Banff Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
One of the things that surprised me most about Banff is that it somehow manages to exceed every expectation. I had seen countless photos before our trip and knew it would be beautiful, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The mountains are bigger, the lakes are more vibrant, and the scenery feels almost unreal.
Beyond the incredible views, Banff itself is such a fun place to visit. The town is charming, easy to explore, and surrounded by more outdoor adventures than you could fit into one trip. Whether you enjoy hiking, scenic drives, canoeing, wildlife spotting, or simply taking in the views, there’s no shortage of things to do.
We spent several days exploring the area, and by the end of the trip I already knew I’d be back. If you’re planning a visit, these are the experiences I’d recommend to a friend, along with a few things we learned that made our trip even better.
If You Love Being Outdoors, You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do
If you’re anything like me, the best vacations are the ones that get you outside, and Banff is one of the best places I’ve ever been for that.
There are incredible hikes, scenic drives, canoe rentals, wildlife, and beautiful places to simply stop and take it all in. We packed our days pretty full, and even then there were plenty of things we didn’t have time to do.
One experience I wouldn’t skip is Sunshine Meadows. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. The alpine lakes, wildflowers, mountain views, and peaceful trails made it one of my favorite days of the trip. I’m so glad our Bed & Breakfast hosts recommended it! I found myself stopping every few minutes just to look around and snap a pic because the scenery just kept getting better.
One tip I’d share is to take the gondola to the top. While you can hike the extra miles uphill, I’d rather save my energy for exploring once I get there. You’ll have more time to wander through the meadows, soak in the views, and maybe even enjoy a drink surrounded by the mountains before heading back down.
Another walk we really enjoyed was the trail from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos. It’s an easy hike with beautiful views along the river, including one of the most iconic views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It was a nice reminder that not every memorable experience has to be a strenuous hike.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Ha Ling Peak near Canmore is well worth the effort. It’s definitely a workout (2500 feet straight uphill type of workout), but the panoramic views from the top make every step worthwhile.
Don’t Skip the Lakes- Just Plan Ahead
Before visiting Banff, I knew Lake Louise and Moraine Lake would be beautiful. What I didn’t realize was how much planning they require.
These are two of the most popular places in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason. The water really is that vibrant turquoise, and the mountain backdrop is every bit as stunning as you’ve seen in photos.
Moraine Lake now requires taking a shuttle, so be sure to plan ahead. Once you arrive, don’t just snap a picture and leave. Walk along the shoreline, climb the Rockpile Trail for the famous view, and spend a little time taking it all in. It’s one of those places that’s worth slowing down for.
The same goes for Lake Louise. While most visitors gather near the front of the lake (it is crazy crowded near the iconic photo spot), I’d encourage you to keep walking. We walked a few hundred yards around the lake and the crowds magically began to disappear. The farther you go along the lakeshore trail, the quieter it becomes, and you get to enjoy the scenery without quite as many people around.
A Couple Places We’d Definitely Eat Again
After spending the day hiking, we were always ready for a good meal, and these were two places we’d happily recommend.
Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse was one of our favorite dinners of the trip. It has a warm, cozy atmosphere and was the perfect place to relax after a full day outdoors. I’d definitely make reservations if you’re visiting during the busy season.
For a special evening, consider having dinner at Sky Bistro, located at the top of the Banff Gondola. The food was excellent, but honestly, the views are what make it memorable. Watching the sun settle over the mountains while enjoying dinner was one of those experiences we’ll always remember.
A Few Things I Learned
A little planning goes a long way in Banff. Here are a few things I’d tell a friend before they go:
- Start your days early. The most popular places are much quieter in the morning, and you’ll have an easier time with parking or shuttle transportation.
- Make reservations ahead of time for restaurants and attractions whenever possible. Summer is a busy season.
- If you’re hiking, rent bear spray before you head out. We rented ours from Bear Street Outfitters, and it was quick and easy.
- Dress in layers. Even on warm days, mountain weather can change quickly.
- If you’re traveling with family or friends in one vehicle, compare the cost of a daily park pass with the annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Depending on your trip, the annual pass may actually save you money.
- Consider using Roam Transit for some of the busiest attractions. It saves the hassle of finding parking and makes getting around surprisingly easy.
Why I’d Go Back
If Banff has been on your travel list, I’d absolutely encourage you to go.
It’s one of those places that’s even more impressive in person than it is in photos, and that’s saying something. Between the hiking, the lakes, the mountain views, and the charming town itself, it’s a destination that offers so much more than I expected.
Even after several days there, I left feeling like we’d only scratched the surface. There are still trails I’d love to hike, lakes I’d like to revisit, and experiences we didn’t have time to fit in. That’s probably the best compliment I can give a place.
I hope these ideas and tips help you plan a trip you’ll love. And if you make it to Banff, I’d love to hear what ends up being your favorite part.
