Turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife-filled valleys make Banff one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake alone are worth the trip.
Last updated September 15, 2026
Planning a Banff National Park trip
For the full Banff National Park travel guide, or jump straight to a section:
Day-by-day itineraries
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to visit Banff?
Not strictly. Parks Canada's shuttle system covers Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for most of the summer, and the Banff townsite itself is walkable. A car (with winter tires in winter) gives you the most flexibility for the Icefields Parkway and day trips.
When do the larches turn gold?
Roughly the last week of September, for about two weeks, though the exact timing shifts year to year with the weather — check recent trail reports rather than booking around a fixed date.
Is Banff expensive to visit?
Summer (June through September) is peak season with the highest demand and prices. Spring (April through early June) is the quietest and cheapest stretch, with lower hotel rates and thinner crowds at the big lakes.
Can I visit Banff without hiking or skiing?
Yes — the Banff Upper Hot Springs, the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, driving the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake, and simply walking the townsite are all low-effort ways to see the park.