Located in the Rocky Mountains, this scenic wilderness area is Canada's oldest national park established back in 1885. The park founding was sparked two years earlier when two Canadian Pacific Railroad workers came upon hot springs. Banff National Park is on 2,564 acres within the Alberta province and consists of mountains, valleys, forests, glaciers, lakes and rivers. It is one of the most visited parks in the world welcoming approximately four million people annually. Popular attractions are Upper Hot Springs, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Castle Mountain and Valley of the Ten Peaks. Along with four other Canada national parks, it makes up a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. Show All
There are some places that you just have to experience for yourself to fully appreciate the beauty that they hold, and Banff National Park is one such destination. But where is Banff National Park?
Canada’s oldest national park is located in the province of Alberta, 110 – 180 miles west of Calgary. The Banff National Park consists of welcoming hot springs, towering coniferous forests, ice fields and glaciers. It connects to:
• Jasper National Park to the north – Many Banff National Park tours bundle a visit to Jasper National Park. This is the home of the Columbia Icefield where you can take a ride on the Ice Explorer out across the Athabasca Glacier.
• Yoho National Park to the west – Its name comes from the Cree word for “awe and wonder.” That perfectly sums up the experience you can expect to have when you make a trip to Yoho National Park a part of your Banff vacation.
Many Banff National Park tours stay in the idyllic resort town of Banff, located within the park. The town is nestled in the Bow River Valley, with the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains all around. Here visitors are treated to unmatched panoramic views, crisp clear and invigorating mountain air and an exciting array of activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking and fishing. Your pleasure-filled itinerary might also incorporate:
• one of the array of year-round festivals, including the Banff Mountain Film Festival
• a ride on the Banff Gondola the top of Sulphur Mountain for a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Situated inside Banff National Park Lake Louse is the sparkling “Jewel of the Rockies” or the “Diamond in the Wilderness” as it is often called.
At Lake Louise you can experience the thrill of one of finest downhill ski areas in North America. There are also numerous hiking and walking trails which put you in touch with the area’s spectacular landscape of glaciers and waterfalls, rich flora and abundant wildlife. It is a must on any Banff National Park tour.
Also within the Banff National Park is the impressive Lake Moraine in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. At just half the size of Lake Louise, it offers its larger neighbor some very stiff competition in terms of scenic beauty. Lake Moraine’s waters are fed by glaciers and reflect an astoundingly beautifully shade of blue when the lake is full (around mid to late June).
At Lake Moraine you will find many perfect spots to stand and look out at the snow-capped mountains and their well-defined reflection in the crystal clear waters. It’s no wonder this is one of the most photographed locations in the Banff National Park and was given the honor of being featured on the Canadian $20 note!
Since it’s located in the snowy white north, Banff receives a fair amount of snow throughout the year, making it one of the world’s best winter wonderlands. However, its summers are especially pleasant with plenty of scenic lakes to swim or kayak in, plus the vast array of trails for hikers.
The best time to visit Banff National Park really depends on the sights you wish to see and the activities you wish to partake in. If hiking and enjoying the glistening lakes are among your tastes, then schedule your trip for late June to mid-September.
If, however, you prefer snowy peaks and skiing, then schedule your Banff vacation for the colder months. Bear in mind that in places like Lake Louise and other high elevations, the wintery weather can go well into April or even May!
Canadian Rockies tours are a great way to plan your visit to Banff National Park. Many of these multi-day tours take you from Vancouver or Calgary through the majestic Canadian Rockies with stops at several of the Banff attractions along the way. Other great stops include:
• the Sunmore Ginseng Factory in Kamloops
• picturesque and historic Victoria for a chance to explore the famous Butchart Gardens
• Kelowna – birthplace of British Columbian winemaking
• Last Spike (of the Canadian Pacific Railway) a popular rest stop for tourist stop on the Trans-Canada Highway