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Three friends walk across the Nancy Pauw Bridge in winter with Cascade Mountain behind them and the Bow River below them in Banff National Park

About Banff National Park

Banff National Park has a long and celebrated history as one of the world’s premier mountain destinations. Throughout centuries of indigenous peoples' habitation, the establishment of a National Park in 1885, and today’s modern, world class destination: the landscape of Banff National Park has long inspired people with its natural beauty and grandeur.

What makes Banff National Park so special is its easy access and close proximity to the vast unspoiled wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. The park spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of mountainous terrain, packed with spectacularly scenic valleys, peaks, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. It is home to black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bald eagles and many other mammal and bird species.

Discover Banff National Park

  • Bow Valley Parkway Scenic Drive Castle MountainBow Valley Parkway Scenic Drive Castle Mountain

    Getting to Banff National Park

    Banff is located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It's one of five national parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is located along the TransCanada Highway, a well-maintained road open year-round. Calgary is The closest international airport (130 km/87 miles away).

    Getting here
  • Visitor Centre Banff AvenueVisitor Centre Banff Avenue

    Purchase a National Park Pass

    Think of this as your passport to adventure. Explore soaring peaks, paddle across turquoise alpine lakes, or find a place to soak up the view. With over 6,000 square kilometers of wilderness to explore in Banff National Park alone, your Parks Canada Pass is your ticket to countless moments of awe.

    Purchase Park Pass
  • Adult couple or friends in wheelchair at Bow Valley Parkway during the summerAdult couple or friends in wheelchair at Bow Valley Parkway during the summer

    Accessibility

    Learn about access to attractions and services in Banff and Lake Louise for people with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.

    Accessibility
  • The Nancy Pauw Bridge in Banff at sunset with a river in the front and Mt. Norquay in the background.The Nancy Pauw Bridge in Banff at sunset with a river in the front and Mt. Norquay in the background.

    Weather and Webcam

    Check out the weather today and for the next few days in Banff & Lake Louise.

    Weather and Webcams
  • A man and woman hike alongside a lake with yellow larch trees and fresh snow on the mountains surrounding themA man and woman hike alongside a lake with yellow larch trees and fresh snow on the mountains surrounding them

    Season and Climate

    It’s been said that the most reliable characteristic of Banff and Lake Louise’s weather is its unpredictability.

    Season and Climate
  • Bear St during snowdaysBear St during snowdays

    Town and Village

    Want to know more about the town and village located in our Banff National Park?

    Learn More