Banff National Park Tour & Trip Packages

Banff National Park Tour Overview

A highly sought-after mountain destination for adventurers, Banff is Canada’s oldest and the world’s third oldest national park. The 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 sq mi) area of Banff National Park features a variety of unique landscapes. From glaciers and ice fields to mountain peaks and dense forests, the park has it all!

Banff National Park is a must-visit for its endless adventure opportunities with over 994 miles (1,600 km) of hiking trails, 2,000+ campsites, 3 ski resorts, and lakes and rivers. Book your Banff National Park tour today and set off on an iconic mountain journey.

Banff National Park Location

Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in Alberta, Canada. It's about 68-112 miles (110-180 km) west of Calgary, which is the primary gateway for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Top Attractions in Banff National Park 

Lake Louise: A must-add to the Banff National Park itinerary, Lake Louise is known for its turquoise waters, snow-capped mountain scenery and numerous adventure opportunities. Enjoy lakeshore walks, hiking, canoeing, e-biking, snow activities at Lake Louise Ski Resort, and scenic views from the Lake Louise Gondola. 

Moraine Lake: Nestled in the Valley of Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters that reflect soaring mountain peaks, some over 10,000 feet (3,000 mt) high. Several easy-to-moderate Banff National Park hikes are available near the lake.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site: This is where Banff National Park began. It’s a perfect spot to explore the park’s origins with interactive displays, short films, and 4D movies. Adventurers can enjoy cave exploration, boardwalks around thermal springs, and easy hikes with views of the Bow River Valley and Rocky Mountains.

Johnston Canyon: A popular spot for hiking in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon features scenic trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls, deep gorges, and greenish Ink Pots springs.

Upper Hot Springs Pool: Soak in the soothing waters of Upper Hot Springs with views of Rundle Mountain. These natural thermal pools are the perfect way to relax after an exciting day on a Banff National Park trip.

Peyto Lake: Known for its turquoise blue waters and surrounded by high mountain peaks and alpine trees, Peyto Lake appears to be shaped like a wolf’s head when viewed from above.

Bow Falls: Just 0.3 miles (500 mt) south of Banff town, Bow River cascades down 30 feet (9 mt) at Bow Falls, creating a stunning sight before joining Spray River.

Lake Minnewanka: Located about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Banff town, this 13-mile-long (12 km) and 466-foot (142 mt) deep lake is the largest in Banff National Park and the second longest in Canadian Rockies’ mountain parks. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Best Time to Visit Banff National Park

Banff National Park is open year-round, though the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. For hiking, biking, and water activities, visit in summer (June-August) but be prepared for large crowds. 

If skiing or snowboarding is your goal, winter (December-March) is best. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, visit in fall (September-November) when autumn colors are at their peak and adventure activities are still open.

Essential Tips for Banff National Park Tour

• Pack Essentials: Bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, sun protection gear, waterproof gear, and a first aid kit.

• Stay Hydrated: Hiking in Banff National Park can be exhausting and there’s a risk of dehydration so, always carry more than enough water.

• Arrive Early: If you're visiting the park in the summer, arrive early in the morning to find parking and beat the crowds.

• Book Early: Hotels and campsites fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so book well in advance. 

• Park Pass: Buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for over-a-week visits. The pass gives you free access to Canada’s national parks for a year.

• Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation like shuttle buses to popular spots like Lake Louise. Utilize the Roam Public Transit system to travel in and around Banff.

Banff National Park Tour Cost

The best Banff National Park hikes and tours can cost around $___, depending on the itinerary and services you choose. At AdventureTripr, we offer Banff National Park tour packages at affordable rates and we can customize your trip according to your budget and preferences. 

Banff National Park Tour Accommodation

Depending on the Banff National Park tour package you choose, you can choose from several accommodation options in and outside Banff National Park. For a luxurious stay, there are many hotels, inns, and resorts available in Banff. 

For a budget-friendly option, you can stay in a camp or a cabin within the park or check out the affordable hotels in Canmore, just outside Banff’s eastern border. For a closer-to-nature experience, Lake Louise Village is a great choice or opt for backcountry lodges for a remote and peaceful escape.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: How much time should I spend in Banff National Park?

Answer: Plan a trip for three to five days at Banff National Park to explore Lake Louise and other key attractions. If you want to explore the popular Banff National Park trails and glacial lakes, extend your stay for a week.

Question: What are the best activities to do in Banff National Park?

Answer: Some popular activities to do on a Banff National Park tour include hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, and rafting. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxing at hot springs.

Question: How much does it cost to enter Banff National Park?

Answer: The cost to enter Banff National Park is:

• Daily Pass: $11 per adult (ages 18-64), $9.50 per senior (65+), $22 per family/group (up to 7 people)

• Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $75.25 per adult, $64.50 per senior, $151.25 per family/group

Entrance is free for youth aged 6 to 17.

Question: What are some of the easiest hikes in Banff National Park?

Answer: Here are some of the easiest Banff National Park hikes with their round trip time duration:

• Lake Louise Lakeshore (1 hour)

• Fenland Trail (40 minutes)

• Silverton Falls (40 minutes)

• Marsh Loop (1 hour)

• Tunnel Campground Loop (1.5 hours)

• Stewart Canyon (1 hour)

• Johnson Lake (1 hour)

• Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls (1 hour)

• Spray River Trail (3 to 4 hours)