Banff National Park
Alberta
•Est. 25 November 1885
Area
6,641 km² (2,564 sq mi)
Natural Region
Rocky Mountains
Annual Visitors
4,130,081
Established
25 November 1885
About the Park
Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it offers visitors a range of outdoor activities and picturesque scenery.
Park Location
History
Established in 1885, Banff was Canada's first national park, created to protect the natural hot springs discovered in the area. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Canada's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Landscapes
The park features majestic mountain ranges, expansive glaciers, alpine meadows, and turquoise lakes, including the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Wildlife
Home to a variety of wildlife such as grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, wolves, and mountain goats.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
July and August offer warm weather and long days, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. February and March are best for winter sports. May, June, and September provide fewer crowds and pleasant weather for outdoor activities. September is ideal for fall colours and fewer tourists.
Nearby Towns/Cities
Banff (town), Canmore, Lake Louise, Calgary (major city 1.5 hours away).
Facilities
Visitor Centres in Banff and Lake Louise, campgrounds, hotels, resorts, restrooms, picnic sites, guided tours.
Services
Emergency dispatch, interpretive programs, wildlife info, guided hikes, shuttle buses, Roam public transit, parking updates, accommodations.
Top Highlights
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Bow Valley Parkway, Icefields Parkway, hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, Sulphur Mountain Gondola, Bow Falls, Johnston Canyon.
Scenic Drives
Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N to Jasper), Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), Lake Minnewanka Loop.
How to Get There
Major entry via Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) from Calgary. Regional airports: Calgary International (YYC). By car, bus, and train (Rocky Mountaineer). Shuttles available from Calgary and among park highlights.
Parking
Paid and free parking in Banff; best at Train Station Public Parking Lot (free, 9 hours). Lake Louise paid parking May-Oct. Very limited parking at Lake Louise/Moraine Lake in summer—use shuttle or transit. Real-time parking status via BanffNow. Park passes are required for entry.
Park Features
Natural Beauty
Pristine Wilderness
Wildlife
Native Species
Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Scenic Views
Photo Opportunities
Similar National Parks You Might Enjoy
Discover more natural wonders like Banff National Park. These parks share similar features, landscapes, or geographical locations that you might find interesting.
Jasper National Park
Location
Alberta
Established
14 September 1907
Area
11,228 km² (4,335 sq mi)
Annual Visitors
2,415,463
Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, abundant wildlife, and significant geological features like the Columbia Icefield. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Location
Alberta
Established
30 May 1895
Area
505 km² (195 sq mi)
Annual Visitors
475,842
Waterton Lakes National Park, where the prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, offers a diverse range of landscapes, including clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, colorful streams, and mountain vistas. The park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's first transboundary protected area.
Yoho National Park
Location
British Columbia
Established
10 October 1886
Area
1,313 km² (507 sq mi)
Annual Visitors
663,878
Yoho National Park, located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. The park features towering peaks, roaring waterfalls, serene alpine lakes, and rich fossil beds, offering a unique blend of geological wonders and natural beauty. It's a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking awe-inspiring scenery in every direction.