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Banff Avenue

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 located about an hour and half drive west of Calgary and four hours south of Jasper. The park is easily accessible for international travellers via Calgary International Airport, which has international scheduled and charter flights. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. [1]

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. That being said, 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.

Get in

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.

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

Regularly scheduled passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but luxury sightseeing trains operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations [2] visit regularly from spring through to fall. (Reservations required.) You can take VIA Rail train service [3] to Edmonton or Jasper, and then either bus, or rent a car and drive to Banff. Greyhound services Banff with scheduled bus service to and from nearby towns and cities.

Park Entry Fees

All Canadian National Parks require visitors to pay an entry fee. Your citizenship or place of residence does not change what you pay; Canadian residents and international visitors pay the same fees. The national parks in Alberta and BC are fairly close to each other and it is possible to visit several of them in a single day. If you pay an entry fee in one mountain park (e.g. Banff National Park), and visit another on the same day (e.g. Yoho National Park), you will not have to pay a second time. Your paid entry fee is valid until 4PM the following day.

The fees that visitors pay do not go to general government revenues; they are used to enhance and maintain the parks and visitor services.

As of March 2014, the entry fees were as follows:

  • $9.80 per day for an adult (aged 17-64)
  • $8.30 per day for a senior (aged 65+)
  • $4.90 per day for a youth (aged 6-16)

If you are entering the park as a group of 2-7 people travelling in a single vehicle, you can pay the group fee of $19.60 per day. (This is the same fee as paying for two adults.)

If you will be visiting Canadian National Parks for 7 days or more, you may save money by purchasing an annual Discovery Pass:

  • $67.70 for an adult
  • $57.90 for a senior
  • $33.30 for a youth
  • $136.40 for a family/group

A Discovery Pass also includes admission to national historic sites operated by Parks Canada, such as the Banff Park Museum, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Bar U Ranch, Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Fort Langley National Historic Site, and more. Note that Parks Canada does not operate all of Canada's national historic sites.

Get around

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.

Banff's Roam public transit bus system [4] 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.

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

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, and ultimately lead to incredible lake and mountain views.

See

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

Fortunately there are a host of companies available that 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.

  • 1 Banff Park Museum National Historic site, 91 Banff Avenue (ext to the Bow River Bridge & Central Park), ☏ +1 403-762-1558, . May 14-June 30: 10AM-5PM, Wed-Sun; July 1-Sept 1 10AM-5PM Daily; Sept 2-Oct 12 10AM-5PM Wed-Sun. 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 Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406, . The Banff Springs Hotel is not only a working hotel, but also a recognized national historic site. The oldest part of the famous "Castle in the Rockies" was built in 1911-1914 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 conveniently located in the town of Banff and is worth a visit. Easily accessible with plenty of parking for private vehicles and tour buses.[5] 
  • 5 Cascades of Time Gardens (Cascade Gardens), 101 Mountain Avenue (Next to Administration Building, at the head of Banff Avenue), ☏ +1 403-762-1550, . Flowering from late June to early Sept. Originally designed and built in the 1930's, 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. [6][7] Free. 
  • 6 Cave and Basin National Historic site, 311 Cave Avenue, ☏ +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. $3.90/person, free if you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass. 
  • 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 just 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 marvelous 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 Street, ☏ +1 403-762-1558, . Jun 15-Sep 15 9:30AM-6PM Daily; 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

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 especially will welcome the sidewalks allowing exploration of the town on foot.

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.

Events and Festivals

  • 1 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, 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. 
  • 2 Banff Summer Arts Festival. 
  • 3 Banff World Media Festival (formerly Banff World Television Festival), Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. (Early June.) 

Year Round

  • 4 Banff Upper Hot Springs, Top of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-1515, toll-free: +1-800-767-1611, . 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. $7.30 per adult. 
  • 5 The Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, ☏ +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. 
  • 6 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. $36 per adult. 

Indoor activities

Banff does offer some indoor activities besides museums and galleries.

  • 10 Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, End of St. Julien Road (Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre), ☏ +1 403-762-6450, . 6AM-10PM Mon-Fri, 7AM-10PM Sat-Sun. Facilities include a climbing wall, spin studio, aquatics centre (25m pool with view of Sulphur Mountain, hot tub, whirlpool, wading pool, steam room, and sun deck), massage, physiotherapy, drop-in classes (e.g. spin, yoga, zumba) and more. $10 adult day membership, $5 adult public swim. 

Spas

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 allow visitors the opportunity to bathe in water from a hot spring.

  • 11 Banff Upper Hot Springs and Pleiades Massage & Spa, Upper end of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-1515, . 10AM-10PM. 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. 
  • 12 Grotto Spa, 459 Banff Ave (Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge), ☏ +1 403-762-3307, toll-free: +1-800-661-1379. 4PM-9PM Mon-Thurs, 9AM-9PM Fri-Sat, 10AM-6PM Sun. Mineral pool, hot tub, eucalyptus steam room. Massages and other treatments available. 
  • 13 Mountain Spa, 111 Banff Avenue (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. 
  • 14 Red Earth Spa, 521 Banff Avenue (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. 
  • 15 Rimrock Spa, 300 Mountain Avenue (Rimrock Resort Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-1835, toll-free: +1-888-RIMROCK (7467625) (746-7625), . 8AM-10PM Daily. 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. 

Winter

Skiing and Snowboarding

Banff National Park is home to three ski areas [8], 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 at 4PM Saturday through Thursday, and 10PM on Friday. 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.

  • 17 Lake Louise Ski Resort, 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise (45 minutes from Banff), toll-free: +1-877-956-8473, . Lake Louise hosts men's and women's World Cup ski events every November, making it the best-known ski area in Banff National Park. As such, it is also the busiest and most touristy. It is located close to the Lake Louise townsite. The scenery is fantastic, as is the terrain when there is fresh snow. Snowshoe tours and Sunny Tube park (next to the magic carpet) for those who don't ski or board. Excellent all you can eat buffet breakfast served in the Whiskey Jack Lodge ($12). If you're on the Club Snowboard/Ski program get the early bus! $85 for full day adult ticket. 
  • 18 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. 
  • 19 Sunshine Village, End of Sunshine Road, ☏ +1 403-705-4000, toll-free: +1-877-542-2633. Located 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. 

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.

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.[9] 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[10] 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 [11] 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

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. Note that 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.

  • 6 Snowtips-Backtrax, 225 Bear Street (Beside the Lux Cinema), ☏ +1 403-762-8177, . In addition to downhill ski equipment, they rent cross country skis, light touring skis, skate skis, telemark skis, ski clothing & helmets, ice skates, crampons, snowshoes, winter boots, and sleds. 

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

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

  • Club Snowboard/Ski, 119 Banff Av. A top notch snowboard/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. If you plan to skate on a frozen lake or river, make sure to read Parks Canada's safety information about skating on natural ice. 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 [12]. In March 2014, four snowshoers were killed when they went into avalanche terrain near Lake Louise without proper training or equipment.
  • 20 Sleigh rides, Warner Stables on Sundance Road, ☏ +1 403-762-4551, toll-free: +1-800-661-8352, . 10AM-8PM Daily. 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. $30+/adult. 
  • 21 Johnston Canyon Icewalk. A walk along the suspended catwalks of Johnston Canyon (30 minutes from Banff) to see the frozen Lower and Upper Falls. Hiking poles, ice cleats, and a snack is included. Make sure to dress warmly. 
  • 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!).

  • 22 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 center 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. 
  • 23 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 + campfire meal), and backcountry rides. Wagons are available so that your whole group can go together, including non-riders. $46+ per person. 
  • 24 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. $50+ per adult. 
  • Mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails in Banff National Park, most of which have trailheads 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. 
  • Via Ferrata at Norquay. 
  • Fishing. 

Hiking

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.[13] Please check the trail reports online[14] 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.

  • Sulphur Mountain Trail. Rather than taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, you can hike the trail up to the top of the ridge and and catch the gondola down. (It's half price to just take the gondola down, but if it's not busy they might not charge you.) 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. 
  • Tunnel Mountain Trail. 
  • Fenland Trail. 
  • Marsh Loop. 
  • Bow River Trail. 

Wildlife Viewing

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.

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 grazine on grasses close to rocky outcrops. You'll never forget the difference after you watch this Parks Canada music video, GOat Sheep GOat. [15]

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.

It is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park.

  • 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. 
  • Banff Springs Golf Course. Great place to find elk all year round. They love grazing on the lush grass. 
  • Mount Norquay Road. Look for bighorn sheep here, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a mountain goat along the cliffs. 
  • 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.) 
  • Bow Valley Parkway. Seasonal travel restrictions [16] 

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

Banff can be an expensive place to dine as tourism is always high.

A note about 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 license 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 license 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 license if they are found serving under-aged patrons, so they need to be very careful.

Budget

  • 1 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. 
  • Nesters Market, Bear Street. 8AM-11PM. For those that need a supermarket instead of a restaurant, Nesters has a great range of organic products. 
  • 3 Pad Thai, 110 Banff Ave (Clock Tower Mall, Main Level), ☏ 403-762-4911. Budget-friendly Thai food in a cafe setting. 
  • 4 Safeway, 318 Marten Street, ☏ +1 403-762-5378. 8AM-11PM. This large grocery store also sells ready-to-eat meals to take away. Just 3 blocks from the Samesun Backpacker Lodge and Banff International Hostel. 

Mid-range

  • Balkan Restaurant, 120 Banff Avenue, ☏ +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. 30+ years later they're still at it with authentic Greek cuisine. Be sure to check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing. 
  • Magpie and Stump. A Mexican restaurant that specializes in Margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where Margarita’s are half-price and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late. 

Splurge

  • Grizzly House. 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 a whopping 300 degrees. 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. 
  • The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge. Two locations; 521 Banff Av. at the Banff Caribou Lodge and 117 Banff Av, tel +1 403 762-4442, or +1 403 760-3030. Great steaks, a casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are the proud and reliable trademarks of the Keg Steakhouse and Lounge. 
  • The Maple Leaf. A four-diamond restaurant, caters to an elite crowd with impressive wine selections and pricey entrees. 
  • Saltlik Steakhouse. Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs.

Desserts & Sweet Treats

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

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!

Sleep

Being a national park, Banff has plenty of accommodation. However book early, because places fill up quickly both in winter and summer. Note that in order 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, and often cheaper, alternative is to stay in Canmore and drive to the ski resorts or in to Banff.

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

Budget

  • Arrow Motel, 337 Banff Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-2207, toll-free: +1-800-661-8310. This is a budget motel for the price conscious traveler looking for private accommodation. Located only a block from downtown, it offers a great location. 
  • Banff International Hostel (Not associated with Hostelling International), 449 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-7744, toll-free: +1-855-5hostel, fax: +1-403-985-7745, . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Banff International Hostel was fully renovated and reopened in July of 2012. It offers bunks in dorm rooms or private bedrooms all with lockers and with private bathrooms. Located only 2 blocks from downtown on a bus route it connects guests with most sights in town. It offers free WiFi as well as 3 internet work stations. For updates please check the hostel's blog as it keeps adding new services! $25-160. 
  • Banff Y Mountain Lodge, 102 Spray Avenue, ☏ +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 wifi), laundry, common kitchen (be warned, 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. 
  • 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. New to HI-Banff "The Storm Cellar, Banff's Pub and Game house" features drink specials, games (pool, darts, foosball) and an eclectic bunch of servers. 
  • 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, how the locals like to 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, 32" flat screen cable TV etc. and concierge service is available at the front desk. $55-199. 
  • SameSun Backpacker Lodge, 433 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-4499. A 100 bed hostel with a private room. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. Lockers, laundry, common lounge and kitchen, Free Wireless Internet 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, Theme Parties. Ski and Stay for $155 or rooms starting at $31/night. 
  • Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds. 

Mid-range

  • Banff Inn, 501 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762 8844, toll-free: +1-800-667-1464. The Banff Inn features standard guest rooms as well as rooms with jacuzzi tubs, loft units, king rooms and honeymoon suites. 
  • 1 Best Western, 453 Marten Street, ☏ +1 403-762-5575. Breakfast included, heated indoor pool, balconies with mountain views, jacuzzi suites, heated parking and pet friendly. 
  • 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, wifi, and located on the Banff transit route. 
  • 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, underground parking and on the Banff transit route. 

Splurge

  • 2 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 in a fantastic building. 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. $270+/night. 
  • 3 Rimrock Resort Hotel, 300 Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-3356, toll-free: +1-888-746-7625 (888-RIMROCK), . Perched dramatically on the edge of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock has a spa and several fine dining restaurants. $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

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 website[www.avalanche.ca] 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.

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 located just 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.
Routes through Banff
Kamloops ← Lake Louise / Jasper (via ) ←  W  E  → Canmore → Calgary


This city travel guide to Banff is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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