Banff National Park Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Banff National Park [1] is in the Rocky Mountain region of Alberta Canada.
Contents |
Understand
Banff National Park is Canada'a first national park, and gave birth to the Nation Park system. At 6,641 square kilometres it is also one of the largest in Canada, if not the world. The park sees visits well into the millions annually.
History
This area was inhabited by the Stony Indians thousands of years before the white man arrived. Anthony Henday was the first non-native to see the Canadian Rockies in 1754. The park itself was first 'discovered' by the workers building the transcontinental railway in 1882. At first the park was centered around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, and was officially born in 1885. The first Banff Springs Hotel was built a mere three years later, the current incarnation was built in 1928. The first highway through the park was completed in 1923. The park boundaries as they are today were drawn up in 1930, as part of the National Parks Act passed by Canadian Parliament.
Landscape
Other than the townsites of Banff and Lake Louise, and the highways that bisect the park, it is about 93 percent untouched wilderness. The most dominant feature is of course the mountains, of which vistas are present from anywhere in any direction.
Flora and fauna
The most common wildlife seen in the park are Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Elk, and Caribou. More elusive are the Moose, who are on a decline in population, and Mountain Goats, who are virtually undetectable on the mountainsides without a good pair of binoculars. Although sightings are rare, it is importatnt to keep in mind the park is also home to Black, and Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, and Mountain Lions (Cougars).
On the warm and fuzzier side the park is home to many Squirrels and Marmots. The occasional Porcupine and Beaver may also be found. Bird lovers will want to watch for Grouse, Bald Eagles, and the ubiquitous Canada Goose.
Climate
In summer the climate is generally mild. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 22C. There is rarely snow at highway level in the summer, but the mountain tops will be snow covered year round. In winter the average temperature drops drastically. January is the coldest month with an average of -15C. Snow will be found at any elevation in the winter, and harsh winter conditions can be expected anywhere at any time. No matter the season, it is important to consider that the temperature will drop 1C for every 200m of elevation gained.
Get in
Car
Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) bisects the park east/west. Banff is about an hour and a half from Calgary Alberta and the same from Golden British Columbia. Other ways to enter the park by automobile include the Icefields Parkway from Jasper, Highway 11 from Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer Alberta, and Highway 93 from Radium Hot Springs and Cranbrook British Columbia.
Greyhound provides regular scheduled coaches that serve Banff and Lake Louise, departing from Calgary and points in British Columbia. Another option is to book one of the many guided bus tours that visit the park. Most of these will depart from Calgary or Vancouver.
Train
Air
The closest International Airport is in Calgary. Banff does has an airstrip, but there is no commercial service. An expensive charter flight will be required to land right in the park. Vancouver International Airport is an approximate 12 hour drive to the west.
Fees/Permits
All visitors stopping in the park (even just for gas) require a park permit. If you are driving strait through the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available.
- Day pass: $8 adult, $4 youth, $7 senior, $16 family.
- Annual pass: $55 adult, $27 youth, $47 senior, $109 family.
Additional variable fees are required for camping and backcountry exploration. See the official website for a current schedule.
Get around
By far the easiest way to get around is by automobile. Rentals are available in Calgary and Banff. It is also possible to cover the park on bicycle, but keep in mind the mountainous terrain will make this quite a workout.
See
Do
Banff National Park is the home of three world renowned alpine ski/snowboard areas [2]. There are passes valid at all three resorts available.
- Sunshine [3]. Eight kilometers west of Banff on highway 1. 3358 acres of lift-accessed terrain on three mountains. With a peak elevation of 2730m, you can see well into British Columbia from the top. Adult $64/d, student $49/d.
- Lake Louise [4]. Sixty kilometers west of Banff on highway 1. 4200 acres of lift-accessed terrain on four mountains makes this resort the largest single ski area in Canada. Adult $64/d, student $51/d.
- Mount Norquay [5]. Six kilometers north of Banff on the Mount Norquay access road. 190 acres of lift-accessed terrain. Norquay is famous for its super-steeps serviced by the original double chair. Adult $52/d, student $40/d.
Buy
There are countless souviner and knick-knack shops in Banff selling every kind of clothing or curio with Banff or Canada printed on it.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Whether camping or looking for a hotel, it is generally cheaper to stay in Canmore, a few minutes to the east of the park. Inside the park, hotels are found only in the towns of Banff and Lake Louise, and at the ski resorts. Camping spots are found throughout the park. Camping outside of designated spots is illegal without a special backcountry permit.
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Although cougar and bear attacks may get sensationalized in the media, statistically the greatest threat for injury or death in the park is driving through it. If you are unfamiliar with driving in winter conditions it is highly recommended you either find other transportation, or visit in the summer. If venturing in the backcountry you must also be aware of avalanche danger. This also applies to skiing out of bounds, in three words: Don't do it.
In the unlikely event that you run into a cougar, don't approach it, and don't run. A cougar expects prey to flee and will react appropriately. Pick up any small children or pets. Make eye contact, spread your arms to make yourself look bigger, and back away slowly. If it approaches you, make noise and throw things at it; let it know that you're dangerous too. If it attacks, don't curl up defensively... fight back.
Get out
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Links:
- Banff Quest - Local Information and Hiking Guide
