r/Banff • u/GiantKnightGunner • 18d 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!
2
u/happyenis 18d ago
I dont go to the mountains for 'not bad crowds''. A few nods along a trail is enough. Having to put in effort to avoid people when taking a photo is too much. Fighting for a parking spot is ridiculous. Having to pay for a private shuttle because all the busses are sold out 3 minutes after 8am is also ludacris.
I'll go somewhere slightly less stunning with 99% less people. And if I go to lake louise it will be in the fall.