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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

13 Best Things to Do in Banff National Park

1. Explore Lake Louise

Stunning turquoise waters surrounded by mountain peaks.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

Epic hike with breathtaking glacier views.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

4 hrs

3. Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs with mountain views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

4. Take the Banff Gondola

Ride to the top for panoramic mountain views.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1.5 hrs

5. Drive the Icefields Parkway

Scenic drive featuring stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

5 hrs

6. Visit Moraine Lake

Iconic lake with vibrant blue water and stunning peaks.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

2 hrs

7. Explore Johnston Canyon

Hike through scenic waterfalls and canyons.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

8. Wildlife viewing in Banff

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

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

9. Visit the Banff Park Museum

Discover local history and natural history exhibits.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

10. Ski at Sunshine Village

Enjoy world-class skiing in beautiful surroundings.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

6 hrs

11. Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Explore the birthplace of Canada's national parks.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

12. Go on a guided ice walk

Experience stunning frozen waterfalls and ice formations.

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

13. Photography at Tunnel Mountain

Capture breathtaking sunsets and landscapes.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1 hr

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)