Explore the elevation of Banff—nestled in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, this historic Canadian town sits within Banff National Park and offers stunning alpine scenery, rich heritage, and some of the highest elevations of any resort destination in North America.

Table of Contents

Where is Banff?

  • Location: Banff is located in Alberta’s Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park.

Town Profile

  • Municipal status: Banff was the first municipality to be incorporated within a Canadian national park.
  • Size and population: Covers 7.5 square miles with a population of under 8,000—though it attracts millions of visitors annually.
  • Founding: Founded in 1884 due to the presence of the transcontinental railway.
  • Development: Developed as a resort town with hotels, hot springs, and scenic views, named after a town in Scotland.

Elevation Basics

  • Definition: Elevation refers to a location’s height above sea level and directly affects climate, vegetation, and tourism.
  • Measurement: Typically measured in feet or meters.
  • Town elevation range: Banff ranges from 4,600 feet (1,400 m) to 5,350 feet (1,630 m).
  • Climate impact: Banff’s elevation contributes to cold winters, cool summers, and a variety of alpine activities.
  • Park scale: Banff National Park spans 2,564 square miles of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Highest point in town: Peaks at 5,350 feet (1,630 m).
  • Highest peaks in Banff National Park:
    • Mount Assiniboine – 11,870 feet (3,618 m), located on the park’s edge and often considered the highest.
    • Mount Forbes – 11,850 feet (3,612 m), long considered the park's highest peak.
  • Provincial high point: The highest mountain in Alberta is Mount Columbia, standing at 12,293 feet (3,747 m).
  • Activities influenced by elevation: Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are popular in Banff’s elevated terrain.
  • Ski resorts in Banff National Park:
    • Banff Sunshine
    • Lake Louise Ski Resort
    • Mt. Norquay
  • Popular water feature: The Bow River flows through Banff and provides year-round recreation.

Plan Your Trip