FAQs about Visiting Banff
This entire site is aimed at helping you visit Banff and the Canadian Rockies easily.
We have spent years exploring the Canadian Rockies, taken thousands of photos, and stayed up way too late writing to bring you our awesome website, The Banff Blog. This website has over 400 articles written by us, so that we can personally help you navigate Western Canada more easily. We’re confident that any question you may have is answered somewhere on this website, but to make it easier, we’ve narrowed down our most frequently asked questions.
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What is Banff Known For?
Banff National Park is known for many things but is most renowned for its sublime natural beauty. The park and the connected Rocky Mountain National Parks of Canada are among Earth’s most amazing wilderness areas.
The Town of Banff is the highest town in Canada. The surrounding national park is the oldest national park in Canada, the second oldest in North America, and the third oldest in the world! We’ve traveled to over 95 countries and all seven continents and still find the Canadian Rockies one of the world’s most beautiful areas.
Is Banff Worth Visiting?
Glacial lakes, beautiful wildlife, towering peaks, endless views? Banff is of course worth visiting. People visit for different reasons, and although Banff is busy and expensive in the summer, most leave wanting to see more and return year after year. We love these mountains and hope every visitor walks away wanting to spend more time in nature.
What Mountain Range is Banff in?
The Canadian Rocky Mountains range makes up Banff National Park. Nearby mountain ranges include the Kootenays, Purcells, and Selkirks. There are five Canadian national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper are all adjacent parks. Waterton National Park is also in the Canadian Rockies but is connected to the other parks.
Why are the Lakes So Blue in Banff?
Many of the lakes in Banff are bright blue/turquoise, almost too beautiful to be real. The lakes’ water is glacier-fed, which is the secret to their color. As the glaciers slide across rock, they grind it into fine “rock flour.” This rock flour then flows down streams and creeks into nearby lakes. The floating rock flour refracts light and gives off a vivid blue or teal color. Some of the bluest lakes in Banff are Lake Louise, Moraine, Peyto, Sherbrooke, Waterfowl, and Bow Lake.
How Do You Get to Moraine Lake?
Getting to Moraine Lake is on nearly every first time visitors bucket list. While Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles you can still get there by using the Parks Canada shuttles, or a private tour operator. Here is where we detail how to get to Moraine Lake.
Where Did the Name Banff Originate?
The name “Banff” comes from a Scottish town, Banffshire. When the town was first established, Banffshire was the birthplace of the president of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. In 1930, the park was renamed Rocky Mountains Park to Banff National Park.
Can you Visit Banff without a Parks Canada Pass?
You can drive on the Trans-Canada freely without a Parks Canada Pass and stop for gas. However, you must purchase a Parks Canada Pass if you stop anywhere in Banff for sightseeing or recreation. Adult day passes start at $11.00.
The pass includes all of Canada’s national parks, including Yoho, Kootenay, and Jasper. If you plan to spend more than a few days exploring the Canadian Rockies, purchasing the annual Discovery Pass is often a better value.
A Family pass (up to 7 people) costs $151.25 per year, while one adult pass costs $75.25. They are a fantastic value as they include all the Canadian national parks and monuments.
Is There Cell Service in Banff?
Cell service is available in Banff and at some major tourist sites like Lake Louise, Vermilion Lakes, and Mt. Norquay. However, the further you go into the park, the less likely you are to have coverage. If you plan to hike, you should prepare not to have cell service. If you drive on the Icefields Parkway, you will have only a little cell coverage. For anyone on more remote hikes or backcountry trips, we recommend a Garmin In-Reach for emergencies.
What is the Best Time to Visit Banff?
The best time to visit Banff is the summer unless you are craving a winter adventure. July and August offer the best weather in Banff and excellent access to hiking trails. September is also a great month to chase the golden larch trees and enjoy fantastic fall weather.
Remember that July and August are also the busiest times of the year, and prices will be sky-high. September is our favorite time of year as we can still enjoy all the outdoor activities without as many crowds.
If you are into ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, the best time to visit Banff is in the winter, from December to March. If you yearn for a white Christmas, few places are as beautiful around the holidays as Banff.
Should You Spend Christmas in Banff?
If you want a white Christmas filled with spirit and cheer, the Canadian Rockies are a great place to spend the holidays. We love spending the month of December in the Canadian Rockies as the snow is great and the towns do a nice job of decorating.
The snow is plentiful, the cafes are warm and cozy, and there are plenty of Christmas events around town. My favorite place to see the Christmas festivities is the Banff Springs Hotel, which takes decorating to the max.
When Should You Avoid Visiting Banff?
Banff National Park is always beautiful. However, the worst time to visit is during the shoulder months. We recommend avoiding visiting Banff in April and November as it’s not warm, nor is it the beautiful winter wonderland you might expect.
Most high-altitude hikes still have significant snow and are not ready to be tackled quite yet. The bright side is that you can still ski and snowboard in April, November, and even May! Biking is still possible in May if you aren’t into winter activities.
April and November are our least favorite months, and if we had to pick one, April would probably be the weakest month. If conditions are favorable, November can also be a good time to go wild ice skating. The good news is it’s mostly locals hanging around during the shoulder season, and hotel rates are at their lowest.
How Cold Does it Get in Banff?
Banff can get quite cold at any time of year, but the coldest months are January and February. During these months, temperatures can dip to -30 °C or even lower. Lake Louise, in particular, feels bitterly cold in the middle of winter. The average temperature in Banff is -15°C in the winter.
Things begin to warm up in April, with mild temperatures that can swing well above and below freezing. July and August are the warmest months, with an average temperature of 24°C. Nighttime in the summer can still get quite cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°C.
The good news is that the mountain air is very dry, so the frigid temperatures are more bearable than similar coastal weather. Unfortunately, the bad news about that dryness is wildfires in the summer months.
Do You Need Bear Spray in Banff?
We always recommend carrying bear spray for most hikes in the Canadian Rockies, and we personally never hike without it. The mountains have a healthy population of black and grizzly bears. You can purchase bear spray in any outdoor shop in Banff and Canmore.
Atmosphere in Banff or Valhalla and Canadian Tire in Canmore sell bear spray for between $50 and $70. Please remember that you cannot fly with bear spray, even in checked luggage.
Are there Grizzly Bears in Banff National Park?
Yes, there are grizzly bears and black bears in Banff. There are about 70 grizzly bears in Banff, but more can be found in Jasper and Kananaskis. While there are plenty of bears in the Canadian Rockies, your chance of spotting one isn’t so great, especially if you do not plan on hiking and stick to the main attractions around Banff.
Bears avoid large groups of people and noise, so you’ll most likely see them in the backcountry and more remote areas. That’s not to say you won’t see them on the side of the road, especially early in the season, as the berries and flowers bloom along the roads first. We’ve seen several in our backyards and every year in our neighborhood.
If you see a bear on the side of the road, please do not stop and pull over, as this creates a “bear jam.” The stopped car quickly devolves into a traffic mess, with visitors stepping out of their vehicles. Approaching a bear on foot is dangerous and dumb. If you spot a bear, slow down and take a quick photo if you want, but give the bear its space. You are too close if you make an animal move or change its path.
If you see a bear while hiking, stop and remain calm, speak to the bear, and let them know you are there. The key to bear interactions is not to threaten the animal or to appear like prey (running is the last thing you want to do). We also recommend that you carry and know how to use bear spray. See Parks Canada’s tips here.
We have been on hundreds of hikes and excursions in the Canadian Rockies and have seen bears around a dozen times. We’ve pulled out our bear spray twice and never needed to deploy it.
Are there Mosquitoes in Banff?
There are mosquitos in Banff, but they often aren’t too bothersome. The worst months for mosquitos are July and August. Bug spray, especially for hiking or camping, is important. Certain areas are notorious for mosquitos if the conditions are right. Jasper and Golden sit around flood plains and river tributaries, perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos. We’ve had one of our worst mosquito experiences ever at Maligne Canyon in Jasper.
What Airport is the Best for Traveling to Banff?
The best airport for Banff to fly into and out of is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Calgary to Banff is roughly 144 km, mostly along the Trans-Canada Highway, and it takes about one and a half hours to get to by car. Calgary is a great airport with direct flights to the United States, Europe, and Asia. No airports service Banff directly.
How Far is it from Calgary to Banff?
It is 144 km from YYC to Downtown Banff. The best way to get to Banff from Calgary is by car; however, it’s also possible to take the Banff Airporter or make a private transfer.
Do You Need a Car in Banff?
A car is highly recommended for a visit to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. A vehicle ensures you get to the sights you want on your schedule. Several destinations, such as the Icefields Parkway and Jasper, also have very limited public transportation options outside of a few tour operators.
However, for a destination in North America, the number of public transportation options available to visitors is impressive. ROAM Transit operates several routes through the Bow Valley, connecting Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. There’s also quite a lot to explore around the towns where visitors can easily rent a bike to explore more.
How expensive is a trip to Banff?
A trip to Banff doesn’t have to be expensive, but in general, it often is. On the very low end, it will cost at least $100 CAD per person daily. This may even be for those camping and utilizing public transport. This is achieved by being frugal.
Prices can go up from here depending on the type of hotel, the season of visit, restaurant choices, and activities. The average trip for a couple is around $500-$600 a day. The majority of the costs will be in the accommodation and transportation. Although you’ll spend money on a rental car, food, and accommodation, most activities, like hiking and enjoying the mountains, are free!
Most summer visitors will spend at least $5000 for a couple, depending largely on accommodation. That number does not include flights. We recommend booking hotels well in advance to get the best rate possible. The Canadian Rockies are an amazing place to recreate and live. However, they are far from the most affordable destinations in the world.
How many days do you need to visit the Canadian Rockies?
Seven days is an ideal duration to visit Banff for the first time, although you can spend months exploring. We find a week is the perfect amount of time to see the main sites and have a few outdoor adventures. Here is a great 7 Day Banff itinerary. If you have more time, we suggest driving the Icefields Parkway and exploring Jasper for another three days.
How Far is Banff from Lake Louise?
The townsite and Lake Louise are both in Banff National Park. Lake Louise village and the lake are 60 km north of the town of Banff. The quickest way to connect the two destinations is via Canada’s national highway the TransCanada, which is around a 45-minute drive.
Is There a Shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise?
There is a shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise on Roam Public Transit. Several private operators also run tours to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. In the winter, you can take the free ski shuttle from town to the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The most popular route to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is via the Park & Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola. Parks Canada and several private operators run regularly scheduled buses from the parking lot to the two lakes. We highly recommend having recommendations in advance. You can see more details here.
Can You Fly a Drone in Banff?
Drones are prohibited in Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country, or any National Park. They are prohibited at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, or any other beautiful place where you may want to get an “epic shot.”
Please do not try to break the rules and fly in the park. They destroy the Canadian Rockies’ natural settings, disrupt wildlife, and annoy other visitors. Please be respectful of the natural setting.
Anyone caught operating a drone within park boundaries and without an approved permit may be fined up to $25,000. The only way to get an approved permit is if you are:
- Natural or cultural resource management and protection
- Public safety or Law enforcement
- Park/site management purposes directly relating to park administrative purposes
We’ve seen too many drones in Banff and Kananaskis, and we are fine telling the operator to take them down. While most locals in Canada are friendly, they’ll ask nicely first and then report the drone to Parks Dispatch beyond that.
What are the Best Photo Spots in Banff?
Everywhere you look, there is a great photo. The Canadian Rockies formed steep valley walls due to the glacial retreat during the Ice Age. It’s a dramatic landscape that is tough to find anywhere else. There are some spots that photographers love to photograph such as:
What are Some of the Best Backcountry Trips?
The Rockies have some multi-day backcountry opportunities. Mount Assiniboine, Lake O’Hara, and the Berg Lake Trail are favorites. These bucket list hikes can only accommodate a limited number of hikers yearly due to the allocation of campsites. The campsites book out for the season when they are released within 30 minutes.
If you really want a fantastic and unique experience in Banff, book a 5-night backcountry horseback trip deep into the park. Seriously, our most memorable trip to date!
What are the Best Hikes in Banff?
There are too many to name! Picking my favorite hike in Banff is like asking me to pick a favorite child – if I had children. There are plenty to choose from, depending on what you want.
We suggest the classics, such as Tunnel Mountain, Parker Ridge, and Johnston Canyon, for an easy hike. Some good moderate hikes include the Big Beehive, Bow Glacier Falls, and Helen Lake. More challenging hikes include Sentinel Pass, the Iceline Trail, and Wilcox Pass. We have a lot of content on hikes and suggest you explore more to find the best fit.
Where Else is Good for Hiking?
Kananaskis Country has some fantastic hiking opportunities. We spend about half our summer hiking in Kananaskis and half in Banff. There are so many wonderful hikes and scrambles in Kananaskis. A few of my favorites are Arethusa Cirque, Tent Ridge, Windtower, and Sarrail Ridge.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Banff?
You can see the Northern Lights during all months of the year in Banff. However, they shine the brightest from November to April. Particularly around the end of March during the vernal equinox.
You’ll need to watch for a dark and clear night to be able to see them. The best place to see the Northern Lights in Banff is away from town and in areas of the park that are away from light pollution. Lake Minnewanka, Castle Junction, and Peyto Lake are all fantastic spots to see the aurora borealis.
However, you should not plan your trip to Banff around the northern lights. A good show doesn’t happen that often, like in Alaska or Iceland. On average, we see the Northern Lights in Alberta just two or three times a winter.
Is the Banff Gondola Worth It?
If you are new to hiking or have mobility issues, the Banff Gondola is worth the price to reach the top of Sulphur Mountain. We recommend it to most visitors. Many refer to it as a highlight of their trip. The views from the summit and boardwalk along the mountain ridge are astounding.
Where Else Should I Go in the Area?
Your trip shouldn’t just stop at Banff! Try to make time to visit the neighboring town of Canmore. There are some awesome things to do there and plenty of hikes. There’s also Yoho National Park which is home to Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls. If you want to stretch further you can venture to Golden in British Columbia, or Waterton Lakes.
