Helpful Tips for Visiting Banff: Know Before You Go

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Banff National Park is a spectacular place to visit.  The brilliant colors of the lakes combined with the backdrop of the Canadian Rocky Mountains make Banff National Park a bucket list destination.  One of the things I love about visiting Banff National Park is how accessible the Park is to those who love an adventure and those who want a short stroll to a viewing point.  You don’t have to be an active person to enjoy many of the highlights in Banff National Park. 

You should know several things before you plan your trip to Banff National Park.  Below are some of my top know before you go tips. 

Know Before You Go:  Banff National Park

What highlights are in Banff National Park?

Banff National Park includes must-see places like Lake Louise, Petyo Lake, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, the town of Banff, and so many more.

When is the Best time to Visit Banff National Park?

The answer to this question is tricky.  The best time to visit Banff National Park is based on what activities you want to do and your tolerance for crowds.  Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:

June to August is one of the most popular times to visit Banff National Park.  The weather is warmer, and the major highlights like Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefields are open.  However, the crowds will be in full effect.  To see Moraine Lake, people arrive at 5:30 am just to get a parking space.

September – November:  Shoulder season starts to settle in around the end of September when the crowds begin to leave, the snow starts to fall, and the temperature drops.  Toward the end of September, the leaves on the larch trees turn yellow and create a shimmering effect in the wind. The larch tree season lasts a couple of weeks before the trees start to shed their leaves.  As Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October) passes, popular places like Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefields close for the season, as do several restaurants. 

Mid-October:  There were no crowds during our mid-October visit, parking was a breeze, and we were often alone on the trails.  It snowed before we arrived, which meant some of the walking paths and hiking trails were a little more difficult to navigate.  We used Yak-Trak’s (think lightweight chains that go over your shoes) and had no problem. Those who were not prepared did slip and slide a bit. 

We stayed warm and comfortable with good gear such as hiking shoes and pants, base layers, jackets, gloves, hats, and Yak Tracks.

December through March:  The best time for skiers to visit Banff National Park is December through March, when the ski season is in full swing.  This is also a good time for other winter activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice skating.  However, you won’t see the gorgeous blue color of the lakes in the winter because they are frozen over and covered with snow.  Pack good gear because it is very cold this time of year.

April – May:  As ski season starts to peter out (toward May), so do the crowds.  The weather starts to warm up, and the snow begins to melt.  The sunny days get longer, and hiking trails become passable again (although with gear).  However, many lakes are still frozen, and the dreamy blue color is not visible yet.

How Long Should I Stay in Banff National Park?

If you are traveling in the summer and/or fall, I suggest the following:

• Four nights in Lake Louise
• Two to three nights in Banff

Since Lake Louise and Banff are about forty-five minutes from each other, it is feasible to see many of the Banff highlights while staying in Lake Louise and vice versa.  Many of the highlights are closer to Lake Louise and that is why I suggest several days in Lake Louise.  However, Lake Louise does not have a walkable town or many restaurants like Banff. 

I also suggest five nights if you are visiting during ski season.  You can ski for a few days, and take a day for sightseeing and relaxing.

How do I plan my trip to Banff National Park?

Planning a trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding area can be daunting because there is so much to see and do.  You can drive yourself crazy trying to figure out how to see everything.  At least, I did.  I have four suggestions to help you plan your trip: 

• Decide what season you plan to visit.  The time of year you visit will play a significant role in your activities on your trip.  For instance, several Banff National Park attractions close around mid-October, like Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefield.  However, mid-October (when we went) is one of the least crowded times of the year.  So, there are trade-offs.  There are also varying activities available depending on the season.  In the summer you might go canoeing on Lake Louise whereas in the winter you might go skiing or dog sledding.
• Decide how many days you plan to spend in and around Banff National Park.  The number of days available for your trip will dictate how many of the must-see places you have time to see.
• Come to grips with the fact you cannot see everything in one trip.  Yes, this is hard, or at least it was for me.  There are just so many incredible things to do.  So, pick the highlights that you want to see most. 
• Map the highlights you want to see.  I grouped the things I wanted to see and do according to their location.  Using a map, I could easily see that it makes sense to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the same day but not Lake Louise and Emerald Lake.  A map was also helpful in assessing how far I would be traveling each day and the feasibility of the planned activities.

I created the map below, which has my four-day Lake Louise itinerary, to get you started planning your trip.  My Lake Louise itinerary has the most sought-after must-see places in and around Banff National Park.  And, as a bonus, I included a few ideas for things to do in Banff. 

Each day is a different color and is numbered in the order I suggest seeing the highlights.  Once I saw the highlights on a map, planning became much easier for me. 

What Resources are Available to Help Me Plan My Trip?

My Four-Day Lake Louise Itinerary is a terrific resource for planning your trip.  I cover the must-see attractions and so much more!  Based on our experience, I also provide tips and tricks to help you plan an incredible vacation. 

The Banff & Lake Louise Tourism website provides a significant amount of information about visiting Banff and Lake Louise.  I suggest you check it out while planning your trip.  The Banff & Lake Louise Tourism trip planner also shows you the different activities available in and around Banff National Park. 

You can also contact the concierge at your hotel to help you plan your trip.  If you are staying at the Chateau Lake Louise (you should, with a lake view room!), I suggest reaching out to the concierge a month ahead of time to help you book your restaurant reservations.  There are a few restaurants on property and only a couple in town, so restaurants book up quickly, as does the spa. 

For activities, Viator is also helpful in deciding what activities interest you.  Popular activities in Banff National Park include the Banff Gondola and lunch or dinner at the Sky Bistro, helicopter rides, climbing, guided hikes, and horseback riding. 

One of the best things we did was buy the GyPSy Guide Bundle to the Candian Rockies. I am a huge fan of GyPSy Guides because it’s like having your own personal guide in the car with you. The information, directions, and fun stories elevate your experience. GyPSy Guide even has one-day audio tours around Banff, Yoho National Park, Icefields Parkway, the drive from Calgary to Banff, and so many more.

Travel agents can also be a good resource for planning your trip.  They can plan your entire trip for you!

Do I Need to Buy a Canadian Park Pass? 

Yes.  To enter Banff National Park, you need to purchase Park Pass.  Visitors can buy an individual Park Pass for each day in Banff National Park.  The pass is valid at one of the fifty available national parks and historical sites.  However, if you plan to spend a week seeing the highlights in and near Banff National Park, consider buying the annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass. 

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass includes admission to more than eighty destinations for twelve months.  Another advantage of the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is you can use the same pass even if you are in different parks on the same day.  For instance, you might be staying in Banff or Lake Louise (both in Banff National Park), but you are going to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.  Technically, you need a pass when you enter Yoho National Park and a separate pass for Banff National Park when you return to your lodging in Banff National Park. 

We purchased the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for our trip and visited Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park.  The Pass also included popular parks like Jasper National Park and Glacier National Park at the time of writing.  

Does Each Person in my Party Need a Separate Banff National Park Pass?

Not necessarily.  If you are traveling as a family in one car, you only need one Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

If you need help deciding which pass is right for you, the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Board has a helpful park pass interactive calculator that tells you the best pass to buy for your trip.

Should I Print My Banff National Park Pass Before Arriving in Banff National Park?

Yes!  Due to limited Wi-Fi (discussed below), you should have a printed copy of your pass to show the gate agent and to leave on your car’s dashboard.

Should I Rent a Car When Visiting Banff National Park? 

Yes. Banff National Park is a sprawling national park everyone should see at least once in their life.  However, because Banff National Park is so expansive, it isn’t easy to get around without renting a car.  While you can sign up for tours and take shuttles, the easiest way to see highlights like the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake is by car.  An added benefit of renting a car is the ability to see these highlights on your own schedule. 

When traveling in the fall or winter, consider renting a car with four-wheel drive.  Banff National Park gets a significant amount of snow, and the roads can be icy. 

Pro Tip:  We rented a car through Costco, and it was much cheaper than renting directly through a car rental company. 

Do I Need Reservations in Banff National Park?

Yes.  I am a huge fan of making a few reservations before my trip. 

Hotel Reservations

I suggest making hotel reservations as soon as possible.  We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  I recommend both with a couple of caveats. 

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a massive complex.  I usually prefer to stay in smaller boutique hotels, but the Fairmont Banff Springs is a classic.  Our room overlooked the golf course, Bow River, and the mountains.  One morning we saw elk wandering around the golf course.  For a California girl, the view was memorable. 

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is literally at Lake Louise (pictured above).  The views are stellar, and therefore, I would highly suggest a room with a lake view.  We stayed in the original building just steps from the lake.  The deluxe lake view room was a bit small and could use a refresh, but the view and location are fantastic. 

Restaurant Reservations in Banff National Park

Dinner reservations for meals in Lake Louise are also a good idea.  Aim to make those reservations about a month ahead of time.  If you are traveling in the summer, you might also want to make a couple of reservations in Banff for dinner when it is peak season. 

Spa Reservations in Banff National Park

A spa reservation is a good idea too.  The spa at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was completely booked during our visit.  We quickly decided to make reservations at the Willow Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel during our stay later in the week.  There was limited availability at the Willow Spa, even in the shoulder season.  So, if you plan to have a spa treatment (and I suggest you do), try to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance. 

What Kind of Gear do I Need for a Trip to Banff National Park?

Gear is crucial for a successful trip to Banff National Park.  Whether you plan to hike or ski, you need good gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.  Here are a few suggestions. 

Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats for Walking on Ice and Snow (1 Pair), Small

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Gotham Insulated Jacket, Summit Navy, Large

Spyder Active Sports Women’s Synthesis Gore-TEX Ski Glove

Spyder Men’s Leader Jacket

Spyder Men’s Overweb GTX Gloves, black, S

Spyder Men’s Active Sweatshirt – Thermal Ribbed Performance Tech Fleece Hoodie Sweatshirt – Workout Pullover for Men (S-XL), Size Small, Charcoal

What is the Closest International Airport to Banff National Park?

Calgary International Airport. 

Should I Bring My Global Entry Card?

Yes.  I didn’t know we had to clear customs in Canada before returning to the United States.  I was shocked when I saw a massive line of people waiting to pass through the customs and immigration line at Calgary International Airport.  With no choice, we got in line.  As the minutes began to tick by, it was obvious no one had moved an inch.  A wave of panic started to come over me as I realized we could miss our flight. 

I started to ask around to see if there was a shorter line.  It turns out, if you have Global Entry (and have the card with you), you can bypass most of the customs/immigration line and take the shorter security line.  However, we didn’t have our cards and were not permitted to use the Global Entry line. We finally got close enough to talk to one of the U.S. Customs agents who checked our passports and saw the Global Entry sticker on the back.  She allowed us to use the Global Entry line without our cards.  We probably saved an hour in line by having Global Entry and made our flight. 

Our pilot held the flight for twenty minutes since several passengers got stuck in the customs lines, but sadly many of them never made the flight.  So, here are my pro tips:

Pro Tips: The moral of my story is 1) get Global Entry, 2) travel with your Global Entry card, and 3) give yourself at least an hour more than you think you need to get through customs and security at Calgary International Airport.  

Are There Gas Stations in Banff National Park?

Yes, but they are few and far between.  There is a gas station in Canmore (the town right before Banff National Park), near Lake Louise, and at the Saskatchewan River Crossing (toward Jasper National Park).  There are also gas stations in Jasper National Park.

Is there Wi-Fi in Banff National Park?

Yes and no.  Hotels like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs have Wi-Fi.  But Wi-Fi can be spotty in the Canadian Rockies.  As you head out on Icefields Parkway or toward Emerald Lake, there is limited and, in some cases, no Wi-Fi.  The same is true for cell reception. 

Pro Tip:  Download your maps ahead of time so you can access them on your drive through Banff National Park. 

Should I Visit the Sky Bistro and the Banff Gondola? 

Yes.  I waffled about whether we should ride the gondola, hike Sulphur Mountain, and eat at the Sky Bistro.  We opted to take the Banff Gondola and have dinner at Sky Bistro.  I am so happy we decided to do both activities!  The view from the Banff Gondola is beautiful, and our dinner was surprisingly good.  Often, the food is not great at places with a view because restaurants depend on the view, not the food, to bring in visitors.  But the food was delicious.  Dinner at Sky Bistro is extremely popular, so if you cannot get a reservation for dinner, lunch is also a good option, or you can enjoy a drink on the observation deck. 

Pro Tip:  Sky Bistro takes reservations twenty-eight days in advance.  Mark your calendar and make a reservation as soon as possible because they go fast.  Aim to have dinner about 45 minutes before sunset so you can take advantage of the view before the sun disappears behind the mountains. I also suggest spending an hour wandering around at the top before dinner. The walking path offers spectacular views and shouldn’t be missed.  Plan to arrive with enough time to wait in line at the gondola base, take the eight-minute gondola ride, and walk around for an hour before dinner.  You don’t want to have to rush like us.  If you have extra time, you can get a drink and sit on the viewing platform and enjoy the gorgeous views.  

Do I Need to be Vaccinated to Visit Banff National Park?

Technically, no, but visitors need to be vaccinated to enjoy themselves in Banff National Park at the time of writing.  Visitors need to show their vaccination cards before entering restaurants, participating in activities, and checking into hotels.  Without a vaccination card, you will be substantially limited in what you can do in Banff National Park and may need to quarantine for several days before exploring Canada. 

Banff National Park is a bucket-list destination that I hope you visit! For more tips on visiting Banff National Park, visit my four-day Lake Louise itinerary.

Have you been to Banff National Park? Share your experience in the comments below!

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