Banff National Park

Banff National Park (BNP) runs northwesterly from Canmore to the Columbia Icefield. This is the birthplace of Canada’s national park system. Established in 1885, after three railway workers discovered hot springs, BNP has become a world class destination. The park now hosts an estimated 4 million visitors each year. Our map on pg 15 details eight of the many popular attractions and provides the locations of the campgrounds.

The international airports in Calgary and Edmonton serve travellers flying into the region. Buses run to BNP year-round, from each of these large urban centres. In addition, both Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer Vacations operate rail passenger sightseeing trips in western Canada, with stops in Banff and Jasper from May to October.

Within BNP are two important communities: The Town of Banff and the Village of Lake Louise. It’s easy to get around either community without your vehicle. That’s great because parking is at a premium and some lots cannot accommodate large vehicles such as RVs. Municipal lots and street parking and are free but have time restrictions. “Roam” is the name of the local public transit system. You’ll find our map of the Town of Banff on pg 17, along with 15 map keys starting on pg 18, to ensure a magical time. With a record number of visitors in the national parks each of the past few years, the owners of HopOnBanff claim that since 2017, their service has changed the way visitors see the Park. Buy a Day Pass, hop on and hop off as you like, and avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot. HopOnBanff is affordable, safe, and eco-friendly.

The Legacy Trail runs 26 km along the highway right-of-way between Banff and Canmore. Part of The Great Trail, formerly the Trans-Canada Trail, it is a popular paved, recreational trail suitable for walking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Note: riding from Canmore to Banff is mainly uphill and typically into the wind, so expect it to take twice as long to ride to Banff as it takes you to ride to Canmore.

Located 45 min west of Banff is the Village of Lake Louise. The mountains that surround are internationally renowned for their majestic beauty. Lake Louise is often referred to as the Hiking Capital of Canada. In the summer, go for a simple stroll around the lake, a physically demanding climb, or be whisked away in a gondola to the top of the world.

You will find our map of Lake Louise on pg 21 along with important map keys.

Enrich your visit to the Rockies with books from Mountain Vision Publishing

Pick up a copy of Experience Western Adventures & Cowboy Trails for an authentic western adventure or download it

ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Visit ParksCanada.gc.ca regularly for up-to-date information on events, activities and key dates in the Mountain National Parks.