Banff National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Banff National Park is one of the most famous camping destinations in Canada as a country. This beautiful park is open year-round for campers to come and enjoy the beautiful views. The park is one of the world's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is part of the Rocky Mountains. Let’s learn some more about what to know before coming to Canada’s first national park.
How To Get There?
Getting to Banff can be very simple and there are multiple different routes to take depending on where you are coming from.
Calgary to Banff
Getting to Banff this way is very simple and you often can go by your vehicle, including an RV. Parks Canada suggests using BanffNow whenever planning a visit to the park to make sure you know about all possible roadblocks that could get in your way. As always make sure your vehicle is properly equipped and if necessary, look into roadside assistance plans for your peace of mind. There are also private transport options available for travellers.
Getting around Banff and Lake Louise
When taking this route there is a multitude of busses and public transport options that are affordable to take and use during your trip. When planning to go to Lake Louise, Parks Canada recommends you fully plan your trip and transportation.
How to Camp at Banff National Park
Camping at Banff is one of the best experiences you can get camping in Canada. Luckily there are many options for that at Banff.
oTENTik
A Parks Canada exclusive these are the perfect hybrid between tent camping and cabin camping. These are perfect for those who want a little luxury during their stay but want to feel in touch with nature. No setup is required, and you just need to bring equipment to keep you and your family comfortable. These require booking and Parks Canada has all the info on that!
Equipped Campsites
Not a camping pro? Have no equipment? Well, that doesn’t mean you can't enjoy camping. Banff has these sites where you can avoid all the hassle of setting up camping equipment and just get straight into the fun during your stay! There are about 32 sites that are there and they get busy so look into Parks Canada and book in advance!
Backcountry Camping
This will garner the interest of adventurers. Backcountry camping is for those who want to see the natural wonders without the hustle and bustle of crowds. It is very safe to camp here in the backcountry and is accessible by hiking, biking, and horseback making it naturally better for tent campers. Make sure to pick your perfect tent and get on your way. Parkks Canada has all the information on when to go, how to stay safe, and bookings! Check them out for more information on this amazing experience.
What Can I Experience?
The beauty of Banff is that it is open year-round and there are countless different things to experience during your visit. Here are some of the fan favourites to do when in Banff National Park!
Winter Activities
Brrrr, let's start off with things to do in the cold. Banff is one of the perfect parks for winter activities because of its wide trails and land for visitors to explore. Some winter activities to look forward to are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter walking. Winter walking is perfect for people of all ages along with other winter activities. Embark out into the cold and experience what the Rockies look like in winter you won’t regret it.
Park Guided Activities
Here there are so many events that are hosted to share Indigenous and Canadian history! They have countless evening programs, a heritage theatre, guided hikes, walks, and many more. Park volunteers and rangers are always willing to guide visitors and tell them about events the park has going on. With all the events they offer, there is no reason not to get involved with the park and Canada’s history.
Outdoor Activities
If you can dream it, Banff probably has it somewhere in the park. You can do anything from swimming to ice skating at the park depending on the time of year. Suit up and bring all of the essentials and you can have fun! You can also have pets with you for dog walking so bring your furry friends along for the trip!
Learning Experiences
Banff likes to educate its visitors and has many programs for people of all ages. One of the more popular ones is A Beary, Berry Good Day which is about teaching people how to stay safe in the wild. All of these attractions are very well received by visitors. Bring the kids along and teach them how to be safe during your stay at Banff.
Anything Else to Know?
RV travelling to Banff can seem difficult, but it is not impossible. It does take more planning but, in the end, is just as rewarding as tent camping there. You also get the added perk of real mattresses, appliances, and a more comfortable experience. Also, if you can’t make it out to Banff, they offer online experiences for you and your family to experience in addition to or in advance of your stay! Overall, Banff is a very safe place to camp, and those who go love it. If there are other things, you are itching to know I recommend calling Parks Canada or checking their website.
Overall, Banff is an amazing park to visit and there is no wonder why people call it the flagship of Canadian camping. I mean you really can’t beat the views of the Rocky Mountains. Not to mention the park is extremely family-friendly and wants to make sure everyone has the best time coming there. If you’re not planning a trip, already get on it! Go see the wild and stay safe doing it.