Banff, located in the midst of the Canadian Rockies, is one of the world's most beautiful destinations to visit. From white peaks to blue lakes and green forests, Banff National Park boasts spectacular views, outdoor recreation, and a picturesque mountain town atmosphere. Here's all you need to know for an unforgettable 2025 Banff vacation.
Best Time to Visit Banff
- Summer (June through August): Best for hiking, canoeing, and sightseeing in warm weather.
- Fall (September through October): Enjoy great color and fewer tourists.
- Winter (November through March): Best for skiing, snowboarding, and winter festivals.
- Spring (April through May): Snow melt creates hidden trails and fewer tourists.
How to Get to Banff
- By Air: Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC), located about 1.5 hours from Banff.
- By Car: From Calgary via the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). It's easy and scenic.
- By Shuttle: There are many shuttle services operating between Calgary and Banff on a daily basis.
Top Attractions in Banff
- Lake Louise: Famous turquoise lake with canoeing in summer and ice skating in winter.
- Moraine Lake: Famous for its blue color and beautiful mountain scenery.
- Banff Gondola: Travel to Sulphur Mountain's peak for views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Bow Falls: A scenic waterfall near downtown Banff.
- Johnston Canyon: A hiking trail with waterfalls, particularly lovely in winter when it's frozen over.
- Lake Minnewanka: Wonderful for boat cruises, picnics, and wildlife watching.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disneyland in 2025
Outdoor Adventures to Try
- Hiking: All levels of trails, from Tunnel Mountain to Plain of Six Glaciers.
- Wildlife Watching: View elk, deer, bears, and mountain goats in their natural habitats.
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Head to Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, or Lake Louise Ski Resort.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Canoe or kayak across Lake Louise or Moraine Lake during summer.
- Biking: Cycle the beautiful Banff Legacy Trail using rented bicycles.
- Hot Springs: Relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs while overlooking Mount Rundle.
Where to Stay in Banff
- Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs – castle hotel with spa and golf.
- Mid-range: Moose Hotel & Suites or Banff Caribou Lodge – warm and conveniently located.
- Budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre or Samesun Hostel – perfect for backpackers.
- Camping: Tunnel Mountain and Two Jack Lakeside provide breathtaking campsites.
Food Not to Miss in Banff
- Alberta Bison & Elk: Taste game meat courses at The Maple Leaf or Chuck's Steakhouse.
- Poutine: A classic Canadian dish consisting of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
- Beavertails: Sweet-topped fried dough pastries.
- Craft Beer: Head to Banff Ave Brewing Co. for beers with a view that are brewed locally.
- Global Cuisine: Banff offers everything from sushi to Italian and vegan-friendly cafes.
Getting Around Banff
- By Foot: Downtown Banff is very pedestrian-friendly.
- Roam Transit: Environmentally friendly buses that cover main attractions.
- Bikes: Rent bikes for trails and town rides.
- Car Rental: Best used if you're going to more out-of-the-way areas or into Jasper.
Travel Tips Essentials for 2025
- Book ahead: Hotels and activities book up quickly during peak times.
- Parks Pass: A Parks Canada pass to get into Banff National Park.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep a distance and do not feed wildlife.
- Weather Layers: Even in summer, it can be cool in the evenings—dress warmly.
- Stay Connected: Cell coverage may be poor in some remote places—download offline maps.
