Planning a trip to Banff? This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Canada, if not the world. Nestled in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, it’s a place that takes your breath away and inspires the thought okay I’m moving here.
If you’re travelling to Canada, don’t miss Banff. It’s the most iconic national park and Canada’s first, established in 1885. This is the ultimate guide to Banff with where to stay, where to eat and drink and what to do:
When to go:
Winter: November-March is cold and snowy. This is a great time to go if you’re into skiing and other winter sports. There are three incredible ski resorts located near Banff (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Norquay). Base yourself in Banff and get the Ski Big 3 pass to hit the slopes at all of them
Summer: June-August. This time of year is warm and sunny. This is perfect for hiking but is also extremely crowded.
Shoulder seasons: April-May and September-October. This is a great time to go if you want to avoid crowds but being an in between season means some activities can be limited – ski hills might not be open, some hikes may not be open. Do your research based on your interests to choose the best time to go.
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How to get there:
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Fly into Calgary airport (YYC) and rent a car or take the On-It bus
Tip: highly recommend renting a car for your stay in Banff. Getting to the trailheads and ski hills is not easy via public transit and a car gives you freedom to explore.
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Make it a road trip! Fly into Vancouver (YVR) and drive to Banff stopping in Revelstoke, Golden and Calgary en route. This road trip goes through several national parks and is stunning.
Where to sleep:
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Budget: Samesun
Located right off Banff Ave in the heart of Banff, this is a great choice for those on a tight budget. The dorm rooms and private rooms have private bathrooms and small balconies and the communal space has a kitchen as well as an on-site bar and restaurant.
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Mid-range: Moose Hotel and Suites
In the heart of Banff and offering incredible amenities like an indoor pool, wellness center, two hot tubs with a view and a spa. Walking distance from the best restaurants, café and shops in town and there’s nothing better than soaking in the hot tub after a long day of hiking or skiing.
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Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs
This iconic hotel is an old Scottish Castle built in 1888 and a National Historic Site. The luxe hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rooms are designed with guest comfort in mind with luxurious details in each room.
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You can also stay outside of Banff National Park in Canmore. It’s a small mountain town just outside the park that is quaint and a great base for exploring the park (it’s probably one of my favourite places in the world and I’d move here in a heartbeat).
Where to eat and drink:
Park City Distillery – a prime location on Banff Avenue, this is the only distillery in a national park in Canada, known for its gin and vodka distilled with Rocky Mountain water. The modern mountain interior and camp inspired menu, this is a great spot to grab a casual dinner and drink.
The Grizzly House – Swiss influenced landmark restaurant (opened in 1967) set in a lodge. Start with a cheese fondue, then choose a meat platter to cook over sizzling hot rocks (exotic options like alligator and wild Alberta game like bison available). Finish dinner with strawberries dipped in warm chocolate fondue.
Chuck’s - for steak and wine when you're in a boujie budget mood
Shoku Izakaya - for yummy ramen in a cozy casual setting
Banff Ave Brewing Co. – a two-story restaurant and bar that serves delicious beers and modern pub food. Try the bison burger and get a flight to taste the beers they’re brewing.
The Eddie Burger Bar – this is arguably the best spot in town for burgers. It’s small inside but they have a lovely patio open in the summer. They use hormone free Alberta beef with a range of toppings (my favourite is the Red, White & Blue).
Canadian food to try in Alberta:
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Poutine: a classic Canadian staple that is the ultimate savoury late-night dish. Fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, you’ll find this dish all around Banff and you have to give it a try when you’re in Canada
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Beavertail: a fried dough pastry topped with sweet condiments like crumbled Oreos, cinnamon sugar and strawberry slices. This is definitely a must-try sweet treat
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Wild game: if you’re game, the classic meat options in Banff are elk and bison. Elk is like a sweeter, milder beef that is a little bit gamey and bison is also slightly sweet and not gamey. You can try wild game in dishes like tartare, burgers or steaks.
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Caesar: a Canadian invented cocktail, first made in Alberta. The beverage combines Clamato juice (tomato with a bit of clam), lemon, Worchestire, hot sauce with a base of vodka and a spicy rim.
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Alberta beef: Alberta’s beef industry has been thriving for a long time and this is the place to get good quality, sustainably raised, delicious beef. Â
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What to do:
Explore the town of Banff! It’s small and walkable with lots of boutique stores, cafes, and art galleries to peruse.
In the winter, ski the Big 3- Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise
Spend the day at Lake Louise – in the winter you can rent skates and glide around the lake and in the summer you can canoe. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake any time of the year.
Have high tea at the Fairmont overlooking the lake and mountains.
From town, follow the riverside path to Bow Falls viewpoint
Walk to the picturesque Vermillion Lakes (about 30 minutes) for a beautiful vantage point
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise – the two most popular lakes around town
Check out Peyto Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the area and an iconic site
The most beautiful drive in the world is from Banff to Jasper National Park. Give yourself plenty of time to stop for views and pictures along the way
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Hike:
The Rockies are a hiker’s paradise with no shortage of options whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or enjoy an easy trail. Some of my favourites:
Sulphur Mountain – start on a steadily uphill wooded trail, up to steeper switchbacks through the trees, being rewarded with views of the expansive valley below. The hike is 5.5km up and you can take the gondola down.
Pharaoh Peak – considered a challenging route, this 33.3km out-and-back trail can be split into two with campsites along the way. The scenery is breathtaking and the hike has gentle ascents and descents through everything from snowy parts and wildflower covered fields. The end scramble is rocky and challenging and at the summit, you’ll feel an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Lake Minnewanka – this is a must do with a range of activities along the loop. Try the Stewart Canyon trail (40 minutes, 1.5km along the lakeshore). Experienced hikers can continue to Alymer Pass for a picturesque 23.6km trail.
Johnston Canyon – one of the easiest and most popular day hikes in Banff National Park, that is open all year round and is only a 30 minute drive west of Banff. The trail meanders up a dramatic canyon dug out by the creek to two waterfalls, the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The scenery along the entire trail is nothing short of spectacular.
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