What the Banff National Park Entrance Fee Really Pays For (and How to Make the Most of It)

Somewhere between Canmore and Banff, it happens—boom, the Banff Gates. That’s where every car slows down and pays the Banff National Park entrance fee to access one of the most iconic stretches of highway in the world.

Most travelers take the next exit into Banff. But the smart ones? They keep going—straight to Lake Louise, where the pace is calmer, the views are closer, and the whole experience is smoother from start to finish.

This little gem is tucked right in the village and makes your whole trip feel easier, calmer, and a whole lot more memorable. Your park pass supports everything that makes this place worth visiting—so why not stay where you’ll actually enjoy it more? Fewer crowds, better views, real-deal travel support. Keep reading.

Banff National Park Entrance Fee 101: What the Pass Costs and Why It Matters

To stop and explore anywhere in Banff National Park, every adult (18+) needs a valid Parks Canada pass. Kids under 18? Free. If you’re staying for more than 7 days—or planning to visit other national parks this year—the Discovery Pass is your best bet.

Here’s what it costs in 2025:

Daily Admission Pass

• Adults (18–64): $11.00
• Seniors (65+): $9.50
• Youth (17 & under): Free
• Family/Group (up to 7 in one vehicle): $22.00
  Valid until 4 p.m. the day after purchase

Discovery Pass (Annual)

• Adults: $75.25
• Seniors: $64.50
• Family/Group: $151.25
  Unlimited access to 80+ Parks Canada places across Canada

You can buy your pass online at parks.canada.ca, at park gates, or right at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre—just a short walk from Mountaineer Lodge.

Where Does Your Money Go?

Great question. This isn’t just a paywall—it’s what helps keep Banff National Park beautiful, safe, and accessible.

Your entrance fee supports:

• Wildlife protection – Safe crossings, conservation programs, and protected habitats for bears, elk, and more
• Trail maintenance – Clearing debris, repairing damage, and keeping paths safe for millions of hikers
• Garbage and restroom services – Keeping the park clean and functional (no overflowing outhouses here)
• Traffic and parking management – Coordinating shuttle systems and reducing trailhead chaos
• Search and rescue operations – When things go wrong, your fee helps bring help fast
• Public education and interpretive programs – From guided hikes to visitor center exhibits, Parks Canada helps guests of all ages understand the land, its history, and how to protect it

So yes, you’re paying to enter—but you’re also investing in what makes Banff special: clean trails, healthy wildlife, safe access, and learning experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Did You Know? A Quick Lesson in National Park Etiquette

When you’re visiting Banff National Park, you’re not just stepping into scenic beauty—you’re entering a protected ecosystem. That means the way you explore matters. Here’s how to be a great guest:

• Stay on designated trails – It keeps the alpine meadows pristine and prevents erosion (plus, it’s safer).
• Pack it in, pack it out – Even apple cores and orange peels can disrupt wildlife and take years to break down.
• Keep wildlife wild – Don’t feed or approach animals (yes, even for a selfie). Your distance protects them and you.
• Give space at viewpoints – Step aside for others and take turns. Everyone deserves the shot.
• Respect closures and signage – If a trail is closed, it’s for a good reason—like animal activity or trail repairs funded by your park pass.

Every small decision helps protect the land, wildlife, and experiences we all love.

Now Here’s the Twist Most Tourists Don’t Know

Staying in Banff might sound like the obvious choice, but here’s what your future self will thank you for: Lake Louise is actually the better base for exploring the park.

Why? Because it’s:

• Closer to the iconic spots you’re here for (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway)
• Way more relaxed than downtown Banff
• Less expensive (for real) when it comes to accommodations and parking
• Home to Mountaineer Lodge… your new favorite home base

Mountaineer Lodge: 4 Reasons this Hotel is The Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Needed

Mountaineer Lodge isn’t fancy. It’s smart. It’s the kind of place that quietly makes your whole trip better without making a big deal about it.

Here’s why:

1. Perfect Location = Zero Wasted Time

Located right in Lake Louise village, you’re just minutes from both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It's the closest hotel to Samson Mall and everything you need in town is within walking distance. You can actually sleep in and still make it to sunrise at the lakes.

2. Comfort Without the Fuss

Comfy beds. Steam room. Hot tub. Free breakfast. Free parking right outside your hotel room door. Storage for skis and bikes. It’s exactly what you want after a day of hiking, paddling, or hauling kids and coolers in and out of car seats.

Want a closer look? Check out the hotel amenities page

3. Friendly, Local Staff Who Actually Know Things

Getting to Moraine Lake can feel like navigating an escape room—shuttle bookings, parking bans, new transit routes. It’s a lot.

But the Mountaineer Lodge team? We make it simple. Book direct and we’ll email you the exact information you need before you arrive—so you can skip the stress and hit the Rockies ready to roll.

Need a strategy? Get info on the Lake Louise shuttle system here

4.  Right in the Middle of Hiker Heaven

Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is the trailhead capital of the Canadian Rockies. Here are just a few of the iconic hikes within striking distance:

• Lake Agnes Tea House Trail – Gentle switchbacks, lake views, and tea at the top.
• Plain of Six Glaciers – A bit more effort, a lot more wow.
• Big Beehive – Panoramic perfection.
• Bow Summit Lookout – An easy drive with glacier-fed lakes and jaw-dropping views.

Plus, you’re already on the doorstep of the Icefields Parkway, widely ranked one of the most scenic drives on Earth.

Don’t Overthink It—Just Stay Here

Here’s the secret: Lake Louise isn’t just beautiful—it’s brilliant. Your park pass does more than get you through the gate. It helps protect wildlife, maintain trails, fund search and rescue, and support educational programs that connect people to the park.

Mountaineer Lodge is your no-drama basecamp. Cozy rooms, hearty breakfasts, and a team that actually helps. The lakes? Minutes away. Stress? Not invited.

We’ve welcomed families, couples, retirees, solo adventurers, wedding groups, and road-tripping friend crews—and the one thing they all say? They wish they’d stayed longer.

Whether it’s a long-awaited bucket-list trip or a last-minute escape from group chats and grocery lists, this is the kind of getaway that sticks. You’ll remember the early mornings, sun-warmed trail snacks, and the stories your kids keep retelling. It’s more than a stay—it’s a memory in the making.

Book your stay at Mountaineer Lodge. Let the adventure begin.
👉 https://mountaineerlodge.com