Here at Dirt In My Shoes, I typically only share information about America’s national parks, but after an overwhelming number of requests, I’ve decided to branch out and write guides to several of Canada’s spectacular national parks as well (specifically in the Canadian Rockies where I’ve spent a lot of time hiking). I hope you enjoy Banff! –Ash
Hi there! Are you ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Banff National Park?! Explore these craggy and majestic mountains and push your limits in this phenomenal alpine landscape! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Banff is a place where memories are made — and somewhere you will talk about for years to come. The glacial lakes are the bluest you’ve ever seen, the glaciers are massive and humbling, and the rivers are roaring and powerful. This enchanting place will leave you speechless.
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Banff National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to Banff, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 10 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Banff National Park
- Banff is Canada’s first national park! It was first created in 1885 and has resulted in the protection of 47 additional parks since then.
- If you’re used to America’s national parks, expect Canadian parks to have some key differences. One of the biggest differences is that the town of Banff is actually located within Banff National Park. It feels different having such a touristy place (complete with every kind of shop, restaurant, and hotel you can imagine) within the national park instead of outside of it! Because of that, I have tried to include only wilderness/nature activities on this list.
- Fees are collected as you enter the national park boundaries. If you plan on visiting other national parks nearby, the Discovery Pass is a great option.
- Parking in Banff can be a huge challenge, but you can stay on top of the current parking availability and fill times with Banff Now or Banff Parking.
- Check the park’s current conditions, regulations, and brochures before you go!
- Find Banff’s red chairs! These chairs are placed in beautiful places all around Canada’s national parks, and it’s fun to find them as you’re out exploring.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off-the-beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this list of 10 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Banff.
Hi! I’ve used your itineraries for multiple National parks. Would love one for Banff and Jasper!! Thanks for all that you do!!
Thanks Roxanne!
Like these other travelers, I echo the request for a Banff and Jasper Itinerary! We’ve now “traveled” with you to Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Acadia. We are spending 10 nights in mid July with 3 nights in Canmore, 3 in Jasper, 2 on Lake Louise, 1 on Moarine Lake, and the last night in Calgary. I should would love your insight on the best hikes and experiences!!! We are very active “seniors” who love hiking and seeing beautiful places.
Wow, that’s so great! Thanks for taking us along on your national park vacations!! I will put down another vote for Banff and Jasper itineraries LOL!
Ash,
Another vote for a Banff itinerary. Have used several of your itineraries and they really are the best!
Thanks, Margie
Haha sounds good! Thanks Margie!
Hey Ash, we had amazing vacations following your Acadia and Great Smoky Mountains Itineraries. Can you help us with Banff? Should we follow your list of must-see locations in order listed? We will be there 5 days with 2 days traveling end of July. Also, which sites should we be at early? Thank you for any guidance you can offer.
Hey Barbara, you’ll want to go through the list and group the activities by location so that you know what to do while you’re in a specific part of the park. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon are the places that you’ll want to get to early. Have fun!
Another Vote for a Banff/Jasper Guide!
We purchased your Guide for Arches National Park a few years ago
and it helped us make the MOST of our 3 days there.
We were “hired” by our local library to do a 3 hour session on RVing the National Parks
and we promoted YOUR name in our content!
Oh my gosh, you are so nice…thank you! I’ll see what I can do about Banff/Jasper haha!
Here’s another Banff itinerary request! My husband and I loved your Yellowstone itinerary back in 2021, and we are looking to take a trip to Banff next year. You provided such an amazing outline (let’s be honest, more like an hour by hour guide) for our previous trip- your website was the first place I looked when thinking about heading to Banff. Would LOVE to see you add this!
Haha noted!! Thank you for the kind words!
Hey Ash! I’ve used your itineraries and have loved them! Last summer I purchased your Olympic National Park itinerary and my family has the best time!
Any chance you will be doing a Banff and or Jasper itinerary in the near future? I’d love to plan a trip to Canada for my family but I need your help!😂
Thanks!
Hey Kristi! Thank you so much! I don’t have any plans to write itineraries for the Canada parks at this time, but please let me know if you have any questions as you make your plans.
Aww please consider making one! Your Rocky Mountain and Acadia itinerary were so helpful planning our last two trips! We are thinking about Banff and Jasper next summer and I don’t know if I can go without your detailed planning for me! lol
Oh thank you, that means a lot! I’ve thought about it, but the Canada parks run differently than the U.S. ones and I’m just not sure I have the stamina to jump into their system to keep the itineraries current haha. But if enough people ask, I may just give in!
Ash,
Your itinerary for Rocky Mtn. Park was awesome!
We’re really hoping you’ll consider doing one for Banff.
Thanks!
Jerry
Thanks Jerry! Another vote for Banff is noted :)