Banff National Park

Canada, North America

Banff National Park is a breathtaking gem in the Canadian Rockies, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, vibrant turquoise lakes, and abundant outdoor activities. Famous attractions include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola, all offering unparalleled views. Whether you're skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, this national park is captivating year-round, attracting adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-7 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Rocky Mountain House

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Banff National Park

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Lake Louise

Stunning turquoise waters surrounded by mountain peaks.

No booking required
2

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

Epic hike with breathtaking glacier views.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs with mountain views.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take the Banff Gondola

Ride to the top for panoramic mountain views.

Booking required
5

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Drive the Icefields Parkway

Scenic drive featuring stunning landscapes and wildlife.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit Moraine Lake

Iconic lake with vibrant blue water and stunning peaks.

Booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Explore Johnston Canyon

Hike through scenic waterfalls and canyons.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Wildlife viewing in Banff

Spot bears, elk, and other wildlife in their habitat.

No booking required
9

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Banff Park Museum

Discover local history and natural history exhibits.

No booking required
10

Est. 6 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Ski at Sunshine Village

Enjoy world-class skiing in beautiful surroundings.

Booking required
11

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Explore the birthplace of Canada's national parks.

No booking required
12

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Go on a guided ice walk

Experience stunning frozen waterfalls and ice formations.

Booking required
13

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography at Tunnel Mountain

Capture breathtaking sunsets and landscapes.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~15-20%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Canadian Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Poutine

V

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy (National dish)

Tourtière

Savory meat pie from Quebec

Montreal-style Bagels

VE

Chewy, sesame-seeded bagels from Montreal

Butter Tarts

V

Sweet pastry filled with butter and sugar

Nanaimo Bars

V

Layered dessert bar with chocolate and custard

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)