FAQ Banff

I am on a driving holiday to Banff.  What can I do to make it better?

A: Rent a GyPSy Guide!  It's like a portable tour guide you take in your car.  GyPSy will give you all the interesting stories facts and trivia on what your are looking at while you drive, plus give you directions on how to follow the most scenic route.  This is the BEST thing to do if you are on a road trip to Banff.

Where is the Banff Gondola, how do I get there and how much does it cost?

A: Get information on the Banff Gondola and coupons.

Where is the Banff Hot Springs, how do I get there and how much does it cost?

A: Get information on the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Where can I see wildlife in Banff especially grizzly bears?

A: We don’t have a schedule for them but the best chance you have of spotting wildlife is on our of our Wildlife in Banff Tours.  You can take a Wildlife Safari in the am or pm, or a Discover Banff Grizzly Bear Tour. 

How do I get to Lake Louise?

A: You can take the Trans Canada HWY 1 West, but the Bow Valley Parkway is a more scenic drive, although has a slower speed limit.  Both take approx 45mins.

I want to visit the Banff Icefields, do I need a reservation for the coach onto the glacier?

A: The IceExplorer Tour onto the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield leaves daily, every 15-20 mins and does not take reservations for individuals.  However our very popular full day tour from Banff, the Glacier Trail Tour does regularly book out in the summer, so advanced reservations are highly recommended.

What Banff restaurants would you recommend?

A:  Depends on what type of food you are interested in.  We have a list of all the restaurants in Banff, along with menus, pricing guides and dress codes.

What public transit is available in Banff?

A: The Town of Banff offers a new hybrid transit system throughout Banff, called 'Roam'.  For schedules, route maps and rates via Banff Transit - Roam.

Where are some easy walks/hikes within walking distance of downtown Banff?

A: We like the Bow River Trail, Bow Falls Trail, Fenland Trail, Tunnel Mountain.

What time does the park close?

A: Banff National Park never closes.  The information and ticket booths at the entry to the National park windows close at 11pm but you can still drive into the park. Just have to purchase your park pass the next day.

Where is the grocery store?

A: Safeway is on the corner of Elk and Marten street and Nester’s is on Lynx Street.

Where can I rent equipment like bikes, canoes, skis in Banff?

A: The Blue Canoe docks on the Bow River in Banff rent cruiser bikes, perfect for the paved trails in and around Banff, canoes and kayaks are also available at the same location.  Skis are available from Ultimate Ski store in Banff, located at 206 Banff Ave.

What should I wear on the tour?

A: You should dress for the weather.  Sightseeing tours give you the comfort of the bus to warm up in so comfortable clothes and walking shoes are all you need.  Dress in layers for anything active (eg Classic Hikes) so you can add or remove clothes as necessary.

What should I bring on the tour?

A: Your smile, a camera and lots of questions for your guide

What is the weather going to be like in Banff?

A:Though we wish we could predict the weather and control it we can’t.  Instead, check here for the latest Banff weather conditions at the live webcam.

Top 20ish Things to Do in Banff

1. Take a Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour!!
2. Rent a GyPSy Guide for a self guided driving tour of the Rockies
3. Ski/snowboard at Sunshine Village
4. Try a bear claw from The Fudgery
5. Take a Banff hike to Stanley Glacier
6. Take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs
7. Bike around Vermillion Lakes
8. Go fishing on Lake Minnewanka
9. Smash some plates and belly dance at Balkans Restaurant
10. Visit the Cave and Basin Natural Historic Site
11. Ride the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain
12. Visit the Banff Park Museum
13. Canoe or kayak the Bow River
14. Sample one of the many beers at the St James Gate
15. Try calf roping and line dancing at Wild Bill’s
16. Have a barbeque at Cascade Ponds
17. Cross country ski the Spray River Loop
18. Scramble up Mount Rundle
19. Mountain bike down Stoney Squaw Mountain
20. Sit on the patio of the Muk a Muk Restaurant and spot for eagles
21. Take in the view from Surprise Corner on the Bow River
22. Have a meal at one of Banff’s many great restaurants