Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Banff, Alberta
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada, is one of the country's most iconic and visited national parks. Banff National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and the third oldest in the world. Its creation was spurred by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which recognized the area's scenic and recreational value.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Things to Do in Banff National Park



Columbia Icefields

Jasper Columbia Icefield

» go to Columbia Icefields

Banff National Park notes:
Jasper and Banff National Park's Columbia Icefields. Explore Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Book Banff Canadian Rockies

» go to Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Banff National Park notes:
Enjoy stunning panoramas of six different mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town and vistas of Canada's first national park.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Banff Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Book Banff Canadian Rockies

» go to Banff Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Banff National Park notes:
Majestic views of the Canadian Rockies while cruising beautiful Lake Minnewanka on this panoramic 1-hour interpretive cruise. Learn Native folklore while scanning the lake shore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagle and even the occasional bear. Cruise over to Devil's Gap for incredible views of the Prairies and surrounding mountains.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

Jasper Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

» go to Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

Banff National Park notes:
6-Day Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff, Icefield, Jasper, Lake Louise. OR 6 Day VIA Rail Banff - Jasper Rocky Mountain Train Tour from Calgary to Vancouver.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Tour Moraine Lake

Tour Moraine Lake

» go to Tour Moraine Lake

Banff National Park notes:
Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Famous and iconic, Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies and is renowned for its breathtaking turquoise-blue waters and stunning surrounding mountain peaks.


Jasper Wildlife on Video

Mountain Ranges in Banff National Park

Mountain Ranges in Banff National Park

Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, is home to several prominent mountain ranges that contribute to the park's stunning alpine scenery and diverse landscapes. These mountain ranges showcase towering peaks, rugged terrain, and glaciated valleys, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Sme of the main mountain ranges in Banff National Park:

Banff National Park's Rocky Mountains

Banff National Park is situated within the Canadian segment of the Rocky Mountains, a vast mountain range that stretches from British Columbia through Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and into New Mexico. The Rocky Mountains are known for their dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems, and they form the backbone of Banff's landscape.

The Main Mountain Ranges in Banff National Park

Within Banff National Park, several distinct mountain ranges contribute to the park's rugged topography. These include:

Banff National Park Main Mountain Ranges

This group of mountain ranges includes the Fairholme Range, the Bow Range, the Vermilion Range, and the Sawback Range, among others. These ranges are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and scenic alpine terrain.

Banff National Park Front Mountain Ranges

Located along the eastern boundary of the park, the Front Ranges include prominent peaks such as Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and Mount Bourgeau. These mountains are easily accessible from the town of Banff and offer iconic views of the Bow Valley.

Banff National Park's Continental Mountain Ranges

Situated along the western boundary of the park, the Continental Ranges include peaks such as Mount Assiniboine, Mount Temple, and Mount Victoria. These mountains are part of the Continental Divide, which separates the watersheds that flow into the Pacific Ocean from those that flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

Banff National Park's Glaciated Peaks and Icefields

Banff National Park is also home to several major icefields and glaciated peaks, including the Wapta Icefield, the Columbia Icefield, and the Lyell Icefield. These vast expanses of ice feed numerous glaciers and provide a dramatic backdrop to the park's alpine landscapes.

Subsidiary Mountain Ranges and Foothills

In addition to the main mountain ranges, Banff National Park contains several subsidiary ranges and foothills that contribute to its diverse terrain. These include the Sundance Range, the Goat Range, the Palliser Range, and the Murchison Group, among others.

These mountain ranges collectively form the spectacular alpine scenery of Banff National Park, attracting visitors from around the world to explore their rugged beauty, pristine wilderness, and awe-inspiring vistas. Whether you're hiking through mountain valleys, summiting towering peaks, or simply admiring the views from a scenic overlook, the mountain ranges of Banff offer endless opportunities for adventure and discovery amidst the splendor of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff National Park Home

Booking Banff National Park Adventures and Attractions

Banff, located in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning natural landscapes and a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Banff National Park

Explore the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. Take scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway for breathtaking views.

Lake Louise

Visit the iconic Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing, or simply taking in the scenery.

Moraine Lake

Marvel at the striking beauty of Moraine Lake, surrounded by ten towering mountain peaks. Take a hike around the lake or rent a canoe to experience its splendor up close.

Banff Gondola

Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Explore the boardwalk and visit the interpretive center.

Hiking Banff

Banff offers a plethora of hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular trails include Johnston Canyon, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Sentinel Pass.

Banff Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep. Wildlife spotting tours are also available.

Banff Hot Springs

Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs while enjoying mountain views.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Paddle along the Bow River, Lake Louise or Bow Lake for a peaceful and scenic experience. Banff has some spectacular places for Canoeing and Kayaking.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Banff

In winter, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay.

Banff Dog Sledding and Ice Walks

Experience the thrill of dog sledding or join an ice walk to explore frozen canyons and waterfalls during the winter months.

Town of Banff

Stroll through the charming town of Banff with its shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Banff Park Museum and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies for cultural insights.

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers (125 square miles). It is one of the largest icefields in North America and is the source of several major glaciers.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a world-renowned scenic highway that stretches through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is famous for its unique shape that resembles the head of a wolf. It is named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Learn about the history of Banff National Park and the discovery of the hot springs at the Cave and Basin historic site.

Banff National Park by Horseback

Exploring Banff by horseback is a classic and enjoyable way to experience the stunning landscapes and scenic trails of the Canadian Rockies.