Banff is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I’m going to say it’s tied with Yosemite as the kind of place that feels too good to be true. Overall, we found Canadian national parks to be lacking in accessibility information, which surprised me because I’m always seeing articles on how Canada is revolutionizing accessibility and inclusion. Since Banff was definitely a learning experience as we navigated a park with little direction, I wanted to share some tips on doing Banff National Park with a wheelchair.
1. Start at the Banff Visitor Center
Make the Banff Visitor Center your first stop. They have an in-house file containing accessibility details for their partners, including restaurants, stores, trails, and attractions. While they can’t give you the document to take, they’re happy to share the information you need on accessible options throughout the park. If you have any specific questions – from door height to trail surface – ask them here. The park rangers are not likely to know these things off of the top of their heads, and we received a good bit of misinformation. Specifically ask them to confirm any essential accessibility details in their accessibility guide.
The accessible entrance to the visitor center is through the basement in the parking lot. This is also where the accessible restroom is. There is one accessible parking space in the visitor center lot.
2. Know Where to Park
Parking in Banff feels like an absolute fiasco. The accessible parking spaces are a little hard to find, which also means they’re usually empty. Here’s a map to make it easier! Many public lots have at least one space set aside for mobility needs, and all of these spaces include three hours of free parking. Signage says “with your provincial placard,” but I confirmed that a U.S. placard is also approved.
3. Downtown Banff Accessibility
Downtown Banff is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to accessibility. Some stores and restaurants are easily accessible with level entrances, but others have a few steps either at the front or once you’re inside. Call ahead if there’s a spot you’re dying to visit, or ask at the Visitor Center. We enjoyed Cool as a Moose because they had all of the typical Banff souvenirs, and a wheelchair lift to help you access them.
4. Lake Louise is a Must
I’ve heard a lot of people suggest skipping Lake Louise because of the crowds. I can’t imagine traveling across the entire continent, being only a few miles from one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and not stopping by because there are going to be a lot of people. Lake Louise is hands-down the most accessible attraction in the park. The flat, paved trail that loops around the lake offers stunning views without the challenge of rough terrain. It does get crowded, but arriving early or following the trail farther around the lake will give you some quieter spots to enjoy. Lake Louise was my favorite part of the park. It’s beautiful and it’s easy. Accessible parking leads right to a short, wide, paved path to the lake and there are accessible restrooms at the entrance. Unbeatable.
5. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is one of my regrets. I’ve heard it’s fully accessible and absolutely gorgeous – but we didn’t get to go! Put it high on your list so you’re not kicking yourself like I am. The lookout has a paved path leading up to it, making it one of the best stops if you want a picturesque view without much effort.
6. Don’t Miss Neighboring Yoho National Park
Banff’s beauty doesn’t end at the park borders. Just a short drive away is Yoho National Park, where you can find more emerald lakes, more stunning mountain backdrops, and more waterfalls. Takakkaw Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, and it’s wheelchair accessible via a paved path from the parking lot. They had a gate to keep cars out that was easy to step around, but not as convenient to roll around. I’m hoping that’s not a permanent obstacle, but it is maneuverable with a little help.
7. Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Have you started looking at where to stay, yet? Oh my outrageous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such consistently high prices to stay anywhere (Maybe Napa Valley?). One solution is to stay in Calgary or Canmore and commute in, but the travel distance between attractions within the park is already big, so it’s not fun to add to the drive – especially with kids. This was one of those times when HomeExchange was an absolute game changer. There aren’t many wheelchair accessible homes in the area, so it may not work out, but I suggest you start your search there for the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars… per night. Phew!
8. Handicap Parking at Moraine Lake
You’ve probably heard about all of the drama with the road to Moraine Lake being closed to traffic, but that doesn’t apply to you if you’re traveling with a disability and a handicap placard. If you have a handicap placard, you can park right at the lake without needing to take the shuttle. Just keep in mind that the parking lot fills up fast, so plan to get there early to secure a spot. Moraine lake is labeled as wheelchair accessible, but the good views are hard to get to. The paths are gravel and a little steep. Our wheelchair user needed assistance with his manual chair to be able to get close to the lake.
9. Hoodoo Viewpoint
A hoodoo is a rock spire formed over time through erosion… and they look really cool. Hoodoo Viewpoint, listed as wheelchair accessible on Google Maps, is a paved path offering beautiful views. While the path is paved and suitable for wheelchairs, it’s quite steep in some sections, so you may need assistance. The views are worth the effort, but plan accordingly if you’re going solo or need some extra help.
10. Plan for Driving Time
Banff National Park is vast, and you’ll need to plan for plenty of driving time between destinations. Nothing is as close as it looks on the map, and the windy roads and traffic make everything take longer than what google maps says. For example, it took us almost 40 minutes to get from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake – two lakes on the same road in the same “small” section of the park. Be sure to account for this when planning your day so you’re not rushing from one spot to the next. If you have time, I highly recommend only doing one or two major stops per day.
The Rest
The Banff Gondola is wheelchair accessible, but it’s also expensive. One child can ride free per paying adult, but it was just me and the kids, so it still would’ve cost us $142. We saved our pennies and took the $26 boat ride in Glacier, instead.
Check out Banff’s official tourism page for a few more accessible trail options, or learn more through Little Miss Turtle’s experience.