Banff National Park is most epic national park in Canada filled with majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring glaciers, This Canadian Park is known as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers too. Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Banff National Park is witnessing a true and world-famous natural wonderland.
So, if you are an individual looking for adventure, thrill or daring character, Banff National Park will showcase its adventure, tranquility, or a combination of both. Park is an engaging travel destination that will captivate your senses and leave a lifetime impression.
You have to know a little more about it before packing your backpack to Banff National Park. In this article, we are discussing some of the major things and facts about Banff National Park, which they should know every tourist before planning to visit. Each step in Banff National Park opens up to explore hidden valleys, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas that will make your trip better. It is not only applicable to Solo and even to Family travelers.
Some of the Things Which Every Traveler Needs to Know Before Going to Banff National Park, Canada
1. Location
Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada (Alberta’s western border with British Columbia). Famous for its fascinating natural beauty and green wild areas. It spread around 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) popularly established in 1887 as a national park. Park considered Canada’s first national park and also it is a part of the larger Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its location every year around 4 million people visit here.
2. Weather
Weather in Banff National Park is one of the core subject which impress every backpackers compared to other major national parks in the world. In Banff National Park you will feel mild summers and cold and snowy winters. Mostly varied weather conditions and unpredictable wind effects makes parks atmosphere little interesting. Summers months between June to August are mild with average temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Winter months normally between December and February and its temperature varies from -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F).
Even the length of the daytime may also vary from time to time throughout the year. Therefore it is better to know how to pack your backpack according to season to season and always be ready to accept sudden weather switches in Banff National Park. “Winter tourism” is a unique type of tourism available in Banff National Park.
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3. Activities
Activities are the key for fun and enjoyment during our travelling. Likewise, Banff National Park is witnessing a good number of travel or outdoor activities which are filled by the mesmerising, adventure enthusiastic feelings. Hiking (the most popular one along with all suitable trails), Lake Louise, Camping, Horseback riding, Whitewater rafting, Canyon tours, Lake cruises, and Fishing are the most common outdoor activities available in Banff National Park. Additionally, You can also explore unique wildlife spotting, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding etc., Hot spring is quite famous in this region.
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4. Entry fees
You have to pay some amount of Entry fees to enter Banff National Park. ‘Canada Discovery Pass’ is a special Canada Discovery Pass which help us to enter and explore all forms of national parks in Canada. Cost may vary from person to person, duration of your visit, and ranging from daily to annual passes. Either you can purchase a pass through online or buy at the entrance gate in the park.
- Free Categories;
| Adult | Person aged between 18-64 years age groups. |
| Senior | Person 65 or above years of age. |
| Youth | People aged between 6-17 years of age groups. |
| Family | Up to 7 people are free to enter and travel. |
- Entry fees for Daily Visitors (Normal entry fees);
| Adult | $ 10.50 |
| Senior | $ 9.00 |
| Youth | Completely free |
| Family | $ 21.00 |
| Commercial Group | $ 9.00 |
- Canada Discovery Pass;
| Adult | $ 72.25 |
| Senior | $ 61.75 |
| Family | $ 145.25 |
5. Accommodation
You will get superior standards of hotels and resorts/ accommodations within your budget limit in Banff National Park. If you are looking for hotels or accommodation on our budget limit, you can choose hotels, lodges, campsites, and vacation rentals. Banff Springs Hotel and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel both are generating high accommodation feelings (both are superior ones).
Tunnel Mountain Resort and Banff Rocky Mountains are budget-friendly to those who are looking best at low prices. We always advise you to book your rooms in advance, to reduce the chances of high price. Due to peak seasons and availability, it is difficult to get your rooms as you wish.
6. Wildlife
Banff National Park itself is a home for many rare and endangered wildlife spot in Canada. This national park holds a number of animals from a diverse range of groups. Home for Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears, grizzly bears, and even spring nails. Over 311 unique types of birds, 5 species of invertebrates and 844 types of plants are available flora and faunas. Always keep in mind that, make travel distance with animals and do not try to feed or play with them. Due to its climate, plant communities and unique habitats a greater number of wildlife or animals are found here.
7. Park Regulations
Banff National Park says that strictly follows regions rules and regulations. Visitors who wish to visit have to obey the Canada National Park Act and the National Park’s general regulations. The primary purpose of imposing these regulations is to preserve the natural habitat and beauty of the Banff National Park. Moreover, it is the primary duty of every traveler to follow the rules and regulations imposed by the park authority. Staying on designated trails, properly disposing of waste, and respecting wildlife are common duties of a visitor follow here.
Visitors need to pay $ 25,000 for Court appearances/ evictions, those who try to disobey the parks regulations. Keep in mind that drones are not allowed in most of the areas (inside the park) without proper checking.
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8. Lakes
Banff National Park is also known for some of the impressive lakes within its boundary limit. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (known for the best view in the world) are among the most visited and beautiful lakes in this park. Often known for its colored water, mountain peak level, and glaciers are common attractions. We can also hike around the lakes in order to enjoy the viewpoints.
Lake Minnewanka, Peyto Lake, Vermilion Lakes, Bow Lake, Johnso n Lake, Waterfowl Lake and even more incredible lakes are available to explore for visitors. Hector Lake is considered one of the largest and most supportive of outdoor activities.
9. Indigenous Peoples
Archaeological survey has witnessed the first human activity held back to 10,300 B.C. Even today you will also notice some kinds of indigenous people like Ktunaxa, Piikani, Siksika, Plains Cree, and Stoney Nakoda. These indigenous tribes actively involved variety of activities even during from ancient periods. These people are seriously involved in activities like hunting, fishing, and practicing their culture. The Cave and Basin are considered the most sacred and spiritual sites for the Stoney Nakoda.
10. Planning your Visit
We are always proud to say that Banff National Park is one of the worth visiting destinations throughout your life. After a long discussion, we thought that you would get an idea about the national park. One of the perfect destinations in Canada is well dependent on your budget limit. Research the activities, trails, and attractions you’re interested in and make a list of essentials needed to enjoy or feel trails as your limit. Make a plan about;
When to visit?
How to visit?
How much is required for the whole trip?
What are the basic guidelines we should follow?
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My Parting Thoughts
I think these are the most important data required to know before you going to Banff National Park. So, we always recommend that you make a good plan (as per your budget) and follow through with it. Make sure that Banff National Park will not disappoint you when it comes to fun and enjoyment. So, always keep updating Canada’s website and local weather conditions before visiting.
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