- Fly to Calgary, about 90 minutes' drive from Banff
- Private cars cannot drive to Moraine Lake, so book a Parks Canada or commercial shuttle
- You need a Parks Canada pass for every day you are in the park
- Book summer accommodation months ahead
- Airports
- Calgary International (YYC)
- Best time to go
- Mid-June to September for lakes and hiking; December-March for skiing
- Type
- National park
Banff is Canada's oldest national park and its most famous. The Rocky Mountains here rise in jagged grey walls above lakes of an almost unreal turquoise, coloured by fine glacial rock flour. Elk graze on the edge of town, bears and bighorn sheep are often spotted along the roads, and in winter the same mountains become one of North America's great ski areas.
The park is busy in summer, but with a little planning it is still easy to find quiet trails. For the wider picture, see our Canada guide, and consider combining Banff with Vancouver for a classic west coast and Rockies trip.
Where to stay
- Banff town – the main base, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and shops. Walkable and well served by Roam Transit buses.
- Lake Louise – a small village about 45 minutes north-west of Banff, closer to the lakes and the Icefields Parkway. Fewer places to eat, so it suits people who want to be in the mountains rather than in town.
- Canmore – just outside the park boundary, about 20 minutes from Banff. Often better value and less crowded, with superb views of the Three Sisters peaks.
- Jasper – at the far end of the Icefields Parkway, worth a night or two if you are driving north.
Things to do
- Lake Louise – walk the lakeshore, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House or paddle a canoe below the Victoria Glacier.
- Moraine Lake – the view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks from the rockpile is one of Canada's most photographed. The road is usually open from early June to mid-October.
- Banff Gondola – up Sulphur Mountain for a ridge-top boardwalk and views over the Bow Valley.
- Johnston Canyon – a catwalk trail beside a narrow canyon to the Lower and Upper Falls, frozen into ice climbs in winter.
- Icefields Parkway – the 230 km road to Jasper passes Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Allow a full day.
- Hot springs and skiing – the Banff Upper Hot Springs are open all year; in winter, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay make up the Big 3 ski areas.
Getting there and around
Fly to Calgary, which has direct flights from Gatwick and Heathrow taking about 9 hours. Banff is about 130 km, or 90 minutes, west by road. Shuttle buses run from the airport, but a hire car is the most flexible way to explore.
You need a Parks Canada pass for each day in the park: buy a daily pass, or an annual Discovery Pass if you are visiting several parks. Private vehicles are no longer allowed on the Moraine Lake road, so use the Parks Canada shuttle (book online, slots open in spring) or a licensed commercial shuttle. Parking at Lake Louise fills very early in summer, so the shuttle is the easiest way there too.
When to go
Mid-June to mid-September is best for hiking and for seeing the lakes at their most vivid; some lakes are still frozen until early June. July and August are the busiest. Mid to late September brings golden larch trees and fewer crowds. Winter, from December to March, is cold (regularly below -10 °C) and ideal for skiing, skating and snowshoeing.
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. Carry bear spray on hikes, keep your distance, and never feed animals.
Top attractions in Banff
Banff on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Banff?
Three to four days covers the lakes, the gondola and a couple of hikes. Add two more for the Icefields Parkway and Jasper.
Can you drive to Moraine Lake?
Not in a private car. Use the Parks Canada shuttle or a commercial tour, or cycle the road if you are fit.
Is Banff good for a winter holiday?
Yes. It is a well-established ski destination with direct flights to Calgary, and the snow is generally dry and reliable from December to March.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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