Preparing for your Trip

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Book Accommodations: Accommodations in the Rockies fill up fast during peak season, so lock yours in early! This is especially important in Banff and Jasper! This goes the same for campsites. Provincial Campsites become available online 4 months in advance, so keep this in mind when planning!

Reserve Shuttles for Lake Moraine and/or Lake Louise: Moraine Lake now requires a shuttle reservation to access, so be sure to book your spot in advance, especially during peak season when they fill up quickly.

• ➜ Book your shuttle via Moraine Lake Bus Company

  ➜ Book your shuttle via Parks Canada

  Buy Bear Spray: You’re in grizzly country, so don’t hit the trails without it! You can grab a can at outdoor stores like Atmosphere or Valhalla Pure in Banff and Canmore, or order ahead on Amazon, just make sure you don’t pack it in your carry-on luggage.

  Buy Mosquito Spray: If you’re spending time outdoors, especially hiking, don’t forget bug spray.

  Secure Car Rental: Rental cars in sell out fast in peak season. Book online early with companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis—available in Calgary, Banff, and Canmore.

  Purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass: Buy it online before your trip to skip the lines and get unlimited access to national parks like Banff, Yoho, and Jasper. One pass covers your whole vehicle.

  Check Weather Conditions: Banff weather changes FAST - sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons. Use apps like WeatherCAN or The Weather Network and always pack layers and a rain jacket.

  Download Offline Maps: Cell service is limited in the mountains, so download Google Maps offline or use AllTrails or Gaia GPS before heading out on hikes.

  Pack All Travel and Outdoors Essentials: Hiking boots, layers, water bottle, daypack, bear spray, and bug spray. I have a complete list linked in my travel tips!