
Pre-arrival checklist
Banff National Park
Planning ahead is essential! Here are our top tips to help ensure you spend more time enjoying the park. Great memories? Check!
Banff National Park entry and service fees help support visitor services and facilities. Did you know you can purchase your Discovery Pass online or from a Parks Canada partner ahead of time? From mid-June through mid-September, campground reservations are essential. Arrive early at first-come, first-served campgrounds and reserve ahead at reservable campgrounds. We also recommend booking your hotel, hostel or B&B well in advance. Planning to visit during a long-weekend? Be extra prepared. Without a reservation you will almost certainly be disappointed. A reminder that alcohol is not permitted in campgrounds during long weekends. Remember, a fed animal is a dead animal. Please, never feed wildlife or leave food or garbage outside. It is illegal here. Secure your food in a car. Put all trash in bear-proof garbage bins. Stay in your vehicle when watching wildlife at the roadside and keep your dog on a leash at all times. What else? Learn how you can help protect this special place. Your actions matter. Visit our helpful team in Banff or Lake Louise for advice about trails, experiences or information about how to make the most of your national park adventure. Hours vary over the summer and by location. Likely the most reliable characteristic of the weather in Banff National Park is its variability. The weather at one point in the park may be quite different from that of other points relatively near by. At one specific location the weather can vary considerably from year to year, and from day to day, so be prepared! Moraine Lake Road is open mid-May to mid-October and high alpine hikes are inaccessible until July due to snowpack. The park is a dynamic environment! Keep an eye on seasonal and safety closures to avoid disappointment. There can be warnings, restrictions and closures in place throughout the year for various reasons. Check to ensure there is nothing in place that could impact your plans. It is always best practice to know what condition the trails are in before you go. That way you can prepare accordingly. Parking at popular destinations fills quickly. Get insider info on what to expect. BanffNow offers real-time updates on traffic and available parking. The basics:
Get your park pass
Reserve a place to stay
Learn the #WildlifeRules
Visit a Visitor Centre for insider tips
Check the weather
Be aware of seasonal closures
Check important bulletins
Review the trail conditions before you go
Plan ahead for popular destinations
Want to explore Banff National Park like a local? Here are some additional tips:
Bonus tips:
Take advantage of ROAM transit and our shuttle services
Park and play! ROAM Transit serves the towns of Banff and Canmore. In the Lake Louise area, shuttle service is available and strongly recommended. Print or screenshot the schedules and maps before you arrive. Bookmark BanffParking.ca and consult 511 Alberta for current road reports.
Brush up on safety tips
Natural hazards are part of the national park experience. Here are some tips for drivers, hikers, campers and winter enthusiasts. Simple tips to look, act and be safe like a local.
Visit at least one quieter destination
Many people find that quieter places in the park make the best memories, especially when you can explore at your leisure all to yourself. Pick one and start your own list of “hidden gems”.
Pick at least one guided activity
Have someone reveal the unseen wonder of Banff to you. Local interpreters and guides can turn the simply beautiful into the simply magical.
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