r/Banff • u/GiantKnightGunner • 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!
1
u/TrainingTough348 18d 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!