"If you're looking for an escape you think only exist in fairytales, I have good news, that escape is real and it's called Banff."
Banff had always been a destination that I dreamt about over and over. Imagine living in a snow globe, that’s the best way to explain it. We couldn’t get over how expansive the valleys massive the mountains were. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland or a summer excursion, this is your place. You can be as active or as leisurely as you want, that’s the beauty of it. These are my favorite things to do, the most popular recommendations, and most beautiful views.
BANFF TRAVEL TIPS
We flew into the Alberta Airport and then rented a car for the drive to Banff.
The drive to Banff is ~2 hours and honestly one of the most beautiful views. Rented a car is obviously a little pricey, but it’s so worth it to have one in the park.
When you enter the park you are going to have to pay for a park pass. It’s about 10 dollars a day per person!
The parking at all the lakes is free, but normally busy. You may have to do a few laps or find alternate parking and bus in to the main lakes.
It depends if you are going in the winter or summer, but the likeliness that it will be cold at some point in the day is high. Because of the mountains, there are random clouds frequently and off and on snow. The biggest thing to really know with weather, is be prepared for anything, especially in the winter and PACK LAYERS.
If I could’ve stayed in Banff for another week, I would’ve. We were there Friday-Saturday and it was too short. We got to see a lot in those 48 hours, but not nearly as much as we wanted. If you have the time, I recommend a week. Especially if you are going in the summer when the weather is good and you can hike.
There are endless options for where to stay in Banff and I rounded up my favorites below, but here are a few things to think about:
-If you don’t enjoy crowds, stray away from staying at Lake Louise. The crowds there are insane and getting in and out can be a bit crazy.
-If you want to be able to walk around downtown easily, pick a location closer to city center. The Lake options are amazing, but they’re far from anything.
-Having breakfast at your hotel is clutch on mornings where you are trying to get out and about quickly. So check on that (our hotel, Buffalo Mountain Lodge had it).
OUR BANFF TRAVEL DIARY
WHERE TO STAY
You’ve heard me talk about it in this post but I love Buffalo Mountain Lodge so dearly. The rooms were cozy and the exact mountain escape we were looking for. However, it was also close enough to downtown where everything was a quick drive or peaceful walk away. On top of that, the service was unbeatable and the food was something we still talk about. It was the perfect balance of mountain and city, and exclusive but welcoming. Head to this post to learn more about why we loved our stay so much.
Emerald Lake quickly became Russ and I’s favorite spot. It was breathtaking, serene and not too populated with tourists. I hope to stay at this lodge one day!
If you’re looking for the instagram location and unbeatable views, this is the hotel you’ve be dreaming and saving on Pinterest!
If you want to exclusive Fairmont experience, but you want to be closer to downtown, this is your place!
BANFF GO-TO EATS
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Sleeping Buffalo $$
Sleeping Buffalo was the restaurant at our hotel and we adored it. We ate there for breakfast and dinner every night and left smiling every single time. I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for delicious, Canadian cuisine. In our post about Buffalo Mountain Lodge (linked above and below), we break down all our favorite food we enjoyed there.
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Whitehorn Bistro $$
Panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Louise.
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Three Ravens $
Upscale meat and seafood cuisine.
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Ramen Arashi $$
Delicious ramen options in a cafe setting.
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The Bison $$$
Seasonal Canadian food with outdoor views.
THINGS TO DO & SEE
take a scenic drive
The drives were one of the most captivating parts of Banff. They simply took your breath away. The mountains are so tall and the valleys seem so wide. We went the first week of October and the trees were all changing colors while the snowing was ever so slightly falling. It was straight out of a fairytale and I wish I could live it over and over again.
go to emerald lake, Lake louise and moraine lake
First off, if you have to choose one pick EMERALD LAKE EVERY TIME. We truly loved it so much that I am scared to boast it too much in fear of it becoming too popular. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are really close to eachother and you can knock both of them out in a few hours. But give yourself a few hours to drive out to Emerald Lake and soak up the scenery.
snowboard / ski
You can snowboard/ski at both Lake Louise Resort and Sunshine Village. Both options are full of breathtaking views and endless runs.
day trip to jasper
Although we didn't get enough time to get up to Jasper, I have heard amazing things. From the skywalks to the beautiful bridges and views, Jasper seems like Banff, continued.
canoe
You can rent a canoe at most of the lakes in the summer and fall. Personally I would recommend canoeing on Emerald Lake, but Lake Louise would be beautiful too.
Go to the hot springs
Banff and Jasper offer hot springs that are perfect for that chilly winter day where you just want to be a little bit warmer. Whether you are looking for the hot spring pools or the natural ones off the side of a river, they have it all.
hike
Obviously hiking in the winter is a task, but if you are headed over in the summer and fall take advantage of all the hikes you can! Bayview Trailhead is challenging but will get you to the Emerald Bay State Park lookout. Also, Skyline trail, Fallen Leaf lake and Cascade Falls hikes are all great options in South Tahoe!
see the wolves
This was one thing I was bummed we couldn't fit into our schedule. I have seen a handful of people go to the wolf sanctuaries and it blows my mind. Being able to go on walks and play with the wolves seems like an experience of a lifetime.
OUR BANFF TRAVEL DIARY PT. 2
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
IDEAL BANFF LOOKS
TRAVELING SOON? PIN FOR LATER!
