If you are planning to visit Banff National Park, you’re in for a treat! This stunning area of the Canadian Rockies is a nature lover’s paradise, home to majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and crystal-clear lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (just to name a few!). It’s a spot that cannot be missed on any trip to Alberta!
Within the national park, you’ll find Banff town itself. It is a delightful blend of quaint mountain charm and vibrant energy. The postcard-perfect streets are lined with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and historic buildings set against a backdrop of towering mountains.
But it’s the boundless outdoor opportunities that truly steal the show in Banff National Park. From world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter to epic hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting in the summer, there’s never a dull moment for any adventure seeker!
After visiting Banff on my first trip to Canada, I was hooked. Bailey and I ended up moving to Canmore (a beautiful town right next to the National Park) and have had the privilege of exploring every nook and cranny of this breathtaking landscape! With so much to see and do in this area, we decided to write the detailed guides below to help you plan the best trip possible!
We are so excited for you to experience this slice of Canadian paradise – we know you’ll love it as much as we do!
Planning Essentials
Banff is a very sought-after destination, especially during the warm summer months from June to October. This can make it especially difficult to navigate, as some attractions, tours, and hotels will be booked up months in advance. It is important to research beforehand to plan where you want to stay and what you want to do so you can book early to avoid missing out. Our Banff articles will help guide you through the planning process to make visiting as easy as possible!
Where to Stay in Banff
Did you know that Banff National Park is over 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles)? This means you have a few options when it comes to where to stay in the park. Most people choose to stay in Banff town, but there are many great hotels throughout the park for all different types of travelers. Have a look at the posts below to see what area and hotel is best based on your preferences and budget!
Things to do in Banff
There is an abundance of fun things to do in Banff no matter what season you visit! Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer or want to keep it more tame, there is something here for every type of traveler. Have a look at our “things to do” blogs below to get some great ideas for when you visit!
Banff Tours
Since Banff is such a busy destination, it can make getting around on your own quite difficult. We love taking tours because it allows us to relax and just enjoy the experience. Plus, most tours visit multiple places in Banff so you can really maximize your time. Take a look at some of our favorite Banff tours below!
Popular Attractions in Banff
Banff is full of a variety of fun attractions and things to do. Make sure to check out these detailed guides on the top attractions in the National Park before you go!
Hiking in Banff
Banff is our favorite spot to hike in the whole country! With over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of maintained trails, there is a hike here for every level. Get out and explore the great outdoors with some of these epic Banff hikes!
General Banff Blogs
Getting Around Banff
As we said earlier, Banff can be a tricky place to navigate. During the winter, road conditions can be bad, and during the summer, the traffic and parking lots can be busy. Here are some guides that outline how you can easily get to and from some key places within (and outside) Banff National Park!
Top Lake Louise Blogs
Lake Louise is a charming area of Banff National Park, located about 40 minutes away from Banff town. It is home to one of the world’s most stunning lakes and is a must-visit location when you are in Banff National Park!
Top Moraine Lake Blogs
Just beyond Lake Louise, is an even more gorgeous lake (in my opinion!). Moraine Lake boasts a bold turquoise color that almost doesn’t look real. This spot holds a special place in our hearts because it is actually where Bailey and I got engaged! It can be a difficult lake to get to though as public parking isn’t allowed, so make sure to read the blogs below before you visit!
Banff Reviews
Below you’ll find reviews of some of the best activities in Banff including photos, information, and my personal opinion of course! Oh, and the best part? I don’t work with the tour operator for these reviews – they are all self-funded and unbiased!
Banff Road Trips
We’ve done lots of road trips before, but nothing quite compares to driving through the beautiful Canadian Rockies! Not only is it scenic, but there are lots of great places to visit and stop along the way. In fact, many people choose to rent a car and travel all over Western Canada! Have a look at the well-thought-out road-trip itineraries below – they can be used in reverse as well!
Where to Next?
Did you know that Banff is surrounded by multiple other National and Provincial Parks? There is so much to see in this area of Canada that we highly encourage you to go beyond Banff to check out some of these other awesome places! We’ve highlighted the best places to visit and things to see outside of Banff National Park, so you can continue exploring!
Nearby Attractions
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic stretch of highway that connects Banff National Park to Jasper National Park. Known as one of the most scenic roads in the world, this 227 km (141 miles) route has some seriously unbelievable stops along the way. It’s best experienced on a road trip or a tour!
