Banff - Discovering Canada

Travelling to Banff

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Banff, a pretty good destination in Canada (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Banff and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Banff, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Canada, here's everything to know about Banff for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Banff

Banff is a town located in the Canadian Rockies, within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The town is situated about 128 km west of Calgary, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Banff is a popular tourist destination that offers many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, and exploring hot springs. The town offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops that cater to visitors from around the world, making it an ideal place for all types of travelers.

What to visit in Banff

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Banff: 1. Banff Gondola: The Banff Gondola is a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the top, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
2. Banff Hot Springs: The Banff Hot Springs are a natural hot spring located in Banff National Park. The pool is surrounded by stunning mountain views, making it a relaxing and scenic spot to soak in the hot mineral water.
3. Lake Louise Ski Resort: The Lake Louise Ski Resort is a popular ski destination located in Banff National Park. With over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, it offers a variety of slopes for skiers of all levels.
4. Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake located in Banff National Park. The lake is known for its vibrant blue-green color, which is caused by the reflection of light off the glacial silt in the water.
5. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site: The Banff Park Museum is a natural history museum located in Banff National Park. It houses a collection of over 5,000 taxidermied specimens of local wildlife, as well as exhibits on the history of the park.
6. Banff Upper Hot Springs: The Banff Upper Hot Springs are another natural hot spring located in Banff National Park. The pool is surrounded by stunning mountain views, making it a relaxing and scenic spot to soak in the hot mineral water.
7. Bow Falls: Bow Falls is a scenic waterfall located on the Bow River in Banff National Park. Visitors can take a short hike to the falls and enjoy the stunning views of the water cascading over the rocks.
8. Banff Avenue: Banff Avenue is the main street running through the town of Banff. It is lined with restaurants, shops, and galleries, making it a popular spot for tourists to explore.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Banff!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Canada, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Banff.

When to go on holiday to Banff

The best time to go on a holiday to Banff, Canada largely depends on your preferences and interests. Banff is an all-year-round destination but the peak seasons are usually during summer (June – August) and winter (December – February). If you are an outdoor enthusiast and want to participate in activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing or river rafting, then the summer season might be the best time for you to visit Banff. The weather during summer is sunny and pleasant and there are usually many events and festivals taking place in the town during this time.
On the other hand, if you love skiing or snowboarding, then the winter season might be the best time for you to visit Banff. The snow season starts around late November and continues through to early April. Banff has three world-class ski resorts - Mount Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village and winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and dog sledding.
In summary, the best time to go to Banff depends on your interests, but generally, summer and winter are the peak seasons and the most popular times to visit.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Banff

Banff is a beautiful town situated in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. The town is located approximately 77 miles west of Calgary. The best ways to get to Banff are as follows: 1. By flight: The nearest airport to Banff is the Calgary International Airport, and it serves as the gateway to Banff National Park. From here, you can take a shuttle bus or a rental car to drive to Banff.
2. By car: Banff is accessible by car from Calgary via the Trans-Canada Highway. It is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Calgary to Banff.
3. By bus: There are several bus services available that operate between Calgary and Banff. These include the Banff Airporter, Brewster Express, and On-It Regional Transit.
4. By rail: The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxurious train journey that travels between Calgary and Vancouver, with a stop in Banff. You can opt to take this scenic train journey to Banff if you want to travel in style.
Overall, there are several ways to get to Banff, and the method that you choose will depend on your budget, travel preferences, and requirements.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Banff, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Banff

Here are some typical foods of Banff, Canada: 1. Poutine: A Canadian classic made with crispy french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
2. Bison Burgers: A leaner alternative to beef burgers, bison meat is often used in Banff cuisine to create hearty, flavorful sandwiches.
3. Wild Salmon: Caught fresh from nearby rivers, wild salmon is a popular menu item in Banff's restaurants.
4. Alberta Beef: Known for its quality, Alberta beef is a staple of Banff's cuisine. It's often served as a steak, in a burger or as a roast.
5. Bannock: A type of bread that originated with indigenous Canadian cultures. Bannock is often prepared in Banff as a sweet or savory snack, and can be enjoyed with butter, honey, or jam.
6. Maple Syrup: A Canadian staple! Maple syrup is often used in Banff to sweeten desserts, or as a topping on pancakes and waffles.
7. Saskatoon Berries: A sweet and tart berry that grows in Alberta and the surrounding regions. Saskatoon berries are often used in Banff cuisine to make jams, pies or incorporated in other desserts.
8. Tourtière: A traditional meat pie that originated in Quebec. In Banff, tourtière is often made with a mixture of ground pork, beef, and veal, and served with a side of cranberry sauce.
Enjoy your meals and trip to Banff!
You can find general info about typical foods in Canada here.

Is Banff an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Banff is considered an expensive destination for tourists. The town is located within Banff National Park, and prices for accommodation, activities, and food tend to be higher due to the demand from visitors. However, there are ways to save money on your trip, such as staying in accommodations outside of the town, enjoying free activities such as hiking and exploring scenic viewpoints, and dining at local cafes and pubs instead of high-end restaurants.

Where to find accomodation in Banff

In Banff, the best areas to find accommodations are usually downtown Banff and the Banff Avenue area. These places are close to the main attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Other great areas to consider are Canmore, a town located just outside Banff National Park, and Lake Louise, which offers beautiful scenery and is a great base for exploring the park's many hiking trails. Keep in mind that Banff is a popular tourist destination, so booking in advance is highly recommended to secure the best options.
You can check hotel prices at Banff here:
Booking.com

Is Banff a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Banff is considered a safe place for tourists. The town and surrounding national park have very low crime rates and there are well-trained park rangers and local law enforcement personnel in the area to ensure the safety of visitors. However, as with any tourist destination, it is always important to stay aware of your surroundings, lock up valuables and follow basic safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Canada here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Banff.

What type of travelers will enjoy Banff the most?

Banff, Canada is a destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions for different types of travelers. - Couples will enjoy the romantic scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, taking a stroll along the picturesque Bow River, visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs or enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants in town.
- Young people looking for fun also have a lot of options like skiing or snowboarding in the winter, going on hikes, mountain biking or white-water rafting during the summer.
- Families will find plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained including hiking, visiting the Banff Gondola, exploring Banff National Park's wildlife, and stargazing at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Banff is an inclusive destination that offers something for everyone, no matter what type of traveler you are.

How to get around Banff

There are several options for transportation in Banff: 1) Car rental: If you have a valid driver's license, renting a car is a great way to explore Banff and the surrounding areas.
2) Bike rentals: Banff has plenty of bike rental shops, and biking is a fun and healthy way to explore the area.
3) Public transportation: Banff has a public bus system that runs from Banff to Lake Louise, and it's a great way to get around if you don't want to drive.
4) Shuttle services: Several companies offer shuttle services in and around Banff if you're looking to go on a guided tour or want to get to a specific destination without driving.
5) Walking: Banff is a very walkable town, and you can easily explore the downtown area and take in the scenic beauty on foot.

What to see around Banff

Sure, here are some great places you can visit on a day trip from Banff: 1. Lake Louise - One of the most iconic and stunning lakes in Canada, Lake Louise offers stunning views of turquoise waters and surrounding mountains.
2. Moraine Lake - Another picturesque lake near Banff, Moraine Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers great hiking trails.
3. Canmore - A charming mountain town with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, Canmore is only a short drive from Banff.
4. Yoho National Park - Located just across the border in British Columbia, Yoho National Park features numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
5. Johnston Canyon - A popular hiking trail near Banff, Johnston Canyon offers stunning views of waterfalls, canyons, and wildlife.
6. Kananaskis Country - A picturesque region known for its hiking trails, lakes, and mountain landscape, Kananaskis Country is only an hour's drive from Banff.
7. Banff gondola ride at Sulphur mountain - Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
For every travel information about Canada you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.