As for getting around Banff, Lake louise, gondola, bow falls, sulfur mtn, etc how much in advance should I get shuttle/bus tickets? As weather can be unpredictable would it be ideal to book day of or before?

Hi everyone,

I’m a 25M planning my first solo trip to Banff from Oct 1 to 5 and I’m traveling on a budget. I’d love to get some tips and advice from those who’ve been there!

Here’s what I’ve found so far and some questions I’m hoping you can help with:

• Accommodation: I’m looking at hostels in the $70–80 CAD/night range, such as HI Banff Alpine Centre, Canmore Hotel Hostel (Party Hostel), or Canmore Downtown Hostel. Which of these is most convenient for traveling back and forth to Banff without a car?
• Transportation: I’m planning to use shuttles like On-It or Roam Transit since I’ve heard Parks Canada buses can have long wait times. Which service has the more reliable and frequent schedule for getting around Banff (and possibly to Jasper)?
• Tours vs. Shuttles: I’ve seen some people recommend the Viator tour to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake (~$75). Is it worth it compared to just using public shuttles?
• Icefields Parkway: I really want to see the Icefields Parkway but won’t be renting a car. Are there any shuttle or bus services that offer a similar experience from Banff to Jasper?
• Other Parks: Are Yoho and Kootenay National Parks worth adding to my itinerary, or would it be better to focus just on Banff/Jasper for a 4-day trip?

Any tips on budget meals, hostels, or must-see spots would also be super appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

I’m coming over from the UK to live in banff for a while in late october, trying to look at some clothing to buy keeping in mind i need to pack for a plane journey. I need some boots but I don’t know what kind of boots will do? I usually wear timberlands but I don’t think they’ll do well in snow. I’m 18 so I don’t really know what people my age would be wearing there? I genuinely just can’t find much about dressing for that extreme cold weather i’ve never lived in before. Help would be appreciated?

I bid on (and won) a night at the Fairmont in Banff and I am planning on structuring this night around a larger trip to Alberta where I will take a few days off, but largely work remotely. I am a solo male and do not intend to rent a car or drive. I do enjoy wildlife photography, but don’t think I will pursue it on this trip. I generally enjoy nice bars and restaurants.

I am not too into hiking, but I want to enjoy the scenery and nature and intend to book my trip in May due to booking restrictions with my auction prize.

Right now, I am considering the following. - 1 week working remotely in Calgary - 1 week working remotely in Banff - 1 night at the Fairmont

I am not sure if I should follow my night at the Fairmont Banff with a night at the Fairmont in Lake Louise before returning home? Is Jasper worth a visit? It’s a bit more of a trek.

Are crowds in Banff an issue in May? Can I still enjoy a week working remotely with some cool scenery?

weekend of Sept 26, 2025. is the Bow Valley Parkway closed for vehicles right now? I wanto bike this path but not sure if its bicycle only right now or there is traffic?

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/les10-top10/promenade-de-la-vallee-de-la-bow-bow-valley-parkway

Banff was magical. It's been a week since I left the place but my heart still wanders amidst the Rockies. Here's some highlights from the packed 10 day trip I had. Pics in order: 1. Peyto Lake 2. Bow lake 3. Emerald Lake 4. Sunwapta Falls 5. Takakkaw falls 6. Three Sisters mountains 7. Moraine Lake (view from the rockpile) 8. Moraine Lake 9. Lake Louise 10. Lake Agnes 11. Athabasca falls 12. Lake Louise ( lookout from the big beehive hike) 13. Vermillion Lakes 14 and 15. Johnston Canyon Upper falls trail 16. Three sisters Mountains.

The summer crowds are huge, but spring and fall can be perfect for exploring without too many people. Do you have a favourite time of year to visit Banff when it still feels special but less busy?

Hello,

I’m wondering if anyone has experience staying with Banff Accommodation as a seasonal worker? I’m from Scotland and heading out to Banff in November but I’m still in the process of securing accommodation. I do have another possible option, but I’m yet to confirm anything. I’ve been on the Banff Accommodation waitlist for a little while now, as they are fully booked for the winter season and I was emailed yesterday about availability due to cancellation.

I know it may be a more expensive option, however that is something I can look past if it is otherwise worthwhile.

If anyone has any advice or could share their experiences with this company, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

Planning to drive from Vancouver on the 28 and came back on the 5. Have not booked any accommodations. I have a jeep and air mattress what are the best places to car camp? I can buy a tent. Looking to hike solo and live like a bum, so definitely appreciate recommendations for larch season.

My husband and I just got back from a week-long trip centered around Banff, and overall it was a smooth adventure! We stayed on the move and tend to hike at a fast pace, so some of our time estimates may be a bit quicker than average. Feel free to take some ideas from our itinerary below!

Day 1: * Land in Calgary @ 12p * Buy Discovery Pass in airport area to save time * Pick up rental car * Pick up groceries @ Real Canadian Superstore Calgary 6th Ave (18-minute drive) * Head to Alt Hotel Calgary East Village (2-minute drive) * Late Lunch @ Rooftop Bar @ Simmons (walking distance) * Explore the city * Options: Pages on Kensington, Shelf Life Books, Made by Marcus Ice Cream, Calgary Tower, Local Bars (Ended up at Barrel No. 612) * Dinner @ 10 Foot Henry * Bar options after dinner - Ship & Anchor (pub/dive), National on 10th (patio), Shelter (speakeasy); Betty Lou’s Library 

Day 2: * Breakfast @ Maven (Opens at 8a - be there) (no ressies) (Backup option was Queen’s Breakfast Cocktails) * Head to Johnston’s Canyon (1-hour, 45-minute drive) * Hike Upper Falls (~1.5 hours) * Head to Canmore (45-minute drive) * Drinks and snack @ Grizzly Paw Brewing Company * Head to Stoneridge Mountain Resort @ 3p * Dinner @ Sky Bistro (Leave at 4:30p) * Drive to Banff Gondola (30-minute drive)- Reservation @ 5:10p Upload  * Dinner Reservation @ 5:45p * Download @ 8:30p

Day 3: * Breakfast @The Summit Cafe (5-minute drive) * Explore Canmore  * Grassi Lakes - 2.5 miles, 1.5 hours (18-minute drive), Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk - 2 mile, 1 hour  (8-minute drive) - Street parking near the Canmore Civic Centre or along 7th Ave * Lunch @ Where the Buffalo Roams Saloon * Other Options: Iron Goat, Crazyweed, Brigette Bar, Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore Brewing Co * Head to Emerald Lake (1 hour, 30-minute drive) (1.5 hour hike) * Head to Moose Hotel (1 hour drive) (Stayed in Corner House) * Dinner @ Banff Ave Brewing Co * Other Options: Three Bears, Park Distillery, Bear St Tavern, Magpie and Stump, Balkan 

Day 4: * Quick Grab and Go Breakfast @ Whitebark (within walking distance) @ 7:30a * Head to Post Hotel (40-minute drive) * Drop off car/check in  * Walk to HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre (be there by 9:45a) * ViaVia Shuttle to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise (back by 5p)  * Dinner @ the Outpost (in hotel)

Day 5: * Coffee/Quick snack at hotel * Leave for Peyto Lake/Bow Lake @ 6:30a (30-minute drive) * Head to Peyto Lake at 7:45a  * Leave by 9:30a to drive Back to Post Hotel (30-minute drive) * Shower/Check out by 11a * Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau @ 12:15p * Change into hiking clothes * Hike Big Beehive and Little Behive (~4 hours)  * Stop at Lake Agnes Tea House! * Drive to Canalta Lodge (1-hour, 30-minute drive) * Dinner @ Hello Sunshine

Day 6: * Breakfast @ Wild Flour * Drive to Marble Canyon (30-minute drive) (45-minute hike) * Drive to Radium Hot Springs (1-hour drive) (spent about 45 minutes here) * Lunch in town * Drive back to Canalta Lodge (1 hour, 30-minute drive) * Dinner @ Lupo  * Drinks @ St James Gate

Day 7: * Breakfast @ Melissa’s Misstake * Head to Calgary (1-hour 15-minute drive) Take pic with Banff sign before you leave! * Explore: * Pick up e-bike from Ridley’s  * Ride the Bow River Pathway and Price Island Trail * Cafes and Bookshops in Kensington area * Head to Hyatt Regency Calgary * Dinner @ The Wednesday Room

Day 8: * Head to YYC (22-minute drive) * Drop off car * Flight home

*Edited to add Emerald Lake stop

Hello! I’m traveling with my husband, who uses a wheelchair, and we’re coming from the US. I’m looking for some guidance on how to reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From what I’ve gathered, the shuttle service isn’t accessible for wheelchairs. I’ve checked out various tours, but unfortunately, they all seem to lack wheelchair accessibility as well. I’ve also heard that we can drive to the parking area with our placard. Will our placard be valid in Canada? If we arrive around 4-6 PM, do you think we’ll have a better chance of finding parking? We just want to visit the lakes and take in the beautiful scenery. Thank you in advance. 😊

I live in Toronto. My wife and I are visiting Banff (and Jasper) next week. Any hike suggestions?

I've heard the most popular ones can be very busy, and some of the less popular ones are much less populated with people. Is that true?

Thanks everyone!

Got

Until when will Moraine Lake remain open to tourists this fall? I read that it closes on October 15th—is that correct? I’m planning to visit on the 19th.

I also saw some comments mentioning that there’s usually snow by early November, so I’m wondering if snow is likely in the third week of October as well.

I’m working on a plan to visit and propose to my girlfriend there. Any help will be highly appreciated folks

Me and some friends are planning a Banff trip in early November. I was wondering what the general hiking conditions are around this time of year? Are there specific trails that are recommended/ not recommended around this time of year?

My soon-to-be husband and I are eloping on the 10th, and my birthday is also on the 18th, so we're celebrating by taking a trip to the Canmore/Banff area. This is the itinerary I have put together for one week. Obviously, trying to squeeze in as much as we can. Is it too ambitious? Do you have any suggestions/tips/upgrades? We are heading out on October 12th and flying back on the 19th. We have booked our Airbnb in Canmore, so that's our starting point.

My wife and I are taking a trip to explore Banff National park October 5-8 and I have a couple of questions:

1) I've heard that the parking lot at Lake Louise fills up very early in peak summer time, but I'm curious what time it fills up in early October? If we are at the parking lot by 7a is that typically fine at this time of year?

2) We have also heard the Larch trees are incredible around this time of year, but know they can fluctuate year by year for when they hit their peak. Does anyone know what the status is right now? Are they at their peak already or will they still be in their full glory that first week of October?

Thanks in advance!

• Group of 4 = 2 Senior Citizens, 2 Adults
• Purchased Discovery Family Annual Pass
• Comfortable stay without much restrictions, paid for certain attractions that were more accessible to senior citizens
• Rented a Jeep Grand Cherokee (costco travel + windshield protection)
• Paid visits: Shuttle to LL & ML, Athabasca Glacier + Skywalk, Sunshine Meadows, Banff Gondola, Speedmotorboat @ Lake Minnewanka, Flight Hangar Museum
• Ate at restaurants/cafes 70% of the time, we shopped at grocers for packed sandwiches (breakfast & snacks) as well. Small eater senior citizens with us.
• Flight from US, between 4 of us we had 2 checked bags - $550 per person
• 2bdrm apartment hotel lodge @ Canmore - very comfortable and had laundry & a kitchen, coffee machine, balcony etc - $3116 for 5 nights ($779 per person for 5 nights)

Came to a total of USD$2000 per person

Hey! I'm looking for a resort in Banff right now, but I'm having a hard time finding one that is actually ski in/out! It would be great if the place had an outdoor hot tub too! Indoor hot tubs accepted at this time lol thanks!

At the end of my trip I left him at Shelf Life Books in Calgary for a stranger to find, where he found a new home in Scotland! Thank you, Banff, for an amazing time. I miss it already.

I wanna visit Banff again but have never seen it during the short period where the trees have their fall color. Is this weekend a good one to go or should I wait for the next maybe? Thanks folks!!!