A First Timers Guide to Visiting Banff

If you’re planning a trip to Banff and it is your first time visiting, you likely have lots of questions. We’ve received many questions from people just like you after years of writing on this Banff travel blog. Whether you’ve done weeks of research or you are just starting out, we have you covered with a few of the basics.

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When Should You Visit Banff?

The first question many people ask when planning their Banff trip is when to visit. Most first-time visitors travel to Banff during the summer months, between June and September. However, keep in mind that these are the busiest and most expensive times in the park.

Unless you are after a winter visit, it’s best to avoid traveling between November and April, as it’s very snowy in the Canadian Rockies during this time. It’s when everyone has ski and powder on the mind.

If you are looking to save a little money without trudging around in massive winter boots, consider visiting in the shoulder season months of May or October. We break down Banff by each season here.

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How Much Time Should You Plan For?

Millions of people read this blog to plan their trip, and we talk to hundreds of visitors each year through our Banff travel consultations. On average, visitors stay 7 to 8 days. This gives most first-timers a chance to explore the highlights of Banff, Canmore, and Jasper, too!

Anything shorter than 7 days, we usually advise people to stick to one area (Banff/Canmore – no Jasper), and anything longer than 10 days, we’ll tell you to venture a little further and explore some sights in British Columbia or even go to beautiful Waterton National Park.

It’s all up to you and how much time you can take off work, your budget, and the activities you want to do.

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Where to Stay in Banff

There are plenty of hotels in both Banff and Canmore that we can’t recommend just one. Most first-time visitors stay right on Banff Avenue so they can be in the center of the action. If you want a more natural escape, consider booking a cabin in Banff to get away from the crowds.

If you are a family that is focused on having a kitchen and a few different rooms in an apartment, we recommend looking into options in Canmore.

If you want to visit Jasper, just note that accommodation there is extremely limited, and if you’re planning a summer visit, you’ll need to book 8+ months out in advance to have the pick of the litter.

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When to Book

Anyone visiting during peak summer months should try to have their accommodation sorted before February. The closer you get to summer, the higher you’ll notice the rates on what rooms are left.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to sort out a last-minute trip, you just might not find ample options, and some of the prices on accommodation and car rentals might be higher.

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When to Book Attractions

We find many people get nervous about booking attractions super far out in advance, and while there are a few items you’ll want to get on the calendar a few months out, it’s definitely not everything.

• Maligne Lake Cruise: The most popular activity in Jasper and tickets sell out every summer. Booking ahead is extremely important. We recommend booking your cruise at least 3 months in advance.
• Banff Gondola: Should be booked at least one month in advance during summer months.
• Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Not as popular as the Maligne Lake Cruise, but it still can sell out a few weeks in advance in the summer. It’s best to book a few weeks in advance.
• Icefield Explorer: There are many spaces available for the Ice Explorer vehicles on the Athabasca Glacier, but we still recommend booking in advance when you sort out what day you’re driving the Icefields Parkway.
• Icewalks: The Icewalk tours are guided walking tours out onto the Athabasca Glacier. They are run in small groups with only a few departures a day, so booking a few months out in advance is recommended.
• Sunshine Summer Gondola: Unlike the Banff Gondola, tickets for the Sunshine Summer Gondola do not sell out, and you can buy them at the counter day of.
• Parks Canada Shuttles: Parks Canada shuttles to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise must be booked in advance, and they sell out within minutes of being released.
• Private Shuttles to Moraine Lake: If you don’t score the Parks Canada shuttle tickets, you can still turn to private operators like Moraine Lake Bus Co, Via Via, and Fairview Limo to get you to the lakes. You can usually book these shuttles just a few days in advance.
• Camping Reservations: 100% need to be booked in advance unless it’s a first-come, first-served campsite. Many popular campsites book up as soon as released.

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Where Do You Fly Into

Nearly every international Banff trip will start and end at the Calgary International Airport (YYC). It’s also possible to fly into Edmonton, which is still a 4-hour drive from Jasper, but this is a less popular option.

If you are doing a Western Canada road trip style trip, you can also look into flying into Vancouver and ending in Calgary, or vice versa.

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What’s the Best Way to Get Around

Getting around depends on what kind of trip you intend to have. It’s completely possible to enjoy a trip to Banff without a car. If you plan to stay in Downtown Banff and explore the main sights like the Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Louise, Banff has great public transport that services these destinations.

If you plan to get off the beaten path a bit, enjoy some hiking trails, or stay in Canmore, then it’s best to rent a car. Trust me – it will make your life 100% easier.

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Do You Need a Park Pass?

All visitors to Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton National Parks need a park pass. Regardless on if you have a vehicle or not.

(Psst – have lots of questions about your trip? If you want us to plan the perfect trip just for YOU, or have further questions about mapping out your trip, we offer 1:1 Canadian Rockies travel consultations and itinerary planning!)