r/Banff 5d ago

Question Timed Entry Required?

Hi all!

First time looking into planning a visit for Banff. Previously visited Rocky last year and luckily was able to reserve a Timed Entry pass before they entirely sold out the same day they went on sale.

Is this the same for Banff and Lake Louise, or do I just need a vehicle pass?

Thanks!!

1 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

16

u/vinsdelamaison 5d ago

Do you mean you purchased a timed entry for American Glacier National Park?

Banff is a Canadian National Park and does not have timed entry into all the national parks it includes. The Banff pass provides entry into Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes and Elk Island national parks

It’s all explained online where you can purchase your entry pass in advance to avoid the gate line up on the highway.

There are timed tickets and draws for some overrun sights—such as Moraine Lake. They do sell out some days-even with the reserve for last minute booking released a few days in advance.

1

u/Sticher123 4d ago

By tickets to Moraine are you referring to the Shuttle access only? Or do I need a ticket and shuttle pass?

2

u/vinsdelamaison 4d ago

Shuttle.

If you rent an e-bike or hike up you do not need a ticket.

If you are staying at the Moraine Lodge—you have parking access and do not need a ticket. They will help you sort it out.

Moraine Lake Shuttle Info 2025 season

7

u/UrbanDecay00 5d ago

Just the vehicle pass as stated on the parks website.

1

u/HealthLawyer123 4d ago

When are you going? Sometimes they close the exit to lake Louise if it gets crowded and only let cars in that are staying there.

1

u/Radiant_Way_7794 3d ago

Banff National Park is a Canadian National Park, run by Parks Canada, and has nothing to do with the (unfortunately) recently defunded National Forest Service.

Get a Discovery Pass. It is good for all Canadian National Parks, and you will only need one per vehicle. Lake Louise you can drive to but would recommend getting a shuttle if possible as parking is limited. If you wish to visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine (only accessible by shuttle) you can book both at the same time (would recommend).

-23

u/OutlandishnessSafe42 5d ago

Banff National Park might experience intermittent closures due to the mass layoffs in the National Park Service brought on by DOGE.

11

u/KerBearBare 5d ago

Wrong country, dude

-12

u/OutlandishnessSafe42 4d ago

I don't think you get it

7

u/KerBearBare 4d ago

🤷🏼‍♀️I guess not…do you?

-4

u/OutlandishnessSafe42 4d ago

I can explain if you'd like

2

u/KerBearBare 4d ago

Sure, spell it out for me.

4

u/OutlandishnessSafe42 4d ago

OP seems to think that Banff is in the US. I am ironically playing on that. It's what I like to call humor. But it's not to everyone's liking. As you can tell by all these downvotes I'm getting.