Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park (est. 1885) and a core part of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Centered on the town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise, the park protects rugged peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, subalpine meadows, and extensive wildlife corridors across the headwaters of the Bow and North Saskatchewan rivers.
At a glance — Banff National Park
| Location | Canadian Rockies, west of Calgary, Alberta |
|---|---|
| Province | Alberta |
| Established | 1885 (Cave & Basin hot springs origin) |
| Area | ≈ 6,641 km² |
| Highest peak | Mount Forbes (≈3,612 m) |
| Notable features | Lake Louise; Moraine Lake; Peyto Lake; Johnston Canyon; Lake Minnewanka; Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A); Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93 N); Sunshine Meadows; Cave and Basin National Historic Site |
| Nearby communities | Town of Banff; Lake Louise; outside the park: Canmore (AB), Field (BC) |
Overview
Banff spans the eastern main ranges and front ranges of the Rockies: serrated summits and icefields feeding emerald lakes and braided rivers. A century of conservation and carefully planned transportation corridors make Banff one of the world’s most accessible mountain parks—yet wildlife such as grizzly and black bear, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, wolf, and cougar still roam its valleys.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Peaks, icefields, and passes: Waputik and Wapta icefields, continental divide summits, and classic passes along the Icefields Parkway.
- Lakes & waterfalls: Iconic turquoise lakes (Louise, Moraine, Peyto, Bow, Minnewanka) and canyons (Johnston, Marble) shaped by ice and water.
- Forests & meadows: Montane grasslands in the Bow Valley rise to subalpine larch meadows and alpine tundra with short, flower-filled summers.
- Wildlife corridors: Fenced Trans-Canada segments, wildlife crossings, and seasonal closures support animal movement; visitors frequently see elk and bighorn sheep near valley bottoms.
Things to do
- Scenic drives: The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93 N) to Jasper offers glaciers, lakes, and trailheads; the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) provides slower, wildlife-friendly touring with viewpoints and short walks.
- Hiking & viewpoints: From family-friendly walks (Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots; Fenland/Marsh loops) to full-day classics (Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Agnes Tea House, Larch Valley–Sentinel Pass, Parker Ridge near the divide).
- Paddling & boating: Canoe/kayak rentals at Lake Louise (seasonal) and the Bow River; motorboat tours/rentals on Lake Minnewanka (regulations apply).
- Cycling: Popular road and pathway rides in the Banff–Canmore corridor; seasonal vehicle-restricted periods on parts of the Bow Valley Parkway enhance cycling (check dates).
- Gondolas & viewpoints: Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain (or hike the trail); chairlifts/gondolas at ski areas provide summer access to alpine meadows (operations vary).
- Winter: Downhill at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay; extensive XC skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking on signed trails; iconic skating on Lake Louise when ice is safe.
Access and visitor services
- Highways & transit: The Trans-Canada Hwy 1 enters near Canmore; Hwy 93 N links Lake Louise to Jasper; Hwy 1A is the Bow Valley Parkway. Regional Roam Transit connects Banff, Lake Louise, and popular sites seasonally.
- Passes & fees: A valid Parks Canada entry pass is required (day pass or Discovery Pass).
- Parking & shuttles: Parking is limited at Lake Louise and not permitted for private vehicles at Moraine Lake—use Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit, tours, cycling, or hiking access as signed.
- Townsites & services: Banff and Lake Louise offer visitor centres, groceries, lodging, dining, and rentals. Reservations are essential in peak seasons.
- Camping & backcountry: Frontcountry campgrounds (e.g., Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack, Lake Louise) and extensive backcountry networks require reservations/permits; seasonal restrictions apply in wildlife corridors.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Mountain weather & cold water: Conditions change rapidly; carry layers, maps, and adequate food/water. Lakes and rivers are cold—dress for immersion if paddling.
- Wildlife: Carry bear spray where recommended, hike in groups, make noise, keep 100 m from bears/wolves and 30 m from elk/deer; never feed wildlife.
- Avalanche & winter hazards: Many popular winter routes enter avalanche terrain—check bulletins and carry proper gear/training.
- Steep terrain & cliffs: Stay on marked trails and behind barriers at canyons and lakeshore cliffs; rockfall and slippery surfaces are common.
- Follow fire bans, seasonal area closures, and all Parks Canada bulletins. Practice Leave No Trace.
See also
- Jasper National Park • Yoho National Park • Kootenay National Park
- Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks • Icefields Parkway • Geography of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Banff National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff
- Parks Canada — Visit (Lake Louise/Moraine Lake, shuttles & transit): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit
- Parks Canada — Reservations (camping, shuttles, backcountry): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire bans, avalanche): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp