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Banff National Park – trees near a mountain beside body of water during golden hour📷 Photo by Jacky Huang on Unsplash
National park

Banff National Park

Canada's oldest national park, in the Rockies of Alberta. Camping is only allowed in designated places, and Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles.

Region
Alberta, Canada
Established
1885
Best season
Jun–mid-Oct (Moraine Lake shuttle)
Entrance fee
Park pass required
Nearest town
Banff

Before you go

  • Campers need a national park entry pass and a camping permit. Camping is permitted in designated areas only.
  • Personal vehicles over 6 m long or 2 m wide (including mirrors) cannot park at Lake Louise Lakeshore. Large vehicles can use the Park and Ride with a shuttle.
  • Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Parks Canada shuttles run from June to mid-October, weather permitting.

Planning

Banff is reached from the town of Banff and from Lake Louise, about 55 km to the northwest. A national park entry pass is required. Parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore is paid in the main season, and the lot fills by sunrise and stays full through the day in summer. Parks Canada recommends the BanffNow app for live parking and traffic information. Rules and shuttle times change, so check the official Parks Canada pages.

Camping

Parks Canada lists 16 front-country campgrounds, from unserviced sites to sites with electrical hookups. They include Tunnel Mountain near the town, Two Jack near Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise, which has hard-sided and soft-sided sections. Tunnel Mountain Village II has electrical hookups and stays open year-round. Maximum RV length varies by campground, so check it when you book. Stays are limited to 14 nights.

Getting around

Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles all year. Only registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge may drive to the lake. Parks Canada shuttles and licensed tour operators run from June to mid-October, weather permitting. Owners of oversized vehicles are encouraged to reserve a Parks Canada shuttle, which includes free parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride, a facility that takes larger vehicles.

FAQs

Can I camp outside a campground in Banff?

No. Parks Canada requires a valid national park camping permit and allows camping only in designated areas. Backcountry camping exists as a separate option with its own permit and rules.

Can I drive my own vehicle to Moraine Lake?

No. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Use a Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed tour operator, which run from June to mid-October depending on the weather.

Where can I park a motorhome at Lake Louise?

Not at the Lakeshore lot if the vehicle is over 6 m long or 2 m wide. Parks Canada points oversized vehicles to its shuttles, which include free parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride.