Banff National Park

People from all over the world travel to Banff National Park every year to explore the grandeur of our pristine surroundings, ski the famed Canadian Rockies, dine on Rocky Mountain cuisine in our renowned restaurants, enjoy decadent spa treatments and natural hot springs and take advantage of the international cultural events as well as eclectic shopping and nightlife.

GETTING HERE
There are two main airports in the Province of Alberta, Calgary International Airport (YYC) which is 1hr 40min east and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) which is 5hrs northeast.

ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation range for Banff Hotels is quite wide, ranging from luxury, superior and moderately priced hotel style rooms and suites within a convenient walking distance of the downtown area, to condo, chalet and cabin properties (with kitchen/ettes) on Tunnel Mountain (~3min drive to downtown). Properties in Lake Louise Properties are located either close to the lake, or down in the valley closer to the village. Due to the short supply and high demand for accommodation, there are no bargains for Lake Louise hotels except in the lowest shoulder seasons. However if you are looking to splurge for a night or two, or prefer the getaway experience, there are mountain lodges, usually in idyllic settings, with spectacular lake views. There are no condominium style accommodations or bed and breakfasts, but there are a few cabin properties that allow some self catering options.

GETTING AROUND
While having a rental car will give you the most flexibility to travel at your own pace, Banff is serviced by airporter shuttles, town shuttle and ski shuttles which you can combine to easily get around. Most of the sightseeing tour and activitiy companies will pick you up directly at your hotel and drop you off at the end of the day. The size of the town is small, so it's a flat and picturesque walk from one end of town to the other ~40min. However if you are staying in the Tunnel Mountain area, it's an uphill walk back, or you can use the transit system. Taxi's are easily available and approx $6­-10CAD anywhere within the townsite. If you are choosing to base yourself in Lake Louise, it is possible without a vehicle. This will limit you to just participating in the activities available at that location. If you want to explore, hike or sightsee to other lakes, glaciers and mountain trails then you will have far more flexibility with a vehicle. There is no public transit within Lake Louise or connecting Lake Louise and Banff.

DINING
Banff has an incredibly lively variety of cuisine to choose with more than 70 restaurants. North Western, Rocky Mountain, French, 5 Diamond, Fusion, Fondue, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Greek, Thai, Steakhouses, Vegetarian, cafes, bistros, the list goes on. Even the fast food is smart, curries, wood fired pizza, noodles, and of course good old burgers and fries, no taste goes unsatisfied. View Banff Dining Guide. Despite being in such a small population setting, Lake Louise has a fine selection of world class fine dining, and as it is a vacation resort area, smart casual attire is just fine. Most restaurants are located within the hotels and lodges plus a couple of restaurants around the Samson Mall area. You won't be disappointed by the cuisine you are served. There is a grocery store for supplies for breakfast, camping or cabin stays. View Banff Dining Guide for Banff Restaurants and Menus.

NIGHTLIFE
Fancy martini's in cool lounge bars or have a quiet pint in an Irish pub. Get your groove on a high energy dance clubs, or join in with line dancers and two stepping at the country western pub. Music? Banff enjoys a constantly changing scene of live music. Four screens at the cinema with Hollywood's latest releases.

CULTURAL
For a smallish town by population Banff enjoys an incredibly rich menu of cultural pursuits. Museums showcase an amazing insight into geological and natural history of the Rocky Mountains. Art galleries feature local artists and mountain culture themes like nowhere else. Our treasure however is the Banff Centre which features acclaimed festivals such as Mountain Book and Film, WordFest, Summer Arts series, Opera, Dance and other art series.

SHOPPING
A wide selection of electic shops wait for you along Bear St. From mountain wear essentials to high fashion, the stores along Banff' Ave are filled with everything for everyone. The Samson Mall in Lake Louise has a small selection of stores. There are of course, souvenirs available as well as a surprisingly good bookstore filled with guides and books with local flavour. You can buy sporting equipment and there is even a bakery for your pastry and espresso fix. High end fashion and galleries pieces within the stores at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO “SEE IT ALL”?

• 3 nights for a rushed trip of just the main sightseeing viewpoints
• 5 nights if you want to check off all the main must see and do
• 7+ nights to give yourself more time to relax or enjoy activities as well as sighseeing
• A lifetime if you get hooked like the rest of us.....

CLIMATE
July, August and the first two weeks of September are our busiest months, but usually the warmest and sunniest weather. Mid October to mid December are low season with excellent rates and fewer tourists. Cool windy weather, snow in the high alpine. Christmas is a magical time in the mountains ­ we do have a million Christmas trees! January is typically cold and snowy. If you can brave the colder temperatures, take advantage of low season special rates. February and March are our powder months, with good snow base, warmer winter weather April and May are excellent months for spring skiing with younger children. June can be rainy, but a perfect time for wildlife viewing, as animals are abundant in the valleys. What is the current weather in Banff – view the Banff Live Weather Web Cam.

WHAT TO WEAR
Dress is casual. Summer days in July and August are sunny and warm, but you should bring a sweater and light jacket for the cool evenings. Few restaurants require a jacket for men. Bring a heavy winter jacket , gloves and warm hat between November and May if you plan to spend any time outside hiking or sightseeing. Dress in layers. Of course, there are many local shops which carry mountain equipment and clothing perfect for the changing conditions.