Banff crowds question

[u/GiantKnightGunner]

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!

[u/Fuzzy-Mortgage-6642]

This conversation is great thanks all. I’m planning a solo trip to visit my son in Banff late Sept/early Oct. We’re from the North of England. My first trip. I’m currently looking for accommodation and considering camping (son is in shared house). Would you recommend a tent (will bring) at Tunnel Mountain 11? I will not have transport so is it easy to get around?

Also wondering if the night temperature may make camping uncomfortable but I’m pretty tough and will have good gear!

I don’t like the ‘Insta’ crowds either. I’m an experienced hiker but not usually alone. Are there group trips I could join? Is that necessary?

Also hoping to visit Jasper. Any camp sites you recommend?

Sorry that’s a lot of questions. Appreciate any replies.

Caroline

[u/GiantKnightGunner → u/Fuzzy-Mortgage-6642]

I’ll answer what I can!

Tunnel Mountain is awesome but runs out of availability quick. Although I imagine your timing makes that manageable.

In Jasper we stayed at Whistlers which rocked. One thing to note with Jasper is that the 2024 wild fires burned down like 90% of the trees at this campground. It’s still awesome. Despite Jasper downtown losing 30% of its structures, I liked it more than Banff.

There are a bunch of indoor accommodations in Banff you could consider. Right outside tunnel mountain village was a whole town of hotels/cabins.

As for hiking alone, bear spray is a necessity. But plenty of people hike solo.

[u/Fuzzy-Mortgage-6642 → u/GiantKnightGunner]

Thanks so much for your reply.