Summary
Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, located to the north, showcase the ultimate nature travel experience.
Since its inception as a travel destination, visitors have marveled at this breathtaking area. Nowadays, you can access these sites via car or train and encounter some of the Earth’s most remarkable landscapes, nestled in pristine Canadian wilderness.
Nearest Airports
The nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport, situated 144 kilometers (88 miles) from Banff. It is crucial to remember that Banff National Park spans a vast area, so some park sections may require significantly longer travel times from Calgary.
The nearest sizable U.S. airport is Spokane International, located 361 miles southwest. Consequently, traveling from Spokane to Banff will take nearly eight hours, much of which involves winding mountain roads. For more economical options, WestJet operates affordable flights serving Calgary.
Admission
You may have heard that entry to Canadian national parks is free; while this was once accurate, the policy has changed for adults. Nevertheless, visitors aged 17 and under can enter national parks at no charge.
Adults are required to pay a daily fee of $9.80 CAD, while seniors can enjoy a reduced rate of $8.30. Couples traveling together can save money by opting for a daily rate of $19.60 for their entire vehicle. It is advisable to pay for your stay at once at visitor centers and display your receipt on the dashboard for convenience.
This fee allows access to any other Canadian national park during the validity period.
An annual Discovery Pass for unlimited admissions costs approximately $68.00 CAD for adults and $58.00 CAD for seniors over 65. Family passes accommodating up to seven individuals in a vehicle are available for $136.00 CAD. Additionally, single location passes can also be acquired for various parks, permitting unlimited visits for a year.
It’s essential to note that highways transverse national park borders, and those merely passing through the area do not incur fees. Hence, anyone wishing to experience overlooks, trails, and attractions must pay the required entry fees. Disregarding this obligation may result in significant penalties.
As with U.S. national parks, be aware that entry fees do not encompass lodging, camping accommodations, or guided tours.
Camping and Lodge Facilities
Banff provides 12 diverse campgrounds across its landscape, offering varying levels of service and amenities. Tunnel Mountain, located in the Banff townsite, features the most extensive range of services, albeit at higher prices. Conversely, more primitive sites situated in remote areas come at a lower cost.
Backcountry camping permits are available for approximately $10.00 CAD. If you plan an extended stay in the region, an annual permit is offered for about $70.00 CAD.
Located within the park, Banff offers some budget accommodations, while the nearby town of Canmore boasts a broader selection of affordable inns and moderately priced lodging.
Should you prefer a lodge or hotel, there are around 100 options within the town’s confines. Prices can vary significantly, ranging from simple rustic lodgings to the luxurious Fairmont Lake Louise, where rates exceed $500.00 CAD per night. Visiting this hotel is worthwhile due to its iconic status.
Free Attractions
Upon paying your entry fee, you gain access to numerous exciting sites without any further expense.
One extraordinary experience is the Icefields Parkway, beginning just north of Lake Louise and extending into Jasper National Park. Along this road, visitors can find countless pull-offs, hiking trailheads, and picnic areas surrounded by some of the globe’s finest scenery.
Among the most celebrated attractions in Banff are three stunning lakes: Louise, Moraine, and Peyto. Their striking turquoise waters, flanked by towering mountains, create a picturesque landscape, especially memorable when visiting before June, when all three lakes could still be frozen.
Parking and Transportation
Parking in Banff is free, including in municipal garages. However, during peak visiting months, finding parking at popular attractions may be challenging and inconvenient.
Trans Canada Highway, known as Highway 1, traverses the park in an east-west direction. It consists of four lanes in certain areas and is undergoing improvements due to high annual visitor volumes. For a more tranquil journey, opt for Highway 1A, also referred to as the Bow River Parkway, which is two-lane with a lower speed limit; however, it offers superior views and easier access to attractions like Johnston Canyon.
Highway 93, which embarks on its journey near Lake Louise, leads north towards Jasper. This scenic route is recognized as the Icefields Parkway, renowned as one of the most picturesque drives globally.
