Banff holidays

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      Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy

      Teal lakes, forested trails and snow-capped peaks turn holidays to Banff into a year-round wonderland for outdoor adventurers. Located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Banff resides within Canada's first national park and has long been an activity hub for hiking, biking and skiing. Beyond the wild landscapes, this resort town has lots to offer, with charming boutiques, independent cafes and colourful museums.

      Banff holiday highlights

      Banff
      Banff
      Shannon Martin

      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.

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      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

      Banff
      Banff
      Dan Evans Photography

      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.

      Plan your holiday to 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.

      FAQs about Banff holidays

      December brings the coolest weather for a Banff holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -20ºC (-4ºF).
      With temperatures reaching a high of 22ºC (72ºF), July is the hottest month in Banff.
      Three to five days should be enough time to experience the main highlights, including the Banff National Park, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail and the Banff Park Museum. A longer break will allow further exploration of the trails, Lake Louise area and Moraine Lake.
      A Banff holiday can vary in cost depending on your hotels, activities and dining preferences. Save on flights and hotels to Banff by travelling in the low seasons, usually spring and autumn. Book a self-catering apartment to cut down on meal costs, and opt for the hiking trails that are free to access.
      You'll hear English spoken most often around here. Familiarise yourself with some common local phrases during your city break in Banff and you'll easily fit in.
      The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and entertainment during your trip to Banff.
      Banff is generally safe to visit, but it's always good to exercise some caution just as you would in any destination. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and keep your belongings within reach. Also use official transport services whenever possible during your holiday to Banff.
      With an average rainfall of 15 cm, June is the wettest month to go on a Banff holiday. When the weather turns, venture indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
      Whether you're into history, food, or anything in between, there's no shortage of things to do in Banff. Banff Avenue and Sulphur Mountain Trail are just a taste of what awaits in this holiday-worthy destination.
      For adventure lovers, the best time for a holiday to Banff typically falls during the summer, between June and August. This time of year offers the best conditions for hiking, biking and exploring the mountainous landscapes of Banff National Park. September and October showcase vibrant fall foliage, while winter months from December to February provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

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