Banff National Park is truly one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited. Towering mountains, vibrant alpine lakes and stunning scenery are just the beginning. The park is home to world-class hotels, easily accessible recreational spots, and some of the best skiing in the world.
When I first visited, I wondered, “What is it really like to explore Banff, and how can I make the most of my time there?” Well, in this post, I will share my personal experience with you. I’ll tell you where to stay in Banff, where to enjoy delicious food, where to get the best coffee and, of course, what to do and see in this magnificent park.
I will also share some tips and my favorite spots that made my trip unforgettable. Whether you’re planning to relax or go on an adventure, Banff has something for everyone!
where to stay in banff ? the best hotels in banff
If you’re planning to visit Banff in the summer, definitely book your accommodations well in advance. It’s safe to say that nothing here is cheap, but you get what you pay for in terms of the stunning surroundings. Most of the hotels are located either in Lake Louise or in Banff town itself. In Banff, you’ll find options right in the heart of town, as well as a few along the outskirts.
Personally, I love staying right in Banff town, within walking distance of the main area. Driving around town during the summer can be a real headache, especially when it comes to finding parking. So, staying close to everything and walking around makes life a lot easier. Over the years, I’ve stayed at several hotels, but my favorite smaller ones on the edge of town are the Royal Canadian Lodge and the Elk + Avenue Hotel. If you’ve got a bigger budget, the Rimrock Resort Hotel and the iconic Banff Springs Hotel are both fantastic. But, my absolute favorite is the Chateau Lake Louise—it’s a little pricier, but the view and experience are unbeatable.
For an up-to-date list of lodging options, I recommend checking out banfflakelouise.com, which includes everything from hotels to cabins, B&Bs, and campsites.
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, Canmore is a great option. It’s just a short drive from Banff, and it’s equally beautiful—plus, you’ll find more budget-friendly accommodations there.
The getting to banff
Banff National Park is about 125 kilometers (77 miles) from Calgary, and getting there is pretty simple. If you’re flying in, you can land in Calgary and drive to the park. It’s a beautiful drive, and honestly, it’s probably the easiest way to get here. Of course, if you’re already close by, you can drive directly to the park, or you can take a bus. Surprisingly, though, getting here by train isn’t that easy, which is a bit of a surprise given how much the Canadian Pacific Railway helped shape Banff.
Once you’re in the park, driving is definitely the best way to get around, especially because the park is so vast. If you prefer biking, that’s an option too, but just keep in mind it’s pretty large. If you’re not driving, the public transit system (ROAM) is actually really good and takes you to most of the key spots in the park.
One thing to note: Moraine Lake is no longer open to personal vehicles, so you’ll need to catch a Parks Canada shuttle to get there. It’s a bit inconvenient, but that’s the only way to get there now.
A few quick tips while you’re in Banff: parking in the town can be a real challenge, especially in the summer. There’s some free parking, but for the paid spots, the best bet is using the parking app. Trust me on this—download the app before you get to the park! I learned the hard way when I spent 15-20 minutes sitting in my car, trying to set it up. Also, check Banff Now for real-time updates on parking and traffic; it can save you a lot of time.
Lastly, if you’re new to Banff, I highly recommend stopping by one of the visitor centers. There’s one in the heart of Banff town and another at Lake Louise.
They’re super helpful, and you’ll get a ton of great information to help you plan your visit.
where to eat ?
If you’re into camping, Banff offers plenty of great options. There are campgrounds on the edge of Banff town, like Tunnel Mountain, which is super convenient, and Two Jack Lake, just a short drive away from the town center. If you’re heading further north in the park, you’ll find even more campgrounds, including two at Lake Louise. Just a heads-up—make sure to reserve your spot well in advance during the summer months, as campgrounds fill up quickly.
When it comes to food, Banff has a great variety of dining options, whether you’re craving something casual or looking for a more upscale experience. One of the most popular spots is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which offers incredible dining experiences. The Rimrock Hotel is another great place if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier. For something fun and different, check out the Grizzly House, a Banff institution since 1967, known for its fondue. Another unique dining experience is at the top of the Banff Gondola, where you can enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at Sky Bistro.
Banff also has a great selection of ethnic restaurants, cozy cafes, and lively pubs, so you’ll definitely find something that suits your mood. A handy resource for all things food is banfflakelouise.com. Personally, I like to keep it simple and stick to my favorites—Earl’s is a go-to for me every time I’m in town.
And if you love coffee like I do, you’re in luck! Banff has a fantastic coffee scene, with spots like Good Earth, Evelyn’s, and Wildflower being some of my top picks. I’ve also made a detailed video on Banff’s coffee culture if you’re curious about the best places to grab a caffeine fix.
The banff overview
Banff is full of incredible sights, and there’s plenty to explore right in the heart of the town. The downtown area, also known as the townsite, is a wonderful place to walk around. You could easily spend a few hours or even an entire day wandering through the shops, galleries, and restaurants. In the summer, the main street is closed to traffic, turning the town into a pedestrian-only zone, which makes it even more enjoyable to explore.
For those interested in history, Banff has some fascinating museums, such as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the Banff Park Museum, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. On the edge of town, you’ll find the lovely Cascade Gardens, offering stunning views of both the town and Cascade Mountain.
A visit to Banff isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a stunning castle-like structure. For a classic photo of the hotel, head to Surprise Corner, where you’ll get a perfect view of the building framed by the surrounding mountains. Other nearby attractions include the picturesque Bow Falls and the relaxing Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs.
The Banff Gondola is another must-see. The views from the top are spectacular, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some mountain goats. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance, as they can sell out, and parking can be tricky. If needed, there’s a shuttle bus service available.
One of the best things about Banff is how close it is to some of the most beautiful natural spots in the park. Just outside of town, you’ll find the tranquil Vermilion Lakes, the serene Two Jack Lake, and the stunning Lake Minnewanka. If you’re visiting in the summer, these lakes are perfect for a leisurely walk, paddle, or picnic.
Now, let’s head north towards Lake Louise. The drive itself is beautiful, but make sure to take your time and stop at some of the scenic spots along the way. One often-overlooked gem is Johnston Canyon. It’s a popular spot for hiking and is home to a series of waterfalls and pools that are easily accessible on foot. The Johnston Canyon Trail leads you to the Upper Falls and the Ink Pots, which are definitely worth the hike.
If you have a little more time, consider taking the Bow Valley Parkway. It runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway and offers a more scenic and peaceful route to Lake Louise. Be sure to stop at Morant’s Curve for one of the most photographed views of the area, and keep an eye out for Castle Mountain—another iconic spot along the way.
And finally, welcome to the stunning Lake Louise, one of the crown jewels of Banff National Park!
The Lake Louise
The first thing to keep in mind when visiting Lake Louise is how busy and noisy the area can get during the summer months. I visit most summers, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that this place is often oversaturated. Even parking has become a significant issue. My advice is to get here early in the morning, ideally before 8 A.M., to avoid disappointment.
Once you’re here, you can enjoy the Chateau Lake Louise, which is a great spot to grab a coffee, have a drink, or shop for souvenirs. You can also take a boat ride around the lake, hike along its shores, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Lake Agnes. This trail takes you up the mountain to the left of the lake (your right) and offers a stunning view, along with a charming Tea House to relax at. In the winter, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the lake, including ice skating in this breathtaking setting. And, of course, downhill skiing is available just up the road.
Just down the road from Lake Louise is Moraine Lake, which, as you may know, is one of the most photographed lakes in the world. Unfortunately, you can no longer drive to the lake in your own vehicle; the road has been closed off. The only way to get there now is by catching a shuttle bus or hiking the 14-kilometer road, which is a bit too much for me.
Now, let’s leave Lake Louise and head north. As you drive north from Lake Louise, you’ll reach the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in North America. This road travels into Jasper National Park, but while you’re still in Banff National Park, I highly recommend stopping at a place called Bow Lake. It’s often underrated, but it’s absolutely gorgeous. I think it’s even more stunning in the winter, though it’s still beautiful in the summer.
As you continue heading north on the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park, you’ll come to the famous Peyto Lake. If you look closely, you’ll notice the lake’s shape resembles a wolf, and the color of the water is an incredible turquoise. It is a sight you won’t want to miss! Many visitors who come to Banff are hoping to see this natural wonder.
The wildlife in banff
Banff is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from grizzly and black bears to moose, mule deer, caribou, wolves, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to spot many of these animals, including a black bear just down the road.
As you drive through the park, you’ll notice wildlife crossings like bridges and tunnels. Banff actually has the most wildlife crossings in the world, helping animals safely cross the roads without risk.
While you’re out exploring, it’s really important to stay safe around wildlife. Always make some noise when you’re hiking to avoid startling any animals, and never take pets into the backcountry. Most importantly, remember this is bear country. Carry bear spray with you and, just as crucial, know how to use it. Safety comes first, so be prepared, stay aware, and enjoy the incredible wildlife in this beautiful park.
recent post
where to stay in london ultimate tour GUIDE
where to stay in rome ? ultimate tour guide
where is bali ? ultimate travel guide and tips
some activities
Banff offers so many activities, it’s hard to know where to start! In the summer, you can try white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, or even play a round of golf. And of course, there’s always hiking. With over 1,600 kilometers (about 1,000 miles) of trails, Banff National Park boasts some of the world’s most stunning hiking routes.
But don’t think the fun stops when winter comes. When the air turns crisp and the snow begins to fall, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a whole new set of adventures. You can experience dog sledding, take a sleigh ride, go snowmobiling, try snow tubing, or explore the trails on snowshoes. Cross-country skiing is a great way to take in the beauty of the park, and if you’re into downhill skiing, Banff has three world-class ski resorts: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise.
If you have time, there’s no shortage of exciting adventures to be had, no matter the season!
some pro tips
- You’ll need a park pass to enter Banff. You can buy it at the entrance gate or conveniently purchase it online before your trip.
- Banff is in the mountains, so weather conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check the forecast before you go.
- Always pack layers to stay comfortable, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
- Not all roads are open year-round, so check for any seasonal closures ahead of time.
- Construction projects are common in the park, so plan your route accordingly.
- The road to Moraine Lake is permanently closed to personal vehicles. Make sure to adjust your plans accordingly.
- Banff is an incredible, must-see destination. If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely worth adding to your list of places to visit.
- If you need medical care, Banff has a hospital called Mineral Springs Hospital, located at 305 Link Street in the town of Banff.
conclusion
I have given a lot of information about banff travel in this post. if you have any query or want to know more about banff travel then let us know in comments. We’d love to hear what you think of this post so leave a comment! Hope you have a peaceful and happy journey to banff. Thank you very much for reading this post.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Banff?
Honestly, Banff is amazing all year round! Summer (June-August) is perfect for hiking and sightseeing, while winter (December-March) transforms the park into a snowy paradise for skiing and snowboarding. If you like fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors, September is a hidden gem.
Is Banff expensive to visit?
Yes, Banff isn’t the cheapest destination, but there are ways to keep costs down. Staying in Canmore, packing snacks for hikes, and visiting free attractions like Vermillion Lakes and Bow Falls can help. If you’re flexible, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can also save you money on hotels!
What should I pack for Banff?
Layers are your best friend! The weather can change quickly, even in the summer. A good waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and a refillable water bottle are essential. And if you’re visiting in the winter, don’t forget thermal layers and proper snow boots!
Do I need a car to explore Banff?
Not necessarily! Banff has an excellent public transportation system (ROAM), plus shuttle services to places like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. However, if you want the flexibility to explore lesser-known spots, renting a car might be a good idea.
Will I see wildlife in Banff?
Chances are high! Banff is home to bears, elk, deer, and mountain goats. Always keep a safe distance, never feed them, and carry bear spray if you’re going for a walk. Remember, it’s their home – we’re just visitors!
