Things to know before visiting Banff
Read this before planning a trip to Banff
I've consolidated all of my best tips for visiting Banff into one easy to access spot. Planning a trip to Banff can be more difficult than many visitors anticipate. But if you follow the tips outlined in this guide you're sure to have a smooth experience!
Getting to Banff
Most travelers will fly into Calgary, Alberta (YYC) to kick off their trip. From here, it's just under a two hour drive to the town of Banff. If you plan to rent a vehicle, there are numerous car rental agencies you can book through with airport pickup.
Alternatively, you could grab a shuttle to Banff from the airport. I recommend using Banff Airporter. Schedule your shuttle pickup 60-90 minutes after your flight arrival to ensure time to clear customs and pickup your luggage.
Getting around Banff
The town of Banff is highly walkable and has great public transportation via the Roam bus system. Traffic here can also become extremely congested which makes finding parking or getting around in a car a nightmare.
If possible, I suggest skipping the car rental and leveraging the bus and tour systems available in the area. Remember that you can't even drive a car to Moraine Lake, and it's borderline impossible to get a parking space at Lake Louise (two can't miss stops in the area).
Some companies I would recommend for getting around include:
If the logistics of Banff are too overwhelming - check out the group trip that I organize each summer. I'll take care of all the logistics, planning and more!
Parks Canada Passes
In order to visit Banff National Park you'll need to grab a Parks Canada pass. You can normally do so online in advance, or at a Parks Canada location within the park upon arrival.
If you rented a vehicle, you'll see drive through lanes where you can purchase your pass just before entering town.
Weather
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, be sure to check the forecast each morning before you head out for the day.
During the summer expect average highs around 70, with lows dipping into the 40s at night. Typically the hiking trails will be clear of snow during this time.
The shoulder season (late Spring or early Fall) will bring slightly cooler temperatures. With highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. Don't be surprised if you encounter snow in certain areas that hasn't melted yet in the spring.
Regardless of season, be prepared for spotty rain showers in the mountains if you plan to do some hiking. Even with a clear weather forecast, the mountains can influence the weather and create small pockets of precipitation.
Connectivity
Be mindful that cellular service throughout Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks is extremely limited. You'll get service near some of the towns and Lake Louise, but you'll largely be without it.
Even within the city limits of Banff, cell service is available, but not the best. You can normally ask restaurants or cafes that you're dining at for access to their Wi-Fi if needed. Hotels normally have Wi-Fi access included or for an additional fee.
If you're relying on GPS to navigate, I'd suggest inputting your route for the day before leaving town. Updating or changing your route to a different destination (that isn't pre-loaded) can be challenging without any cell service.
Avoiding crowds
Part of why we visit big beautiful outdoor spaces like the Canadian Rockies is to disconnect and get away from people. However, Banff is a popular tourist destination (especially during the summer) and is notorious for crowds in certain areas.
The most important strategy for avoiding crowds is to start very early in the morning. Whatever your destination for the day, I suggest being on the road to get there by about 7:00am. The more popular the stop, the more important this tip becomes.
My second tip is to bring your boots and do some hiking! While the accessible viewpoints of areas like Moraine Lake are often overwhelmed with visitors, you'll find that the surrounding hiking trails are considerably less crowded.
Packing for Banff
What you need to pack for a trip to Banff can vary widely depending on the type of activities you plan to enjoy. But in this guide I'll cover a handful of items that I think every visitor will need.
Hiking boots, trekking poles, a lightweight rain coat, a hiking backpack with water reservoir and rain cover, electrolyte mixes to stay hydrated are all great things to pack whether you're planning a little bit or a lot of hiking.
Weather can be a bit unpredictable in the mountains, so having a rain coat handy at all times is critical. You might also want to pack a small umbrella if you have space.
I suggest packing your clothing thoughtfully so that you can dress each day in layers. It's usually chilly at night and in the morning even during the summer. Temperatures can jump to the 70s or low 80s on a hot sunny summer day. Being able to shed layers throughout the day will keep you cool and comfortable!
Don't forget your favorite pair of sunglasses, places like Athabasca Glacier or the many lakes can reflect light and make it uncomfortable to be around on bright sunny days.
If you're planning to do some longer days hikes - I suggest reading my comprehensive day hike packing list.
Language
The primary language spoken throughout the Alberta province of Canada is English.
Currency
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is used in Banff and throughout Canada. This can be confusing for Americans since they use the same dollar sign that we do. Be mindful of the current exchange rate when planning your trip.
Many online bookings for hotels, tours and activities made through Canadian businesses will be quoted in CAD. It's important to check the exchange rate so you understand how much you're actually paying.
Banff is also extremely credit card friendly. You won't need to take out any Canadian cash for your visit unless you plan to tip guides along the way. ATMs are readily available in town and I'd suggest obtaining cash like this as opposed to exchanging it at the airport.
Tipping
The practice of tipping is just as common in Alberta as it is in the United States. Expect to tip 15-20% on your bill at restaurants. You will be prompted when paying with credit card.
Water
The tap water in Banff is safe to drink. Not only that, but the pristine mountain water here is considered high quality.
Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle to save money and cut down on waste!
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