As soon as the hot springs in the Banff area were discovered, it was determined that this would be a popular spot among tourists, leading to the creation of a reserve to protect them by the Canadian government in 1885. Just two years later it was expanded and named “Rocky Mountains Park of Canada,” later renamed Banff National Park. It was the country’s first national park and only the third to be established in the world. Here are some tips on planning your trip to Banff National Park
Today, Banff is Canada’s most popular national park, with the town itself looking like a Swiss ski village, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, cascading falls, jewel-hued lakes, and hot springs. While many dream of owning one of the Banff homes for sale and making a permanent move, if you only have a limited amount of time you’ll want to make the most of it by planning it right.
Getting There
One of the first considerations is how to get to Banff. Depending on your location, you might be able to drive, but most fly into Calgary International Airport with its close proximity to the Canadian Rockies. The best way to reach it from there is to rent a car, enjoying the scenic 90-minute drive that will take you into the Bow Valley and the magnificent mountain peaks. Air Canada and WestJet are the two most popular airlines flying into Calgary, while car rental options are numerous and include just about all the well-known companies along with lesser-known budget options. RentalCars.com is a good site for comparing rates and value here.
When to Go
The time of year you visit depends on what you want to do and the type of trip you hope to experience. Want to beat the crowds? Ski? Hike? Enjoy a more budget-friendly stay? Banff is fabulous year-round with a reason to go in every season, but the peak seasons are December through February for skiing and enjoying the holidays, and again in the summer, from June through August. Planning a trip during these periods means that you’ll need to book well in advance, expect it to be busy and pay the highest rates.
May, September, and October are shoulder seasons that can mean some discounted prices, while the low season, March, April, and November, sees the fewest crowds and biggest drop in accommodation rates. September can be a wonderful month for hiking among fall foliage, one of the best times of the year in Banff. March is usually still a good time to ski but by April things begin to warm up. November is one of the quietest months, the lakes will soon be frozen over, skiing starts soon, and the famous thundering falls in Johnston Canyon will begin to freeze again for ice walk tours.
Where to Stay
It’s always important to book your accommodation in advance when planning your trip to Banff. In the low season, you might be able to get away with reserving more last minute, but in the summer months, around the holidays and peak skiing season, hotels often sell out early with no vacancy for those winging it. There is a wide range of offerings here with everything from cabin rentals and Airbnbs to hostels, hotels, and resorts.
The Fairmont Banff Springs is “Canada’s Castle in the Rockies,” renowned for its opulence and beauty, styled after a Scottish castle and located in the heart of the national park. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise provides magnificent mountain views and plenty of luxuries too.
Plan Your Activities
While you don’t have to plan out all of your activities in advance, some of the not-to-be-missed ones include a drive on Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic, and hiking around Lake Louise. You might want to hitch a ride on the Banff Gondola for a bird’s-eye view of the sparkling turquoise waters too. It’s also worth rising early to catch a sunrise at Moraine Lake. Of course, the chillier months of the year are all about hitting the slopes.
If you have any plans to take a trip to Banff National Park this summer feel free to share your tips below!
*Collaborative post