"Not Really Bashing Banff But...." Banff National Park by richiecdisc

Banff National Park Travel Guide: 780 reviews and 1,488 photos

Lake Louise - Banff National Park
Lake Louise

Locals call it God's Country and when you see it, you have a hard time refuting the claim. Indeed, Banff National Park is not only the crown jewel of the Canadian National Park system but certainly one of the prettiest places on this planet. Now, if only Parks Canada would stop trying to turn it into Banff National Disney Park and milking the cash cow dry, it would certainly rank as one of the top National Parks in the world as well. With acreage to make small countries envious, a virtual carpet of dense pristine forest, emerald glacial lakes and a stunning array of craggy peaks, Banff National Park is a tour-de-force of nature able to capture tourist imagination in a single bound. Yes, this is the Superman of National Parks but much like Kryptonite cripples the man of steel, Parks Canada is doing just that to its prize possession. Should that keep you from going? Of course not, but unless you are doing a tour of all the Canadian National Parks and can utilize their pricey Annual Pass, it might be one to see quickly as the parks' pay-per-day scheme encourages. In case Parks Canada has not heard, there are many equally beautiful places on this planet, on the same continent no less, that are charging less.

do not underestimate my love of Canada
Lake Morraine after a fresh dust of summer snow - Banff National Park

Lake Morraine after a fresh dust of summer snow

I have been to Banff National Park three times. The first time in 1994 as part of a USA/Canada National Park tour. In 1998 en route to a summer in Alaska. The most recent trip was in the summer of 2008, showing my wife who is from Germany the wonders of the US National Park system. I obviously could not take her all that way without seeing Banff National Park. While she found it very beautiful, she preferred the scenery and more natural feeling in Glacier National Park, just south of Canada's border in Montana.

This page details almost entirely the most recent trip. To read about my past adventures and see a contrasting view, have a look at my Alberta page. Please don't think I do not love Canada. I do and have done a lot in this wondrous country, but I do not agree with the way the park is administered and feel the it should not only be more affordable but also could be a bit more rustic.

  • Last visit to Banff National Park: Aug 2008
  • Intro Updated Nov 26, 2009
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Reviews (24)

yup, that's one of the six - Banff National Park recession of glaciers and global warming... Warnings and Dangers (1)

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Sure, the town Banff has tons of places to grab a drink or something to eat but as pretty as it might be, it does not... more travel advice

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Unless you like paying C$20 per day each, you can leave your backpack at home but a day pack is essential in this hiking... more travel advice

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Teahouses have been a part of hiking in Banff since 1927 when the park was a climbing mecca and Swiss mountaineers... more travel advice

Comments (9)

  • Reply
    Bwana_Brown's Profile Photo
    Mar 5, 2010 at 4:43 PM

    Richie, I've been to Banff a few times on fleeting trips but had never heard of amazing Lake Agnes before! Spot on tips all the way - pikas, global warming and more $$ required. By the way, I love my wood/canvas Chestnut canoe (and Tim's)!

  • Reply
    toonsarah's Profile Photo
    Feb 1, 2010 at 4:03 AM

    I know what you mean about the over-development but even commercialised parts like Lake Louise are too beautiful to miss, and you've captured them so well in your photos. I love the cute pika too :-) But how did we not find Tim's on our 2 week trip to BC?

  • Reply
    Dec 2, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    what a shame that its so expensive! nature should be made accessible for all, especially families! i miss a good tim horton's too... who hasnt been to canada without a TH?

  • Reply
    BillNJ's Profile Photo
    Nov 29, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    Richie, Stunning photos! It may be expensive as far as parks go, but it sure is lovely. Also, glad to see that you found Tim Horton's. No trip to Canada is complete without at least one stop at Tim's! Cheers, Bill

  • Reply
    mircaskirca's Profile Photo
    Nov 28, 2009 at 2:27 PM

    Most stunning scenery, love the blue green colour of the lakes! Would prefer to stay in a campsite, rather than in this ugly hotel. You'll see many such teahouses when you come hiking in Slovenia. Well, just a warning! ;) But it's worth doing it anyway :)

  • Reply
    balhannah's Profile Photo
    Nov 27, 2009 at 8:53 PM

    Enjoyed your page & beautiful photos, I only wish it had been nice weather when we were there to see the gorgeous colour in the lake, not to be though!

  • Reply
    DoreenDe's Profile Photo
    Nov 27, 2009 at 6:25 PM

    I did not hear you complain that they offered Rechenberger on top of the Geisingberg...maybe tea is just not your...well...cup of tea ;p

  • Reply
    Gili_S's Profile Photo
    Nov 27, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    Fantastic. Love the night tip and the animals photos. Once when was in Canada I got terrible missing to Finland ;-)

  • Reply
    Trekki's Profile Photo
    Nov 26, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Boy what a full moon!! Ah, yes, I fully understand your thoughts, if a breathtaking place is transformed into Disneyland with such a plain ugly hotel, then it is better to seek alternatives! Love the pika, do they remember where they store food?

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