The park's glacier-fed lakes provide spectacular photo opportunities, but most are much too cold for swimming. Johnson Lake is the exception and suitable for swimming during the summer - this is located off the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road. Please keep in mind that swimming in any lake is unsupervised, so visitors swim at their own risk.

Can I swim in the lakes?

The original natural hot springs in Banff are located at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Swimming is no longer allowed at the Cave & Basin, however, swimming can be done in the relaxing thermal waters of Sulphur Mountain at the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Can you go in the Banff Hot Springs?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Banff. The Aurora Borealis make an appearance several times throughout the year. Visitors have the best chance to spot the lights during the winter months from October to May. However, thanks to little light pollution and crisp mountain air, it is possible to see them during the summer months. We have a blog post with lots of helpful tips for seeing the northern lights.

Can you see the northern lights in Banff and Lake Louise?

The town of Banff, the Hamlet of Lake Louise, the three ski resorts and all the mountains, trails and lakes in between are located inside Banff National Park. Anytime you come to explore and enjoy the area, you need to make sure you have a National Park Pass.

Banff National Park entry fees help support visitor services and facilities so we can all continue to enjoy these beautiful mountains. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual pass depending on how long you plan to visit the Banff and Lake Louise area. Purchase your pass online.

Do I need a National Park Pass?

You will need to walk 0.6 km up to the viewing platform to admire the stunning views of Peyto Lake. An accessible trail (0.3 km) is available from the upper parking lot during the summer months. From the viewpoint, continue on the self-guided nature trail (0.6 km loop) to explore more of the area.

Do you have to hike to see Peyto Lake?

Paid parking is in effect in the downtown Banff area. Free, 9 hour parking is available at the Banff Train Station. Learn more about parking in Banff.

During the summer, paid parking is in effect at the Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot. Learn more about parking in Lake Louise.

Do you have to pay for parking?

You do not need a reservation to enter the Park, however it is recommended to reserve your accommodation, transportation and activities before you arrive. Even though you do not need a reservation to enter, everyone who spends time enjoying the National Park is required to have a National Park Pass.

Do you need a reservation to enter Banff National Park?

Wildlife can be anywhere at any time. We recommend carrying bear spray if you are planning on hiking in the National Park. Learn more about bear safety from Parks Canada.

Do you need bear spray when hiking?

Yes! Grab a cocktail or a locally crafted beer at one of the many great breweries or restaurants. Sample the best of the après scene, or dance the night away at one of our great nightclubs.

Does Banff have a nightlife?

The closest airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport, from there it is a 1.5 hour drive or shuttle ride to Banff. Learn more about your options for getting to Banff and Lake Louise.

How do I get to Banff and Lake Louise?

Campgrounds in Banff National Park during the summer months will often book up within days of the reservations opening. If you are planning to camp, it is essential you book in advance to ensure you're able to get a spot. Visit the Parks Canada website for more information on campgrounds and reservation opening dates. 

How do I reserve a campsite in Banff National Park?

Parking at Lake Louise typically fills around sunrise during the summer months (June - mid October), we recommend taking the Parks Canada shuttle at this time of year. During the winter months (mid October - May) parking doesn't typically fill up so you should be able to find a parking spot at most times throughout the day.

How early should I arrive at Lake Louise?

Peak season is usually in full swing by June and runs through to mid October. We also see a spike in visitation over the holiday period in December. At these times it's best to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability and get the best price.

How far in advance should I book accommodation in peak season?

Driving from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is 233km and takes around 3 hours without stopping. Winter tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1.

How long does it take to drive the Icefields Parkway?

Sulphur Mountain is about 10.9km out-and-back with 756m elevation gain. It typically takes 4-5 hours to complete. The Banff Gondola is an alternative option for reaching the top of Sulphur Mountain.

How long does it take to hike Sulphur Mountain?

There are two tea houses in the Lake Louise area. Lake Agnes Tea House is a 7.4km out-and-back trail with 405m elevation gain. The trail begins from Lake Louise lakeshore and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. Plain of 6-Glaciers Teahouse is a 10.6km out-and-back trail with 365m elevation gain. The trail also begins from Lake Louise lakeshore and typically takes 4-5hours to complete. These teahouses are only open and safely accessible during the summer months.

How long is the Lake Louise tea house hike?

How much time do you have? It could be 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or 1 year, there is always something new to discover in Banff National Park! We've written a handy blog on this topic to give you more insight.

How many days do you need in Banff National Park?

Yes! Bow Lake is a stunning turquoise lake located along the Icefields Parkway and is accessible year round. Note that winter tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1. Road conditions can be checked online at 511.Alberta.ca

Is Bow Lake worth visiting?

The Johnston Canyon trail is open and accessible year-round. We recommend cleats or microspikes for the hike during the winter months.

Is Johnston Canyon open year-round?

Moraine Lake is one of Canada’s most popular destinations and is open early June through mid-October. The best way to access Moraine Lake is to take a Parks Canada shuttle. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance.

Is Moraine Lake Open?

Banff can experience smoke from nearby and distant wildfires in the summer months. This typically doesn’t directly impact operations in the park. For the latest smoke forecasts, visit firesmoke.ca and see current conditions for yourself on our Weather and Webcams page.

Is it smoky in Banff and Lake Louise?

The Icefields Parkway has numerous beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and canyons. This phenomenal drive can be enjoyed year-round. 

Planning ahead during the winter months is a must. Winter tires are a legal requirement for this highway from November 1-April 1. There is no cellphone service between Lake Louise and Jasper, check Alberta 511 before leaving for up-to-date closures and road conditions. Closures for avalanche activity can happen with little notice in the winter months. 

There are no services on this road available at any point throughout the winter months, so make sure you have enough gas, food, and water before setting out.

Is the Icefields Parkway open?

Choose from multiple service options with the Banff Airporter, Banff Chauffeur, Brewster Express, Discover Banff Tours and Mountain Park Transportation.

Is there a shuttle from Calgary Airport to Banff?

Parks Canada operates shuttles to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake throughout the summer. These shuttles depart from the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Area. Reservations are required and can be made online  or by calling 1877 737 3783.

Roam Transit operates a bus service to Lake Louise year round. The route 8x departs from the Banff High School, and will take you all the way to the Lake Louise lakeshore. Reservations can be made online.

Learn more about getting around Banff and Lake Louise.

Is there a shuttle or public transit to Lake Louise?

Parks Canada operates shuttles to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake throughout the summer. These shuttles depart from the Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Area. Reservations are required and can be made online  or by calling 1877 737 3783.

Roam Public Transit operates a bus to Moraine Lake during the fall. Reservations can be made online.

Learn more about getting around Banff and Lake Louise.

Is there a shuttle or public transit to Moraine Lake?

There is no tunnel in Tunnel Mountain. It was named this during the construction of the railway, however, engineers decided to go around the mountain rather than through it. It's original name is Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain or Sleeping Buffalo.

Is there a tunnel in Tunnel Mountain?

Dining and incredible views go hand-in-hand here in Banff National Park. Both Banff and Lake Louise boast restaurants with spectacular views over lakes, mountains and valleys. To name a few; Sky Bistro, Juniper Bistro, MacLab Bistro, Lakeview Lounge, and The Waldhaus Restaurant all offer picture perfect views and delicious menu options. Discover all of our scenic restaurants.

What are the best restaurants with a view?

BeaverTail: a deep-fried piece of dough brushed with butter, coated in cinnamon sugar and other toppings of your choice!

Bison: (this is Alberta's indigenous food)

Beef: (there are over five million head of cattle in Alberta)

What food is Banff known for?

Banff is year-round destination; however, each month brings its own unique charm.

If you are looking for some fresh snow on the slopes and ice on the lakes, then January and February would be the perfect time to visit. If spring skiing is a little more your thing, then head out here in March or April. Peak season tends to be June through to September and that’s when you will find all the popular summer activities and stunning turquoise lakes. If you are looking for a little peace and quiet to connect with nature, then book a visit during the shoulder season in November and April/ May.

What is the best month to visit Banff and Lake Louise?

January is typically the coldest month of the year, with average high temperatures of -5°C and average low temperatures around -15°C. However temperatures can drop as low as -30°C.

What is the coldest month in Banff?

Both are located within the borders of Banff National Park. Sitting roughly 65km apart, The town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise are the two main hubs of activity within Banff National Park. Learn more.

What is the difference between Banff and Lake Louise?

If you are planning on hiking in the mountains you will want to pack layers, bear spray, a trail map, food, sunscreen, insect repellent and lots of water. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail before you head off, cell service is not available on a lot of hiking trails.

What should I pack to go hiking?

Banff National Park is home to hundreds of species of animals including birds, fish, mammals and more. Learn more about the wildlife of Banff National Park.

What wildlife is there in Banff National Park?

Calgary International Airport is the closest airport. It is located approximately 140 km east of Banff, a beautiful 1.5 hour drive towards the Rocky Mountains, along the Trans-Canada Highway. Learn more about getting here.

What's the closest airport to Banff and Lake Louise?

Lakes at lower elevations like Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lakes will typically start to thaw in mid to late May. Lakes at high elevations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lakes will usually start to thaw in early June. This can vary from year to year and is dependent on the weather.

When do the lakes thaw out?

The trees will start to change colour in mid to late September.

In Banff we have a species of tree called larch trees, in the fall they turn a vibrant shade of yellow. There are a number of larch forests in Banff National Park that you can hike through to experience this breathtaking phenomenon. The best time to see the larch trees is typically from the last week of September to the first week of October, though the timing is weather dependent.

When do the trees turn golden in the fall/autumn?

Prime hiking season runs July through mid-September. Until late June, most trails at higher elvations are still snow-bound and may be subject to avalanche hazard. Trails tend to be muddier at this time and the best hiking is at lower elevations. By the middle of July, most trails are dry and snow-free.

September and early October can be a great time to go hiking as well. The yellow colors of the larch and aspen leaves are beautiful in mid to late September. The daytime temperatures are cooler, so bring lots of layers!

Select trails are safe to hike in the winter, just make sure you strap on a pair cleats or microspikes so you don't slip on the snow/ice.

When is hiking season?

The peak flowering time in Banff National Park at all elevations is from mid-July to mid-August. The flowering season of a particular species is affected by factors such as elevation, slope orientation, wind, soil, and precipitation.

When is wildflower season?

There are a whole host of fantastic options for food and beverage within Banff National Park. You will find many of these in the town of Banff. Restaurants range from lavish fine dining to casual, locally run restaurants and cafés covering all types of cuisine. Dinner reservations are always recommended.

Where can I eat in Banff?

Lake Louise has a select number of dining options near the village and at a number of hotels in the area. Dinner reservations are always recommended.

Make sure you stop by Trailhead Café or Laggans Bakery in Lake Louise Village to grab a tasty treat for your adventures

Where can I eat in Lake Louise?

The town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise have a huge range of accommodations for all travellers. Choose from hotels, inns and family-friendly condos, cozy cabins, charming bed & breakfasts, or budget-conscious properties and hostels. If you prefer camping, there are many campgrounds and RV sites. Or, for the ultimate retreat, make the trek to an off-the-grid backcountry lodge.

Where is there to stay in Banff and Lake Louise?

The lakes in the mountains that have vivid blue and green colours are glacier fed. As the melt water from a glacier starts to flow in the spring time it carries with it glacier silt or rock flour. The silt is created when rocks underneath the surface of the ice are grinding from the movement of the glacier. The rock flour is very light and stays suspended in the lake water for a long time. The sunlight that reflects off these particles is what gives the lakes their spectacular turquoise colour.

Why are the lakes so blue?

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