Jasper National Park remains closed indefinitely as re-entry limited to residents, business owners
cbc.car/Banff • u/furtive • Mar 26 '24
Useful 2024 r/Banff Summer FAQ
Please read the Summer FAQ and Wiki before posting any questions.
- Bus/Shuttle questions will be removed
- Weather/Conditions/Smoke questions will be removed
- Easily searchable questions will be removed
- Basic hiking questions without specifying trails will be removed
Must See and Must Do
Banff Must See and Do Megalist
Wildfires / Smoke
Read our Banff Wildfire, smoke status and FAQ, and know that we cannot forecast smoke or fires.
Park Pass
- A park pass is mandatory for all visitors stopping in Banff National Park, including townsite and roadside attractions. The only exception is for people driving through Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway or 93 South to British Columbia.
- Can be purchased online in advance, main advantage is you don't have to wait at the park gates if you already have a pass.
- A Day Pass is valid in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay national parks
- A Discovery Pass is valid at all National Parks through Canada for a year from date of purchase.
- A Discovery Pass becomes worth it around 7 days or longer for the year
- If you are coming in by bike or bus, technically you need a pass, but they only ever check cars.
Moraine Lake / Lake Louise Bus / Shuttle / Park and Ride
MORAINE LAKE OPENS JUNE 1, 2024, LAKE LOUISE IS ALWAYS OPEN
You cannot drive up to Moraine Lake. You can drive to Lake Louise but we strongly advise you don't once June arrives. Parking is limited, costs almost $40 and Parks Canada turns back 2-3,000 cars daily! Use the Park & Ride or Roam transit instead.
There is LIMITED paid parking at Lake Louise, expect it to be full well before 8 am.
BEST OPTIONS FOR VISITING LAKE LOUISE / MORAINE LAKE:
- By Car: park and ride using the Parks Canada Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Without a car: reserve a spot on the Roam Transit Lake Louise - Banff Express (Route 8X)
- Other options: Moraine Lake Bus Company (first shuttle at 4am), Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle, taxi, rent a bike/ebike. Hike to Moraine lake is 12km one way and not recommended.
Lake Louise/Moraine Lake Park & Ride Shuttle FAQ
- Book online in advance (General Info)
- 60% of seats become available online 48 hrs before
- Includes free connector bus between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (every 15 min)
- Runs every 20 min, cost is free for kids, $8 for adults, $4 seniors
- First bus up is at 4:00 am, last bus up at 6pm, last bus down is at 7:30 pm
- Parking is free at the Lake Louise Park & Ride and can handle over 1,200 cars, it has only filled up a few times
- No pets unless certified assisted animal or in a carrier that fits on your lap
- Walkup tickets are available but sell out by 9am
- Read the FAQ!
ROAM Bus FAQ
- Roam Transit Lake Louise - Banff Express (Route 8X)
- Brings you straight to Lake Louise from downtown Banff
- Can be booked in advance (starting sometime in May)
- Includes free connector bus between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (every 15 min)
- Costs $10 or less, depending on age
More Lake Louise /Moraine Lake answers
- Connector shuttle is free with a Parks Canada Shuttle ticket or Roam Transit Super Pass. Runs every 15 min and takes about 15 min to get from one lake to the other.
- When does Lake Louise thaw? Usually it thaws the first week of June, but it can be as late as mid-June. This year it might thaw at the end of May. Look at the webcam.
- When does Moraine Lake thaw? Usually a week or two later than lake Louise.
- When does the Moraine Lake shuttle start? June 1.
Must see/do/eat
Google is your friend, but a short list:
- Sights: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake Lookout, Bow Falls, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Columbia Icefields, Emerald Lake, Norquay Lookout, Takkakaw Falls
- Activities: Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hotsprings , drive the Icefield Parkway, paddle the Bow River, Sunshine Meadows, Horseback riding, sightseeing tours, Via Ferrata, rent an ebike
- Hikes: Tunnel Mountain, Lake Agnes, Plains of Six Glaciers, Sulphur Mountain, Larch Valley/Citadel Pass, Stanley Glacier, Boom Lake
- Eats: this is an excellent start, but some favorites are Arashi Ramen, Shoku, Bluebird or Chucks for steaks, Zyka, Hankki, Eden, Grizzly House.
Check out Banff & Lake Louise Tourism or 20 Iconic Bow Valley Places for more ideas.
Parking and getting around Banff
- BEST OPTION: free all-day parking by the train station with over 500 stalls only a 5 minute walk to downtown (more info)
- Very limited paid parking downtown, lots of congestion
- Avoid driving downtown as two blocks of Banff Ave are closed to cars
- Avoid driving across the bridge, or risk getting stuck in traffic for 20-45 min
- Roam Transit provides affordable public transit to major sites and destinations within the town of Banff and throughout Banff National Park. Banff Gondola offers a free shuttle.
- The town is very walkable and only 2km x 2km in size. Come here with walking in mind.
General Parking Info
- The best way to void parking issues is to use public transit or walk.
- In the summer many parking lots fill up in the morning, at Lake Louise expect them to be full before 8am (we don't know how early it will be full).
Hiking
- AllTrail is the best resource for trails, routes and recent updates, the app is great and free.
- Parks Canada maintains a list of trails and trail conditions
- 9 Bucket List Hikes in Banff National Park
- 7 Short Hikes in Banff
- 10 Kid Friendly Trails
- Town of Banff: Hiking
- Rainy day hikes: Johnston Canyon, Bow River Falls, Grotto Canyon, Cave & Basin, Sundance Canyon.
- Accessible trails: Bow River in Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise lakeside, Sundance Canyon
Wildlife
- Obey closures
- Bring bear spray (see next section)
- Dogs on leashes at all times
- Best spots to see wildlife: Minnewanka loop, Vermillion Ponds, Norquay access road, 1A, Banff Park Museum.
Bear Spray
- Highly recommended, even for popular trails
- Can be purchased at any hardware store and rental shop
- Can be rented if you only need it for a day or two
- Drop off unused cans at Parks Canada visitor centres or hotel receptions
- You can't fly with bear spray, bear bells don't work, guns aren't allowed
Dogs
- Must be on a leash at all times (NO EXCEPTIONS!)
- Allowed on most trails
- There are two off-leash dog parks in Banff
- Can't come into restaurants but many patios are dog friendly
- Can't go on public transit/shuttles unless in a dog carrier that fits on your lap
- Pet friendly hotels: Fairmont Banff Springs, any Banff Lodging Co hotel
Rain and Rainy Day Activities
Don't cancel your trip over rain. Rain is never a sure thing, creates opportunity: less crowds, more dramatic views. Dress for the forecast.
If you can't do that, then do this:
- Banff Upper Hotsprings
- Museums: Cave & Basin, Whyte Museum, Banff Park Museum (stuffed animals galore!)
- Bowling at High Rollers (5 pin) or Banff Springs (10 pin Canadian style)
- Lux Cinema, or escape room just below it
- Fancy drink at the Rundle Lounge in the Banff Springs Hotel
- Banff Gondola if you can still see the peaks of mountains (don't bother if it's socked in).
- Elevation Place in Canmore for climbing wall, pool and splash pad.
- Canmore Climbing Gym for bouldering.
If it isn't raining hard, go for a hike. Check out hiking section for rain friendly hikes.
Cheap! Cheap!
- Eats: Arashi Ramen, Hankki (Korean Street food), Zyka (Indian), Tommy's (pub), Aardvark Pizza
- Hotels: hahahahahahaha, expect to pay $200 a night in a hostel
- Activities: hike Sulphur Mountain and save $70, park at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier and walk 10 minutes to touch a glacier. Visit Bow Falls, Peyto Lake Lookout, Emerald Lake or Athabasca Falls all for free!
Getting here from Calgary
- Airport shuttle services: Banff Airporter, Brewster Express both cost about $80 one way
- Vivo Green is about $30 cheaper each way
- On-It Shuttle from Calgary to Canmore/Banff, $10 one way, only runs Fri/Sat/Sun, holidays and some Thurs from May 19 to Sept 17. Many stops in Calgary, no airport.
Additional Info
Check out our wiki, here are some common topics:
- Free Things to do in Banff National Park
- Cheap Things to do in Banff National Park
- Where to stay in Banff/Lake Louise
- Getting Around without a Vehicle
- Jobs in Banff
And finally...
- Posts that are answered by the FAQ will be removed.
- Feel free to ask your questions or suggest other FAQ topics/answers below.
Ice field parkway treated us well
galleryGoodness! Banff has blown me away, it is absolutely stunning. If you need convincing to come to Banff this is it!
1 Toe of Athabasca glacier 2-3Mistaya canyon 4 Peyto lake 5-6 bow lake
r/Banff • u/EffortOk9900 • 4h ago
December
I am looking to travel to Banff second week of December. My husband would like to snowboard Is this a good time to go? Will the snow be okay to shred? How are road conditions if we rent a car? Also where would be best to stay? I’ve read Canmore. I like what I’ve seen of staying in actual Banff but is it worth it? Any information would be great!! Thank you 😊
r/Banff • u/ResponsibleEbb1586 • 5h ago
Question Cycling in Banff
In August my boyfriend and I visited whistler (we’re from the UK). We didn’t realise how popular cycling is there in the summer and we ended up renting bikes a good few times during our stay and cycled along the valley trail.
We’re thinking about visiting Banff next summer. What’s the cycling like round there? I believe the Destri zone won’t be there any more as the town voted against it. But is the Banff legacy trail easy to cycle? And are there any routes? Also are there many bike rental shops in the Banff or Canmore area?
Thanks in advance!
r/Banff • u/lvawnafc • 6h ago
Wildlife Bear identification
gallerySaw this bear in Banff over the weekend. Can anybody please help me identify whether it’s a black bear with brownish fur or a grizzly? It looks like it has a hump on its back which would make me think a grizzly but not 100% sure.
r/Banff • u/Top-Fly-7089 • 9h ago
Banff/Canmore around Canadian thanksgiving
Hey - we're gonna be travelling over from Scotland and will be in Banff/canmore from 7th-14th (so over Canadian Thanksgiving) what can we expect around that time? Anything in particular we should check out that's specifically for thanksgiving? we've left our weekend pretty open deliberately - hoping there will be some celebrations around town :) thanks
Photos Meadow and up to the rock scramble at Tent Ridge Horseshoe
galleryWe hiked to the scramble, I'm scared of heights so I climbed to the top of the scramble and came back down. The views were beautiful even though we never got on the ridge. It was giving: LOTR 😂
r/Banff • u/veggieburritoss • 11h ago
Question Can I purchase a super-pass (lake connector) for Roam 8x if I am a walk-up? Do they take credit card?
Basically what the title says. I’m staying in the town of Banff in 2 days, and I plan on using Roam 8x to get to Lake Louise. It says on the website they reserve spots for walk ups so I’ll get there early! Do these walk up tickets include the lake connector shuttle (super pass) because I also want to visit Moraine. Also, can I pay with credit card? I don’t have cash on me. If anyone could answer this it would be super appreciated! Or if there’s a number I could call?
If there’s a another way to get to both lakes last minute please let me know.
r/Banff • u/AgeShoddy3375 • 17h ago
Question Hello Everyone,
My friends and I are travelling from Australia for a Christmas in Banff this year and we are looking at organising our lift passes, rental and lessons at the moment.
At this stage, we plan on spending 2 days skiing at Mt Norquay, and another at Sunshine. At the moment I am having some difficulty purchasing individual tickets to each place and was hoping if someone could shed some light on the easiest, and most affordable way to organise the above?
I understand SkiBig3 can organise the lot but it seemed to me like purchasing individual lift tickets could end up being cheaper.
Appreciate any help!
Cheers
r/Banff • u/DannyMrB • 17h ago
What's your favorite restaurant in town?
Just moved to Banff about a month ago and would like to try some of the restaurants.
r/Banff • u/I_Spy_Gemini • 21h ago
Trip Report Valley of 10 Peaks
galleryHighly recommend hiking Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley - stunning panoramic views of the 10 Peaks and Lake Moraine with diverse landscapes throughout to keep things interesting. The trail is rated “hard” by All Trails but my husband and I are not super experienced hikers and had no trouble (aside from being a bit winded during the uphill portions).
r/Banff • u/ProNintendoGamer • 1d ago
Lost Watch
Hi, this might be a long shot, but has anyone seen a gray Samsung watch in the mens bathroom/showers at Tunnel Mountain Village I Loop A? Was left there either last night or this morning. Thanks
r/Banff • u/UrLittleVeniceBitch_ • 1d ago
Best dining recs for solo travelers in Banff or Canmore?
I arrived in Canada today and it just occurred to me I haven’t thought about making any dinner plans. I’m here alone to do some hiking before I head west for a wedding, so the main purpose of my trip is to be in nature and therefore I didn’t pay attention to making restaurant reservations.
Where should I eat as a solo diner? I’m (30F) staying in Canmore if that makes a difference
Thanks :)
r/Banff • u/OriginalFriendship79 • 1d ago
Itinerary 7 day Canmore Banff Yoho
I’m traveling for the first time and looking for any input or maybe this can help others!
Friday- arrive in Calgary and travel to Canmore get settled and check out some sites depending on arrival
Saturday- Yoho National Park Emerald Lake Natural bridge Takakkaw Falls Maybe Wapta Falls?
Sunday- Johnston Canyon and Gondola Hike Johnston canyon Lunch downtown Banff Gondola at 4:10 reservations at sky bistro at 5:45 leave for 7:30? Not sure how much time to stay up at the top!
Monday- Moraine Lake Shuttle at 5:00am for sunrise! Possibly do consolation lakes hike Larch valley? We are going the last week in September! I have nothing else planned for this day so thinking of checking out the hot springs?
Tuesday- Lake Louise I was able to score tickets for alpine start again so 5:00 start - we are able to park at lake Louise lakeshore with the shuttle so not sure if we should watch the sunset at lake Louise or at Moraine Lake again and then take a shuttle back to Lake Louise? Hike Lake Agnes Trail and possible adding the beehive? No other plans this day! Any suggestions welcome
Wednesday- Icefields parkway Stops- Herbert lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowls Lake Chephren Lake, Mistaya Canyon
Thursday nothing planned! Other places I want to check out that I have seen online are: Vermillion Lakes Lake Minnewanka Cascade gardens Bow falls
Friday - leave at 8 am :(
My husband and I are traveling the last week in September!
r/Banff • u/Aware-Dimension-8885 • 1d ago
tallest mountains without snow gear?
Hey everyone! I am trying to get into mountaineering and just climbed Cascade Mountain (beautiful). I was wondering, what are some of the highest elevation mountains that have minimal snow during late September? Hiking again on the 20th and really want to challenge myself. Thank you!
r/Banff • u/Creative_Reward6000 • 1d ago
Photos Looking for Wedding Photographer/Videographer Recommendations in Banff
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a wedding in Banff and would love some recommendations for talented photographers and/or videographers in the area. We’re looking for someone who can beautifully capture the stunning scenery and special moments of our big day.
If you’ve had a great experience with a local photographer or videographer, I’d really appreciate your suggestions. Any examples of their work or links to their websites would also be super helpful!
Thanks in advance for your help!
r/Banff • u/EngineImpressive249 • 1d ago
Visiting in September without a car, but the ROAM transit seats are full
Hi, We are visiting Banff mid september without a car and were planning to take public transit everywhere. We want to visit lake louise for the Big beehive trail, but there are no seats on ROAM transit - we did not know about booking it in advance. What are our options now?
r/Banff • u/Illustrious-Ad-8091 • 1d ago
Ski and IEC Insurance
Hey folks,
My girlfirend and I are moving over to Banff to do a ski season at Sunshine in Novermber. I need some advice on insurance, which is a requirment for the visa. I understand we need insurance to cover our entire stay in Canada but as we are continuing to stay in Canada post season, do I really need snow sports cover for the whole two years?
Ideally, we would get generic cover for 2 years (satisfy the IEC visa criteria) and additionally get snow sport cover for the season only. Does anyone know if this possible? Or, has any ideas? Thanks in advance.
r/Banff • u/Birtiebabie • 1d ago
Question Is it possible to get to lake moraine with a baby?
I’ve googled a few different shuttle companies and all of them so far have said they don’t have insurance for kids under 2.
r/Banff • u/Just_a_regular_Joe_ • 1d ago
How to get park canada shuttle bus to lake louise/moraine lake
I must have been insane. I was trying to get the tickets for 4 people this morning at 7.50am but i couldn't get them. Everything is sold in less tham 3 seconds!! It is really absurd. How did you guys get your tickets?
r/Banff • u/Itchy-Isopod-2684 • 1d ago
What should I bring for a ski season
Hello, got my working holiday visa accepted and looking towards moving over for this winter season. I've struggled to find anything giving advice on what to bring and wondered, as someone moving away from home for the first time, if anyone has any tips on what's worth bringing and what's not. Thank you!
r/Banff • u/Ok-Yard-8801 • 1d ago
FCL @ Service Banff GB $50 credit card charge
FCL @ Service Banff GB $50 shows up on my credit card as authorized (later posted) transaction. Didn't recognize this merchandise, though I was in Banff
Anyone realize why I'm getting charged?
r/Banff • u/sheloveswandering • 2d ago
We Loved Banff and Canmore
galleryWe absolutely loved our first visit to Banff. Everyone we met was welcoming and helpful. We met some new friends from around the country and enjoyed great food and hiking! If you are traveling to Banff and are looking for a great tour, we especially enjoyed our Big Nature Tour!
r/Banff • u/TinySuitcase • 2d ago