Wildlife Safari Banff National Park
Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, home to turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, ideal for nature.
Wildlife Safari Banff National Park
Best Time
Warm weather, ideal for nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, home to turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.
"The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, a true paradise for nature lovers!"
🚗 Stay in Canmore for Savings
Consider staying in Canmore (20 mins away) for potentially cheaper accommodation and a less touristy feel.
🏞️ Respect Nature: Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's beauty for everyone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Louise
Banff National Park
Iconic turquoise waters reflecting majestic mountains. A must-see for its breathtaking beauty.
Moraine Lake
Banff National Park
Valley of the Ten Peaks surrounds this stunning, vibrant blue lake. Unforgettable scenery.
Banff Gondola
Sulphur Mountain
Ride to the summit for panoramic views of Banff townsite and surrounding peaks.
Johnston Canyon Trail
Banff National Park
Accessible boardwalk trail leading to stunning waterfalls and unique geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Park Pass is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Stay in Canmore for Savings
Consider staying in Canmore (20 mins away) for potentially cheaper accommodation and a less touristy feel.
🏞️ Respect Nature: Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's beauty for everyone.
🐻 Wildlife Safety First
Be aware of wildlife. Keep a safe distance and never feed animals.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Stay in Canmore for Savings
Consider staying in Canmore (20 mins away) for potentially cheaper accommodation and a less touristy feel.
🏞️ Respect Nature: Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's beauty for everyone.
🐻 Wildlife Safety First
Be aware of wildlife. Keep a safe distance and never feed animals.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Auroras
If you're lucky, you might witness the Northern Lights! Keep your camera ready.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Banff, particularly the stunning turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Guided tours are highly praised for their convenience and informative guides, making it easy to see multiple sights. Some find the park pass and accommodation prices to be on the higher side.
"We did the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour. During the ride our driver told us a lot of things about Banff and both lakes. At the lakes themselves we had plenty of time to walk around by ourselves. Both lakes are absolutely stunning!
As a bonus on the way back we got some Maple Leaf cookies.
It's a very convenient way of visiting both lakes, as parking space is very much limited at Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake was not even accessible is you're not part of a tour (at least not when we were there)."
Benjamin van der Meer
"An Outstanding Guided Hike with Spencer
This guided hike was a highlight of our trip to Banff. The scenery around Moraine Lake was absolutely breathtaking, but what made the experience truly special was our guide, Spencer.
He was polite, caring, considerate, and patient—always making sure everyone in the group felt comfortable and included. His deep knowledge of the Canadian Rockies’ geology, flora, and fauna brought the landscape to life, and his enthusiasm (even for the small details, like the fascinating wood frogs!) made the hike both educational and fun.
Spencer set a perfect pace for the group, taking time to stop, rest, and explain the sights along the way. I felt well cared for the entire time, and the thoughtful balance of activity and learning made the day unforgettable.
This tour is very well organized with transport, lunch, and hiking poles included, but the real difference is in the guiding. Spencer turned a beautiful hike into an exceptional experience. Highly recommend!"
Venkatesh Swamy
"Toured with Discover Banff twice this week. First was to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The second was the Banff City and Wildlife tour. Both were excellent and a good way to see a lot if your time is short. The driver/tour guide (Henry for the first tour and Sam for the second), were both safe and careful chauffeurs as well as being knowledgeable guides. Both offered insight to all that we saw. Climb the rock pile at Moraine Lake and hike along the beach at Lake Minnewanka. The overlooks viewing the historic Banff Springs Hotel and the Hoodoos were terrific. As was the stop viewing Castle Mountain and Mount Temple. These tours were well worth the ticket. The vans were spacious and comfortable and not too big. The groups were about 15 people each tour. I'd tour with them again on my next visit to Banff."
Brian Suen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Banff National Park is accessible by car via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), about a 1.5-hour drive away. You can rent a car at the airport or arrange for shuttle services.
While having a car offers flexibility, Banff has a public transit system, Roam Transit, which connects the townsite to popular attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during peak season. Organized tours are also a great option for seeing multiple sights without driving.
Due to extreme parking limitations, booking a guided tour or using the Parks Canada shuttle service is highly recommended for visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Private vehicle access to Moraine Lake is restricted.
Access to Moraine Lake by private vehicle is generally restricted during the summer season. The best ways to visit are via the Parks Canada shuttle or an organized tour.
Yes, several companies offer organized tours. Discover Banff Tours is frequently recommended for its knowledgeable guides and well-organized itineraries covering lakes, wildlife, and townsite attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is mandatory for entry into Banff National Park. You can purchase passes online, at park gates, or at visitor centres. An annual pass is cost-effective if visiting multiple national parks.
Pass prices vary depending on the duration and type of pass. A daily pass for a small vehicle is around $21 CAD, while an annual Discovery Pass for a small vehicle is approximately $145 CAD. Check the Parks Canada website for current pricing.
Banff National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific attractions like the Banff Gondola or visitor centres have their own operating hours, which vary by season.
It is highly recommended to book tickets for popular attractions like the Banff Gondola online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially save time.
While the park itself requires a pass, many natural viewpoints and hiking trails are accessible once inside. Exploring the town of Banff, walking along the Bow River, and enjoying scenic drives are free activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Must-see spots include the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola for panoramic views, Johnston Canyon for its waterfalls, and scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway. +2
Popular hikes range from easy walks like Johnston Canyon Trail to moderate ones like the Little Beehive above Lake Louise, and more challenging treks like Larch Valley. Always check trail conditions and be prepared.
Banff is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep. Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk, and maintain a safe distance. The Banff Wildlife Tour offers guided viewing.
Besides hiking, consider the Banff Gondola, a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, visiting the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (nearby), exploring the town of Banff, or even experiencing the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Yes, Banff is a fantastic location for aurora viewing, especially during clear, dark nights in the fall and winter. Keep an eye on aurora forecasts!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Banff offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes and pubs to fine dining restaurants. You can find Canadian cuisine, international flavors, and local specialties.
Yes, many restaurants, especially those at higher elevations like at the top of the Banff Gondola, offer stunning mountain views. The Fairmont Banff Springs also has several dining options with scenic backdrops. +1
Don't miss trying Canadian classics like poutine, maple syrup-infused dishes, and perhaps some delicious baked goods from local bakeries. Maple Leaf cookies are also a popular souvenir.
While Banff can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by looking for cafes, delis, and food trucks. Packing your own snacks and picnic lunches for day trips can also save money.
Most restaurants in Banff are accommodating and offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server.
📸 📸 Photography
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are arguably the most photographed spots, with their vibrant colors and dramatic mountain backdrops. Other great locations include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Early mornings are also great for avoiding crowds at popular spots like Lake Louise.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone.
Explore less-visited trails, hike to higher viewpoints, or visit during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for fewer crowds and unique light. Consider activities like canoeing for different perspectives. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly tour that handles transportation and provides engaging commentary, like those from Discover Banff Tours, which can keep children entertained and informed.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Banff's Iconic Lakes
To truly appreciate these lakes, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when crowds are thinner and the scenery can be dramatically different. In the fall, the surrounding larch trees turn golden, offering a spectacular contrast to the blue water.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided hikes around these lakes, like those offered by Discover Banff Tours, provide valuable insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of the Canadian Rockies, led by passionate and knowledgeable guides.
Accommodation Options in Banff
For those seeking an exclusive experience, Moraine Lake Lodge provides a luxurious escape directly within the national park, offering all-inclusive packages and unique amenities like unlimited canoeing for guests.
When booking, consider your priorities: proximity to attractions, budget, desired amenities, and the overall atmosphere you're seeking. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for popular hotels and during peak travel seasons.
Experiencing Banff's Natural Wonders
Beyond the well-trodden paths, Banff offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even bears (from a safe distance!). Driving cautiously, especially during dawn and dusk, increases your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.
Whether you're hiking to hidden lakes, cruising on Lake Minnewanka, or simply soaking in the views from a scenic overlook, Banff promises an unforgettable immersion in the Canadian Rockies.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit