Banff
United States and Canada · Canada
See also
Overview
Banff is a tourist town in Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a convenient base for seeing spectacular scenery with little effort, with a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, and plenty of tours and activities.
Languages: English, French
Why go?
Banff is a tourist town in Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a convenient base for seeing spectacular scenery with little effort, with a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, and plenty of tours and activities. The town has a different character in winter and summer, with nearby ski areas and summer hiking.
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Get in
Banff is accessible by bus from Calgary International Airport and downtown Calgary. Banff Airporter offers service from the airport for $73 one way, taking about 2 hours. Brewster Express operates year-round between Calgary and Lake Louise, with stops in Banff, for $74 one way or $126 round trip. Other bus companies include Ebus, Rider Express, FlixBus, and SunDog Tours (winter only). The nearest railway station is in Banff but not detailed.
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Get around
The Roam Transit bus system operates in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. Fares are $2 one-way for adults, $1 for kids and seniors, with an unlimited day pass for $5. Buses run from 6:15AM to 11:30PM daily, covering most hotels and attractions. Walking is also feasible in the compact town center.
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When to go
Banff has a subarctic climate due to its elevation of 1400 m. Summer daily mean temperatures are around +15°C, while winter means are -8°C. Snowfall can occur even in summer. Winter is ideal for skiing at Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise; summer offers hiking, canoeing, and sightseeing. The town is busy in both seasons.
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Where to stay
Accommodation in Banff ranges from hostels to luxury hotels. Backpacker options include Banff International Hostel (dorms from $25), SameSun Backpacker Lodge (rooms from $31/night with breakfast), HI-Banff Alpine Centre, and YWCA Banff Hotel (dorms from $22). Camping is available at Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds ($27-32). Most hotels are along Banff Avenue or Tunnel Mountain Road. Booking early is essential.
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Eat and drink
Banff has a variety of dining from cheap eats to fine dining. Casual options include Chaya (Japanese noodle shop), Wild Flour Bakery, and Balkan Restaurant (Greek). For a budget meal, try IGA or Nesters Market for groceries. Drinking options include the Rose and Crown, St. James Gate, and the Banff Ave Brewery. The legal drinking age is 18, and liquor laws can be complex.
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Things to do
Banff offers many attractions: ride the Banff Gondola ($62/adult), soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs ($7.30), visit the Banff Park Museum ($3.90), and explore the Cave and Basin ($3.90). Outdoor activities include hiking trails like Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and Bow River Trail. In winter, ski at Norquay ($61/day), Sunshine Village ($85/day), or Lake Louise. Canoe rentals on Bow River start at $36/person for one hour.
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Stay safe
Wildlife is a concern: elk can be aggressive, especially in spring (calving) and fall (rutting). Bears are less common but present; do not feed wildlife. Avalanches are a risk in winter; even activities like snowshoeing can be dangerous. Be aware of surroundings and respect barriers. Use bear-proof containers for garbage.
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Connect
Local phone numbers use area codes 403 or 587. Many hotels and hostels offer free Wi-Fi. For mobile data, major Canadian carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus) have coverage in town.
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Budget
Banff is an expensive destination. Budget accommodation: dorm beds $22-31/night. Meals: grocery store meals $10-15, cheap restaurant meals $20-30. Activities: gondola $62, hot springs $7.30. A daily budget for a backpacker might be $70-100 excluding accommodation.
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Day trips
Popular day trips include Lake Louise (40 km north), Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls, and Peyto Lake (40 km north on Icefields Parkway). Also consider the Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife viewing. Further afield: Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse Ski Resort in Golden, BC.
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Go next
From Banff, continue on the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park (4 hours north). Calgary is 1.5 hours east, offering urban attractions and the Stampede. Edmonton is further north. For skiing, Kicking Horse in Golden, BC is a great option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Banff Gondola Mountaintop Experience
Banff's sightseeing gondola provides visitors with great views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. The gondola takes you up 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft). At the top, there is a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck, photo opportunities, and a boardwalk to nearby Sanson Peak, at the top of Sulphur Mountain. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience a sunset "Alpine Lights" dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top of the gondola.
Recorded price: $62 per adult ($56 if booked 48 hr in advance)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Banff Legacy Trail
22-km cycle path between Banff and Canmore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Banff Springs Golf Course
If you'd like to play golf, there's a 27-hole public golf course near to and operated by the landmark hotel. Along the season, several golf tournaments are arranged there.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Banff Upper Hot Springs and Pleiades Massage & Spa
All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this historic spa and bathhouse, with a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Relax in soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra apres ski laugh, guests wishing to amuse can rent a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume. The outdoor hot pool is a great place to soak and watch falling snowflakes or the stars. Can be quite busy at times. In late spring, the hot springs flow sometimes drops significantly and must be supplemented with artificially-heated water. The Upper Hot Springs website's "Water" page states whether they are using all hot springs water or are supplementing.
Recorded price: $7.30 per adult
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bow River Trail
The Bow River Trail is a riverside trail of 0.9 or 1.4 km, which are paved and according to the home page of the Town of Banff even wheelchair accessible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bow Valley Parkway
A scenic route from Banff to Lake Louise, running parallel to Highway 1. You have a good chance at seeing different mammals like bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, deer and grizzly bears. There are seasonal travel restrictions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Canoeing & kayaking with Banff Adventures Unlimited
Three minutes walk from the centre of Banff, you can find the canoe docks. There, you can rent canoe or kayak to take a tranquil journey on the Bow River. 1- and 2-person kayaks available; canoes seat three. Guided tours in large voyageur canoes are offered twice daily. Purchase canoe vouchers at 211 Bear Street.
Recorded price: $36 per person for one hour
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Chateau Mountain Sports
Renting equipment for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing (skate-skiing & classic). They also rent snowshoes, ice skates, hockey sticks & pucks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Book early especially in peak seasons; hostels and campgrounds available.
Connectivity
Area codes 403 and 587. Free Wi-Fi in many accommodations.
Culture
Legal drinking age is 18; liquor laws can be complex in restaurants.
Money
Banff is expensive; budget for meals $20-30, accommodation dorms from $22/night.
Safety
Beware of wildlife: elk can be aggressive; never feed animals. Avalanches are a winter risk.
Transport
Roam Transit buses: $2 one-way, $5 day pass. Service from 6:15AM to 11:30PM.
Weather
Subarctic climate: summer highs ~15°C, winter lows -15°C. Snow possible any time.