Your Guide to Banff National Park

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, encompassing over 2500 square miles of pristine alpine wilderness. It sits in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a collection of emerald lakes, snowcapped peaks, glaciers and verdant forests provide the backdrop to a wealth of wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures.

With a massive three million visitors every year, Banff National Park has become one of Canada’s most sought after destinations. In this guide, we answer a few key questions about Banff and give you some insight into what you can expect from this incredible exciting location.

What is the best time to visit Banff National Park?

Banff National Park is undoubtedly a year round destination, the alpine landscapes providing the backdrop for a wide range of activities during each season.

The summer months, particularly from June to August are the most popular time to visit when the park comes to life. The weather is mild and the wildlife is at its most active. It is also the time when the glacial lakes are at their fullest meaning the famous turquoise waters are at their brightest.

These summer attractions make it is the busiest time to visit, so it’s worth considering a visit to Banff National Park during May for the spring bloom or September as the autumn colours begin to appear.

In winter the resort towns of Lake Louise and Banff provide access to a trio of popular ski areas as well as other winter activities and the enticing prospect of seeing the northern lights.

How many days do you need in Banff National Park?

Depending on what you wish to do during your trip to Canada, between two and six days should be enough to experience a wealth of activities and sights that are available in Banff National Park.

The vibrant resort town of Banff, where your journey will most likely start, is in itself a lovely place to explore. You can get everything you need as far as supplies for your adventure in the park in Banff, as well as get fed and watered at one of the many bars and restaurants. This is also the spot to book any guided activities and pick up trail maps.

Can you swim in Moraine Lake?

Unfortunately, swimming in Moraine Lake is not recommended. As the lake is filled by water created by a glacier, it is too cold for swimming – but there’s plenty of other water-based enjoyment to have like kayaking and canoeing.

Where should I stay when visiting Banff National Park?

Finding somewhere to stay is easy as there are a number of lodges and hotels to choose from. From the iconic Fairmont Chateau on the shores of Lake Louise to the rustic and cosy Moraine Lake Lodge, which is hidden in a beautiful valley, each accommodation offers something different.

View more accommodation in Alberta.

What are the best hot springs in Banff?

There are a few great hot springs in Banff National Park and soaking in the warm waters is a great respite for tired muscles from a long day of exploration. Banff Upper Hot Springs has natural flowing waters of around 37-40 degrees Celsius and is the closest spring to Banff town meaning minimal travel time.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit less developed, the Radium Hot Springs Mineral Pools is a top choice. Nestled in amongst the lush forest, these mineral pools are the largest in Canada and have a toasty temperature of around 36-40 degrees Celsius.

What is there to do in Banff for free?

Although entry to the park does cost money, there are things you can do for little to no money while you are there are numerous. From hiking and cycling to swimming in Johnson Lake (which is one of the only lakes in the park that is warm enough for swimming in the summer), there are lots of fun activities that cost very little.

Wildlife spotting is another activity that you can generally do for free. Grizzly bears, deer, bighorn sheep and elk can all be seen in the park throughout summer. Find a spot and be on the lookout for Canada’s animal life in its natural habitat.