| Banff National Park ((in)Banff National Park) | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Canada |
|---|---|
| Region | Alberta Rockies |
| IUCN Category | II (National Park) |
| Administration | Parks Canada |
| Area | 6 641 km² |
| Location | |
 51 ° 34 ′ 48 ″ N 116 ° 15 ′ 0 ″ W | |
| Official site | |
the banff national park is probably the national park of canada the most known. It is an internationally renowned destination located in the mountains Rocky mountains in Alberta, in the west of the country.
Understand
The park is made up of mountainous terrain including many glaciers and ice fields (icefields), areas of dense coniferous forests as well as alpine-type landscapes. In fact, apart from the two towns, the three ski centers and the road that crosses it, 93% of the park is made up of untouched wilderness. The main attraction of the park is undoubtedly the mountains which can be seen in any direction.
Banff National Park is the first canadian national park to see the light of day in 1885. It is one of the largest in Canada with its area of 6 641 km2. With its 3,226,978 visitors by year in 2011-2012, it is the most visited Canadian national park and the most visited tourist destination of theAlberta. This is a site of Unesco World Heritage within canadian rocky mountain parks ; he achieved this recognition on his hundredth birthday in 1985.
The most common wildlife species in the park are the Canadian bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, and elk. There are also moose, but their populations are declining. The park also includes mountain goats, but their presence is almost imperceptible unless you look at the mountainsides through binoculars. Many visitors mistake a female mouflon for a mountain goat because female mouflons have shorter horns resembling those of mountain goats. The park also includes caribou, but these are rarely seen by visitors. It is important to keep in mind that the park also includes black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes and cougars. There is a plan in place to reintroduce bison to the park in the future.
The only significant locality of the park is the town of Banff. This includes the information center of the national park. The park is adjacent to the jasper national park to the north as well as to the national parks of Yoho and of Kootenay West.
- 1 Park Information Center 224 Banff Avenue, Banff,
1 403-762-1550, fax : 1 403-762-3380, e-mail : [email protected] 
Winter (1er January to May 17) 9 h - 17 h ; Spring (May 18 to June 20) 9 h - 19 h ; Summer (June 21 to September 3) 8 h - 20 h ; Fall (September 4 to 19) 9 h - 19 h ; Winter (September 20 to May 16) 9 h to 17 h ; Closed on December 25. - 2 Lake Louise Visitors Center 201 Road Road, Lake louise, 1 403-522-3833, fax : 1 403-522-1212, e-mail : [email protected] Winter (1er January to April 29) 9 h - 16 h ; Spring (April 30 to June 21) 9 h - 17 h ; Summer (June 22 to September 8) 9 h - 20 h ; Fall (September 9 to 15) 9 h - 19 h ; Fall (September 16 to 22) 9 h - 17 h ; Winter (September 23 to April 30) 9 h - 16 h ; Closed on December 25.
Winter (1er January to May 17) Weather
In summer, the climate is generally mild. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 22 ° C. There is rarely snow near the highway in the summer, but the mountain peaks are snowcapped year round. In winter, temperatures drop drastically. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of −15 ° C. In winter, snow will be present at all elevations and difficult winter conditions are to be expected. Regardless of the season, you should know that the temperature will drop from 1 ° C at each slice of 200 m of elevation.
Cities
- 1 Banff
- 2 Lake louise
To go
Give Way
A pass is required to stop in the park. Park employees carry out regular checks, especially in summer. This pass is not necessary if you are only crossing the park on the Trans-Canada Highway without stopping. Entrance fees and user fees are used to finance park facilities and visitor services. Entrance fees are daily, but an annual pass, called a “discovery card”, is available. The Discovery Card also gives access to 26 other national parks and 77 participating national historic sites. Note that the annual pass becomes more advantageous than daily passes after only 7 days.
| Daily | Discovery card | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (17 to 64 years old) | 9,8 $ C | 67,7 $ C |
| Elder (65 years and over) | 8,3 $ C | 57,9 $ C |
| Young (6 to 16 years old) | 4,9 $ C | 33,3 $ C |
| Child (5 years old and under) | Free | Free |
| Family / group (up to 7 people) | 8,3 $ C per person | 136,4 $ C |
| School group (primary and secondary school students) | 3,9 $ C per student |
By automobile
Highway 1, which corresponds to Trans-Canada Highway, crosses the park along its entire length. The park is about an hour and a half drive from Calgary, the largest city inAlberta, and about the same distance from Golden in British Columbia. It is also possible to reach the park by car from Jasper by borrowing theIcefields Parkway and from Red deer by taking Highway 11. From British Columbia, it can be reached by taking Highway 93 which passes in particular by Cranbrook.
By bus
The following coach companies serve the cities of Banff and of Lake louise with links notably to Calgary and Vancouver.
- Brewster
- Greyhound
By train
- VIA Rail Canada – VIA Rail Canada is the only passenger train service in the Canada. It serves Banff and go to Vancouver to the west and Edmonton to the East.
- Rocky Mountaineer Vacations – Offers independent service along the scenic route. Connections between Vancouver Where Whistler in British Columbia and Banff, Jasper and Calgary.
By plane
The closest international airport to the park is that of Calgary. Although Banff has an airstrip, there are no commercial flights. To land directly in the park, you need a charter flight; which is very expensive. International airport Vancouver is located approximately 12 hours drive west of the park. In addition, Springbrank Airport located west of Calgary is located approximately 80 km. The latter is served by small charter flights on board small planes. There is also a helipad at Cochrane To 5 minutes road east of the park border and 15 minutes from the city of Banff.
There are different shuttles between the park and Calgary airport:
- Banff Airporter – Several shuttles per day.
- Brewster Banff Airport Express The schedule varies according to the season.. – Shuttle service from Calgary airport, downtown Calgary, airportEdmonton and West Edmonton Mall. Note that service from Edmonton is via Jasper and in paternity with Sun Dog Tours.
Circulate
Itineraries
- Icefields promenade – Connects Lake louise in Banff National Park at Jasper in the jasper national park. It takes a whole day to cover it in one direction. It is one of the most scenic roads in the world. The route, which corresponds to Route 93 northbound, covers 232 km between the intersection of Route 1 at Banff to the intersection of Highway 16 in Jasper. The route runs along the continental watershed and crosses wild and remote areas. It is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Athabasca Glacier.
- Bow Valley Walk Note that from 1er March 2015, vehicle, bicycle or foot traffic on the section of 17 km of the promenade between the Trans-Canada Highway and Canyon-Johnston camping is prohibited from 1er March to June 25 between 20 h and 8 h (the Trans-Canada Highway can be used to avoid this section).. – Scenic secondary road of 48 km which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway Between Banff and Lake louise. This section of road crosses a mountain sector that includes several species of large carnivores including wolves, cougars and bears.
- Lake Minnewanka Loop
- Promenade des Lacs-Vermillion – Scenic route from 4,3 km passable all year round allowing you to observe the fauna and spectacular landscapes. The walk is part of the Heritage Trail, a route of 26 km. Interpretive panels are present to explain the geology, ecology of wetlands and the human presence in this sector.
To see
- Lake Louise (Lake louise) – Glaiciare lake in emerald tones with a glacier in the background. Perfect location for photography, waterfront walks, boating and horseback riding. From November to June, do not go beyond the boathouse on the left side of the lake to avoid the risk of avalanches.
- Lake Minnewanka (TO 20 minutes in the north of Banff on the lake minnewanka loop.) – The Nakodas (Stoneys) gives this lake the name “lake of the water spirits”. Perfect place for relaxing, picnicking, diving, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
- Moraine Lake (near Lake louise) – Located in the Dix-Pics valley. Perfect place for hiking, boating and photography. The road is closed from mid-October to mid-June.
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site –
The cradle of the network of national parks of canada. A cave discovered by employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 from which spring thermal springs. Programming offered year round and interactive exhibition. The main attraction is undoubtedly the visit to the underground cavern, accessible by wheelchair, where the thermal waters bubble. - Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada – The Banff Park Museum presents an original collection reflecting and interpreting the natural history of Canada. The museum building itself dates from 1903.
- Wildlife observation – Banff National Park is ideal for photographers and wildlife watchers. It is possible to see animals almost everywhere in the park. There are, however, some safety rules to follow (see the section Respect below).
- Bird watching – Bring binoculars and a bird species identification guide and go exploring. The park's reception and information centers offer a checklist of the park's birds. More than 260 species have been recorded in the park. The best time of year for bird watching is from spring to early summer and the best time of day is from one hour before sunrise until 9 or 10 h. There are generally more birds in the mountainous region and the wetlands of the Lower Bow Valley.
The cradle of the network of Do
In summer
- Boating – The park's mountain lakes and rivers are suitable for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts of all levels. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats and all other non-motorized watercraft are permitted on all lakes in the park. Electric or gas powered boats are only permitted on Lake Minnewanka. The Bow River, which runs through the park, offers seasoned paddlers excellent canoe trips.
- Cycling Most of the trails are accessible from May to October.. – The park has 33 mountain bike trails totaling 190 km winding trails in forests suitable for all levels as well as along lakes and along peaks. The park also offers many opportunities for road biking. The cycling season generally runs from May to October.
- Horse riding – Horses are allowed in most of the park with the exception of a few trails and areas where natural resources are more fragile, as well as some trails reserved for hiking. The maximum duration of a stay in a pasture area is three consecutive nights and one night in the special conservation area of the Siffleur River. The maximum group size is ten riders and two horses per rider. It is requested to take as few pack animals as possible. Horses must be prepared to meet hikers and cyclists, to cross rivers and to be shackled.
- Climbing / mountaineering
- – Lake Minnewanka has a boat launching ramp and trailer parking area. Electric or gas powered boats are only permitted on this lake in the park.
- Angling – A national park fishing license is required. However, young people under 16 years old do not need a permit if accompanied by a permit holder aged 16 and over. Their catches are added to those of the holder. They can also buy their own license and thus be entitled to their own bag limit. You can get a daily fishing license at a visitor center in the park. Note that a permit purchased in Banff National Park is also valid in other national parks in the Rocky mountains. A summary of the fishing regulations updated annually will be given to you with your license.
- Diving – Lake Minnewanka has the Minnewanka Landing site which has been submerged and therefore offers a good diving opportunity. It is obviously forbidden to remove or damage artefacts or elements of historic structures in a national park.
- Hiking Most of the trails are accessible from May to October (maintained from mid-June to mid-October).. – The park includes a large network of groomed trails for all skill levels. Some go to mountain tops and glacial lakes and they allow you to see wildlife. In total, the park has 64 trails totaling more than 1 600 km. The most popular are easily accessible from Banff or from Lake louise. The ideal season for hiking is from July to mid-September.
- Great hiking (Backpacking) – 1 500 km of trails, 50 backcountry campsites and two trail shelters. The best season for backpacking is from mid-July to mid-September. Indeed, several passages are still snowy until the end of June. Even at lower elevations the trails tend to be muddy in the spring. With the exception of same-day round-trip hikes, you must have a backcountry access permit (Wilderness Pass) at the cost of 9,8 $ C per person per night. In addition, a reservation fee is required for all reservations at the cost of 11,7 $ C. An annual backcountry access permit is available at a cost of 68,7 $ C giving unlimited access to backcountry campsites in mountain national parks for the whole year. You must still make a reservation even if you have an annual permit. Groups cannot consist of more than ten people and five tents. The maximum length of stay in a campsite is three consecutive days. You can make your reservation by phone or in person at the National Park Visitor Center. A park access permit is required even if you have a backcountry access permit. Wild camping is only permitted in certain remote areas.
In winter
- Ice climbing
- Skating – It is possible to skate on a natural ice surface on several lakes in the park. Note, however, that Parks Canada does not indicate the places where it can be done safely or the places where it is dangerous; you do so at your own risk.
- Ice diving – Lakes Minnewanka and Two Jack are suitable for ice diving.
- Racket – The ideal season for snowshoe hikes is from late December to early April. Note, however, that there is avalanche risk from November to May. The trails designated for winter excursions partially follow summer hiking trails, but not all signposted destinations are safe in winter.
- Alpine skiing / snowboarding
- Cross-country skiing The ski season runs from mid-November to the end of April. – The ski season in Banff National Park is one of the longest in North America. The park includes marked trails and skating ski trails. Around Lake louiseconditions are optimal at the start and end of the season, while in the rest of the park they are optimal from mid-December to early April. The park produces a report on ski conditions updated every week.
- Nordic skiing
To buy
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
Camping
In high season the park offers a total of 2 468 pitches of camping sites distributed in 13 campsites.
- Camping , 1 877-737-3783 (free number) Registration time: 14 h ; departure time : 11 h. – Reservations can be made at the toll-free number or online. There cannot be more than two vehicles, two tents and six people per pitch. All campsites, except Two Jack (main) and Mont-Castle campsites, have access for people with reduced mobility. Demand is high from June to September, especially in July and August. So you have to arrive early or book in advance.
| Camping | Opening | Number of locations | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mont-Tunnel Village I | May 14 to October 5 | 618 | 27,4 $ C |
| Mont-Tunnel Village II | year round | 188 | 32,3 $ C |
| Mont-Tunnel (caravans) | May 14 to October 5 | 321 | 38,2 $ C |
| Two jack (main) | June 25 to September 8 | 380 | 21,5 $ C |
| Two jack (main) Equipped pitches | June 25 to September 8 | 22 | 55 $ C |
| Two jack (edge of the lake) | May 14 to October 5 | 64 | 27,4 $ C |
| Two jack (edge of the lake) oTENTik | May 14 to October 5 | 10 | 120 $ C |
| Canyon-Johnston | May 28 to September 28 | 132 | 27,4 $ C |
| Mont-Castle | May 28 to September 14 | 43 | 21,5 $ C |
| Mont-Protection | June 26 to September 7 | 89 | 21,5 $ C |
| Lake louise (caravans) | year round | 189 | 32,3 $ C |
| Lake louise (tents) | May 29 to September 27 | 206 | 27,4 $ C |
| Mosquito Creek | 1er June to October 12 | 32 | 17,6 $ C |
| Ruisseau-Silverhorn | June 26 to September 7 | 67 | 15,7 $ C |
| Lakes-Waterfowl | June 26 to September 7 | 116 | 21,5 $ C |
| Ruisseau-Rampart | 1er June to October 12 | 50 | 17,6 $ C |
Respect
Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling vegetation and keep a safe distance from animals. Avoid surrounding an animal, following it or hindering its movement. Never put a person's life, especially a child, in danger for the purpose of photographing them with an animal. Avoid stalking or chasing an animal. Never follow an animal through the bushes. Do not entice an animal with food or by simulating their calls. Wild animals experience stress when their space is occupied. Wild animals are always unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially females with their young and males who defend their territory during mating season. If you observe defensive behavior on the part of an animal, step back immediately. In general, you should keep a distance of 100 m bears unless you are in a vehicle, 30 m other large mammals and 200 m from the den of a coyote, fox or wolf. If you see a bear growling or snapping its jaws, step back further or exit the area. You should also step back further if you observe an elk or bull moose tilting its head and scratching the ground or if a female elk flattens its ears and looks you straight in the face, raising the hair on its rump. If an animal is moving because of you, you are too close.
