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44 Banff National Park trips. Compare tour itineraries from 10 tour companies. 164 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.
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Top Banff National Park Attractions
- Seeing incredible wildlife on day hikes through the wilderness
- Boating and canoeing on Lake Louise
- Touring the Columbia Ice Fields
- River Rafting on the Chinook River
- Visiting the Banff Park Museum
- Photographing the amazing landscapes and the bright turquoise blue of the many lakes in the area
Banff National Park Tours & Travel Guide
Banff National Park Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada, established in 1885 and covering 2,564 sq miles. Known for its idyllic glacier rivers and lakes with their other-worldly opaque turquoise color, vastly diverse wildlife, and of course the stunning Rocky Mountains, Banff is the perfect introduction to not only the Rocky Mountains but Canada’s unique place as an outdoors haven for travelers.
Originally “discovered” in 1883 by a group of railway workers who found some of Banff’s hot springs in a cave on Alberta’s border, Banff has been attracting visitors ever since. Many tours to Canada include Banff as an essential stop for new visitors to discover it's beauty for themselves.
Visiting Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the main attractions in the Canadian Rockies, especially for first time visitors. It’s the perfect introduction to everything the Rockies have to offer, including luxury and lodge accommodations, diverse wildlife, gondolas through the sky, stunning scenery, multiple outdoors activities, and a lovely mountain town for all your tourist needs.
Banff is open all year round, however, certain activities may be inaccessible at certain times of year due to safety and weather. Always keep on top of official weather watches, especially for avalanche warnings in the wintertime, and trail closures.
Wildlife of the Canadian Rockies
The wildlife of the Canadian Rockies is a big part of why people travel here. Diverse species make their home here from black bears, grizzly bears, moose, grey wolves, and white tailed deer — just to name a few. Canada is also one of the best destinations for birding enthusiasts, with over 400 different species, including 16 separate species of owl.
When heading out on a wildlife tour, it’s important to adhere to safety precautions and prepare accordingly. In your car, don’t leave any food or items that could be detected by smell (such as lip gloss, gum, or coffee cups). These will attract larger animals like bears, who have been known to break into to vehicles.
Also, the benefit of visiting a place like the Rockies is to see wild animals. So it’s important that they stay wild. Keep your distance and avoid trying to pet, feed, or get up close. The less used to human activity these animals are the better.
Don’t litter! Keep all your trash with you until you can deposit it in a bear safe trash can.
Wildlife tours are a fantastic way to increase your chances of spotting one of the area’s famous dwellers, both large and small. While the bigger attractions, like bear and elk will be easier to see, your guide will be able to point out some of the smaller species such as marmots, rabbits, squirrels, and of course many different types of birds.
Top 10 Things to do in Banff National Park
1. Lake Louise - This is one of the main attractions in Banff National Park, famous for it’s pristine turquoise color. Ideal for a day of canoeing and walking along the trail that surrounds the late, with a view of Mount Victoria in the distance.
2. Moraine Lake - Scenic hikes are available in all levels around this beautiful lake, also exhibiting the same stunning turquoise color. A bit more out of the way than Lake Louise, it’s often far less crowded, though definitely no less spectacular.
3. Johnston Canyon - This beautiful canyon beckons enthusiastic hikers year round. Follow a trail that weaves, via suspended bridge, directly through the canyon along its sheer cliffsides, to be rewarded by two stunning waterfalls. This hike is so popular that multiple websites, including the official park website, suggest getting there very early to avoid the crowds.
4. Whyte Museum - The Whyte Museum in the town of Banff is well worth a stop to lean the history of the people who helped shape Banff National Park. Featuring several unique exhibitions year round, including early photographs from the 1800s and native tribal, this is a great place to visit for first time travelers to Banff.
5. Bow Falls - Picturesque Bow Falls are a lovely short walk away from the Banff Springs Hotel, a great excursion for families with young kids that doesn’t require a long drive. Also great for beautiful photographs. Film buffs will be interested to know that the 1953 film, “River of No Return” starring Marilyn Monroe actually feature these falls.
6. Banff Gondola - For unforgettable bird’s eye views (literally!), do not pass up the chance to take a ride in the Banff Gondola. This incredible experience takes you to Sulphur Mountain where you can take in the valley at your feet from the observation deck, and enjoy a delicious gourmet meal at the Sky Bistro.
7. Peyto Lake - Named for Bill Peyto, who first began to explore this area in the mid 1890s, Peyto Lake exhibits the same brilliant turquoise blue of all the lakes in this area. Take the short but steep 1.5 mile trail down from Bow Pass to explore around the lake. Visiting in mid to late summer is recommended for the bright and beautiful wildflowers in the area!
8. The Town of Banff - Though mainly a tourist outpost, this is a quintessential mountain town nonetheless. Perfect for souvenir shopping, buying that last minute hat or pair of gloves for the cold weather, visiting art galleries and cultural museums, and enjoying meals from basic to gourmet.
9. Icefields Parkway - Purported to be one of the most beautiful scenic highways in all of Canada, this two lane road extends between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, passing many quintessential sights along the way. You may even get to glimpse some of the famous Canadian wildlife along the way at one of the many overlooks.
10. Guided Wildlife Tour - Take a guided wildlife tour to learn all about the diverse wildlife to be found in the Canadian Rockies, and Banff National Park specifically. Going on a tour will also increase your chances of seeing a lot of wildlife, as they’ll be familiar with the animals patterns and popular viewing spots.
Banff National Park Reviews & Ratings
T
Trusted Customer
Sep 2023
Written on
Walking in the Canadian Rockies
A well-organised, well-planned itinerary and a superb, multi-talented guide in Laurence. She was amazing. Some of the locations are packed with tourists but Laurenc...
T
Trusted Customer
Sep 2023
Written on
Walking in the Canadian Rockies
Fantastic guide in Laurence. She was both an amazing guide and cook. The walks were good and great to see a variety of wildlife. Did the white water rafting, hot sp...
T
Trusted Customer
Jul 2023
Written on
Walking in the Canadian Rockies
Fantastic group of people. Great fun to spend the days and evenings with - they really made this trip enjoyable. Also, the scenery in the Rockies is just breathtakin...
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