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Banff from Sulphur mountain

The town of Banff is located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies. It is the larger of the two populated areas in Banff National Park, and is about an hour and a half drive west of Calgary and four hours south of Jasper. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like many mountain towns, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer. There is a decent selection of bars and restaurants but predictably a few too many souvenir shops and boutiques. European travellers will especially welcome the sidewalks that facilitate exploration of the town on foot.

Understand

Banff is a tourist town full of visitors and seasonal workers from across Canada and around the world. It is a convenient base for seeing some spectacular scenery with little effort. However, with convenience comes crowds. Banff Avenue can be very busy on summer afternoons and evenings, but it is a great place to stay for any length of time. There are a wide variety of restaurants and clubs and plenty of tours and activities to keep you busy. Staying in Banff during the winter gives easy access to the nearby ski areas of Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise.

The area was named Banff in 1884 by George Stephen, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, recalling his birthplace in Banff, Scotland.

Climate

Banff
Climate chart (explanation)
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From w:Banff#Climate
Imperial conversion
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At an elevation of 1400m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, the climate is subarctic. Banff has experienced snowfall even during the summer months. With daily mean temperatures of +15°C in the summer and -8°C in the winter, the climate is very similar to northern Scandinavia.

Get in

By plane

The park is easily accessible for international travellers via Calgary International Airport, which has international scheduled and charter flights. The Banff Airporter ($63.99 one way) and the Brewster Airport Express ($69.99 one way) run regular scheduled trips between the airport and Banff several times daily.

By car

From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west. The first exit to Banff is about an hour and a half from the airport.

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a scenic drive from Jasper.

Parking can be tricky, but the five-storey Bear Street Parkade near downtown is free. Look for it in the 100 block of Bear Street, one block west of Banff Avenue. The Bear Street Parkade also has an EV charging station. The Town of Banff website has parking maps.

By bus

There are several airport shuttle providers from the Calgary Airport to Banff and Lake Louise.

By train

Regularly scheduled passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but luxury Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing trains operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations visit regularly from spring through to fall. (Reservations required.) You can take VIA Rail train service to Edmonton or Jasper, and then either take a bus or rent a car and drive to Banff.

Park entry fees

All visitors stopping in Banff National Park (even just for gas or in the town) require a park permit. If you are driving through non-stop, the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available; see Banff National Park#Fees and permits for details.

Get around

Roam bus

By foot

The Banff townsite is small, and you can walk just about anywhere you want to go. Walking is quick, easy and allows for random adventures down to the river, through the forests, and up the mountains. All of these activities are within a 5-15 minute walking distance.

By bus

Banff's Roam public transit bus system covers most of the town's hotels and attractions. Roam transit fares are $2 (one-way) for adults, $1 for kids and seniors; an unlimited day pass costs $5. Bus service runs from 6:15AM to 11:30PM daily.

By taxi

Taxi cabs are also available, which is handy if you are doing a grocery run or staying out late.

By bike

Biking around town is popular too. There are several shops to rent bicycles if you are interested in either mountain biking, quick travel downtown, or trail riding to the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. You can also combine cycling with public transit, as buses are equipped with bike racks. Banff is filled with trails that take you through forested areas, along streams and waterfalls, to incredible lake and mountain views.

See

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It may seem a daunting task to try to see it all in a limited amount of time.

Many tour companies will eliminate the hassle, giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. The friendly guides offer fun and informative sightseeing tours in and around the Banff area in comfortable vehicles.

Banff Park Museum
Bow Falls
Cave and Basin
  • 1 Banff Park Museum National Historic site, 91 Banff Ave (Next to the Bow River Bridge & Central Park), ☏ +1 403-762-1558, . May 14-June 30: W-Su 10AM-5PM; July 1-Sept 1: daily 10AM-5PM; Sept 2-Oct 12: W-Su 10AM-5PM. Come and learn about the animals you may see on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings! This historic "cabinet museum" is full of Banff wildlife preserved through taxidermy. Most of the animals on display were killed roughly a century ago. $3.90/adult, free with Parks Canada Discovery Pass. 
  • 2 Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), 405 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406, . The Banff Springs Hotel is a working hotel, and a recognized national historic site. The oldest part of the famous "Castle in the Rockies" was built between 1911 and 1914 using local Rundle stone (dark limestone) on the exterior, while the interior is that of a grand hotel. Fossils can be seen in the stone flooring. Visitors are welcome to see the public parts of the hotel, while guided tours may be available to show you some of the closed areas. Free to visit. 
  • 3 Bow Falls. Below the iconic Banff Springs Hotel is the beautiful Bow Falls. It's not the most dramatic waterfall in Banff National Park, but Bow Falls is in the town of Banff and is worth a visit. Easily accessible with plenty of parking for private vehicles and tour buses. You can take in the view from either side of the river. 
  • 4 Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, 1 Birch Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2388, . May 1-Sep 30: daily 10AM-6PM; Oct 1-Apr 30: 11AM-5PM. Housed in a reproduction of a fur trading post, this museum focuses on the history of the First Nations in the Banff area. $10/adult. 
  • 5 Cascades of Time Gardens (Cascade Gardens), 101 Mountain Ave (Next to Administration Building, at the head of Banff Avenue), ☏ +1 403-762-1550, . Flowering from late June to early Sept. Designed and built in the 1930s, the Cascades of Time gardens cover 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in the Banff townsite, in front of the Administration Building and behind it. The rustic timber and stone pavilions in the garden are Recognized Federal Heritage Buildings. Free. 
  • 6 Cave and Basin National Historic site, 311 Cave Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-1566, . Hours vary seasonally, check website. See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails that are free to access that explain the origin and the give you a view over the pools that are free to access. $3.90/person, free if you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Cave and Basin National Historic Site (Q2943271) on Wikidata Cave and Basin National Historic Site on Wikipedia 
  • 7 Lake Minnewanka Loop, End of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive (take Banff Ave north until it passes under Hwy 1, follow Lk Minnewanka Drive). This scenic driving loop is a short distance from the Banff townsite. It goes up the side of Cascade Mountain to Lake Minnewanka, and back down by a different route. Sights along the way include Cascade Ponds, Bankhead (former site of a coal mining town and the mine), Lake Minnewanka (picnic area, hiking, boat cruises, motor boat rentals), Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake. The area is also well known for the bighorn sheep that can be seen on and near the road. Free. 
  • 8 Mount Norquay viewpoint, Mt Norquay Scenic Drive. As you drive the winding road up to the Mt Norquay ski area, there are several viewpoints that let you see the town of Banff below, Vermilion Lakes, and the surrounding mountains. 
  • 9 Surprise Corner viewpoint. You can see the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow River, and Sulphur Mountain from this viewpoint on the lower slopes of Tunnel Mountain. 
  • 10 Vermilion Lakes, Vermilion Lakes Road, just south of and parallel to Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy 1) near Mt Norquay Rd. These three shallow lakes make a marvellous foreground to dramatic Mount Rundle in the background. Come at sunrise or sunset to see muskrat and beaver and get great lighting for photos. 
  • 11 Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, 111 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-762-1558, . Jun 15-Sep 15: daily 9:30AM-6PM; Sep 16-Jun 14: 10AM-5PM. Offers something for the whole family: art, culture and the human and natural history of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the heritage homes or take a guided walk. Admission by donation. 

Do

Mountain town activities are characteristically different in summer and winter.

Year round

A comfortable ride up the mountain
  • 1 The Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, ☏ +1 403-762-6100. A globally respected arts and cultural centre featuring performances and events with dance, music, theatre, opera, film, books, new media, and visual arts. 
  • 2 Banff Gondola Mountaintop Experience (Banff Gondola), End of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-2523, toll-free: +1-800-760-6934, fax: +1 403-762-7493. Varies seasonally; closed for 1 week in Jan for annual maintenance. Banff's sightseeing gondola provides visitors with great views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. The gondola takes you up 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft). At the top, there is a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck, photo opportunities, and a boardwalk to nearby Sanson Peak, at the top of Sulphur Mountain. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience a sunset "Alpine Lights" dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top of the gondola. $62 per adult ($56 if booked 48+ hrs in adv.). 

Indoor activities

Banff does offer some indoor activities besides museums and galleries.

Spas

The Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff National Park was established to protect and promote the natural hot springs at the Cave & Basin (now Cave & Basin National Historic Site). So there is a century-long tradition of visitors coming to take the waters in a spa-type setting. Today, visitors have many spas to choose from, but only the Upper Hot Springs Pool and Pleiades Spa allows visitors the opportunity to bathe in water from a hot spring.

  • 7 Banff Upper Hot Springs and Pleiades Massage & Spa, Upper end of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-1515, toll-free: +1-800-767-1611, . 10AM-10PM varies seasonally. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this historic spa and bathhouse, with a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Relax in soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra apres ski laugh, guests wishing to amuse can rent a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume. The outdoor hot pool is a great place to soak and watch falling snowflakes or the stars. Can be quite busy at times. In late spring, the hot springs flow sometimes drops significantly and must be supplemented with artificially-heated water. The Upper Hot Springs website's "Water" page states whether they are using all hot springs water or are supplementing. $7.30 per adult. 
  • 8 Grotto Spa, 459 Banff Ave (Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge), ☏ +1 403-762-3307, toll-free: +1-800-661-1379. M-Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Mineral pool, hot tub, eucalyptus steam room. Massages and other treatments available. 
  • 9 Mountain Spa, 111 Banff Ave (2nd floor of Harmony Lane Mall), ☏ +1 403-762-0473, toll-free: +1-888-762-0473. Steam room. Treatments available include massages, dual massages, vichy showers, pedicures, facials. 
  • 10 Red Earth Spa, 521 Banff Ave (Banff Caribou Lodge), ☏ +1 403-762-9292. 9AM-9PM (varies seasonally). Access to hotel hot pool, steam rooms, and exercise rooms. Massage, body wraps, various other treatments. 
  • 11 Rimrock Spa, 300 Mountain Ave (Rimrock Resort Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-1835, toll-free: +1-888-RIMROCK (7467625), . Daily 8AM-10PM. There are two individual massage rooms, one facial/Vichy room, a second facial room, 2 manicure stations, and 3 pedicure stations in the spa. Two couples/double massage rooms are located on the 4th and 5th floors. Spa guests may also use the hotel pool, whirlpool, sauna, and outdoor patio decks. 
  • 12 Willow Stream Spa, 405 Spray Ave (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-1772, toll-free: +1-800-404-1772, . Daily 8AM-8PM. Banff's most luxurious spa has a huge variety of treatments on offer. Reservations are recommended. 

Winter

Skiing and snowboarding

Sunshine Village

Banff National Park is home to three ski areas, all within easy drive of the Banff townsite. Driving to the hill is not strictly required, as ski shuttles have stops convenient to most hotels. They will take you to the mountain of your choice and back again. Shuttle buses are included in the price of some ski passes, or you may have to pay a fare ($15).

Of the three Banff National Park ski areas, only Sunshine Village has ski-in ski-out accommodations. However, access to Sunshine is solely through their gondola. The gondola stops running Sa-Th at 4PM, and F at 10PM. Sunshine is a village in name only; there are very few activities there after the ski lifts shut down for the day. Most skiers stay in the town of Banff or the village of Lake Louise.

The ski season in Banff runs from early November to mid-April. The final day of skiing at Sunshine Village is always on Victoria Day, in late May.

  • 13 Norquay, End of Mount Norquay Scenic Drive, ☏ +1 403-762-4421. The closest mountain to the Banff townsite, and it is much used by the locals. It is unique in the area because you can pay for skiing by the hour, and night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a tube park for non-skiers (and non-boarders.) The ski season is a little shorter at Norquay, because it is at a lower altitude than Sunshine and Lake Louise, and snowfall is less consistent. The trails here lean more towards steep and difficult, although there is still plenty of easy terrain. Giv'er Grandi (formerly Excalibur, accessed via Mystic Express lift) is North America's steepest groomed piste. The lodge is not much good for breakfast; lunch and beer on the deck can't be beat however! $61 for full day adult ticket. 
  • 14 Sunshine Village, End of Sunshine Road, ☏ +1 403-705-4000, toll-free: +1-877-542-2633. 20 minutes west of the Banff townsite. It also receives more snow than the other two resorts and benefits from a higher elevation and a generally longer ski season. All natural snow, no snow-making. Also fantastic scenery. It is the only resort of the three to have on-hill accommodation. Buffet breakfast served in the lodge at the bottom of the gondola - not much else until lunchtime once you get to the top. $85 full day adult ticket. 
  • See also Lake Louise Ski Resort

All the ski hills are busier on the weekends. Lake Louise tends to get icy if it hasn't snowed in a while, but with fresh snow is hard to beat. Sunshine Village has been giving them some competition with their new terrain and improvements however. Especially in the early season, pay attention to how many runs are open and how much recent snow has been received in the snow reports - they are better indications of the conditions than the generic conditions ratings given by the hills (the conditions are always at least 'good' according to their ratings). If you only have a few hours and want to ski where the locals ski check out Ski Norquay, it has nice long open runs with great views of the town.

Lift passes

If you arrive before December 31 and you intend to ski at least 3 days at Sunshine Village, or a combination of three days at Sunshine and at Marmot Basin in Jasper, consider buying a Sunshine-Marmot card. The card costs about the same price as one lift ticket. The first, fourth and seventh times you use the card you get a free lift ticket, all other times you get $10 off (you are ahead quite a bit by the third day). These cards can be purchased on the hill (either Sunshine or Marmot Basin), or also at Safeway stores in Edmonton and Calgary, and are valid at Sunshine Village in Banff and Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper. The Sunshine-Marmot cards are available for purchase until December 31 but can be used all season.

Louise Plus cards are very similar to Sunshine Marmot Cards. In addition to Lake Louise, they are also honored at four other ski areas: Castle (near Pincher Creek, Alberta); Revelstoke (Revelstoke, BC); Panorama (Panorama, BC), and Schweitzer (Sandpoint, Idaho, USA).

You can purchase a Tri-Area Pass for Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Norquay. This ticket includes the bus transportation and can be used at any of the three hills at any time.

Ski and snowboard rentals

Nearby Lake Louise is another popular ski resort

There are a number of great places in the Town of Banff that will rent high quality skis, snowboards, and boots. Some will also rent winter coats and pants. All Banff National Park ski areas require skiers & snowboarders under age 18 to wear helmets. Adults will find that not only do helmets protect your head when you fall, but they do a great job of keeping your head warm in cold and windy weather.

Ski and snowboard lessons

In addition to the skiing & snowboarding schools at Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise, there are some independent ski and board schools.

  • Club Snowboard/Ski, 119 Banff Av. A top notch snowboard and ski school with small groups of 4-6. Snowboard methods do vary from European, they tend to teach you to "surf" on snow rather than carve as you would on skis. 

Other winter activities

  • Ice skating. There are outdoor skating rinks at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (fire, heated shelter) and at Banff Community High School (right next to Banff Avenue). A section of the Bow River is also cleared for skating. However, as always with bodies of natural ice, be careful. There is an indoor rink at Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Ice skates can be rented from some of the ski rental business.
  • Snowshoeing. Strap on snowshoes and walk through pristine snow like the fur traders did in days gone by, a true winter experience. Guided snowshoe walks are available, or you can rent snowshoes from some ski rental shops. Snowshoeing is subject to the same avalanche risks as cross-country skiing; check the current avalanche risk for your planned route with Parks Canada or at the website of the Canadian Avalanche Centre. In March 2014, four snowshoers were killed when they went into avalanche terrain near Lake Louise without proper training or equipment.
  • 22 Sleigh rides, Warner Stables on Sundance Road, ☏ +1 403-762-4551, toll-free: +1-800-661-8352, . Daily 10AM-8PM. Their 12- and 18-passenger sleighs do hourly trips near the Banff townsite. Rides are roughly 45 minutes. They will provide hats & mittens if needed, blankets are also supplied to bundle up in. Couples can book a private 2-seater sleigh ride for $182 per couple. From $30/adult. 
  • Tubing and sledding. Tube parks at Mt Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Resort. 

Summer

Summer in Banff, just like winter, is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails accessible from the main town, as well as tours for horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain biking and more. Be warned though - some smaller tour companies are not as professional as the larger tour companies. If they are overbooked, they may pass your credit card details along to a third party without your knowledge and book another tour on your behalf (not always at the same price, and not always the same tour!)

Hummingbird sitting on a spoke of a bike wheel in Banff
  • 23 Canoeing & kayaking with Banff Adventures Unlimited (formerly Blue Canoe), Banff canoe docks on Bow River, ☏ +1 403-762-4554, toll-free: +1-800-644-8888. Three minutes walk from the centre of Banff, you can find the canoe docks. There, you can rent canoe or kayak to take a tranquil journey on the Bow River. 1- and 2-person kayaks available; canoes seat three. Guided tours in large voyageur canoes are offered twice daily. Purchase canoe vouchers at 211 Bear Street. $36 per person for one hour. 
  • 24 Holiday on Horseback, Warner Stables or Spray River Corrals (End of Sundance Road), ☏ +1 403-762-4551, toll-free: +1-800-661-8352, . Trail rides, western cookouts (trail ride and campfire meal), and back-country rides. Wagons are available so that your whole group can go together, including non-riders. From $46 per person. 
  • 25 Rocky Mountain Raft Tours, Base of Bow Falls, ☏ +1 403-762-3632. Float trips down the Bow River starting near the base of Bow Falls. The only rafting trips that take place inside Banff National Park; other rafting operators will pick you up in Banff and then start the trip somewhere outside the park. Season is from mid-May to late Sept. From $50 per adult. 
  • Banff Legacy Trail. 22-km cycle path between Banff and Canmore. 
  • Mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails in Banff National Park, most of which have trail-heads in or near the town of Banff. Bike trails are also used by hikers, equestrians, bears, and other wildlife. Freeriding and downhilling are not permitted in the national park. 
  • Rock climbing. The area around Banff offers climbing for climbers of all levels — all climbs will happen with certified guides. Good places for beginners are Rundle Rock near the golf course and Yamnuska Bluffs and Zygote Crag. Advanced climbers should head to Wasootch Creek, Heart Creek and a site near Lake Louise. Prices for climbing tours are a few hundred dollars for one person, but the per person price is less if there are two or more of you. 
  • 26 Via Ferrata at Norquay. A bit safer way of climbing, also performed with guides. You go up the mountain along a sort of ladders on the mountain wall. 
  • Fishing. Companies arrange fishing tours on Lake Minnewanka. There are both boat and wading tours. Some tours include equipment and/or the mandatory fishing permit ($36.36+GST), inquire beforehand! 
  • 27 Banff Springs Golf Course. If you'd like to play golf, there's a 27-hole public golf course near to and operated by the landmark hotel. Along the season, several golf tournaments are arranged there. (updated Mar 2015)

Hiking and wildlife viewing

Bighorn sheep

Banff has the most beautiful trails surrounding it. You can pick up a free trail map at the Visitor Centre, or find many trail maps online, as downloadable pdf files. Please check the trail reports online or with the Parks Canada desk before you go, as high-elevation snow, bear activity, or other factors may close trails or create hazards. Another option is to go with a hiking guide and group, different locations are available.

While in the area, always keep your eyes peeled as there are so many animals to spot in the summer in Banff. It is important to keep your distance, though, as wildlife is wild and they should be kept that way, they can be dangerous too! In the spring, female elk are very protective of their calves, who may lie hidden out of sight; in fall, bull elk are extremely aggressive during the rut. For this reason, you will need a telephoto lens to get good photos of wildlife while staying safe.

How can you tell that you are getting too close to wildlife? If the animal stares at you, moves away from you (even just a few steps), or behaves aggressively toward you, then you should back away until that behavior stops. Also, it is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park.

Visitors often confuse bighorn sheep with mountain goats. Goats are white with black noses and short black horns, and are usually seen high up on rocky ledges. Bighorn sheep are brown, with white rump patches and brown horns. They are usually seen by roadsides and grazing on grasses close to rocky outcrops. You'll never forget the difference after you watch this Parks Canada music video, "GOat Sheep GOat".

The Bow River trail
  • 28 Sulphur Mountain Trail. Rather than taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, you can hike the trail up to the top of the ridge and catch the gondola down. (It's half price to just take the gondola down, but it's free before 10AM and after 7PM.) The trail is steep but manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Note that there is a little-used road that goes down the side of Sulphur Mountain that is away from the town, which has been mistaken for the hiking trail; the road is much longer than the hiking trail. If you opt to hike down after taking the gondola up, you should be able to see the gondola towers and cables on your way down, as the hiking trail zigzags below the gondola lift. 
  • 29 Tunnel Mountain Trail. A hike of 4.3 km, ranked as "easy". It starts from downtown Banff and takes you up the Tunnel Mountain, from where you have a nice view over the surroundings. You won't find any tunnel along the trail; when the Canadian Pacific railway was constructed in the late 19th century a plan was to build a tunnel through this mountain but it never happened. 
  • 30 Fenland Trail. A very good spot for birdwatching all year, and you may also see beaver or muskrat in 40 Mile Creek. May be closed in spring due to calving elk. (Cow elk are very protective of calves.) 
  • 31 Marsh Loop. An easy walk of 2.4 km through the marshlands near Banff. This is a good place for birdwatching and there are good views of Mount Norquay. 
  • 32 Bow River Trail. The Bow River Trail is a riverside trail of 0.9 or 1.4 km, which are paved and according to the home page of the Town of Banff even wheelchair accessible. 
Hoodoos in the winter
  • 33 Hoodoo Trail. A popular walk to the hoodoos (a kind of rock formations) east of Banff. 
  • 34 Sunshine Meadows. An alpine park with trails with varying difficulty levels. There are guided walks too, and the area offers good views of the highest mountains in the Banff National Park. Shuttle bus access from Banff. 
  • 35 Lake Minnewanka Loop. Great spot to see bighorn sheep next to the road, especially when you get to Lake Minnewanka and the area around Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake. 
  • 36 Bow Valley Parkway. A scenic route from Banff to Lake Louise, running parallel to Highway 1. You have a good chance at seeing different mammals like bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, deer and grizzly bears. There are seasonal travel restrictions. 
  • 37 Banff Springs Golf Course. Great place to find elk all year round. They love grazing on the lush grass. 
  • 38 Mount Norquay Road. Look for bighorn sheep here, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a mountain goat along the cliffs. 

Events and festivals

  • Banff Summer Music Series: 16 June – 25 August 2019. Musical performances of all genres. Be sure to check out their Events Calendar for other musical events that are not part of the summer series. (date needs updating)
  • Banff World Media Festival (formerly Banff World Television Festival): 9–12 June 2019, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. An event for professionals in the television and digital media industry. (date needs updating)
  • Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival: 26 October – 3 November 2019, The Banff Centre and various venues around Banff. An annual international festival which occurs over ten days in early November. It showcases international films and books on outdoor adventure and mountain culture. It is a very popular event that is well attended by a diverse mix of backcountry enthusiasts, weekend warriors and average Joes. (date needs updating)

Buy

Enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travellers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store. A recommended way to experience the highlights is to start on Banff Avenue at the Cascade Plaza mall, do a quick circuit of the shops there, then head down Banff Avenue towards the Bow River. This is the retail, cafe, and restaurant heart of Banff. Once you get near the river, turn around and head back on the other side of Banff Avenue to complete the Banff shopping loop.

Eat

Banff Avenue

Banff is an exciting place to visit on all fronts, and the palate is not excluded. There are pubs, fast-food, fine dining, steakhouses (this is Alberta, after all!), traditional fare from around the world, and candy shops.

Banff can be an expensive place to dine as it is a tourist destination.

Alcoholic beverages: Visitors to Banff can sometimes be perplexed by Alberta's liquor laws. The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18. A restaurant that does not serve alcohol can admit diners of all ages. However, some restaurants that serve alcohol may be required to bar anyone under 18 from entering--even if they are just going to use the toilet. A second type of liquor licence allows both adults and minors to enter. To further confuse things, the same restaurant may be allowed to accept diners of all ages at certain times, but be open only to ages 18+ at other times of the day (usually evenings). All establishments that serve alcoholic beverages are legally required to have a food menu as well.

In a hotel, guests cannot take their unfinished alcoholic drinks from the hotel restaurant to their hotel room.

These are not rules imposed by management; they are legal requirements, and the business could forfeit their liquor licence if they are caught breaking them. Similarly, younger drinkers may have to show proof of age before they are served. Again, the business could lose their liquor licence if they are found serving under-aged patrons, so they need to be very careful.

Budget

  • 1 [dead link] Barpa Bill's Souvlaki, 223 Bear St., ☏ +1 403 762-0377, . The best Greek food this side of Greece. If you can find this legendary hole-in-the-wall, you can enjoy one of the best and cheapest meals in Banff: pita wraps, burgers, and Greek specialties. 
  • 2 Chaya, 118 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-0882. Tiny Japanese noodle shop. 
  • 3 Nesters Market, 122 Bear St. 8AM-11PM. For those that need a supermarket instead of a restaurant, Nesters has a great range of organic products. 
  • 4 [dead link] Pad Thai, 110 Banff Ave (Clock Tower Mall, Main Level), ☏ +1 403-762-4911. Budget-friendly Thai food in a cafe setting. 
  • 5 Safeway, 318 Marten St (3 blocks from the Samesun Backpacker Lodge and Banff International Hostel), ☏ +1 403-762-5378. 8AM-11PM. This large grocery store also sells ready-to-eat meals to take away. 
  • 6 Wild Flour Bakery, 211 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-760-5074. Artisanal bakery cafe. Their menu includes sandwiches, croissants and different soups. 

Mid-range

Meal with a view, on the top of Sulphur Mountain
  • 7 Balkan Restaurant, 120 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-3454. The Balkan restaurant first fired up its grill on Banff Avenue in 1982. The restaurant was the creation of Greek families out of their element in the cold Canadian Rockies who wished to bring the authentic flavors and warm festive atmosphere of the Mediterranean to this high mountain town. Check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing. 
  • 8 Magpie and Stump, 203 Caribou St, ☏ +1 403-762-4067. A Mexican restaurant that specializes in margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where margaritas are half-price, and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late. 
  • 9 The Meatball Pizza & Pasta, 337 Banff Av (Located at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn), ☏ +1 403 762-3667. The Meatball offers a menu featuring delicious Italian influences. 
  • 10 Seoul Country Korean Restaurant, 215 Banff Ave (Sundance Mall), ☏ +1 403-762-4941, . This Korean BBQ restaurant smells fantastic as you enter. Value for money. $20. 
  • 11 Wildfire Grill, 600 Banff Av (Inns of Banff), ☏ +1 403 762-4581. Great food, reasonable prices, attentive staff, and fantastic mountain views. 
  • 12 Rose and Crown, 202 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2121. Serves a substantial, eclectic menu, along with 11 beers and one cider on tap. 
  • 13 Bamboo Garden, 211 Banff Ave (Across from Banff Avenue Square, second floor of Bear Street Mall), ☏ +1 403-985-6688. Family restaurant specializing in Thai and Chinese cuisine. The red Thai curry was edible but too thick. The Chinese prawns with cashews was excellent. (updated Jul 2017)
  • 14 Vistas Dining Room, End of St. Julien road (Upper level of Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre). This buffet restaurant in the Banff Centre shares a floor with The Three Ravens (see below), but provides more food for less money. 

Splurge

  • 15 Grizzly House, 207 Banff Ave. A must-see, this was once a swinger's bar. This unique shaped restaurant right downtown has telephones at every table with placemats that serve as a map so you can call tables to chat through your dinner. It is a laid-back, fun atmosphere and the food does not disappoint. A typical meal may consist of a Caesar salad to start, then a cheese fondue served with freshly steamed veggies and mouth-watering bread for dipping. The second course is where things get exciting; opt for the hot-rock style of fondue. Rocks are brought to the table and heated to 300 °F (149 °C). Each rock gets its own pot of garlic butter smeared on, first by your server and then by you; each person receives a customized plate of raw fish, chicken, bison, frog legs, AAA-beef, shark, snake, whatever you wish, or dare, to try. Accompanying the exotic mix of possibilities are dipping sauces like chipotle and teriyaki. 
  • 16 The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge - Caribou Lodge, 521 Banff Av. (at the Banff), ☏ +1 403 762-4442. Steaks and a casual ambiance. 
  • 17 The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge - Downtown, 117 Banff Av, ☏ +1 403 760-3030. The Keg steakhouse also has another restaurant downtown. 
  • 18 The Maple Leaf, 137 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-7680. A four-diamond restaurant, caters to an elite crowd with impressive wine selections and pricey entrees. 
  • 19 Saltlik Steakhouse, 221 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-762-2467. Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs. 
  • 20 Eden, 300 Mountain Ave (Rimrock Resort), ☏ +1 403-762-1865. French restaurant using many local ingredients, with some Asian influences. 10-time winner of CAA 5-Diamond and "Best of Award of Excellence" Wine Spectator awards. 
  • 21 Chucks Steakhouse, 101 Banff Avenue. High end steak and dining. (updated May 2018)
  • 22 Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar, End of St. Julien Road (3rd level of Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre). Fine dining with fine views. The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients and has an ambitious and creative kitchen that mostly succeeds in meeting its goals. The service is reportedly superb. Expect about $100 per person for a decent meal. 


Desserts & sweets

Every tourist destination has stores that specialize in tempting visitors with sweet delights.

  • 23 Beaver Tails, 120 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-0086. Deep-fried pastry topped with many sweet options. 
  • 24 Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut, 111 Banff Ave (Harmony Lane Mall), ☏ +1 403 762-4106. Calgary-based chocolatier. 
  • 25 Cows Ice Cream, 134 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-3493. Ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, and fun cow-related novelty t-shirts and mooooer. 
  • 26 The Fudgery, 215 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-3003. Hand-made fudge and chocolates. 
  • 27 Mountain Chocolates, 200 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2624. Reportedly the only chocolate shop in town where the products are manufactured on site. They also have caramel apples, ice cream and other sweet things. 
  • 28 Welch's Chocolate Shop (The Banff Candy Store), 126 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3737. Candy and chocolates from all over the world. Ice cream cones, fudge, and locally-made chocolate treats. 

Drink

Banff has a large variety of places to sit and enjoy a drink whether it is après ski or a patio.

Most of the pubs have live music, both open mike and hired bands. Dancing is definitely encouraged!

  • 1 St. James Gate, 207 Wolf St, ☏ +1 403 762-9355. Irish pub. 
  • 2 Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon, 201 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-0333. Wild Bill's offers bands, a dance hall, line dancing & two stepping. Can accommodate groups of all sizes. 
  • 3 Rose and Crown, 202 Banff Av (Upstairs), ☏ +1 403 762-2121. English pub. 
  • 4 Elk and Oarsman, 1119 Banff Av (2nd floor), ☏ +1 403 762-4616. Canadian-style pubs. 
  • 5 Aurora Nightclub and Hoodoo Lounge, 110 Banff Ave (lower level), ☏ +1 403-760-5300. 
  • 6 The Beaver (Samesun Backpackers Lodges), 433 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-4499. Banff's liveliest and most central Backpacker bar. Nightly drink specials, $3 cocktails, $3.25 pints until 7PM every night. Open mic, trivia, live music and theme parties. 
  • 7 Pump and Tap Tavern, 215 Banff Av (Lower level Sundance Mall), ☏ +1 403 760-6610. British pub. Looking to watch the footie game or cricket match? 
  • 8 Bear's Den Pub (Inns of Banff) (At the Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Av.). 5PM-midnight. Features a wide selection of locally brewed beers and pub fare food. 
  • 9 Dancing Sasquatch, 120 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-4002. Daily 9PM-2:30AM. Very popular with the locals who like to party and with tourists. Be there by 10PM to avoid long lines on weekends and holidays. 
  • Banff Avenue Brewery (Upstairs near the Avenue and Buffalo.). The local brewery in Banff operates out a darkened second floor space downtown. A good IPA for the craft beer snob, and a selection of other milder beers here for the tourist market. Elk pie and bison stew are on the menu. (updated May 2019)

Sleep

Being a national park, Banff has plenty of accommodation. However, book early, because places fill up quickly in winter and summer. To live in Banff, as opposed to being a perpetual tourist, residents must have a business in town. If you have access to a car, another often cheaper alternative is to stay in Canmore and drive to the ski resorts or into Banff.

Most hotels are along Banff Avenue or on Tunnel Mountain Road.

Budget

Northern lights over Banff
  • 1 Banff Ptarmigan Inn, 337 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2207, toll-free: +1-800-661-8310. A block from downtown, it offers a great location. 
  • 2 Banff International Hostel (Not associated with Hostelling International), 449 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-7744, toll-free: +1-855-5HOSTEL (467835), fax: +1 403-985-7745, . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Banff International Hostel offers bunks in dorm rooms or private bedrooms all with lockers and with private bathrooms. 2 blocks from downtown on a bus route it connects guests with most sights in town. It offers free Wi-Fi and 3 internet work stations. For updates, check the hostel's blog as it keeps adding new services! $25-160. 
  • 3 Banff Y Mountain Lodge, 102 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3560, toll-free: +1-800-813-4138. The Banff Y has a fully licensed bistro with an outdoor patio and a variety of meeting space. Internet ($1 for 10 minutes on a computer or $12 for 24 hours of Wi-Fi), laundry, common kitchen (it is not sparkling clean), and quiet sitting room all on the premises. Private and semi-private rooms starting at $46 Canadian dollars, dormitory rooms starting at $22, group rates available. 
  • 4 HI-Banff Alpine Centre, 801 Coyote Dr (on Tunnel Mountain Road), toll-free: +1-866-762-4122. With private rooms, 2 spacious kitchens and lounge areas, 2 fireplaces and restaurant Cougar Pete's Lookout & Kitchen. 20-minute walk to downtown Banff. "The Storm Cellar, Banff's Pub and Game house" features drink specials, games (pool, darts, foosball) and an eclectic bunch of servers. 
  • 5 King Edward Hotel, 137 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-3734, toll-free: +1-888-762-2607, fax: +1 403-985-3735, . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The King Eddie, as the locals call it, is at the most central point in Banff. The hotel offers private rooms with all major amenities, like free wireless internet, in-room coffee and tea, private bathrooms and 32" flat screen cable TV. Concierge service is available at the front desk. $55-199. 
  • 6 SameSun Backpacker Lodge, 433 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-4499. A 100-bed hostel with a private room. Each room has an en suite bathroom. Lockers, laundry, common lounge and kitchen, free Wi-Fi and Internet kiosks, video games, nightly activities, BBQs, local tours, patio. Breakfast (self-serve pancakes, toast, porridge, fruit, juice, coffee, tea) included. Daily activities, including open mic, trivia, ice skating, bands, and theme parties. Ski and Stay for $155 or rooms starting at $31/night. 
  • 7 Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds. Two sites, one of them operating around the year (Tunnel Mountain I is just open during the summer). The other has a 34-site "walk in" tenting area and a total of 188 sites. $27.40-32.30. 

Mid-range

  • 8 Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, 521 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-5887, toll-free: +1-800-561-8764. This mountain themed lodge offers luxury bedding, large jetted hotpool, underground parking, The Keg Steakhouse & Lounge, and The Red Earth Spa. 
  • 9 Banff Inn, 501 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-8844, toll-free: +1-800-667-1464. The Banff Inn features standard guest rooms, rooms with jacuzzi tubs, loft units, king rooms and honeymoon suites. 
  • 10 Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, 1029 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2638, toll-free: +1-800-563-8764. This resort features suite-style accommodation with kitchens and fireplaces. The resort also offers an indoor pool, tennis courts, Wi-Fi, and complimentary shuttle to and from downtown. 
  • 11 Best Western, 453 Marten St, ☏ +1 403-762-5575. Breakfast included, heated indoor pool, balconies with mountain views, jacuzzi suites, heated parking and pet-friendly. 
  • 12 Fox Hotel & Suites, 461 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-8500, toll-free: +1-800-661-8310. The Fox offers one- and two-bedroom suites and hotel rooms. The hotel's centrepiece is the hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Site. 
  • 13 Hidden Ridge Resort, 901 Hidden Ridge Way, ☏ +1 403-762-3544, toll-free: +1-800-661-1372. This resort features condo style accommodation with full kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. The resort also offers two outdoor hot pools, BBQ and picnic areas and Wi-Fi. It is located on the Banff transit route. 
  • 14 Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-4581, toll-free: +1-866-704-3693. This hotel has an indoor pool, outdoor hotpool, 2 restaurants and lounge, ski shop and underground parking, and is on the Banff transit route. 

Splurge

Banff Springs Hotel
  • 15 The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, 405 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406. One of the grand old hotels, few hotels can compare to the majesty of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Nestled in the trees overlooking the rest of the town and valley, it is a magnificent location for a magnificent building. Multiple restaurants, a heated outdoor pool and a wide range of accommodation. All this comes at a price, though, and the Banff Springs is an expensive hotel. Also, booking very early is required. Among the luxurious amenities, you can indulge in their three waterfall treatments whirlpools and indoor Hungarian mineral pool (that actually has music underwater to soothe you as you float into complete relaxation) or enjoy treatments at the onsite Willow Stream Spa. Bike and ski rentals are available at the hotel and can be booked in advance. Ftom $270/night. 
  • 16 Rimrock Resort Hotel, 300 Mountain Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3356, toll-free: +1-888-RIMROCK (7467625), . Perched dramatically on the edge of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock has a spa and several fine dining restaurants. From $168/night. 

Connect

All phone numbers must be preceded by a local area code. The area codes 403 and 587 are used for Banff & Lake Louise and most of Southern Alberta. If you see a Banff phone number without an area code, use the older area code, 403.

Stay safe

You may encounter bears, although the risk is much smaller than it used to be

Banff has a lot of wildlife roaming in and around the town. Be careful of elk and deer when driving in the town. The most dangerous wildlife in Banff National Park are not bears or cougars, but elk. In spring, female (cow) elk are very protective of their offspring and will charge anyone who they consider a threat. In the fall, male (bull) elk are rutting and very aggressive. Cow elk weigh roughly 230 kg (507 lb), while bull elk weigh about 320 kg (705 lbs). Both sexes are capable of seriously injuring a person, and rutting males have also damaged cars.

Thirty years ago, bears used to be quite common within the town but conservation efforts have largely fixed this problem. Garbage and litter within the town must be discarded into bear-proof containers. In Banff National Park it is illegal to feed any wildlife, and both stupid and illegal to feed bears. "A fed bear is a dead bear": bears who learn to associate humans with food engage in behaviours that are threatening to humans and ultimately fatal to the bear.

Avalanches are a risk in winter. This risk is not limited to people engaging in activities like cross-country (Nordic) skiing, skiing off piste, ice climbing, or snowmobiling. The winter of 2013-2014 was particularly tragic in Banff National Park because four people were killed by an avalanche when snowshoeing and two people were killed by an avalanche when sledding. None of them had any avalanche gear with them.

Learn to identify avalanche hazards. An avalanche slope has enough of a slope to it that you can ski or sled down, but is not so steep that it won't hold snow. If you're not familiar with how to spot avalanche risks and you want to engage in outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or even sledding, check with Parks Canada staff or the Canadian Avalanche Centre for more information.

Be alert to your surroundings. Not all cliffs or other unsafe areas are marked with signs or blocked off by railings. Some travellers disregard railings and warning signs of unsafe terrain, when they exist, because they are keen on getting a closer look or taking photographs. Even if the risk is not obvious to you, it's best to assume that someone put up the barriers and safety messages for a good reason.

Emergency contacts

  • Ambulance/Police/Fire: 9-1-1.
  • 1 Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, 305 Lynx St, ☏ +1 403-762-2222. 

Go next

  • If you are staying in the Banff and Lake Louise area and don't mind the slightly longer drive, you may also consider the Kicking Horse Ski resort just over the border in Golden, British Columbia west of Yoho National Park, Banff's sister park and Canada's second protected area.
  • Drive along highway 1A west of Banff.
  • Johnston Canyon hiking.
  • Bow Falls is located close to the Banff townsite.
  • Peyto Lake, in Banff National Park, is 40 km north of the town on the Icefields Parkway.
  • Jasper National Park — even more magnificent Rockies landscapes and hiking trails.
  • Calgary — the largest city in the province, world famous for its Stampede and an access point to many of the region's national parks.
  • Edmonton — set in a beautiful river valley park system, Edmonton is a great place to experience live theatre and music.
Routes through Banff
Kamloops ← Lake Louise ← Jct S ←  W  E  → Canmore → Calgary


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