Quick answer
Banff is about 128 km (roughly 1.5 hours) west of Calgary. Buy a Parks Canada pass if you’ll stop anywhere in the park. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so plan on the Parks Canada shuttle (book early) or a licensed operator. Summer is busiest; late September to early October brings golden larches; winter is for skiing at the “Big 3” resorts.
- From Calgary
- 128 km, about 1.5 hours
- Established
- Began as a hot springs reserve in 1885
- UNESCO
- Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (1984)
- Park pass
- Required if you stop
- Moraine Lake
- No personal vehicles
- Busiest
- May to September
About Banff National Park
Banff is Canada’s first national park, which began as a 26 km² hot springs reserve in 1885 (Parks Canada). It’s part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1984. The park’s East Gate is about 5 km from Canmore, which sits outside the park.
Park passes
According to Parks Canada, you need a pass if you stop anywhere in the park, including viewpoints, picnic areas, the town of Banff and campgrounds. You also need one on the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway, even without stopping. You don’t need one if you drive straight through.
- Daily pass: valid until 4 pm the day after purchase, and also covers several neighboring mountain parks.
- Discovery Pass: a year of admission to Parks Canada places, which often pays off for longer trips.
- Where to buy: online, at park gates, visitor centres and campgrounds.
Check current fees before you go.
Getting to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
You can’t drive to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Get there by Parks Canada shuttle, a licensed commercial operator, or as a registered Moraine Lake Lodge guest (Parks Canada).
- Parks Canada shuttle: in 2026, reservations opened April 15. Some seats are released on opening day and the rest two days before each departure. Shuttles ran from late spring to mid-October. Watch for the 2027 dates.
- Lake Louise parking: the lakeshore lot is paid during the summer season and often fills early. Shuttle reservation holders can park free at the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
- Roam Transit: Route 8X runs between Banff and Lake Louise; check Roam Transit for schedules.
Top things to do
Banff Gondola
An 8-minute ride climbs about 700 m up Sulphur Mountain, year-round (Banff & Lake Louise Tourism).
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Run by Parks Canada, usually open daily. Check current hours, as there are occasional maintenance closures.
Johnston Canyon
A popular canyon walk with catwalks and waterfalls. The trail and parking were closed from October 13 to December 11, 2026, for construction, so check closures before going.
Lake Minnewanka
A large lake near town, with part of the loop road closed to vehicles from November to May. Some trails have seasonal rules requiring bear spray and groups of at least four.
Vermilion Lakes and Cave and Basin
Vermilion Lakes Drive is great for mountain views at sunrise and sunset. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks.
Bow Valley Parkway
A scenic alternative to the highway. From March 1 to June 25, travel is prohibited overnight (8 pm to 8 am) on a 17 km section to protect wildlife.
Icefields Parkway
One of the world’s great drives, north to Jasper. In winter, there are no services or cell coverage for about 230 km, and winter tires or chains are required from November 1 to March 31 (Parks Canada).
Wildlife rules
- Stay at least 30 m from elk, deer, sheep and moose, and at least 100 m from bears, wolves, cougars and coyotes (Parks Canada).
- Feeding wildlife is illegal, with fines up to $25,000.
- Carry bear spray where you can reach it, and know how to use it. It’s sold locally and isn’t allowed on flights.
When to visit
- Summer (May to September): busiest, with all roads, trails and shuttles running.
- Larch season: golden larches usually peak late September to early October, depending on weather (Banff & Lake Louise Tourism).
- Winter: skiing at Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Village, with a shared SkiBig3 ticket.
Where to stay
Stay in the town of Banff or Lake Louise to be inside the park, or in Canmore, just outside the East Gate, which often has more choice. Campgrounds are booked through Parks Canada Reservations; in 2026, Banff bookings opened in February and popular dates sold out fast.
More planning: best time to visit Canada, Canada travel tips and how to apply for an eTA.
Sources checked November 2026: Parks Canada, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Seasonal dates change each year; confirm before you go.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
