Banff National Park is accessible from many of Canada's biggest cities. According to its official website, the park is 80 miles west of Calgary, 250 miles southwest of Edmonton and 500 miles northeast of Vancouver. You can access the park by taking one of three highways by either renting a car in one of those cities or catching a bus. There is no air service to Banff and rail service is limited to a sight-seeing train.
The average temperature in July is around 70 degrees. However, the weather can vary greatly in Banff and there is snow there in the summer in the upper altitudes. If you are traveling in the winter, it is important to recognize that avalanches do occur and have killed people in the past. However, plenty of people still visit in the winter to use the hot springs and ski.
Among the many attractions in Banff National Park are Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Lake Louise is a picturesque, glacier-fed lake and home to Chateau Lake Louise, a landmark hotel featured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill. The Icefields Parkway is a 140-mile stretch of road that continues on to the town of Jasper, Alberta. Along the way you will see dramatic glacial fields and stunning views of the Rockies.
It is important to come to Banff prepared for accidents, especially since much of the park is located in remote wilderness. According to the park's site, the most common hazard is reckless driving, but you should also be prepared for falls, sudden cold weather and loose rocks. Banff is also bear country, so be sure to properly stow your food if you're camping.
Like most National Parks, entering Banff is not free. As of 2010, daily admission for adults is $9.80, $8.30 for senior citizens and $4.90 for children. Fees for camping vary depending on which site you choose, but primitive sites generally cost around $15 while some sites cost up to $40 per night.
