Getting to Banff National Park
Banff National Park sits in AB, Canada, with Banff the nearest town of any size — about 46.8 km (29.1 mi) out, or roughly 1 hr 2 min of driving.
Drive times from Banff National Park
Banff National Park sits close enough to Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, Glacier National Park, and Mount Revelstoke National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Yoho National Park | 35.1 km (21.8 mi) | 49 min |
| Kootenay National Park | 69 km (42.9 mi) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Glacier National Park | 108 km (67 mi) | 2 hr 2 min |
| Mount Revelstoke National Park | 151 km (94 mi) | 2 hr 41 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Banff | 46.8 km (29.1 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Canmore | 64.6 km (40.2 mi) | 1 hr 21 min |
| Sundre | 99.9 km (62.1 mi) | 1 hr 55 min |
| Cochrane | 112 km (69.6 mi) | 2 hr 6 min |
| Rocky Mountain House | 122 km (75.6 mi) | 2 hr 14 min |
| Didsbury | 130 km (80.9 mi) | 2 hr 22 min |
| Carstairs | 131 km (81.7 mi) | 2 hr 23 min |
| Olds | 135 km (83.7 mi) | 2 hr 26 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Banff National Park?
Banff, about 46.8 km (29.1 mi) away — roughly 1 hr 2 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Banff National Park?
The practical bases are Banff, Canmore, and Sundre — all within a reasonable drive of the park.