Banff National Park Tours

Photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff National Park which includes snow, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Johnston Canyon showing hiking or walking, a bridge and snow
Johnston Canyon showing a river or creek and a gorge or canyon as well as a small group of people
Banff National Park featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and a sandy beach


Canada’s oldest national park is a place for adventure-filled getaways and stunning mountain scenery.

Banff National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glacier-fed turquoise lakes and miles of untouched forests. Come for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Thrill seekers will find no shortage of activities, from white water rafting to mountain biking.The park’s lakes are a gorgeous aqua-blue color in summer and their surfaces reflect the surrounding mountains. Hike the hills above Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake for two of the most photographed scenes in Canada. Lake Minnewanka isn’t fed by glaciers, but it’s one of only two lakes in the area that allows boats on the water. Take a boat cruise or rent a fishing rod.Hiking opportunities in the park abound. Tackle rocky mountain paths or enjoy man-made walkways. Johnston Canyon has a walkway built into the side of its sheer canyon walls. If you don’t want to hike, opt for the gondolas and chair lifts that go up some of the mountains. Banff Gondola rides to the summit of Sulphur Mountain just outside the town. There are three ski resorts within the national park. Sunshine Village is a short drive from Banff and encompasses three mountains. Skiing areas range from beginners’ slopes to advanced, off-piste areas. Finish the day with après-ski drinks in a restaurant on the mountain.The national park spans 2,564 square miles (6,641 square kilometers) in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are two towns in the park: Banff and Lake Louise. Both towns offer plenty of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury lodges. For an indulgent option, book a room at the century-old Fairmont Banff Springs.There are many places to rent equipment such as bicycles, skis, kayaks or fishing gear. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one or use the regular bus and shuttle services running between towns and major attractions.

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Best Lodging Options Near Banff National Park

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise Inn

3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn
Mountaineer Lodge

Mountaineer Lodge

2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineer Lodge
Baker Creek By Basecamp

Baker Creek By Basecamp

3 out of 5
Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, AB
Baker Creek By Basecamp
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Post Hotel & Spa

Post Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Post Hotel & Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

2.5 out of 5
105 Lake Louise Drive, Box 7, Lake Louise, AB
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
Hotel Canoe and Suites
Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

3.5 out of 5
700 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Banff National Park

Banff National Park offers a plethora of activities, including breathtaking hiking trails, exceptional skiing opportunities, and stunning sightseeing spots. Visitors can explore various Banff hikes suitable for all skill levels, stay in affordable hostels, and enjoy outdoor adventures at renowned ski resorts. Whether you're hitting the slopes or soaking in the natural beauty, Banff promises an unforgettable experience for every outdoor enthusiast.

Shopping

In Banff National Park, you can shop at Wilsons Mountain Sports for outdoor gear. If you're up for a drive, visit Samson Mall, where you'll find a variety of shops in a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The Ink Pots Hiking Trail, located 20.9km from Banff National Park, offers a serene hiking experience surrounded by nature's beauty, perfect for relaxation. Sunshine Meadows, 40.2km away, features stunning landscapes and tranquil vibes, providing an ideal setting for rejuvenation and mindfulness amidst the majestic Rockies.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Lake Louise Mountain Resort, located 17.7km from Banff National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views and adventurous slopes. For a more relaxed skiing experience, take a ride on the Paradise Ski Lift or Larch Express Quad Ski Lift, both located 14.5km away.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 41.8km from Banff National Park. Enjoy a fun night of bowling, delicious food, and drinks in a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Canadian Rockies.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Banff National Park

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, offers stunning lakes, ski resorts, and majestic peaks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, couples seeking romance, and those craving scenic beauty. Explore must-see attractions like the Fairmont Banff Springs, the vibrant downtown Banff, and other highlights within the park. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Banff is a fantastic destination for unforgettable experiences.

  • Lake Louise Mountain Resort: Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this premier ski resort offers breathtaking views and exhilarating slopes for skiing and snowboarding. With its outdoor adventure vibes, visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking during the summer, making it a year-round destination for thrill-seekers.
  • Lake Louise: Famous for its stunning turquoise waters, Lake Louise is perfect for a romantic getaway or a peaceful day by the beach. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this scenic lake invites visitors to indulge in outdoor activities like canoeing and photography, capturing the beauty of nature.
  • Fairview Lookout: This picturesque lookout provides panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. Ideal for couples, it’s a popular spot for romantic picnics and offers hiking opportunities that cater to adventure enthusiasts, all while being immersed in nature's splendor.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Banff National Park

To save money during your visit to Banff National Park, consider traveling in the off-peak months of January, April, and November when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Fridays generally offer the cheapest rates, while Sundays are the most expensive. Utilize filters on Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price to find the best deals. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Banff National Park is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Banff National Park are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Banff National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Banff National Park is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Banff National Park is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Banff National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.