A scenic driving route through Banff National Park, offering wildlife viewing and hiking trails.

The Bow Valley Parkway is a slower, curvier alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, and it's one of the best places in Banff National Park to spot wildlife like elk, black bears, and moose. The parkway, which runs parallel to the Bow River, offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. /n There are numerous pullouts and interpretive signs along the way, as well as picnic areas and trailheads. The parkway is open year-round, but it's particularly beautiful in the fall when the aspen trees turn golden.

Scenic drive through the heart of Banff National Park.

A picturesque river offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and scenic walks along its banks.

Bow River is a major waterway in southern Alberta, Canada. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as fishing, rafting, and hiking. The river is also known for its stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers. /n The river's clear waters are home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing. In addition, the river's rapid currents make it a thrilling location for white-water rafting. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are numerous hiking trails along the river, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, Bow River has something to offer everyone.

Bow River is a popular spot for outdoor activities, offering stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

The heart of the town of Banff, filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views.

Downtown Banff is the heart of the town, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The area is known for its charming mountain town atmosphere, with beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. /n The streets are lined with a variety of shops selling everything from outdoor gear to local crafts, as well as a wide range of restaurants offering everything from fine dining to casual eats. There are also several art galleries showcasing local and Canadian art. Whether you're looking for shopping, dining, or culture, Downtown Banff has something for everyone.

Vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Banff, Alberta, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This picturesque town offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and modern amenities. Explore the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with activities ranging from hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting. Take a dip in the naturally heated Banff Upper Hot Springs or ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic mountain views. Discover the charm of downtown Banff, with its diverse dining options, boutique shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor adventures or tranquil relaxation, Banff promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Bow Valley Parkway

Bow River

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Banff's charming downtown area. Explore the unique local shops, boutiques, and galleries that offer a variety of goods from local artisans and international brands. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful mountain views as you shop.

After a morning of shopping, it's time to indulge in some local cuisine. Head to one of the many eateries in the downtown area that offer a wide range of options, from hearty Canadian dishes to international fare. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine from one of Alberta's local vineyards.

After lunch, take a scenic drive along the <span class="attractionMarker" data-attraction-key="attraction-key-1" data-attraction-day="attraction-day-1">Bow Valley Parkway</span>. This route offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies and numerous opportunities for wildlife spotting. Stop at one of the many viewpoints for a photo op or a short hike.

As evening approaches, head back to Banff for a gourmet dinner. Choose from one of the many fine dining establishments in town that offer everything from Alberta beef to fresh seafood. Pair your meal with a bottle of Canadian wine for a truly indulgent experience.

End your day with a leisurely walk along the <span class="attractionMarker" data-attraction-key="attraction-key-2" data-attraction-day="attraction-day-1">Bow River</span>. The riverfront area is beautifully lit at night, offering a romantic setting for a post-dinner stroll. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you reflect on your day in Banff.

A Day of Shopping and Culinary Delights in Banff

UTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Banff. There are several car rental companies available at the Calgary International Airport, as well as in downtown Banff. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Banff's public transit system, Roam, offers routes that cover the town and surrounding areas. It's a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around.

There are several taxi companies operating in Banff. They offer a quick and convenient way to get around town, especially during the colder months.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Banff. This can be a convenient option, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Banff is a bike-friendly town with numerous bike rental shops and dedicated bike paths. It's a great way to explore the town and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Several companies offer shuttle services from Calgary International Airport to Banff. Some hotels also provide their own shuttle services.

Banff is a compact town, making it easy to get around on foot. Many of the main attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance.

During the winter months, ski shuttles operate between Banff and the surrounding ski resorts. This is a convenient option if you're planning on hitting the slopes.

For a unique mode of transport, consider renting a canoe or kayak. The Bow River is a beautiful way to explore Banff and its surrounding areas.

Alberta is famous for its high-quality beef. When in Banff, trying a dish made with Alberta beef, whether it's a steak or a burger, is a must.

Alberta Beef

Bison is a lean and flavorful meat that is often featured in Banff's local cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, from bison steaks to bison burgers.

Bison

Banff is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, where wild game like elk, venison, and duck are commonly found on local menus.

Wild Game

Poutine is a classic Canadian dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It's a hearty and delicious comfort food that is a must-try in Banff.

Poutine

Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie that is often served during the holiday season. It's a savory dish that is a favorite among locals.

Tourtière

Beavertails are a popular Canadian pastry that are fried and typically topped with sweet toppings like chocolate, cinnamon sugar, or maple syrup.

Beavertails

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert made with a filling of butter, sugar, and eggs in a pastry shell. They are sweet, rich, and a must-try when in Banff.

Butter Tarts

Nanaimo Bars are a no-bake dessert bar that originated in British Columbia. They consist of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of custard flavored butter icing, and covered with melted chocolate.

Nanaimo Bars

The Caesar is a classic Canadian cocktail made with vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. It's typically garnished with a stalk of celery and lime.

Caesar

Ice wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. It's a Canadian specialty and a must-try when in Banff.

Ice Wine

Canadian whisky is a type of whisky produced in Canada. It's often used in cocktails but can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Canadian Whisky

Banff is home to several local breweries, making craft beer a must-try. The variety of beers available is vast, with something to suit every taste.

Craft Beer

New Year's Day

Day After New Year’s Day (Quebec)

Day off for New Year's Day

Family Day (regional holiday)

Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)

Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)

Yukon Heritage Day (Yukon)

St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Good Friday

St. George's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Victoria Day (regional holiday)

National Patriots' Day (Quebec)

St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)

June Holiday (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Canada Day

Nunavut Day (Nunavut)

Nunavut Day observed (Nunavut)

Orangemen's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) (Newfoundland and Labrador)

New Brunswick Day (New Brunswick)

Saskatchewan Day (Saskatchewan)

British Columbia Day (British Columbia)

Natal Day (Nova Scotia)

Civic/Provincial Day (regional holiday)

Gold Cup Parade (Prince Edward Island)

Discovery Day (Yukon)

Labour Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (regional holiday)

Thanksgiving Day (regional holiday)

Remembrance Day (regional holiday)

Christmas Day

Boxing Day (regional holiday)

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

Christmas Eve (New Brunswick)

A town known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Canmore

Famous for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau.

Lake Louise

A national park known for its diverse range of landscapes, from glaciers to grasslands.

Kootenay National Park

A cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry.

Calgary

Known for waterfalls including towering Takakkaw Falls and Wapta Falls, plus the Burgess Shale fossil site.

Yoho National Park

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty.

Jasper National Park

Known for its unique badlands topography and rich fossil beds.

Drumheller

The capital city of Alberta, known for its vibrant arts scene and the largest shopping mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall.

Edmonton

Banff is located in the province of Alberta, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

The town of Banff is part of Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park established in 1885.

Banff is a year-round destination, with activities and attractions available in both summer and winter.

The currency used in Banff is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Banff is located at a high altitude. The town itself is at 1,383 meters (4,537 feet) above sea level. This can cause altitude sickness in some people, so it's important to stay hydrated and take it easy for the first few days.

The weather in Banff can be unpredictable. It's a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for all types of weather, regardless of the season.

In the summer (June to August), temperatures can range from 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C). In the winter (December to February), temperatures can drop as low as -22°F (-30°C).

Banff is in the Mountain Time Zone and observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Banff is a small town and is very walkable. However, there is also a public transit system (Roam Transit) that can take you to popular spots in and around the town.

If you're planning to visit other parts of Banff National Park, you'll need to purchase a park pass. This can be done online or at the park entrance.

Wildlife encounters are common in Banff. It's important to keep a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed or approach them.

There are plenty of dining options in Banff, ranging from fast food to fine dining. Many restaurants offer dishes featuring local ingredients like Alberta beef and wild game.

Banff is a bilingual town, with services available in both English and French.

Tipping is customary in Banff. A tip of 15-20% is standard for restaurants, taxis, and other service providers.

Banff has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and campgrounds.

Banff is a popular destination and can get crowded, especially during the peak summer and winter seasons. It's a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance.

There are several grocery stores in Banff where you can stock up on food and other essentials.

Banff has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, and clubs. The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18.

Banff has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in the fall and the Ice Magic Festival in the winter.

Banff is about a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary, the nearest major city and airport.

January is the coldest month in Banff, with heavy snowfall making it a great time for winter sports.

February is still quite cold, but with slightly less snowfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.

March sees a slight increase in temperature, but still expect snowfall, making it a good time for winter activities.

April experiences a significant increase in temperature, with the snow starting to melt, making it a good time for hiking and wildlife viewing.

May is the start of the warmer months, with temperatures allowing for comfortable outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.

June is a pleasant month with long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor exploration and camping.

July is the warmest month in Banff, with clear skies and warm temperatures, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and canoeing.

August is slightly cooler than July, but still warm enough for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

September marks the start of fall, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing.

October sees a drop in temperature, with the first snowfall usually occurring towards the end of the month.

November is a cold month with regular snowfall, marking the start of the winter season.

December is a very cold month with heavy snowfall, making it a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Banff, Alberta, is a stunning destination that offers a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Here are some weather-related tips to keep in mind when planning your visit.

Winter (December to February) in Banff is cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Average highs are around 23°F (-5°C), and lows can reach -8°F (-22°C). If you're planning a winter visit, pack warm clothing, including thermal layers, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. This is also a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Spring (March to May) sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from 28°F (-2°C) to 59°F (15°C). Snow can still be present, especially in higher elevations, so it's wise to pack layers and waterproof shoes.

Summer (June to August) is the warmest season, with temperatures ranging from 46°F (8°C) to 72°F (22°C). However, it can still get chilly in the evenings, so don't forget a light jacket. This is a great time for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, but remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 28°F (-2°C) to 59°F (15°C). The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. This is a fantastic time to see the fall foliage.

Remember, Banff's weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so always check the forecast before heading out for the day. Also, the UV index can be high due to the altitude, so always wear sunscreen, even in winter. Enjoy your visit to beautiful Banff!

Cookie consent

Local's One-Day Food, Wine and Shopping Guide to Banff, Alberta

About Banff, Alberta