Overview
A brief introduction to Banff National Park
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 as Rocky Mountains Park. Located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, 110–180 kilometres (68–112 mi) west of Calgary, Banff encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq mi) of mountainous terrain, with many glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. Provincial forests and Yoho National Park are neighbours to the west, while Kootenay National Park is located to the south and Kananaskis Country to the southeast. The main commercial centre of the park is the town of Banff, in the Bow River valley.
The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in Banff's early years, building the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise, and attracting tourists through extensive advertising. In the early 20th century, roads were built in Banff, at times by war internees from World War I, and through Great Depression-era public works projects. The Icefields Parkway extends from Lake Louise, connecting to Jasper National Park in the north.
Since the 1960s, park accommodations have been open all year, with annual tourism visits to Banff increasing to over 5 million in the 1990s. Millions more pass through the park on the Trans-Canada Highway. As Banff has over three million visitors annually, the health of its ecosystem has been threatened. In the mid-1990s, Parks Canada responded by initiating a two-year study which resulted in management recommendations and new policies that aim to preserve ecological integrity.
Banff National Park has a subarctic climate with three ecoregions, including montane, subalpine, and alpine. The forests are dominated by Lodgepole pine at lower elevations and Engelmann spruce in higher ones below the treeline, above which is primarily rocks and ice. Mammal species such as the grizzly bear, cougar, wolverine, elk, bighorn sheep and moose are found, along with hundreds of bird species. Reptiles and amphibians are also found but only a limited number of species have been recorded.
The mountains are formed from sedimentary rocks which were pushed east over newer rock strata, between 80 and 55 million years ago. Over the past few million years, glaciers have at times covered most of the park, but today are found only on the mountain slopes though they include the Columbia Icefield, the largest uninterrupted glacial mass in the Rockies. Erosion from water and ice have carved the mountains into their current shapes.
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Scan for cancellationsContact Banff National Park
- Canada National Parks
- Booking site: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
- Banff, Kootenay and Yoho Backcountry National Park
- Banff - Lake Louise National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Ram Falls Provincial Park
- Ghost Airstrip Provincial Recreation Area
- Waiparous Creek Provincial Recreation Area
- Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area
- Kootenay Lake Provincial Park
- Kootenay National Park
- Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Reviews
Camper reviews for Banff National Park
The best option
Tunnel mountain is a large parking lot and most of the time your view will be of other campers. The best sites are along the edge of the campground facing the road and the mountains beyond. A46, A48, A50 and so on will provide privacy as there is nobody across from you and you have a grassy space to enjoy the view. Same goes for the areas, B and C.
With friends
I had got a site and Campnab allowed our friends to get a site and come adventuring with us. As for the campground, it very beautiful but not my top favourite. I come for the lake. There are lots of people who are just staying one night and passing through, which mystifies me, because this campground works better for multiple nights, Tunnel mountain is a much nicer campground for one night excursions or pass throughs.
Foolproof Campground
Not the most private sites - you drive up and your table / camping area is along the paved road - but they get the job done. Lots of RVs, few tents, enough trees there is adequate privacy. Could use more dishwashing stations (only 2 for a park of this size)! But a very good setup for those renting trailers, vans, etc: most sites would be considered “pull through” and therefore tough to mess up on parking!
The best national park in Canada
Been there many times and still much to see.
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court campground is close to the town of Banff and has full hookups. Shuttle bus service is provided from the park to town.
The scenery is unbelievable
Amazing location in Banff National Park
We stayed in the Banff Tunnel Mountain Trailer court for 9 nights and loved it. Large sites are perfect for large rvs. Washrooms are kept clean. Walking distance to downtown Banff.
Map
View a map of Banff National Park
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