Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada? If you're planning to go to Banff National Park, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Banff National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada by month

January

January in Banff National Park is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Banff National Park is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Banff National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you go to Banff National Park in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Banff National Park is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in Banff National Park is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Banff National Park is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Banff National Park is mild and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Banff National Park is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Banff National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Banff National Park is frosty and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Banff National Park is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) to low 10s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Banff National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Peyto Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Banff National Park is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Canada, attracting millions of visitors from around the world every year. With breathtaking sceneries, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are the top tourist attractions in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

1. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most photographed and iconic destinations in Banff National Park. The turquoise-colored glacier-fed lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is simply breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the lake, including hiking, kayaking, and canoeing in the summer, and ice-skating and cross-country skiing in the winter.

2. Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola takes visitors up Sulphur Mountain, providing a stunning view of Banff and the surrounding mountains. At the top, visitors can enjoy dining at the Sky Bistro or take a walk on the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station.

3. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another stunning glacial lake located in Banff National Park. The vivid blue-green hue of the lake, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a sight to behold. Visitors can explore the area by canoe or hike along one of the many trails.

4. Banff Hot Springs

The Banff Hot Springs is a popular attraction in the park, providing a unique experience of soaking in natural hot mineral water. The hot springs are located in a scenic mountain setting and offer various spa treatments.

5. Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a spectacular canyon located in Banff National Park. Visitors can hike along the canyon, admiring the various waterfalls and pools along the way.

6. Columbia Icefields

The Columbia Icefields are a must-see attraction in Banff National Park, offering a rare opportunity to explore a glacier up close. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier or explore the skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway offering stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

7. Banff Town

The town of Banff is a charming mountain town located in the heart of Banff National Park. Visitors can explore the town's historic sites, shops, and restaurants or take a stroll along the Bow River.

In conclusion, Banff National Park is a natural wonder and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With countless attractions, from glacial lakes to hot springs and towering mountains, it is no wonder why it attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you are seeking adventure or tranquility, Banff National Park is a destination that will leave you in awe.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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