Banff National Park
Canada's first national park: turquoise glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks in the Canadian Rockies.
Established
1885
Area
6,641 km²
Entry fee
CAD $11–$22 per adult / day (kids free)
Best time to visit
June to August (lakes thaw mid-June)
About Banff National Park
Established in 1885, Banff is Canada's first and most-visited national park. Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it's known for its impossibly blue glacial lakes — Lake Louise and Moraine Lake among the most photographed sites in the world — alongside the Icefields Parkway, Banff Hot Springs, and abundant wildlife including elk, bears, and bighorn sheep. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top highlights
- ✓Lake Louise
- ✓Moraine Lake
- ✓Icefields Parkway drive
- ✓Banff Hot Springs
- ✓Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Practical info
- Nearest city
- Banff, AB
- Nearest airport
- Calgary International (YYC)
- Official website
- parks.canada.ca
Where to stay near Banff
Hotels and accommodations close to Banff National Park, with prices updated in real time.
Tours and activities
Curated experiences and guided tours for Banff National Park — bookable instantly.
Related travel guides
More from the Beevago blog about Banff National Park and the surrounding region.
