Banff National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in Canada. From towering peaks to turquoise lakes and incredible wildlife - it's no wonder we get millions of visitors a year! But with all this nature comes a lot of responsibility. To preserve the natural beauty of the park, here are 7 ways you can minimize your environmental impact and explore responsibly!

1. Respect Wildlife

Seeing wildlife is a huge part of the Banff experience. From bears to deer to foxes - it's like National Geographic but in real life. As tempting as it might be to get closer for that photo, it's super important to remember to observe from a distance. Your best chance at spotting the wildlife is to bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. At any point do not feed any of the animals, human food is extremely harmful and encourages them to give up hunting instincts (not to mention, it's illegal and comes with a hefty fine).

2. Stay on Marked Trails

Banff has spectacular hikes with over 1,000 miles of maintained trails - meaning there's no need to make your own! The trails have been designed around protecting ecosystems and going off-trail can damage animal habitats and plants. Plus, the official trails have unbeatable views!

3. Leave No Trace (Yes, Even Your Apple Core)

If you take it into the national park, take it home with you!  This includes biodegradable waste such as apple cores and banana peels. Food scraps take time to break down and are harmful to the wildlife. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use refillable water bottles and reusable coffee cups at local cafes. 

4. Follow Fire Safety Guidelines

Planning to camp out under the stars? Make sure you're only using designated fire pits and follow fire bans when in effect. Wildfires are a big risk to Banff National park. Ensure fires are fully extinguished at campsites before leaving. Did you know there is no smoking in Banff National Park, including in Banff town! To find out more on the smoking bylaws visit Town of Banff Website.

5. Sustainable Transport

Banff gets busy! There are millions of visitors between April and August each year. The roads can easily get congested and tourist spots such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake have banned cars entirely. But don't worry,  Roam Transit has routes covering Banff Town, Canmore, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise. Or better yet, you can cycle or walk. Banff Town is actually pretty small!

6. Respect other visitors

Banff's natural beauty is for everyone to enjoy, and sharing means caring! Whether you're out on a morning hike or cycling along the scenic trails, let's be mindful of others around you. Keep your voice low, play music through headphones or simply enjoy the sounds of nature! Step aside for fellow hikers passing and yield to cyclists on trails. Everyone is here to enjoy the national park. It's cool to be kind!

7. Show Some Love to Local Businesses

From cozy cafes to adventure shops to quirky souvenirs. One of the best parts of visiting Banff is discovering all the great local shops. Don't miss our flannel shop! We're tucked away on 225 Bear Street. The perfect place to grab an extra warm layer and blend in with the locals! Plus, chatting to local shop owners is a great way of finding the best hidden gems and making the most of your trip.

Banff is a magical place - and it's up to all of us to keep it as breathtaking as it is today. When you're having fun here just remember to be mindful. Whether that's taking pictures from a distance or getting the bus instead of driving! Every little helps to preserve the national park.