Welcome to Banff!

Hey everyone, I’m a young guy looking to do a solo weekend trip, just curious what the best hostel or accommodation is aswell as tips for getting around town and to the ski hill. Also nightlife recommendations. Thanks!

Where is the happening weekend spot in Banff for drinks and music?

My goal with my trip is to take in of nature as much as I can with an 11 year old, be flexible, and relax. I am open to any kid friendly hikes anyone thinks could be helpful. I am planning to rent bear spray for the Yoho visit. I figured that between the times from chck out to chck in I can drop off luggage at the hotels and find something to do until the room is ready.

Any thoughts or ideas on anything I should change?

Fairmont Lake Louise 

Arrive 7/21 : 

Lake louise 

7/22 Shuttle from hotel to Lake Moraine : Rockpile and Lakeshore trail

7/23 Golden Skybridge / bow valley pkwy / peyto lake

Leave 7/23 at 12:00 

Rimrock

Arrive 7/23 4pm 

Gondola / Sky bistro

boardwalk at the top of the gondola that you can hike out to the summit. 

7/24: 

Yoho: Emerald lake, Takakkow Falls, Wapta Falls  8am

Leave 7/25 11am 

Fairmont Banff Springs 

Arrive 7/25 4pm 

Cascade gardens 

Hang out at pool/ hotel 

7/26 Johnston Canyon hike to lower falls ( arrive at 9am or 4pm) 

Leave 7/27 

At some point I want to get in:

• Vermillion lake at some point througout sunset or sunrise 
• Cascade Ponds 
• Banff sign picture 

Any idea of the cost of a taxi from Banff to Cory Pass Trailhead? I am planning a backpacking trip starting at Cory Pass and will finish at Johnston Canyon where I'll take the bus back to Banff and then cab it back to my car.

Hi there,

We are going to Banff from the UK for skiing for the week from the UK (first time to Canada as well).

We have a big3 skipass (5 days) included so we’re thinking of trying out each of the 3 ski resorts for the first 3 days and then going back to which ever we enjoyed the most.

Has anyone got any suggestions for the best order to try them in or any general tips (we thought might be worth doing which ever resort is the easiest on the first day to get back into skiing as not been for a few years).

Also do people normally take skis and boots on the buses and change into them at the resort leaving bags/shoes in lockers? Or go on the buses in ski boots?

Thanks

I've been to the Mount Royal hotel, loved the rooftop hot tub. Is there any other hotels in the area I should check out? Anything under $450 a night. Staying there in March

Where can someone find information about road/park closures for the G7 Summit that is happening in mid-June? I was attempting to reserve a camping spot at Mount Kidd RV Park the last week of May and their park will be closed from mid-May until end of June because of the summit. The lady said there would be some road closures and we would have difficulty getting to Sarrail Ridge hike coming from the north. I want to be as prepared as I can for the full week we will be in the Banff/Jasper area. TIA

I am going to Banff next week with a couple of my friends. I just want any suggestions where to hike during the winter season with great views or is it safe to do so?

Hey there! In Banff till Monday looking for fun stuff to do here! Open to any suggestions

Looking to vacation with at least three families in March 2026 in Banff area. I want to present the families with one or two housing options (specific hotels or townhouse complexes) so they can book their own lodging but we would be very close to each other for meals, play, socializing, etc.

We’re looking at the town of Banff or Canmore. Banff seems to have a better small town vibe but maybe that’s not the case. We will be skiing at Louise and Sunshine. Families will have kids in the age 5-9 range. Thank you!

I'm planning a trip to Banff at the end of July 2025 and I'm eager to experience a private bear tour to see bears in their natural habitat. I prefer avoiding large group tours. Does anyone know of a private guide who could accommodate a tour for just the two of us? Thank you!

Sorry if this has been covered a bit before, but I keep seeing things saying the Costco lift ticket deal is for 2 days per resort. I will be in Banff for 3 days, hitting each resort per day. If I get the Costco 2 pack, can I hit Lake Louise, then Sunshine, and then buy a 1 day ticket for Norquay using an ikon f&f discount at the window? A little bit confused about the best way to get a ticket for all 3 resorts on a 3 day itinerary.

I’m planning a trip to Banff in July. My friend is kindly hosting us (she lives in Banff) but I was thinking of also exploring within maybe a hour or twos drive for a few nights to ease her hosting burden and also just see as much as possible of the area. Where would be a good place to explore?

Hi all, I'll be in Banff for the next few days. I want to see the frozen bubbles at Abraham lake, but I'm concerned it'll be covered with snow. Are there areas of the lake that tend to be free of snow? Where's the best place to see the bubbles? Should I bring a broom? (lol)

Thanks!

Hello! I (37F) am planning a trip with my boyfriend for late summer. In the US, schools go back in most states around early August, so any time after that is generally good to beat the big crowds in our national parks. Is Canada on roughly the same timeline?…Would mid September be a good time to take advantage of smaller crowds while still enjoying warmer weather, or is it already cooled down by that time?

Hello, my wife, 4-year-old, and 9-year-old are heading from Northwest Iowa to the Northwest coast of Washington State at the end of September. I’ve decided to take a “small” detour and stop in Banff on the way. We plan on leaving Iowa Friday night and driving the 20 hours to Banff, aiming to get there Saturday night or early Sunday morning. We don’t need to be in Washington until Tuesday night, so we’ll have a day or two to explore.

To be honest, I don’t know much about the area or where to stay, or what we should see. I just know I want to show my kids different parts of the country and Canada, especially since I never left the Midwest until my mid-20s. Any suggestions for things to do or places to stay would be greatly appreciated!

On all the live cams there’s very little snow and no snow on the trees, I plan on going in late march so is that a better time for snow than now/feb?

Hey everyone,

Last time I was in Banff was January 2019, and back then, it was generally okay to smoke joints or use a bong outside, as long as you were away from people. However, I’m a bit confused about the current laws.
I leave in 5 days and will be there for 5 weeks.

From what I’ve read, it seems like smoking is only allowed in car parks— is that true? I also keep seeing mentions of a "network of alleys"— what’s the deal with that?

I’ll be hiring a car on our first day to do some shopping in Calgary. Would it be better to buy cannabis there, or is it just as easy to get in Banff?

Lastly, are bongs still acceptable, or is it strictly joints and vapes now? I can’t bring my usual medicinal supply with me, so I want to make sure I’m following the laws while traveling.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi all! Planning a trip on the motorcycles this summer and want to know what the best choice of campsite would be! Would be 3 people/bikes and 2 tents, one of them being a hammock tent most likely. Would love to hear your recommendations!

Going to Banff to do some snowboarding in a few weeks and was thinking about doing some dog sledding while there. Can anyone share some insight on how their Snowy Owl dog sledding experience was? Wondering if it’s worth the $300 to dog sled.

My partner and I are headed there in March, just wondering what the likelihood is of seeing the northern lights during that time? We’re coming mid March. I would love a chance to see them if possible.

The lake with the bubbles… I’m thinking about doing an afternoon trip up the Icefields parkway to the lake and see the scenery this Sunday or Monday. Is the lake frozen over and safe?

I’m used to ice fishing in ON and know some basic ice safety measures and will use caution. But wanted to inquire if there was any updated local intel I should know. It’s my first time going.

Feel free to drop any great photo spots or short hike spots between there and lake Louise area.

Im going with a group to ski banff/louise for a week starting friday the 31st. Im so amped, but saw its supposed to be brutally cold Sunday through Wednesday.

Would it be worth to do a day trip to Revelstoke from Banff, where its going to be 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit warmer?

Staying in Banff, really wanting to hit the hot tub. I forgot to bring a bathing suit. Any suggestions on shops in town that’d carry male bathing suits?

Any feedback on Spring Creek Condo in Canmore? First timers looking to book for August. WE are an older couple with our 2- 30 something year old kids. Looking to book somewhere in August for 6 days. Is Jackson worth a day trip after the fires? And if anyone has an itinerary they are willing to share, I would be eternally grateful!

Oh, also has anyone heard of Paradise Resort Club and spa in Canmore?

TYIA

We are flying into Calgary in mid June and looking for some itinerary ideas. We are likely going to be staying outside of Banff NP for 4 days. What would be another good place to spend our time? We originally were thinking the Jasper area but not sure if it would work out with the recent wildfire damage.

How bad of an idea is this? Very experienced with driving in the snow. Either have to make the drive at midnight or at 5am, neither of which sound attractive