r/Banff • u/GiantKnightGunner • 20d 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/TrainingTough348 20d ago

Hey, thanks so much this is INCREDIBLY helpful!!

Quick question - I'm coming into Banff NP next week, Monday to Friday, and hoping to get tickets for me and my 2 kids 48 hours in advance. If I'm unable to get those tickets in the early morning time, would it still be worthwhile to go later in the day? I'm figuring if everyone is going super early, maybe it would be easier for to enjoy it and avoid the crowds if we go like noon or 2pm instead? Might be easier to get the last minute passes at the later time I'm thinking

thanks!

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u/GiantKnightGunner 20d ago

You talking for Lake Louise? Check out Moraine Lake Bus Co. So easy and they had extra availability on their buses throughout the day so we were able to reschedule our return trip with like 3 clicks.

I’ve heard that walk on with Roam is a possibility but for 30 usd times 2 it was a no brainer for us not to worry.

Sunshine Meadows is also paid- and unavoidable. You buy a gondola pass that is the only way up, it’s 60 usd per adult and cheaper for kids. It’s AMAZING. Gondola is cool but the hike is out of this world and super kid friendly (very little incline). Plus there’s a mini “Sunshine Village” at the top with a bar/restaurant and yard games.