Know before you go

A National Park Pass is required when entering a national park in Canada. Everyone planning to visit Banff National Park including Banff town and the Lake Louise area require a pass. Banff National Park entry and service fees help support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit, you are investing in the park - and in a legacy for future generations!

Park Passes can be purchased online, at the park gates if driving to Banff National Park, or in person at the Visitor Centres in Banff and Lake Louise.

The best time to visit Banff depends on your priorities: for summer activities and warm weather, June to September is ideal, while for winter activities and snow, December to March is recommended.

The  less busy months for visitors are October, November and April.

Banff has a cool, dry climate. The area, which is at an altitude of 1,476m (4,500ft), has “mountain weather,” meaning it is subject to daily changes in temperatures and conditions.

• Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C, but nights are significantly cooler. Please be aware that occasional smoke advisories can take effect due to regional wildfires.
• Fall is typically clear and sunny, with daytime temperatures in the 10°C to 15°C range and nighttime temperatures slightly below freezing.
• Winter, which generally lasts from November to May, offers great snow for skiing, with typical temperatures ranging from -5°C down to -20°C. Spring temperatures are generally comfortable, around 10°C to 15°C during the day with nighttime temperatures often just above freezing.

Banff is also subject to Chinook winds and conditions. Warm, humid air flowing over the mountains from the west can raise winter temperatures substantially in a short time and reduce snow accumulations dramatically in a few days.

People unaccustomed to living at our altitude may require a couple of days to acclimatize.

In the winter, consider packing:

• A winter jacket or coat
• Sweater or fleece pullover
• Winter boots, preferably without high heels and a non-slip sole
• Hat and scarf
• Warm socks
• Mittens or gloves
• Traction devices for shoes

In the spring/summer, consider packing:

• Jacket or windbreaker
• Sweater of fleece pullover
• Shoes with a flat sole or running shoes as our property includes hilly terrain
• Sunscreen

You may also find it notably dry here. Make sure to keep hand cream and lip balm on hand.

As the Town of Banff is located in Banff National Park, various types of wildlife are often observed. Sightings range from different bird species to the most frequently encountered large mammal: the elk. Bears, mountain lions, and mountain goats are very elusive and are rarely observed.

Keep in mind that the wildlife you may encounter is just that — wild! Please ensure that you respect the animals’ spaces and habitats while in the park. That perfect picture can sometimes lead to a compromising situation for both the subject and the photographer! For your safety and theirs, please treat them with respect and keep your distance. Please do not feed any of the animals, including the squirrels, as they are protected by law. Feeding animals, can result in animals becoming habituated to humans and could lead to them being put down.

You can find all the details of distance requirements, as well as other tips for keeping wildlife wild, on the Parks Canada website.

Whether you are hiking, picnicking, camping, biking, trail running, or paddling in Parks Canada’s Mountain Parks, carrying bear spray is a good idea. It may reduce your risk of injury if you are in an aggressive encounter with a bear and/or other aggressive wildlife. Using bear spray is always a last resort; do all you can to avoid a bear encounter in the first place. Prepare carefully before you head into bear country.

What is Bear Spray?

It is a deterrent containing oleoresin capsicum (OC), a chemical found in chili peppers. It comes in a small, portable spray canister and is intended to repel a bear in the event of a close encounter. OC causes temporary but severe irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system of the bear, allowing you time to escape. Bear spray is a last resort. It's essential to be bear aware, travel in groups, store food properly, and make noise to alert bears to your presence. 

You can rent Bear Spray here 

Making reservations means more time to enjoy all that Banff National Park has to offer!  We recommend booking ahead, so you don't miss out on your favourite activitities and tours. From Gondola rides, paddling, horseback rides, hiking and even helicopter flights, there is so much to discover.

You can't drive personal vehicles up Moraine Lake Road at any time of day. This means you must hike, bike, take a shuttle or transit, or go on a tour. To help with your planning, we have created a handy list of all of the options, check it out here. Moraine Lake Road is only open to visitors in Summer.