Banff Travel Guide

Banff Alberta is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, getting a vacation home in Banff is the best way to get close to some of the most spectacular wilderness. Banff National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in the region, and allows visitors to be fully immersed in nature.

Getting There

Flying There

The nearest airport is Calgary International Airport. From the airport you’ll need to go by car to Banff, which takes 1.5 hours. There are plenty of hire car rentals at the airport, or you can arrange a taxi or shuttle.

Bus

You can get to Banff from Calgary airport by Greyhound Bus.

Weather & Climate

The weather is hottest in May, when temperatures peak at 94 ˚F. The coldest month is January, when temperatures drop to -31 ˚F.

The best times to visit Banff are the summer months from May to August, when the weather is hot and you’re not restricted by snow, and December to March, when Banff is used by many as a base town for skiing.

Things to Do & Attractions

Lake Louise

Nearby is the beautiful Lake Louise, known around the world for its bright turquoise waters surrounded by rugged peaks. There are a lot of hikes around the lakes, and if you can manage the climb, some offer stunning views of the waters below -- hikes range from easy walks to multi-day backpacking hikes. If you still want to see what the landscape has to offer but aren't up for the walk, horseback riding is a great option.

Banff Springs

A popular day trip is to the world-famous Banff Springs. The hot springs flow from caves on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain, and people flock to Banff to enjoy the soothing and healing properties of the mineral rich waters. Today, the Upper Hot Springs are the last hot springs in the area that are open to the public. It truly is a magical experience to sit in the pools in winter as snow fall on the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a Banff vacation is a dream come true. With countless opportunities to explore the town’s stunning surroundings, you will never run out of things to see and do. A trip to Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada, is sure to leave you breathless with stunning scenery, while near Banff, Lake Louise is a natural wonder that has people coming from all over the world to see its beauty. Sunshine Village offers some incredible skiing opportunities, and horseback riding in the mountains is also a popular activity. After a long day of exploring, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax and unwind before heading back to your vacation home.

Banff cabin rentals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and you can choose the one that suits your group size. Many rentals in Banff will come with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, while others have a hot tub. It is in the heart of Banff that you will find the largest selection of vacation rentals. Known as the ‘Castle in the Canadian Rockies’, the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel overlooks the town, and offers a world-class service.

Events

Almost all year round there are events happening in Banff and Lake Louise. From yoga festivals, to the Banff marathon, and farmers’ markets, there is something for everyone. There are regular mountain markets in Banff, where you can pick up artisanal produce, food, coffee, and useful supplies for your stay.

Nightlife

You can find your fair share of nightlife in Banff as people try to warm up with a strong drink and some dancing. Some of the best nightlife spots include hitting one of the local pubs, such as Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub or Banff Ave. Brewing Company, before dancing the night away at Dancing Sasquatch or Hoodoo Lounge.

Food & Drink

Staying downtown means being in the center of it all. The lively streets are lined with great restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can find everything from American food to international cuisine.

Art & Culture

Head to the Banff Center for the Arts and Creativity if you’re looking for your art fix. It has a changing programme of music and dance performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

Family Activities

Banff horse riding tours have been designed to give visitors a taste of what settlers would have experienced 200 years ago. On the journey, riders cross emerald green rivers, climb Sulphur Mountain, and learn to lasso like a cowboy.

A mountain vacation would not be the same without some skiing. Sunshine Village ski resort is known for having Canada’s best snow and has three mountains of diverse terrain. The park is suitable for skiers of all abilities, and feature easier green runs to advanced double blacks. Be sure to look into the selection of vacation rentals that Sunshine Village offer, such as Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel: the Sunshine Mountain Lodge. It’s a great place to take the kids!

Cabins in Banff

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a Banff vacation is a dream come true. With countless opportunities to explore the town’s stunning surroundings, you will never run out of things to see and do. A trip to Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada, is sure to leave you breathless with stunning scenery, while near Banff, Lake Louise is a natural wonder that has people coming from all over the world to see its beauty. Sunshine Village offers some incredible skiing opportunities, and horseback riding in the mountains is also a popular activity. After a long day of exploring, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax and unwind before heading back to your vacation home.

Banff cabin rentals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and you can choose the one that suites your group size. Many rentals in Banff will come with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, while others have a hot tub. It is in the heart of Banff that you will find the largest selection of vacation rentals. Known as the ‘Castle in the Canadian Rockies’, the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel overlooks the town, and offers a world-class service.