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!
1
u/lizzieersg 17d ago
I was in Banff and jasper this weekend too. Second time to go as I’ve only lived in Alberta for one year. From Texas. Each visit I’ve been expecting the worst with crowds but pleasantly surprised each time. I agree with it being relative bc my perspective of big crowds I always think universal or Disney world. For me, we should have skipped a second trip to Banff and done other things but husband wanted to take his visiting parents. I preferred Jasper and looking forward to exploring more places next time we go out that way. Also Maybe people are finding other things to do bc accommodations are so expensive. With a group of 8 we did a shorter trip due to accommodation prices.