CALGARY — Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest and most iconic national park, has reached a historic milestone in tourism. According to data released during the park’s 26th Annual Planning Forum, a record-breaking 4.5 million people visited the park during the 2025-26 fiscal year. This figure surpasses the previous record of 4.28 million set in 2023-24, marking a significant upward trend in visitor numbers over the past decade.
Acting Superintendent Daniela Rubeling confirmed the achievement, noting the park’s remarkable recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, when visitor numbers dipped to approximately 3 million. The rapid return to—and exceedance of—pre-pandemic levels highlights Banff’s enduring global appeal but also brings to the forefront the logistical challenges of managing such a massive influx of tourists.
To combat the increasing congestion within the Banff townsite and surrounding natural landmarks, Parks Canada and local authorities are implementing a series of short- and long-term transit strategies. Current initiatives include a three-year paid parking pilot project at the Upper Hot Springs and specialized shuttle services to high-traffic destinations like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Authorities are strongly urging visitors to bypass personal vehicles in favor of the Roam Transit system to reduce the environmental and infrastructural footprint on the park.
Superintendent Rubeling indicated that further details from an expert committee report on sustainable transportation will be released later this year. However, the pace of these interventions has drawn concern from local leadership. Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno expressed anxiety over potential delays in executing new congestion-management plans, emphasizing that the town needs swift action to maintain the quality of life for residents and the experience for international guests.
