiden, NC52 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Definitely a Beautiful Place But Watch Out For Speed Traps Especially Going Up To Ride The Banff Gondola They will Ticket You For Anything over 30 kilometers and when you try to pay the fine online it will say ticket not found probably so they can charge late fees .been over a month now and still not able to pay it
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsWYN-R
North Yorkshire, UK2,931 contributions
Sep 2022
Stunning scenery and some wonderful photographic moments. A real chance of a lifetime and some "great escape" moments - fresh clean air, simply wonderful.
At times you do feel like you are following the same tourist coaches around the various scenic spots to get your photographs yet it is a case of just do it, once in a lifetime.
At times you do feel like you are following the same tourist coaches around the various scenic spots to get your photographs yet it is a case of just do it, once in a lifetime.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah L
London, UK2,936 contributions
Aug 2022
Banff is a truly magical place and offers so much that it could cater to all kinds of people. From endless waterfalls to beautiful lakes, mountain views to amazing wildlife, it is worth the visit. It is only about an hour's drive from Downtown Calgary and makes you feel like you are much much further away. Book your park passes in advance to save time and be sure to venture beyond the famous Lake Louise as there are other spots that are just as beautiful. Banff town is also a great pit stop and has a host of eateries and shops.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
Allen, TX1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
The scenery was spectacular; the guides were friendly, helpful, and personable, the weather cooperated, as it was warm enough to explore, yet cool enough not to break into a sweat.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelinOa
Hayle, UK30 contributions
i am planning to travel to Banff and Jasper National Parks later this year. Are there any concessions for UK Blue Badge Holders?
Mentsightseer
Dallas, TX108 contributions
I do not know for sure and I would check with the park officials in Canada. But having said that there are many "Handicapped" parking spaces that we in the US and Canada honor for handicapped drivers. Even your Rental Car agency may be able to tell you the rules that are followed in Canada concerning handicapped parking and the markers you might need for using those facilities.
Do not hesitate to see this area of the world as there is plenty of room to drop off passengers and park if your "tags" are recognized. The Parks officers are very accommodating and I will bet they have a simple solution for you. Everyone there seems very happy to assist travelers. And so many things are seen from the road way from within your vehicle. Viewing areas are well marked for Handicapped accessibility in the park. Bathroom facilities might be a challenge depending on your situation therefore bring what you might need. No places in the park to buy much of anything.
Please get the app for your phone called Gypsy App for the canadian Rockies. It was soooo helpful and anyone in your vehicle will be happy to listen to such in-depth knowledge. Its like having a personal travel guide with you in your vehicle.
Have a wonderful adventure in the Canadian Rockies!!
We loved the sites and they are like nothing you have ever seen before.
Mary K
Madison, Wisconsin, United States19 contributions
Good afternoon! I just read your review as I am planning a trip to Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper for next late August. May I ask where did you stay while exploring BNP? If I can avoid staying in busy, touristy town of Banff, it would be great. Thank you so much!
Carolyn Burcham
Orange, Australia426 contributions
We stayed out of town for Banff & it was a nice walk in & out of Banff. We where happy at our cheap hotel & was glad that Banff have a few good places to eat. For Lake Louise, we stayed right on the lake at the Chateau & we wanted to spoil ourselves for 2 nights. The beds were lovely & we where glad to have brought our own food in Banff to eat breakfast & dinner. As for lunch we where on outings.
Topnightout
94 contributions
Where can I buy park passes please? I travel Revelstoke to lake Louise tomorrow for a week in the park.
Thank you
iancorby
Ellon, UK5 contributions
You get them on site
There is a place to buy them at the car park
811Vacationer
Wisconsin Dells, WI6 contributions
Looking for some advice on paying daily or getting the year pass for park admission. Was wondering where the park gates are. We will be staying in Banff for 4 nights traveling all around to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and such. Then we will be staying between Lake Louise and Jasper. Will we need to go through a gate if we are staying in the park somewhere? Any help appreciated.
Kate I
Mesa, AZ302 contributions
The park service will want a pass each day you are in the park (whether you are sight seeing or shopping). For less than a week they recommend the daily pass vs the annual pass. It was odd some days they charged per PERSON in the vehicle other days the charged a flat fee. We had only two in the car so the charge was the same each day either way. A pass purchased on any given day expires at 4pm the next day.
Katitatitours
Helsinki, Finland323 contributions
HI. Visiting area next July. I know we need national park admission in Banff. But we need it in Whistler (3days), Blue River (overnight) and Kelowna? First trip to Canada so thank you in advance :-)
Violette54
Payson, AZ3,991 contributions
If you buy a Canadian National Parks admission pass, (usually they are available at the parks themselves) this will be good for two years from when you bought it and it will cover all the National Parks where admission is charged. If you have any doubt, you can show it to the ranger manning the entrance kiosk and they will confirm this. It doesn't cover everything, and usually not Provincial Parks. They will help you know which places are covered and which are not.
Travel safely and enjoy your visit!
Duncan P
Three Hills, Canada65 contributions
I'm planning on touring Banff/Jasper with my brother. But we live at different ends of the province and want to meet up at Banff.
What is the layout of the actual park entrance like? Is there a place outside the gates that we can leave one of our vehicles so that we only need to buy one family pass between us?
Thanks!
joey r
Calgary, Canada468 contributions
Thats a wise move to use only one of you car to save some money. But I am not sure as to where to park your other car. Canmore is another option to consider where you can park I just dont know how. As to the lay out of the Park, you can get the map at their gate upon payment of entrance fee. Hope I am able to help, thanks
Susan S
Columbus, NE2 contributions
Hello...we hope to visit the parks in July coming up thru Hiway going to the Sun (Glacier National Park). Can anyone recommend a hotel with a great view? (Hope to go thru Banff, Lake Louise and on)
Violette54
Payson, AZ3,991 contributions
Banff and Lake Louise both have Fairmont Hotels. At Lake Louise the Fairmont sits on the water. It is the only hotel there that does. You might want to check your stay dates to make sure there accomodations for that time. These hotels accept tour groups and they fill quickly. You also might wish to decide how much the 'great view' is worth to you while you sleep. You will pay dearly for this view.
We are planing a trip to Canadian Rockie and Banff Park in mid April this year. How is the weather during that peroid. Are lake still frozen? Are all the park and lakes are open? Please advise.
From Thailand
Violette54
Payson, AZ3,991 contributions
It will very likely still be wintery and cold. Unless you are skiing and want snow, you may find that some of the attractions will have limited access. Our visit was during summer season, and even then there was rain and it got quite cool. If you have a specific destination as a must do, you might call ahead and learn their hours and seasons of operations, to prevent disappointment.
Idanbi
1 contribution
Hi,
We'll be visiting Calgary, Banff and other parks in April 2019.
how many days will you suggest us to spend in this area ?
thanks!
My husband and I will be visiting in April, 2019 and i'm trying to figure out the best means of transportation once we get there. Is it best to rent a car or is it easy to get around without, via shuttles/ Uber/Lyft?
joey r
Calgary, Canada468 contributions
Car rental is a lot better option to tour around Calgary and the mountain parks, there's some weekend deals with car rental to check as well.
Banff National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff National Park
- We recommend booking Banff National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 24 Banff National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Banff National Park:
- Evening Wildlife Safari (From $51.69)
- Rocky Mountains Premium Tour (34 Seats) (From $1,368.36)
- Covered Wagon Ride in Banff with Western Cookout (From $102.56)
- 1 Hour Spray River Ride (From $77.13)
- Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour (From $53.21)
Banff National Park Information
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Very Good Reviews | 60 |
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