Planning a trip to Canada‘s Banff National Park is easier than ever thanks to this comprehensive guide. From where to stay to how to get around, this planner will help you create the perfect itinerary for your next adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies comprise the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains range. Geographically, the Canadian Rockies extend from the Interior Plains of Alberta to the Rocky Mountain Trench of British Columbia, and southern end from the border of the USA to northern British Columbia.
Here is everything you need to know about Visiting Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
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Did you know?
- Highest peak. Mt. Robson (12,972 ft., 3,954 m)
- Five national parks are located within the Canadian Rockies, four of which interlock and make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site. (Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks)
- The Canadian Rockies have over 1,000 glaciers.
Explore the Parks & Trails
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, there’s no better place to enjoy nature than in one of Canada’s national parks. With so much to see and do, you’ll never run out of things to do in these stunning natural spaces.
Eat Like a Local
There’s nothing more authentic than eating at home with friends and family. However, when you travel, you might find yourself craving local cuisine. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients.
- Summer in Banff – Where to have Coffee
I really can’t tell if it is because it seems like it has been the longest winter in Banff or whether it really is sweltering but simply put the weather is stunning right now in Banff and the Rockies. There isn’t a trace of snow around town. Though this may be bad news for the ski lovers, the plus side… - Best Themed Bar in Banff
The decorations are so over the top that you can’t help but feel like you are indeed in the craziness of a Mexican bar but with less moustaches and kidnap threats! Best bar in Banff award goes to the Magpie and Stump located on Caribou Street. - Dining Specials in Banff – Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub
Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub – 120 Banff Avenue, Alberta Ahh good old consistent, cheap, laid back Tommy’s! It is one of the only bars in Banff that feels quite normal. No disrespect meant but it is also one of the only bars that doesn’t have beautiful young ladies serving. I never thought I would say it… - Dining in The Fairmont Banff Springs
Learn more about your dining options at The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel- whether you’re a guest or not! - Dining in Banff: Family Restaurants
Read here about where you can take the kids to eat in Banff. - Dining in Banff: Quick Eats
Read here about where to go for a quick bite in Banff. - Dining in Banff: Fine Dining
Read here about your fine dining options in Banff, Alberta. - Dining in Banff: International Cuisine
Read here for Banff restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world. - Dining in Banff: Canadian Fare
Read here about restaurants in Banff serving Canadian cuisine. - Dining in Banff: Cafes and Bakeries
Read here about tea houses, coffee shops and bakeries in Banff.
Things to Do
Whatever the season, there are a host of activities to enjoy during your visit to in the Canadian Rockies. Among the most popular are Horseback Riding, Whitewater and Family Rafting trips, Zipline and ATV adventures, Hiking and Mountaineering along with some great options for road and mountain biking. In the winter, Downhill and Cross County skiing, Sled Dog tours, Snowmobile tours and Horse-drawn Sleighrides are the favourites.
There are so many things to see in the Canadian Rockies, it’s virtually impossible to list them all. But, you’ll want to take in as many of the turquoise glacial lakes, scenic viewpoints, spectacular drives and rejuvenating hikes as time will allow during your visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park, check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Banff National Park. We’ve got some fun activities for everyone!
- 7 Best Banff National Park Hotel Tips
Before making any reservation, make sure you read up on our insiders guide to booking the right hotel at Banff National Park. - 9 Amazing Places to Visit in Banff National Park
Banff National Park offers visitors many things to see and do. From hiking to relaxing, you’re all set for the perfect Banff vacation! - Canmore – The Underestimated Town of the Rockies
The Canadian Rockies town of Canmore, located just 15-minutes from Banff National Park, is a town built around recreation and entertainment. - 28 Best Drives and Walks Around Banff
We have compiled a list of the 28 best drives and walks there are to be found in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. - The 3 Best Canoe Trips in Banff National Park
Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown on our favorite Canadian Rockies canoe trips in and around Banff National Park. - The 11 Best Canmore Hiking and Walking Trails
With a network of walking trails through Canmore, along the river side and into mountain valleys, you won’t want to forget your camera. - Canadian Rockies Cycling: Highwood Pass
But if you have more time and can endure another ascent similar to the one you just completed, pedal through the pass and swoop into the Highwood River Valley. - The Six Least-Trafficked Campgrounds Near Banff National Park
Our exclusive list of the top Banff National Park campgrounds where you have the best chance to grab a spot. - Family Friendly Tours and Hotels in the Canadian Rockies
During the summer months, we get a lot of families vacationing in Banff and surrounding Canadian Rockies destinations. - Four Easy Walks and Hikes That Make Banff the Gem of the Canadian Rockies
There are many different kinds of walks and hikes you can do in and around Banff National Park. Here are four of the best walks and hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Where to Stay
There are a host of accommodation options, from large to small, from nationally recognized “chain” hotels to intimately managed, cozy and comfortable “Mom and Pop” properties. Inside of Banff National Park, Banff and Lake Louise are the most popular places to stay. Jasper is the largest town and offers the most options in Jasper National Park. Many choose to stay outside the National Parks with the most popular choices being Canmore, Alberta, and Golden or Radium in British Columbia.
There are so many places to stay in Banff National Park, but we’ve narrowed down the options to make your decision easier. You can choose between hotels, cabins, hostels, bed & breakfasts, and more.
- The Six Least-Trafficked Campgrounds Near Banff National ParkOur exclusive list of the top Banff National Park campgrounds where you have the best chance to grab a spot.
- Canadian Rockies RV Camping: Tunnel Mountain
Tunnel Mountain is Banff’s largest RV camping area, with 320 sites. Staying here, you’ll get great views of the valley, the Hoodoos and the Banff Springs Golf Course. - Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel and Conference Centre
Quality accommodations in the heart of Banff Conveniently located in the Town of Banff, just steps away from the glacier-fed Bow River, Banff Park Lodge is a full-service resort hotel and conference centre. Here visitors can experience the best of both worlds: the peace and solitude of a quiet location, yet quick access to a… - Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Where Backcountry Beauty & Luxury Meet Get swept away from the busyness of your everyday life as you relax, rejuvenate and refresh in the picturesque Kananaskis Valley. A 1hour drive from Calgary’s city limits you’ll find a completely modern getaway nestled amidst the pines where luxury and mountain living blends seamlessly. Rediscover excitement, bliss, and… - Rimrock Resort Hotel
It is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Thank you to everyone for your support and patience as we transition away from restrictions and back into the freedom of relaxing and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere that we have missed and all want to experience again. I am very fortunate to… - Juniper Hotel – Banff
The Juniper was built more than 60 years ago. It’s a blink in the life of this vista, but our retreat is one of Banff’s most celebrated as we know it today. From this vintage modernist homebase only minutes from downtown, spirit-seeking adventurers and travellers land with us to find fresh air and fresh perspective. - Basecamp Resort – Canmore, Alberta
Our Basecamp Properties offer modern hotel experiences for adventure travelers in the heart of Canadian Mountain Communities. - Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows
There is no better way to experience the Canadian Rockies than to stay at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows - Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Relax and rejuvenate near the shores of world-famous Lake Louise in Banff National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. - The Mountaineer Lodge
The Mountaineer Lodge, open year round, is one of the best and most affordable places to stay in the Lake Louise area of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Find the best deals with our exclusive discounts.
We’re offering special discounts on accommodations throughout the park. If you book now, you can save up to $50 off your room rate!
Getting here
Getting to the Canadian Rockies is very easy from nearly anywhere in the world. International airports to the east of the Canadian Rockies are found in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
Flying into Vancouver, British Columbia would leave approximately a 10 hour drive to get here.
Driving north from the United States bordering states of Montana, Idaho and Washington would leave anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to reach Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, depending on your travel route.