Banff travel Guide

Banff travel guide

National Airports

Banff does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Banff, and Edmonton International Airport (YEG), which is about a 3.5-hour drive from Banff. Both airports offer a range of domestic and international flights. From either airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle bus or a private transfer to get to Banff. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber from the airport, but this can be more expensive.

Trains in Banff

Banff does not have its own train station. However, the nearby town of Jasper, about a 3-hour drive from Banff, is a stop on the Via Rail Canada train route that runs from Vancouver to Toronto. The train journey between Vancouver and Jasper is known as the “Canadian” and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

Additionally, the Rocky Mountaineer train offers a luxury train journey that stops in Banff as part of its route between Vancouver and Calgary. The train journey offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and passengers can enjoy gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations on board.

In summary, while Banff itself does not have a train station, there are train options available in nearby towns for those who want to explore the Canadian Rockies by rail.

Buses in Banff

Banff has a public transit system known as Roam Transit, which operates year-round and offers regular bus service throughout Banff, including service to popular tourist attractions such as Lake Louise and the Banff Gondola. Roam Transit also offers seasonal service to the nearby ski resorts.

In addition to Roam Transit, there are several private bus companies that offer transportation services to and from Banff, including shuttle services from the Calgary and Edmonton airports to Banff. These services typically require advanced booking and may be more expensive than public transit.

Finally, some tour companies offer sightseeing tours and day trips in and around Banff that include transportation. These tours are a great way to see the sights without having to worry about transportation logistics.

In summary, Banff has a reliable public transit system, as well as private bus services and tour companies that offer transportation to and from Banff and around the area.

How to get to Banff

Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta, Canada. Here are some ways to get to Banff:

By air: The nearest major airports to Banff are Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). From either airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle bus or private transfer, or take a taxi or Uber to get to Banff.

By car: Banff is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, which runs east-west across Canada. If you are driving from the east, take Highway 1 from Calgary to Banff. If you are driving from the west, take Highway 1 from British Columbia to Banff.

By bus: There are several private bus companies that offer transportation services to and from Banff, including shuttle services from the Calgary and Edmonton airports to Banff. You can also take a Greyhound bus from other cities in Canada, such as Vancouver or Toronto, to Banff.

By train: While Banff does not have its own train station, you can take the Via Rail Canada train to the nearby town of Jasper and then transfer to a bus or rental car to get to Banff. Alternatively, you can take the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train, which stops in Banff as part of its route between Vancouver and Calgary.

In summary, Banff can be reached by air, car, bus, or train, depending on your preferences and location.

What is the best time to travel to Banff

The best time to travel to Banff depends on your interests and what you want to do. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Banff:

Summer (June to August): Summer is the busiest time of year in Banff, as it offers the warmest weather and the longest days. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports. However, the high demand can lead to crowds and higher prices.

Fall (September to November): Fall in Banff offers cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great time to visit for those who enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. The crowds are smaller, and prices are generally lower than in the summer.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Banff is a magical time, with snow-covered landscapes and many opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. It can be very cold, but the scenery and activities make it worthwhile. The holiday season can be very busy, but prices generally decrease after the new year.

Spring (March to May): Spring in Banff offers milder temperatures and the chance to see wildlife emerging from hibernation. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and the ski season usually continues through April. Prices are generally lower than in the summer.

In summary, the best time to travel to Banff depends on your interests and what you want to do. The summer is the busiest and offers warm weather, while the winter is cold but offers many opportunities for winter sports. The fall and spring offer smaller crowds and milder weather, with different activities available depending on the season.

How to get around Banff

Banff is a small town, and many of the popular attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to get around further, there are several transportation options available:

Roam Transit: Banff has a public transit system known as Roam Transit, which operates year-round and offers regular bus service throughout Banff, including service to popular tourist attractions such as Lake Louise and the Banff Gondola. Roam Transit also offers seasonal service to the nearby ski resorts.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Banff. However, they may be more expensive than other transportation options.

Rental cars: Rental cars are available in Banff, but they can be expensive, and parking can be limited in some areas.

Bikes: Biking is a popular way to get around Banff, and there are several bike rental shops in town. Banff also has an extensive network of bike trails.

Walking: Walking is a great way to get around Banff, especially if you are staying in the town center. Many of the popular attractions are located within walking distance of each other.

In summary, Banff has a reliable public transit system, as well as taxis, rental cars, bikes, and walking as transportation options. Choose the best transportation mode that suits your budget, interests, and needs.

Accommodations in Banff

Banff offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are some popular options:

Fairmont Banff Springs: This iconic hotel is located in a stunning setting overlooking the Bow River and offers a range of luxurious amenities.

Banff Park Lodge: This centrally located hotel offers comfortable accommodations and an indoor pool and hot tub.

Mount Royal Hotel: This recently renovated hotel offers modern and stylish accommodations in the heart of Banff.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge: This cozy lodge is located just outside of town and offers a rustic mountain ambiance and a popular restaurant.

Banff Aspen Lodge: This budget-friendly hotel is located just a few blocks from downtown and offers comfortable accommodations and an indoor pool and hot tub.

Airbnb: There are also many vacation rentals available in Banff, including apartments, cabins, and homes. Airbnb is a popular platform for finding and booking vacation rentals in Banff.

In summary, Banff offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences, from luxurious hotels to cozy lodges and vacation rentals. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season, as Banff can be a popular and busy destination.