I explored Banff and Yoho National Parks (Alberta and British Columbia) in late September to early October 2018, for a long 4 day (well 5 with flight that arrived late at night) itinerary. I hope to share my experience for weekend warriors planning a whirlwind visit to visit the best highlights of Banff and Yoho National Parks in Canada.
The Banff area and Icefields Parkway was as amazing as the hype and amount of social media attention received. My extended weekend exceeded my expectations, with the amount of landscape beauty staggering.
From jagged rocky mountains, crystal clear mountain lakes, to turquoise waterfalls, there was enough to see and do to keep a photographer busy for years, if not a decade. I’d highly recommend Banff for your bucket list.
Key Information
The Canada border is now open to US travelers that are fully vaccinated. The testing requirement is in flux and check for the latest information.
Flight: My flight was into Calgary (YYC) from Seattle (SEA). I rented a car offsite near the airport and then drove 1.5 to 2 hours into the park. Once in the park’s boundary, prepare for slower driving and frequent stops.
Accommodation: There are hostels and hotels in the park, but they fill up quickly due to high demand and a very limited number of properties. I’d recommend booking as early as possible! Once you book your flights, accommodation should be arranged.
Permits: camping/backpacking permits are very limited and should be booked with Parks Canada ASAP. Check the Parks Canada website for details on opening dates and availability.
For the Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park) overnight permit, I had to call the Canadian offices using Skype at 7 or 8a central. Definitely set a few alarms to the nearest second to be one of the first callers.
Gallery Highlights
Below is a gallery to show some of the highlights from the trip:
