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My ultimate guide to Banff in Alberta, Canada!

near_fairmont_lake_louise_3

Getting to Banff

The most cost-effective way to get to Banff is to fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). You should be able to find direct or connecting flights to the city, and once you land, Banff is only an hour and a half drive west from Calgary.

Picture yourself here

Where to stay

Banff is great if you’re looking to stay in the heart of the national park, and near places Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Canmore is top recommendation if you are looking for a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Banff, only 25 minutes out to the national park. Calgary is perfect if you’re looking to save the most money and only plan on making Banff a day trip and prefer a larger city atmosphere.

A beautiful forested landscape on the valley of the rocky mountain range under the cloudy blue sky.
Budget friendly

Falcon Crest Lodge – Canmore

9.1 rating (776 reviews)
Falcon Crest Lodge – Canmore
A river at the base of snow-capped mountains is split in two separate streams.
Luxury

The Malcolm Hotel – Canmore

8.9 rating (733 reviews)
The Malcolm Hotel – Canmore
A clear water lake lined with tall green trees with a view of snow-dusted rocky mountains against the cloudy blue sky.
Budget

Worldmark – Canmore

8.4 (196 reviews)
Worldmark – Canmore
Colourful boats docked on a calm blue lake bordered by tall bushes and steep mountains covered with snow.
Luxury

Mountaineer Lodge – Lake Louise

8.4 (2551 reviews)
Mountaineer Lodge – Lake Louise
A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains with a boat sailing in the turquoise still water.
Budget

Lake Louise Inn – Lake Louise

7.7 rating (4437 reviews)
Lake Louise Inn – Lake Louise
A lake surrounded by a pine forest and steep snowy mountains as seen from a rock summit.
Luxury

Fairmont Chateau – Lake Louise

8.9 rating (1992 reviews)
Fairmont Chateau – Lake Louise

Renting a car

Since Banff is an hour and a half from the Calgary airport, I suggest renting a car on your trip.

Deciding when to visit

Summer

June to August is PEAK tourist season, so I HIGHLY recommend booking hotels, bus rentals to Lake Louise, and other activities FAR in advance since Banff is becoming more popular. However, it might be the best time for you to see the turquoise blue lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine.

Fall

If you plan on visiting from late September to November, expect an autumn-colorful paradise. Visiting during this time will give you a unique perspective on Banff. Expect cooler temperatures and fewer crowds within these months. Just be aware that some facilities may close for the season in late September due to weather.

Spring

March to May is when Banff begins to awaken from winter. Similar to fall, the trails are less crowded, making it an ideal time for you to visit Banff. Keep in mind that some higher-elevation trails may still be covered in snow OR closed, so I recommend you plan your hikes accordingly!

Winter

If you’re looking to experience Banff from a different perspective than what you see online, visiting from December to February could be a unique option for you. Expect some activities and lakes to be closed. However, there are endless amounts of winter activities to experience and do!

Where to eat

Since Banff is a well revered smaller city, expect high prices and fewer food options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular food options in the city you should consider:

Chili stir-fried spaghetti with grilled sai ua sausage served on a black stone plate.

My top tips

Park passes

You will need to purchase a daily or annual park pass to access Banff National Park. It should cost about $11, and you can purchase your tickets here, or at Banff itself.

Getting to Lake Louise/Moraine

You are not allowed to drive to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. You will need to hop on a shuttle to access to the lake. You can purchase your shuttle ticket here. Shuttle bookings open 48 hours before the actual day you’re going to visit – this video can help!

Canoeing Lake Louise/Moraine

Expect to pay $165 CAD or $118 USD to canoe in the lake, and it is first come first serve. You can not make reservations. For a cheaper alternative, you can canoe at Emerald Lake/Yoho for $70-$90 USD.