Banff Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Banff National Park is more than just a destination; it is a feeling of awe that strikes the moment you see the jagged limestone peaks of the Canadian Rockies piercing the sky. As Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this alpine wonderland offers a pristine wilderness of turquoise glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and abundant wildlife, all anchored by the charming, castle-like town of Banff.

Whether you are carving powder in the winter, paddling emerald waters in the summer, or watching the larch trees turn golden in the fall, Banff delivers a visceral connection to nature. It is a place where luxury meets rugged adventure, allowing you to spend your day scaling a mountain summit and your evening dining on world-class regional cuisine.

The Birthplace of Canadian Conservation

Banff’s history is deeply rooted in the discovery of hot springs near the base of Sulphur Mountain in 1883 by railway workers. This discovery led to the establishment of a federal reserve to protect the springs, which eventually blossomed into Canada’s vast National Park system. Today, the town manages a delicate balance between welcoming millions of global visitors and preserving the ecological integrity of the Bow Valley, a critical corridor for grizzly bears, elk, and wolves.

The architecture of the town reflects this history, with the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, often called the “Castle in the Rockies”, standing as a testament to the golden age of railway tourism. Indigenous history is also vital here; the area has been a gathering place for the Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Tsuut’ina First Nations for millennia, long before the railway arrived.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Lake Louise - Located 57 km from the town of Banff, this is the postcard image of Canada. The lake is famous for its milky turquoise colour, caused by rock flour from the melting glaciers. Parking costs $21 CAD/day but fills by sunrise; booking the Parks Canada shuttle ($8 CAD) is highly recommended.

Moraine Lake - Situated 14 km from Lake Louise, this lake is nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Access is now restricted to commercial buses and Parks Canada shuttles only (no private cars allowed). It is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.

Banff Upper Hot Springs - Located 4 km from the town centre on Mountain Avenue. Relax in 37°C to 40°C mineral water with a view of Mount Rundle. Entry is roughly $16.50 CAD per adult, and they offer historic swimsuit rentals for a laugh.

Johnston Canyon - A spectacular limestone canyon located 25 km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway. Accessible year-round, the catwalks bolted to the canyon walls lead you to the Lower Falls (1.1 km) and Upper Falls (2.6 km).

Planning Your Visit

Accessing Banff is straightforward via the Trans-Canada Highway, about a 90-minute drive (145 km) west of Calgary International Airport. A National Park Pass is mandatory for all visitors stopping in the park; buy it online to save time ($10.50 CAD/adult or $21.00 CAD/family per day). While having a car offers flexibility, the town is very walkable, and the Roam Transit system is an affordable, eco-friendly way to reach almost all major attractions.

Packing layers is the golden rule of the Rockies. Mountain weather is unpredictable; a sunny July afternoon can quickly turn into a hailstorm, and snow can fall in any month of the year. Bring a waterproof shell, sturdy hiking boots, and bear spray if you plan to venture onto the trails.

Banff is a destination that demands to be seen at least once in a lifetime. Whether you come for the solitude of the backcountry or the bustle of Banff Avenue, the scale of the landscape will leave you humbled and inspired.