Published Mar 17, 2026
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, renowned for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife, attracting millions of visitors each year.
How many tourists visit Banff National Park each year?
Over 4 million people visit Banff National Park annually, making it the most visited national park in Canada.
- Banff National Park welcomed around 4 million visitors in 2018/19.
- Visitation peaked at approximately 4.1 million visitors in 2019/20, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Visitor numbers dropped sharply by about 30% in 2020/21, falling to an estimated 2.9 million, due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.
- Visitation rebounded in 2021/22 to approximately 3.7 million, signaling a gradual recovery from the pandemic.
- This recovery continued into 2022/23, with visitation rising to 4.13 million, representing a 12% increase from the previous year.
- Banff National Park recorded 4.28 million visitors in 2023/24, a further 4% increase from 2022/23, marking a return to and even surpassing pre-pandemic visitation levels.
How much did tourists spend on Banff National Park in 2023?
- Tourist spending in 2023 is projected to reach or exceed 2019 figures due to high summer and winter visitor numbers.
How much does it cost to visit Banff National Park?
Visitors spend around CA$350 per person per trip on average, though this amount varies depending on the length of stay.
Park entry fee: CA$10.50/adult/day, CA$21 family/group; free for youth 17 and under.
Accommodation:
- Camping: CA$23-75 per night.
- Hotels: CA$200-400+ per night in peak season.
Activities:
- Banff Gondola: CA$50-60 per person.
- Ski passes: CA$90-130 per day.
Banff National Park Tourist Attractions
- Moraine Lake: A glacier-fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The colour is due to light refracting off tiny glacial rock particles.
- Lake Louise: Another glacier lake, very popular with visitors.
- Banff Gondola: An 8-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, with views and hiking trails. At the top, you can access viewing areas, interactive exhibits and restaurants.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Visitors can soak in the hot pool where water is kept at around 38 degrees.
- Lake Minnewanka: Banff National Park’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka is good for hiking and fishing. The only lake in Banff National Park that allows privately operated motorboats.
How long do tourists spend in Banff National Park?
- International travelers spend around 4-5 nights in Banff National Park
- Many Albertans and Canadians visit Banff, where Banff National Park is located, on shorter trips. Same-day visits from Calgary are common.
How many tourists visited Banff National Park in 2023/24?
- Around 4.28 million tourists were recorded in 2023/24. This is the highest recorded, making Banff the most-visited national park in Canada. It is about 26% of all national park visits nationally.1
How many tourists visited Banff National Park in 2022/23?
- Around 4.13 million tourists visited the park in 2022/23, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
How many tourists visited Banff National Park in 2021/22?
- Around 3.7 million tourists visited Banff National Park in 2021/22, a 25% rise compared to 2020 and the beginning of tourism recovery after the pandemic.
Other Resources
Impact of COVID-19: Tourism Statistics 2020/21
- Around 2.9 million tourists visited the park in 2020/21 due to COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% decline compared to 2019.
Banff National Park Inbound Tourism Statistics in 2019/20
- Around 4.1 million tourists visited Banff National Park in 2019/20 (pre-pandemic), only 2% more compared to the previous year.
What wildlife species are found in Banff National Park?
- Animals that can be seen in Banff National Park include black bears, grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, cougars, river otters, weasels, red foxes, mule deer, elk, wolves, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, beavers, chipmunks and snowshoe hares.
About Camper Champ
RV rental in Canada
- Calgary RV rental
- Calgary to Vancouver
- Edmonton RV rental
- Montreal RV rental
- RV rental in Toronto
- Vancouver RV rental
- Vancouver to Calgary
References
- Banff National Park management plan · parks.canada.ca ↑
- Lake Louise Area visitor use management · parks.canada.ca
- Canada’s most visited national parks and sites for 2022/23 · nationalparkstraveler.org
- Banff National Park fees for 2024 · banff.com
- Banff is packed but lack of international visitors leaves many businesses struggling · pqbnews.com
- Banff National Park facts · softschools.com
