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Plan Your Trip to Banff: Best of Banff Tourism

By Emily B

Banff, Canada

Soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness await you in Canada’s first National Park. The irresistible beauty of the landscape invites travellers to immerse themselves in the outdoors all year round — whether hiking through untouched forests and paddling the turquoise lakes in summertime, or skiing the slopes and soaking in the steamy hot springs during the winter. Travellers also enjoy the warm hospitality of Banff or Lake Louise, the region’s charming mountain townships.

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Banff travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Legal Accommodations

According to forum posts, all legal accommodations in Banff, including hotels, B&Bs, and lodges, are listed on the official Banff Lake Louise Tourism website. This ensures that the accommodations comply with local regulations, including the requirement for B&Bs to offer breakfast and have the host residing onsite.

Recommendations for Families and Solo Travelers

For families, some travelers have recommended looking into locations like the Rundlestone Lodge, which offers a two-bedroom suite with a balcony. Solo travelers, particularly those looking for budget options, might consider staying in hostels such as the YWCA Banff Hotel, Samesun Banff, the HI-Banff Alpine Centre, and Banff International Hostel, especially during the peak months of July and August when prices are generally higher.

Luxury and Unique Stays

For a more luxurious or unique experience, forum users have suggested the Fairmont Banff Springs, known for its stunning views and opulent decor. The Moose Hotel is also recommended for its quality amenities and convenient location.

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Bus Services

According to forum posts, several bus services operate between Calgary and Banff. Options include the Banff Airporter, Brewster Express, and the Banff Express. These services are accessible from both downtown Calgary and the airport. The Roam On It transit bus offers a budget option of $10 per person one way during weekends.

Shuttle Details

Some travelers mentioned using shuttles like the Brewster and Roam services, which are praised for their convenience and comfort. These shuttles typically cost around $70 per person one way. The Banff Airporter was highlighted for its luxurious shuttles directly from Calgary Airport.

Car Rental Advice

For those seeking flexibility, renting a car was suggested as the best option by some users. The drive from Calgary to Banff is described as easy, with a twinned freeway all the way, allowing for a scenic and straightforward 1.5-hour drive.

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Wildlife Viewing Locations

According to forum posts, several areas in Banff and Jasper are noted for wildlife sightings. Travelers have called out the Bow Valley Parkway and Maligne Road as prime spots for viewing various animals including elk, moose, and occasionally bears. The quieter roads and early mornings or dusk are recommended times for potential sightings.

Guided Wildlife Tours

Some travelers suggested taking guided wildlife tours to increase the chances of seeing animals while learning about their habits from knowledgeable guides. These tours often provide additional equipment like spotting scopes, enhancing the experience.

Specific Recommendations

For a more structured wildlife experience, users recommended visiting Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre in Kananaskis Country, where a viewing platform offers chances to see grizzlies. Additionally, the area around Whistlers Campground in Jasper is known for frequent elk sightings.

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Itinerary Overview

According to forum posts, a recommended itinerary for visiting Banff includes exploring Banff town, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, hiking Johnston Canyon, and taking the Banff Gondola. Travelers have also suggested driving the Icefields Parkway as a scenic route.

Detailed Suggestions

Some travelers mentioned that a day should be allocated for visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, possibly including a hike like the Lake Agnes Tea House or Plain of Six Glaciers. Johnston Canyon is recommended for a half-day trip, with its lower falls being easily accessible and offering a gentle hike.

Activities and Timing

For those interested in panoramic views, taking the Banff Gondola is highly recommended. Additionally, driving the Icefields Parkway up to Athabasca Falls provides stunning landscapes and should be done on a clear day for the best experience.

Alternative Activities

For less strenuous activities, visitors have suggested walking around Banff town and enjoying local dining or exploring the lakes' natural beauty at a leisurely pace using the Roam public buses for easy transportation.

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Winter Activities

According to forum posts, Lake Louise offers a variety of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Travelers have called out that the Lake Louise Ski Resort provides good snow conditions and slopes suitable for all skill levels, with operations usually extending into late spring.

Scenic Enjoyment

Some travelers said that even if not engaging in sports, the area is known for its scenic beauty. The Lake Louise gondola is recommended for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and possibly wildlife sightings. The lakes themselves, while frozen in winter, are a popular spot for ice skating when conditions permit.

Summer Hiking

For those visiting in warmer months, hiking trails such as the Plain of Six Glaciers and the Lake Agnes Tea House trail are highly recommended. These trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to visit iconic tea houses.

Relaxation and Dining

Lake Louise is also noted for its relaxing atmosphere with options for leisurely walks and dining with a view, such as at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

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Driving Experience

According to forum posts, the Icefields Parkway is described as an easy and non-treacherous drive, even for those who are apprehensive about mountainous driving. It is characterized by its route through wide mountain valleys rather than over steep mountain passes, making it less intimidating than other mountain roads.

Scenic Attractions

Travelers have highlighted that the Icefields Parkway offers numerous scenic stops that are accessible via short hikes or viewpoints directly off the highway. Notable attractions include the Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Bow Lake. These locations provide stunning natural scenery and opportunities for photography.

Outdoor Activities

For those interested in more active pursuits, the Icefields Parkway area offers various hiking opportunities ranging from easy valley walks to more challenging high-elevation hikes. The region's diverse trails allow visitors to explore the beautiful landscapes at their own pace.

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Shuttle Services

According to forum posts, the primary transportation to Moraine Lake is via shuttle services operated by Parks Canada and Roam Transit. Parks Canada shuttles require reservations and only select departure times, offering flexibility for the return journey. Roam Transit offers the 8X Banff-Lake Louise Express, which connects to a Parks Canada shuttle for Moraine Lake access. This service also requires a reservation, specifically a System Wide Day Pass to access the connector shuttle.

Bus Options

Some travelers mentioned that Roam Transit provides a bus option (Roam bus 10) from Banff to Moraine Lake during the Larch season, which runs until mid-October. This service is highlighted as a viable option for those visiting in late September.

Parking Considerations

For those considering driving, it's noted that parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited and fills up early in the morning. An alternative discussed is parking at the Lake Louise Park & Ride and using the shuttle service to Moraine Lake. This helps avoid the inconvenience of limited parking at the lake itself.

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Access and Parking

According to forum posts, accessing Johnston Canyon can be challenging due to the Bow Valley Parkway's closure to vehicles between Banff and Castle Junction. Travelers have mentioned that the alternative is to bike or walk from Castle Junction, approximately 6 km each way.

Accommodation and Dining

Some users have suggested booking a meal at Johnston Canyon Lodge to gain driving access, as this is one of the few exceptions allowing vehicles on the closed road. This option also provides a unique chance to experience the canyon with fewer crowds, especially outside peak tourist seasons.

Seasonal Considerations

Travelers have called out that the road to Johnston Canyon and other nearby attractions like Moraine Lake often closes right after Canadian Thanksgiving in October due to snowfall. It's advised to plan visits around this or check road statuses and weather forecasts close to your travel dates.

Transport Options

For those without a car, visitors have recommended booking a tour, particularly in winter for the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, as public transportation options like the Roam bus are limited outside the May to September range.

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