Banff National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Banff National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Day Trip: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Banff

• Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

• Covered Wagon Ride in Banff With Western Cookout

• 1-Hour Spray River Ride

• 1-Hour Bow River Ride

Admission to Banff National Park costs CA$12.25 per day for adults, CA$10.75 for seniors, CA$24.50 for a family group, and is free for youth. If you’re staying for a few days—or want to visit other Canadian national parks over the course of a year—a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is cost-effective, at CA$83.50 for adults, CA$71.50 for seniors, and CA$167.50 for families. Other activities within the park—including camping, fishing, and visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs—come with separate costs.

Yes, Banff National Park is definitely worth visiting. It's one of the most accessible parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains as it's close to Alberta. Whether you're into hiking, kayaking, cycling, wildlife-spotting, photography, or just casual sightseeing, you'll find something to enjoy in this beautiful area full of mountains, lakes, forests, and glaciers. Guided tours are a great way to visit many sites in one day without having to drive—the scenery can be distractingly beautiful.

Per one customer who booked the Day Trip: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Banff, "Our winter day trip through the Canadian Rockies was absolutely incredible. We visited Lake Louise, Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake, and several beautiful stops throughout Banff, and every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. The landscapes were unreal — frozen lakes, turquoise water peeking through the ice, snowy forests, and dramatic canyon views."

While it is possible to see some key sights in just a day, try to plan a trip for at least three days. This allows plenty of time for exploring, hiking, and making plenty of photo stops beyond the main attractions of Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Lake Minnewanka.

Yes, visitors need a park pass to enter Banff National Park. You can pre-purchase day passes or multi-park passes online. Visitors must make campground reservations to secure a spot between May and October. You can also reserve the shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in advance to avoid disappointment.

The ever-changing weather in the Canadian Rockies can be challenging, so bring appropriate clothing and gear for all seasons. The park also has strict rules regarding wildlife interaction and waste disposal to help preserve the park's natural beauty. Additionally, in peak season, it's best to plan well in advance.

Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer excellent opportunities to avoid crowds while enjoying beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Summer is the peak season for most outdoor activities, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports in Sunshine Village and the park's other ski resorts. During both summer and winter, it's best to plan and book in advance.

Yes. Banff National Park has many scenic drives, including Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway. Visitors must purchase a daily or annual park pass to drive through the park at leisure. Some roads have seasonal closures, so check in advance before heading out.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Banff National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Alberta:

• Yoho National Park

• Medicine Lake

• Maligne Lake

• Spiral Tunnels

• Athabasca Glacier

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Alberta.