Banff National Park

Banff National Park featuring a lake or waterhole, landscape views and snow
Experience the beauty and adventure of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in this magnificent national park.

The dramatic mountains, lakes and forests of Banff National Park's 6,641 square kilometres make it the ideal destination for scenery lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Mountain bikers, hikers, white-water rafters and kayakers take advantage of the unspoiled wilderness in the summer, while skiers and snowboarders tackle the many and varied ski runs during the winter months.

Banff National Park is home to three ski resorts, including Sunshine Village, located just outside Banff. With its three peaks, Sunshine Village caters to winter-sport enthusiasts of all abilities, and provides off-piste areas for experienced visitors. Take your après-ski on the mountain at one of the resort's restaurants.

In summer, visitors throng to Canada's oldest national park to catch a glimpse of its famed lakes. Their spectacular blue colour and mirror-like reflection of the surrounding snow-capped mountains are picture-postcard perfect. Get your own snaps of two of Canada's most famous images from the hiking trails above Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake. Very few of the park's lakes allow boats. One exception is the non-glacial Lake Minnewanka, so head here for some fishing or a boat cruise.

Some of the park's mountains provide chair lifts or gondolas to take visitors to their summits. Banff Gondola, just outside the town itself, takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain in minutes. However, if you prefer to get around under your own steam, there are plenty of hiking trails. Some have man-made paths Johnston Canyon, for example, has a walkway built along its steep sides. Others are navigated via rocky trails.

You'll find a variety of accommodation in both Banff and Lake Louise, Banff National Park's two towns. If you're on a budget, opt for one of the area’s many hostels. Otherwise, treat yourself to a swanky lodge, or splash out on a room at the luxurious 19th-century Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

Visitors can hire a car, but it's not essential as there are regular shuttles and buses from the towns to the area's main attractions. Shops renting fishing equipment, skis, kayaks and bikes are also plentiful.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Lake Louise Inn
Lake Louise Inn
3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn
Baker Creek By Basecamp
Baker Creek By Basecamp
3 out of 5
Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, AB
Baker Creek By Basecamp
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Mountaineer Lodge
Mountaineer Lodge
2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineer Lodge
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
2.5 out of 5
105 Lake Louise Drive, Box 7, Lake Louise, AB
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Castle Mountain Chalets
Castle Mountain Chalets
3.5 out of 5
Hwy 93 South And Castle Junction 1A, Castle Junction, AB
Castle Mountain Chalets
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.