Banff, Canada
Why Go To Banff
If you're itching to experience the lifestyle of a Swiss skiing village, but don't want to fork over the cash for a trans-Atlantic flight, consider Banff. Thanks to its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies near the southeastern border of Banff National Park – Canada's first national park – taking trips here will decrease not only your flight time from the U.S. but also your expenses (although only marginally). Banff caters to intrepid explorers who prefer to end the day in a nice hotel rather than roughing it at the campgrounds (though, there are plenty of those, too). Opportunities for adventure abound, so pick your sport: Ski down Mount Norquay, hike to the massive, free-standing limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos, "scramble" up the face of the Stoney Squaw Mountain or bike along Healy Creek. When you are exhausted, retreat to your cozy (and warm) resort, and replenish yourself with a hefty helping of bison meat.
9 Best Campgrounds in Banff National Park
The nine campgrounds below offer different experiences. If you are looking for convenience and easy access to the top spots, camp near Banff Townsite at Tunnel mountain or at Lake Louise. For something with more nature and less services, consider Waterfowl, Rampart, or Mosquito Creek. If you're a hardy camper not afraid of changeable weather and cold nights, set up your tent at Wilcox and have the Athabasca Glacier all to yourself.
1. Waterfowl Lakes
Looking out onto stunning Lower Waterfowl Lake, this campground has one of most beautiful settings in the park. Located 57 kilometers up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise, it's best suited for people who are looking for a quiet camping experience and are interested in the natural attractions, rather than the convenience of being near the town of Banff or Lake Louise.
2. Rampart Creek
Rampart Creek is a delightful, small campground with only 50 sites. The North Saskatchewan River runs along the shoreline of the campground, and some of the sites are right along the river. The campground is 88 kilometers from Lake Louise up the Icefields Parkway.
This campground is fairly basic, but does have communal cook shelters with wood stoves and picnic tables where you can meet your fellow campers from around the world.
3. Tunnel Mountain Village 1, 2, and Trailer
Imagine camping on the top of a mountain, and that's basically what you'll find at any one of the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds. Set on a wide plateau with wide-open spaces, the campground has amazing views out in all directions from many sites, especially in the Trailer Court.
This campground area makes an ideal place to park your rig or car for a few days and explore all that the Banff townsite has to offer. Attractions include the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, the Hot Springs, the Cave & Basin Historical Site, and, of course, shopping on Banff Avenue in Banff. The park makes it easy to do this with frequent and easy-to-use public transit, stopping right at the campground entrance.
