Banff National Park – one of the most iconic and sought after travel destinations in the world, I’m proud to share is found in my home country of Canada. This must visit, is probably already on your bucket list and rightfully so! My daughter recently moved to that region, so I’m happy to confirm that it’s not overrated! With it’s stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, beautiful turquoise lakes, picturesque mountain towns, impressive variety of wildlife and endless opportunities for epic adventures it definitely lives up to the hype. There are some pro tips I’ve learned along the way which is why I’m sharing with you “Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Banff & the Canadian Rockies!”
Arriving:
Depending on where you are heading into the Canadian Rockies there are two airports to choose from. YYC (Calgary) and YEG (Edmonton). Heading to Banff, Calgary is by far closer, but there are times of year where special events can dramatically affect the pricing of everything, including flights, in that area. The Calgary Stampede at the beginning of July would be a perfect example, so knowing there is a second option could come in handy. Edmonton was actually the airport we chose for our trip to Jasper National Park and some visitors have opted to fly into one airport and leave from the other so here is some details about both.
Calgary:
Calgary is a Westjet hub which isn’t part of a major alliance but does partner extensively with specific carriers like Delta for US routes and shares benefits like lounge access. (Westjet members can access Delta Sky Clubs) They also have code shares with airlines like Japan Aireline, Aeromexico and Quantas and a corporate program with Oneworld for business.
Other Canadian airlines that fly into Calgary are Air Canada, Porter, Air Transat, Air North and our budget airline Flair. International carrieres include Delta, American Airlines US hub like Chicago, United, Alaska and Aeromexico, Discover, KLM, BA airline offer international connections.
Edmonton:
Canadian airlines that fly into Edmonton are Air Canada, Porter, Air Transat, Air North, Central Mountain air and our budget airline Flair. International carrieres include, United, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines.
Hotels near the airport:
After a long day of travel, especially with children some people prefer to get a good nights rest close to the airport before they start their adventure. I’ve compiled a list with booking links for various hotels, loyalty programs, and price point choices below. If this is not for you just scroll down to car rentals!
Calgary:
For reference on arrival this is the approximate travel time to popular destinations:
- Banff is 1.5hrs to 1.45 hours
- Canmore is 1.15 to 1.5 hrs
- Kananaskis Village is 1.15hrs to 1.5 hrs
- Jaspser is 4.45 hrs to 6 hrs from YYC international airport.
Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel (with pool)
The most convenient option for Marriott reward program lovers (and the most pricey) with cash prices showing $318 currently) this hotel is just 20 steps from baggage and 4.5 stars
Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport (with pool)
Located 2.8 kms from the airport these two hotels share the same property with the Residence Inn offering kitchenettes for longer stays and the Courtyard being traditional rooms. Cash prices showing very similar $185 and $183 currently and 4.3 and 4.5 stars. These hotels are pet friendly for a fee. Complimentary airport shuttle included with stay.
Four Points by Sheraton Calgary (with pool)
Located 17 kms from the airport this is the most budget friendly option showing currently cash rates of $98 and 3.9 stars. Complimentary airport shuttle included with stay.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary- Airport
1.5 miles or 2.4 kms this would be a convenient choice for Hilton Honours loyalty rewards members
Other nearby hotels include – Residency Best Western, Holiday Inn Express Parki by Radisson, Wyndham and Hotel 11
Edmonton:
For reference on arrival this is the approximate travel time to popular destinations:
- Jasper is 3.45 hrs to 4.5 hrs
- Banff is 3.5 hrs to 4hrs hours
- Canmore is 3.25 to 3.45 hrs
- Kananaskis Village is 3.15hrs to 3.5 hrs
Hilton Garden Inn Edmonton Intl Airport Hotel (with pool)
Located 3.5 kms from the airport Edmonton is more budget friendly option showing currently cash rates of $96 and 3.8 stars. Pet friendly rooms. Complimentary airport shuttle included with stay.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport (with pool, free hot breakfast)
Located 3.1 kms from the airport cash rates are showing currently $80 with 4.0 stars.
Home2Suites by Hilton Edmonton & Hampton Inn by Hilton
Both just under 15 kms from the airport they have ratings of 4.6 and 4.2 stars with pricing showing curently $113 and $96
Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel (with runway views)
4.5 stars with prices showing $281
Fairfield by Marriott Edmonton Inn
1.2 kms from the airport with 4.3 stars with prices showing $130
Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton
2.9 kms from the airport with 4.4 stars with prices showing $101
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Edmonton
14.6 kms from the airport with 4.2 stars and prices showing $119
Car rentals at the airport:
Calgary & Edmonton:
Turo – App that offers car rentals from local hosts who bring the car to you at the airport giving often more selection and better pricing. AMEX often offers deals for Turo for a percentage off with a minimum spend.
Other onsite rentals include:
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar RENT A CAR, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty
Hertz – (gold plus rewards) Partner with major airlines and hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards and Accor Live Limitless
Enterprise- Earning opportunities with numerous airlines like Flying Blue and hotel partners like Best Western and even status matches for elite members of certain programs
National – (Emerald Club) Offers status match program accepting elite status match from airlines, hotels and other car rentals to give you equivalent perks.
Avis & Budget- Both offer vast nertworks of airlines and hotel partners (Delta, Unites, Hilton, Marriott) for earning points/miles with each rental.
Dollar RENT A CAR- Offers their own Dollar Express Rewards plus connects with airlines like Delta, American, United, Southwest and hotel chains like IHG and Marriott.
Pro Tips:
- Confirm your program and rewards by checking your partner pages
- Search by your loyalty program
- Add your loyalty numbers
- If you have elite status make sure to confirm your status match.
The DRIVE – a journey on it’s own
Some people like to stock up on staples to avoid inflated pricing once you get into the foothills and Rockies. There are tons of Walmarts along the way and Costco members will love that there is a Costco en route about 20 mins from the Calgary airport and 30 mins en route from the Edmonton Airport. Driving in for the first time is INCREDIBLE. you’ll want to allow time to drive slower, take things in and even stop for photo opts along the way. This is definitely one of those times where the journey is part of the adventure!
Banff has a downtown grocery store if you need items. Pricing there isn’t atrocious but more like a higher end grocery store prices.
- Calgary Costco – 11588 Sarcee Tr NW, Calgary
- Edmonton Costco – 7259 Winterburn Rd NW Edmonton AB T5T 4K2
Hotels:
Banff:
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel:
An iconic luxury property in the Rockies, the Fairmont is beautiful to stay at or least visit. Parking to visit is $60/day for non-guests or $15/hr. It is very welcoming to both so you don’t have to feel intrusive if you’re simply going for a visit. The indoor parkade is not very accessible so I would recommend the outdoor or free street parking for stroller or wheelchair guests. This property is off the main strip so if you want to be part of the action you may want to book on the strip or spend one or two luxury nights here. They also offer free shuttle service to the Banff Gondola and the Golf Clubhouse. $1440 July 8th-9th or $680 in February
Fairmont is part of ALL – Accor Live Limitless which is Accor’s Loyalty Program – Can be used on Fairmont stays and redeem for free nights or transfer from partners like Capital One or Chase Travel.
Moxy Banff:
Centrally located on the downtown strip, Marriott reward members will love the convenient location. It recently had a 30 million dollar makeover and was built in 1964 as the Voyager Inn. It has an outdoor heated pool with partial mountain view. 3 star Hotel 555 Banff Ave $731 July 8th-9th
Royal Canadian Lodge:
This hotel offers boutique charm under the reliability of the Delta brand in Marriott’s portfolio. Part of the Marriott family operating as the Delta Hotels by Marriott Banff Royal Canadian Lodge. It has an indoor pool, hot tub and steam room. Right on Banff Ave 459 Banff Ave $900 July 8th-9th
Restaurants:
Banff has every type of food you can imagine including chain favs like McDonalds and Starbucks, global flavours like Indian and Thai and desert favourites like the Canadian Classic Beaver Tails. Along the main strip you’ll even find places like the Old Spaghetti factory. For our family our favourites are:
- The Grizzly House – This fondue restaurant is tucked in between two buildings right on Banff ave. It has a cute little entrance with a big lasting impression! It’s been in operation since 1967 and a landmark destination for tourist. Resevrations recommended. My kids loved sampling their excotic fondue dinner which included aliigator, rattlesnake, ostrich, frog legs, buffalo, venison and daily extoic fish which was shark for us. The also have a cool hunter fondue where you cook meat on hot rocks, little square stone hot slabs.
- Rundles Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs offers an afternoon tea for $60 or $70 and you can reserve a table the overlooks the bow river and mountain view.
- Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar – This iconic rooftop sports bar and pub is famous for its’ elk poutine – a family fav as it is very loaded and delicious
- The Boss Kitchen + Bar- A recent addition to my favourites, I LOVED that they had happy hour $6 sangria and $6 personal Margherita Pizzas, along with other happy hour menu items too!
- Beavertails are a canadian favourite desert and a visiting must for most people, flaky pastry topped with decadent dessert topppings like apple pie filling, nutella, icing sugar and more!
Getting around:
- Driving into Banff there are lots of parking throughout the town it is $7 per hour year round from 8 am – 8pm payable at the on site machines or through the Blinray app
- Free parking for 9 hours is available at the Train Station Lot (7 mins walk to the main strip Banff Ave) conveniently located right beside the Banff Christmas market which is on now ($15 for adults plus 5% tax)
- There is also free 9 hrs parking at the Bear Street Parkade (upper floors) and Bow Avenue.
- Tips BanffParking.ca for real time availability (or the Banff now page from Parks Canada
- Roam Transit connects from free lots to attractions they have single ride, day passes and multi day passes
- Routes include Local (adult/youth (13 -18 with student ID) and senior/child 12 and under) $2/$1/Free – $5/$2.50/Free – system wide daypass $30/$15/Free
- 1. Downtown Banff to Sulphur Mountain
- 2. Fairmont Banff Springs to downtown Banff and tunnel mountain
- 3. Canmore – Banff ($6/$3 free)
- Canmore is FREE (5C Cougar Creek , 5T Three Sisters and 12 Palliser)
- 8X Banff – Lake Louise Express Reservable ($12.50/6.25/free – $25/$12.50/free) You can access the Moraine Lake connector Shuttle with the additional purchase of the Reservable Roam Super Pass to visit both destinations
- 9 Banff – Johnston Canyon ($5/$2.50/free – $10/$5/free)
Accessibility:
An older town, we found that Banff isn’t the most stroller and wheelchair friendly so plan to allow extra time if you are travelling with either. There is also a lot of walking so we love that Gourlay’s Pharmacy rents wheel chairs. Website
Things to do:
Banff Hot Springs:
A popular tourist attraction although some have expressed disappointment of how it looks like a pool. Reservations recommended. Parking is limited so keep that in mind if you have a reservation and are thinking of driving.
Gondola:
A must do in Banff the pricing varies by demand so the earlier you book the better rate you will get.
COMBO Hot Springs and Gondola Tour Tickets Book Here:
E Bikes:
A great way to take in the views on a time limit, lots of fun! There are several e-bike shops around town
Via Ferrata:
Similar to Tree Top Trekking this a guided climbing experience where you stay clipped throughout the experience with harnesses at Mt Norquay . It combines hiking and climbing across and can include rock traverse and suspnsion bridges depending on your levels. About a 12 mins drive from Banff. Minimum age is 12 and it’s open June – September. No experience necessary they have 5 courses for all levels beginner to advance which takes you to the summit for 360 views.
Hikes:
-
Johnston Canyon- A popular dramatic canyon carved into the limestone bedrock over millennia
- Ink Pots Near Johnston Canyon but a bit beyond. Because they aren’t offered in the main stream tours like Get Your Guide they are often overlooked. It is several small blue pools of water – fairly easy did with dog. A popular dramatic canyon carved into the limestone bedrock over millennia
- Hoodoos Trail: Easy hike from town, offers views of the hoodoos, Bow River, and Tunnel Mountain.
Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake:
These two destinations are arguably the most popular destinations in the surrounding area when visiting Banff . Because of that for safety they have now closed driving access to Moraine Lake to the general public.
🏔️Lake Louise:
Open year round this is a beautiful to see. Some people like to do a polar dip here is the refreshing glacier waters.
Hotels:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:
A year round luxury hotel with beautiful views and things to do!
Book your stay here:
Restaurants:
Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen
Hikes:
- Bee Hive Hike – popular trail
- The Teahouse Trail about 6 miles and take about 5hrs but worth the views – cleats in winter
Lakeshore Parking $36.75/day for general parking
🏔️Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake is my favourite place to visit in the region. The colour of the lake here is even more magnificent than Lake Louise in my opinion. A treasure to visit make sure to book your shuttle spot in advance to avoid disappointment!
- Closed to personal vehicles year round.
- Open seasonally June 1 – Oct 13th (7am – 7pm) to Commercial vehicle operators with a Moraine Lake Road License of Occupation.
How to access Moraine Lake:
- Canada Parks Shuttle Reservations – They will launch Wednesday April 16th at 8am MDT. Be ready this is VERY popular and the queue will be big. If you miss out there is a back up last minute opportunity to book daily at 8am MT two days before the desired date ( 3 people, 3 devices, 1 got through for 6 spots) $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for youth and children under 17
- BOOK YOUR SHUTTLE HERE
- Make sure you create a Parks Canada Account in advance to make your purchase!
- Roam Transit Super Passes release in batches typically a few months in advance so June would release dates for July and August Visit their website here
- Get you guide offers it for $118 – A more expensive option when the cheaper options sell out Book Here
- *There are a few accessible parking spots available on a first come first serve basis with government approved accessible placards and parking available for registered guests of Moraine Lake eg at Moraine Lake Lodge July 8th – 9th starts at $1300 Cad for 2 guests.
Hotels:
Moraine Lake Lodge:
Considered the jewel of the Rockies this luxury lodge is on my bucket list!
Canmore:
Hotels:
Stoneridge Mountain Resort:
We LOVED our one night stay here, it was exactly what our family needed. There are two ways to book, through the hotel or owners VBRO.
Me watching the sunset view in my robe over the mountains taken from our balcony looking at the pool and resort at Stoneridge Mountain Resort in Canmore AB ©️Jen Logan
Everwild Nordic Spa by Basecamp Resorts:
Now open, I’m really excited to check this one out with Canmore’s first wellness destination!
Restaurants:
Iron Goat Pub & Grill:
Delicious food with spectacular patio views! If you’re lucky a friendly Hoary Marmots might say hi but the staff works hard to keep them away.
Red Rock Pizza:
Incredibly delicious and a 6 minute walk from where we stayed at Stone Ridge Mountain Resort.
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company:
• A famous stop en route to the Rockies or during your Canmore Stay prepare for a queue as you load up for your adventure
Hikes:
- Grassi Lakes above Canmore (beautiful and not busy)
- Snow Peak hike Banff- Known for excellent views especially surrounding peaks and valleys not in Banff technically in Kanaskis. You can access from the 8km Burstall pass Trail
Kananaski:
Hotels in Kananaski:
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection – Marriott
Home of the 2025 G7 summit this beautiful family friendly property is a completely self contained escape with an onsite spa and more!
The outside of Kananakis Lodge in Kananaskis ©️Jen Logan
Skyridge Glamping
18+ unique glamping escacpe with mountain views
My friend Jaclyn and I enjoying a cup of tea in our robes at Skyridge Glamping in Kananaski ©️Jen Logan
Things to do in Kananaski:
- Kananiski Blackshale Creek Suspension Bridge
- Kananaskis Nordic Spa Book Here:
- Kananaskis Country Golf Course Website:
The Drive from Banff to Jasper:
Driving from Banff to Jasper or vice versa Icefields Parkway is an incredible drive you won’t forget! There is so much to do en route you may want to make it a multi-day adventure! The drive straight through would take about 3 hrs. This road is often closed for weather conditions in the winter.
Hotels on the drive:
Glacier View Lodge:
If you are planning to do the glacier adventure (see Jasper activities for more ideas) this is a great home base en route. Your room will either have mountain or glacier views and it’s about halfway between Jasper and Banff.
Glacier View Lodge main foyer ©️Jen Logan
Things to do while on the Drive:
Sunwapta Falls visit or hike:
A beautiful must stop visit, the falls are a short distance with the option to hike for an additional 1-3 hrs.
Sunwapta Falls ©️Jen Logan
Panther Falls & Grotto Canyon
Jasper:
My son-in law and I standing in front of the Jasper National Park sign
Retaurants:
- The Raven Bistro – 4 years later our experience still stays with both of us from their welcoming hospitality, upscale vibes and delicious food, we would go back in a heartbeat.
Things to do in Jasper:
Rockaboo Mountain Adventures:
- 5 star all the way I can’t recommend this company enough! They offer the most ultimate adventures. Hike a glacier or even climb down into a cravass on the Athasbasca Glacier ice climb or more if you want epic this is your tour Book Your Tour Here:
Columbia Icefield Skywalk:
- A 1 km walk past fossils and waterfalls to the main attraction a suspended platform where a semi circle glass walkway is all that separates you from rugged, wild terrain 918-foot (280 m) below
Hikes:
Valley of the 5 Lakes Hike:
Just 9 kms from Jasper on the Icefields Parkway this fairly easy hike let’s you visit as many or as few lakes as you’d like. It’s a 4.8km looped trail which can take anywhere from 1-3hrs.
Maligne Canyon:
Temporarily closed this was another favourite but it is still under repair by Parks Canada due to significant damage caused by the forest fires. Maligne Canyon was known for it’s 6 bridges. Once it fully re-opens those wanting a shorter hike like us (for sunset timing) can do bridges 1-4 in a fairly short time frame.
Spirit Island:
Jasper National Park’s most iconic and photographed landmark this tiny island is sacred space to the Stony Nakota First Nations. Nestled in the in the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake guests can access this gem via a 14 kms roundtrip canoe ride or book a boat tour here.
Photo stop at Medicine Lake, Alberta
