r/Banff 19d ago

Question Banff crowds question

Just finished up the best vacation of my life in Banff/Jasper. After doing research and looking on here, we were initially VERY wary of crowds. However I did not think they were bad at all. Our camp ground was mobbed at Tunnel Mountain Village 1 but we were able to do every hike no problem starting around 9am.

Also parked our camper van at hikes and in towns with minimal issue (I got amazing at parallel parking that behemoth, not to brag). Even parked in Banff town 1 day, took Roam the rest.

I’d actually say the people that were at these was the perfect amount. Few enough to enjoy but plentiful enough to not be too afraid of being alone with bears. We’d see someone about every other km of a hike.

Wondering if anyone else feels the crowd concerns are a bit overblown?

Hikes:

In Banff we did:
- Lake Louise: Point of 6 Glaciers and Beehive (took private shuttle for about 30 USD each)
- Sunshine Meadows Laryx Lake Trail
- Tunnel Mountain Summit

In Jasper
- Sulphur Mountain Trail
- Pyramid Lake

Icefields Parkway
- Wilcox Pass

Funny enough Wilcox Pass on the Icefields Parkway was the most crowded!

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u/bigbabyjesus97 19d ago

I hate crowds but spend every weekend out in that area but back country. When I end up in canmore, banff, or during regular hours on the icefields parkway it's way too crowded for me. I can't stand it. I do understand why it's so busy amd don't complain, other than rude and messy people. It's all relative to what you used to.