Banff National Park is a must visit for those who enjoy the outdoors. Stunning mountain backdrops, lush forests and emerald blue lakes. The scenery is truly wonderful. You can’t capture its true beauty. This is one place you have to experience for yourself! I was joined by my niece Emma and great friend Eden on this journey. I had such a great adventure and couldn’t have done it without them!
How to get to Banff National Park
From Calgary : Take the Trans-Canada Hwy AB-1 West. It is about 1.5 hours without stopping. However You will want to take a few detours on the way.
From Japer : Take 93 (Ice fields parkway) to the Trans-Canada Hwy AB-1 East. This drive is 3.5 hours, again if you are not stopping. Be sure to check out a few areas along the way.
From Edmonton : There are two ways you can take. Hwy 2 which will bring you through Calgary or Trans-Canada 16 which will bring you through Jasper. I would suggest going the more scenic route through Jasper.
How to get around
I enjoy renting a car if I have a lot of places to visit and little time. I also enjoy being on my own schedule. Having to get up at 5am to get to the Lakes I knew I needed a car. There are buses that can bring you from Calgary to Banff and shuttles to take you to the main attractions here. However we were also traveling just as things were opening with the pandemic.
Now here is a tip. Do not rent from the airport. It is 30% more and there are rental places that will cost you little to get to and save you so much. I went with enterprise. It was less than 15 min from the airport and I saved over $300 by going there.
What to expect
For Currency you will need Canadian dollars. Credit cards and debit are welcome almost everywhere.
A park pass. This is very important as you will need it to get into the national parks. There are 3 different Parks in this area. You can get day passes for each. Banff park pass is $10 per adult/ $8.50 per senior/$20 per family (up to 7 people, one vehicle) per day. Jasper Park is the same and Banff. If you are planning to stay in this area or visit any other National Park in the next year I would suggest getting the Discovery Pass. This pass is for one vehicle and allows you to visit any National Park or historic site in Canada. You can get this pass $139.40.
For more information on Parks Canada Passes
Kananaskis Conservation is $15/ per vehicle per day or $90 for one year. This is only for this area and is new as of July 1st 2021.
For more information on the Kananaskis Pass
Weather in Banff. The best time visit Banff is June to August and December to March. Peak Season is June to August. This time is perfect to see all the top spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. For the skiers out there December to March is the best time to hit the slopes.
Where to Stay in Banff
Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel in Banff, Alberta
Price : $$$$
Looking for a night or week of Luxury? The Fairmont Banff Springs is the most iconic hotel in Banff. Can’t afford to stay here? Take a self guided Tour.
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This hotel is stunning. It captures Banff’s historical and natural feel. With a hot tub that was inspired by the first settlement here, the cave and basin. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast to get you ready for the days adventures.
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Be one with nature and try some glamping. Cozy up around a campfire and roast some marshmallows. Otentik is any budget travelers dream. One unit can comfortably fit 5 adults.
Where to eat
You cannot come to Banff without getting a poutine. The classic is a great choice and is large enough for 2 people to enjoy. This Quebecois dish has become a very well known Canadian dish. Want to know what makes it real… cheese curds! Head to downtown on Bear St.
Another delicacy, this time originating in Ontario, is the BeaverTail. This dessert is a must have when coming to Banff. Head downtown once again to Banff Ave. I would suggest the Avalanche. Topped with a cheesecake spread, skor bits and caramel. Oh the flavor!
Looking for dinner with a view? Check out Maclab Bistro. Stunning valley and mountain views from the comfort of inside. Or take in the fresh air and enjoy a beautiful sunset from the outdoor seating. The reviews speak for themselves! Check out there site here
Things to do
It is no secret that these two lakes are the main attractions when visiting Banff. If you are planning to see them you better be an early riser. During the winter months these are frozen over and the mountains filled with snow. However in late June, early July, you will find the ice melted. Prepare yourself for stunning mountain reflections and emerald blue water.
Read : Top things not to miss around Banff
Enjoy wandering the easy trails of Lake Minnewanka or push your limits with Big Beehive Trail. Both had their rewards at the end of the day. Lake Minnewanka trail wraps around with easy paths and stunning views. Big Beehive was a challenge, at least for me. However the views of Lake Louise from the top were stunning. I was so proud of not only myself but my niece and great friend Eden for making it to the top.
Read: Top hiking trails around Banff
Take a day to enjoy the scenic drive. British Columbia is only 30 minutes from Banff and is a stunning drive. Make your way to Radium Springs for a hot dip. The Icefield Parkway is another top attraction. This 3.5 hour trip to Jasper is a must do. Don’t have time to do the whole thing? Just get a taste of it with a short trip.
Now this may not have been what started Banff in the 1800’s but by 1903 mining operations began. A small town just outside of Banff called Bankhead was the head of that. However by 1922 that ceased operations and Bankhead became a ghost town. Take the 0.7 mile trail through the valley and see what was left behind.
Johnston Canyon is a beautiful hike filled with 7 wonderous waterfalls. It is 1.2 km one way to the lower falls and 2.5km one way to the second. This is considered an easy hike and is worth the visit. Feeling adventurous keeping going on the 5.7km one way trip to the Ink pots.
Kananaskis is on the way to Banff if you are coming from Calgary. Great place to stop and get out to do some short hikes. Three Sisters in a set of mountains which you will be seeing from your drive in, best spot to see them is Canmore. Another great place to stop and hike is Grassi Lakes. There are two ways to get here. The easy trail or hard trail.
There is much to be said about the wildlife in Banff. Don’t be surprise if you are driving down the streets of Banff and an elk walks out. Be sure if you are hiking you have bear spray. I didn’t see any, but a stuffed teddy bear at Moraine Lake. I did take a drive up to one of the ski hills and managed to walk away with some great views and some mountain goats.
Final thoughts
I couldn’t have made this journey so memorable without these two great ladies. This is definitely a place I could see myself living. I was so at peace here. The great Canadian Rockies is an adventure for all and pictures do not do it justice. I pushed myself to limits, faced my fear of heights and ate like a champion. You can vacation in luxury or travel like a gypsy. Banff may not be a budget friendly place but it is worth every penny!
Extremely well written Jenny. Such an exciting adventure in the Rockies. I enjoyed reading about the places you can stay at and the price ranges were helpful, although they all look inviting.