Frequently Asked Questions on Banff National Park

The fees are very fair considering the beauties Banff holds. There are several options to choose from. Here is a list of the basic prices.

Adult $10.50
Senior $9.00
Youth free
Family/Group $21.00
Commercial Group, per person $9.00

Annual – National Parks of Canada
Adult $72.25
Senior $61.75
Family/Group $145.25

With its blue-green water and dramatic mountain setting, this is the best known and most admired lake in the park. Lake Louise Drive, a paved 4.5 km road, and two trails, the Tramline and Louise Creek, provide access between Lake Louise Village on the valley floor and the lake itself. Pathways lead from the public parking lot to the lake. The magnificent snow-covered peak at the end of the lake is Mount Victoria, named for England’s renowned queen. The lake is named for after one of her five daughters. A stroll through the flower-filled grounds in front of the Chateau Lake Louise is a nice way to spend a half hour. Canoes can be rented from the boathouse at the lake or you can see the lake on foot by walking the Lakeshore Trail. At the Lake Louise ski area, on the opposite side of the valley, visitors can take a chairlift up Whitehorn Mountain in the summertime for panoramic views of Lake Louise and its surrounding peaks.

There are three Hot Springs in Banff, Upper Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs. It was a dispute over ownership of these hot springs that triggered the development of Canada’s first national park in 1885. The facilities have expanded since that time and today’s rundle stone and wood structure heralds the architecture of the 1930′s. The newly restored heritage bath house offers a range of services that cater to the visitors of the 90s. From redesigned pool, spa facilities, change rooms and interpretive exhibits to restaurants and boutiques. The Banff Upper Hot Springs has returned to its former splendor.

Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise and Area, Sunshine Meadows, Johnston Canyon, The Hot Springs, The Icefields Parkway and Jasper just to name a few. You are going to need a few visits to Banff to get everything in!

Banff National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, mountain caribou, moose and wolves. It’s also the residence of smaller creatures, like hoary marmots, pikas and Columbian ground squirrels, and to a host of birds, from bald eagles to the endangered harlequin ducks.

The best times of year to visit Banff if you’re looking for wildlife are in early spring (April – May) or in fall (September – October).

Banff and the Canadian Rockies offer the most awesome white water rafting opportunities. Raft the Kicking Horse River and feel your heart pump. Vacations in Banff and Canmore are not complete until you enjoy the rush of rafting in Yoho National Park and the famous Kicking Horse River.