Banff National Park

Travel Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

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Customs & Immigration

Visitors to Canada will need the appropriate travel documents.

Travel Documents

International visitors to Canada must carry a valid passport and, if required, a valid visa. Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. On March 15, 2016, this new requirement became mandatory. Some travellers will need an eTA before they can board their flight to Canada. For example, if you are a Green Card holder in the USA, you will need an eTA (citizens are exempt) Visit Immigration & Citizenship Canada for more information on travel documents and entry requirements.

Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency manages Alberta’s border with the United States using domestic laws that govern trade and travel. For an overview of what’s involved when you enter Alberta, including ports of entry, duty free allowances, summer holiday travel tips, even wait times at border crossings, visit: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

Weapons

Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms, self-defence sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited entry into Alberta. All firearms (e.g. hunting rifles, shotguns) must be declared. For more information on the Canadian Firearms Program, call 1-800-731-4000

Food, Plant & Animal Inspections

Travellers are required to properly declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals and plant or animal products they bring into Alberta.

Travel Tips

Here’s a bunch of stuff that’s good to know before you get here. You’ll find everything from packing tips to park entry and wildlife safety. Will your electrical devices work in Alberta? Do you know how to convert miles to kilometres? More info – https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/kwte-qatf-eng.html

What To Pack

The weather in Alberta can change quickly so it’s best to dress in layers in any season. Bring a hat and sunglasses to provide protection from strong sunlight. A light jacket or pull over for those cool mornings or late nights.

Time Zone

Alberta is in the Mountain Time Zone (GMT -7 hours).

Taxes

Alberta is the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax (PST). The Government of Canada charges five per cent goods and services tax (GST) on most purchases.

Wildlife Safety

When you are in Alberta and British Columbia’s forests and mountains, remember you are in bear country. You can also expect to see other large animals such as moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Never attempt to approach, harass or feed any wild animal. When on foot, keep a safe distance at all times – at least 100 m (more than 300 ft). Most animals will avoid you if they can hear you coming, so make lots of noise when hiking. Stay in your vehicle when viewing animals along roadways. Pick up brochures at visitor centres for safety tips. Did we say NEVER, NEVER, NEVER feed wildlife!

Health and Insurance

Alberta’s health-care plan does not cover out-of-province visitors. Clarify your coverage with your personal insurance carrier before entering Alberta as you may wish to obtain additional health insurance.

Fishing and Hunting Regulations

Fishing licenses outside the national parks can be purchased from select sporting goods stores, convenience stores and some gas stations. Call 1-888-944-5494 for further details. Hunting regulations and special licensing requirements vary depending on the type of hunting. Hunting is prohibited in national parks. If you are an angler, hunter and/or trapper, check out these links for more information:

  • Alberta Professional Outfitters Society
  • Alberta Fishing Regulations and Fishing License

National Park Entry

Park passes are required for entry into any national park in Canada. You can buy a day pass at a park gate, but if you intend to spend time in any of Canada’s national parks, consider an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass. With it, you can visit more than 100 national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites across Canada. Passes are not required for entering our provincial parks or recreation areas.

Cannabis

Cannabis is legal across Canada on October 17, 2018. In Alberta, people 18 years of age and older may smoke or vape cannabis in private homes or on private property. Rules about consumption in public places vary by municipality, so visitors need to check the rules of the places they are visiting. It is illegal to take cannabis across international borders. Travellers are expected to understand and abide by international travel laws. For more information visit the Government of Canada Cannabis and international travel web page

Weather & Climate

Alberta is a four-season destination. Our province is ranked number one by Environment Canada for having the most comfortable weather overall in Canada.

Average Temperatures

Summer: daytime highs are normally 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) but can reach the mid to upper 30s (90s). Winter: in the coldest months of the year, January and February, daytime temperatures range from -5 to -15°C (23 to 5°F). They can drop as low as -30 to -40°C (-22 to -40°F) for short periods of time.

Sunshine

Alberta has the highest number of sunny days in Canada with 312 annually.

Precipitation

Annual precipitation in Alberta averages 30-60 cm (12-24 in). April > June are the rainiest months in the Canadian Rockies.

WI-FI & Phones

Cellphone coverage in Alberta is widely available. You’ll find 3G and 4G networks throughout the province, with Canada’s fastest 4G LTE network available in many urban centres.

WI-FI Hotspots

Most of Alberta’s hotels offer wifi service. Free wifi hotspots can also be found in our international airports, many of our Visitor Information Centres, as well as some coffee shops and restaurants, including international chains like Starbucks and McDonalds.

Alberta Public Holidays 2020

  • New Year’s Day – Wed., Jan. 1
  • Family Day – Mon., Feb. 17
  • Good Friday – Fri., Apr. 10
  • Easter Monday – Mon., Apr. 13
  • Victoria Day – Mon., May 18
  • Canada Day – Wed., Jul. 1
  • Civic Holiday – Mon., Aug. 3
  • Labour Day – Mon., Sep. 7
  • Thanksgiving – Mon., Oct. 12
  • Remembrance Day – Wed., Nov. 11
  • Christmas Day – Fri., Dec. 25

How To Travel Articles

  • Water Purification in the Banff National Park Backcountry
  • What To Do Near Banff National Park?
  • How to Relax in the Canadian Rockies
  • Banff National Park Entry Fees, Canadian Rockies
  • Banff National Park: Visitor Information

Things to Do in Banff

  • Navigating the First 3 Holes at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club
  • Cross country skiing in Lake Louise
  • Day Trips in Edmonton – The Gateway to the Rocky Mountains
  • Winter Adventures in Banff National Park
  • Activities in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies

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