Holidays to Banff
Banff highlights
Hit the slopes
Your winter holiday in Banff will undoubtedly involve hitting the slopes in one of the world-class ski resorts. Take advantage of primo snow conditions and crisp mountain air as you carve through alpine landscapes. Banff Sunshine Village is one of the top ski destinations to explore, with endless skiable terrain spread across three mountains.
Spot wildlife
For nature lovers, Banff offers plenty of opportunities to spot indigenous wildlife species in their Rocky Mountain habitats. Book a guided wildlife safari with a knowledgeable local, keep your eyes peeled, and have a camera ready for grazing bighorn sheep, towering moose and formidable grizzly bears feasting on buffaloberries.
Explore the national park
For serious trail treaders, holidays to Banff can include a variety of long-distance hikes and loop walks in Banff National Park. Winding trails catering to various ability levels traverse alpine lakes, lush pine forests and icy blue glaciers. Check out the popular Plain of Six Glaciers trail, which meanders through wild terrain and offers impressive Lake Louise views.
Banff: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT) |
| High season | June – August |
| Low season | November – March |
Find the best time to go to Banff
Weather in Banff
April – May: Bright, sunny spring days see mild conditions near 10°C. But the temperature drops at night, and snow lingers in the mountains, so pack layers.
June – August: By June, the ice on Lake Louise fully thaws, revealing brilliant turquoise water. Expect cool evenings, even in July, when the weather is warmest.
September – November: Autumn features brilliant yellow larch trees and frosty mornings. Snow usually returns to the city in October, though the mountains might see a sprinkling of it as early as August.
December – March: Banff in winter means two things — cold and snow. January is the coldest, with average lows around –15°C and serious wind chill. March often welcomes the season’s heaviest snowfall, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
Events in Banff
SnowDays Winter Festival (January to February): Elaborate snow and ice sculptures line the streets of Banff and Lake Louise during this multi-week festival. At the popular Skijoring event, horseback riders and skiers entertain the crowd with tricks and stunts.
Banff Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow (June): The Buffalo Nations Museum hosts this annual showcase of Indigenous arts and culture with competitive powwow dancing and drumming.
Banff Pride (October): Enjoy drag brunch and dancing, then swap your heels for walking boots – this festival also includes events like community hikes and trail runs.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival (November): This week-long celebration of outdoor adventure and exploration is packed with film screenings, guest speakers and events.
The best neighbourhoods in Banff
Downtown Banff
This compact downtown is where to stay in Banff if you’re looking for things to do between all the outdoor adventures. Spanning a few blocks along Banff Avenue, this pedestrian-friendly area has a mountainous backdrop and is home to boutiques, galleries and specialty stores showcasing local artwork, crafts and outdoor gear.
Good for: Shopping, dining, convenience
Sulphur Mountain Area
This is the best area to stay in Banff if you’re craving a little basecamp bliss. The Sulphur Mountain area offers a host of wellness activities and upscale resorts where you can chill out and get pampered. Swim in heated outdoor pools with mountain views, take a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and soak in mineral-rich waters in the Upper Hot Springs.
Good for: Resorts, hot springs, spas
Lake Louise
Just outside of town, the Lake Louise area has remarkable alpine scenery with turquoise lakes and towering glaciers. It’s an ideal hub if you want to explore Banff’s hiking and ski trails. Cool off in summer with a dip in the lake, and enjoy afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.
Good for: Hiking, skiing, swimming
Things to do in Banff
Nightlife
The nightlife in Banff has a vibrant, apres-ski feel, with plenty of after-dark festivities and lively bars. In the downtown core, you can eat, drink local ales and play snooker in cosy pubs with mountain views. Many bars also have live music sessions and open mic nights, if crooning to crowds of strangers is your ticket.
Family friendly things to do
Some of the best things to do with family in Banff happen outdoors. The free Johnston Canyon walk is where you’ll see frozen waterfalls in winter and flowing rivers during the summer. Pack a picnic, and let the kids burn some energy at Banff’s recreation grounds, which offer a skate park, basketball court and playground.
Shopping
For the best shopping in Banff, head to Banff Avenue and Bear Street to browse souvenir-filled boutiques and stock up on hiking and ski gear at outdoor shops. If you love homegrown food and crafts, the Banff Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from late May to early October. It’s packed with artisanal foods, handmade crafts and local produce, including honey and jams.
Take in the culture
For a small resort town, there’s a decent selection of galleries and museums in Banff. The landmark Banff Park Museum is protected as a National Historic Site, and its original collection covers natural history in Canada. Stop by the Whyte Museum for Rocky Mountain exhibits, and visit the historical Mount Royal Hotel for public art and a small museum.
Free things to do
The wild rocky mountain landscapes offer plenty of free things to do in Banff to keep costs down. Pack a picnic and head to Banff’s Central Park, where the kids can play on a rocky playground while parents take a breather. Join the Bow River Loop and Tunnel Mountain trails for a chance to spot elk in the wild and photograph cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.
Places to eat
Feast on Rocky Mountain cuisine at restaurants in Banff that take full advantage of the bountiful local produce. Creative chefs incorporate trout, elk, venison, Saskatoon berries and mushrooms into mountain-to-plate dishes. Make sure you also try Canadian favourites like poutine. Head to The Bison restaurant for sizzling ribs and steaks paired with live music and classic cocktails.
Get ready for Banff
Budget
For a cheap holiday in Banff, take advantage of scenic drives, stunning hikes and other free outdoor recreation. Pick up a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to save on daily entry fees. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 32 Canadian dollars ($). You can usually find a beer for around $7 and a cappuccino for less than $6.
Day Trips from Banff
Head southwest from Banff to Kootenay National Park and the peaceful mountain town of Radium Hot Springs. Stand on the Continental Divide, discover ancient fossils on a hike to Stanley Glacier, or soak sore muscles away in Radium’s natural mineral pools. From Lake Louise, a scenic drive north along the Icefields Parkway takes you to the Athabasca Glacier.
Getting Around Banff
The city of Banff has a bus service that provides easy and convenient access to many tourist hotspots. Ski shuttle buses travel between Banff and the three ski areas, and hotels offer free shuttles to downtown. Hire a car to explore the wider area, including Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway.
