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Before you go
Your trip to Banff.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Banff – Alberta Destination Banff and Lake Louise
How to get there
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Calgary International Airport (YYC) Calgary · 145 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Calgary, about 130 km via the Trans-Canada Highway; from the airport, about 145 km. Buses and transfers depart Calgary Airport. In town, Roam buses link the center to the gondola, the hot springs, Lake Minnewanka and to Canmore and Lake Louise.
How many days
Two days: one for the gondola, the hot springs and the center, another for Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon.
When to go
From late June to September, with trails and boat tours. December to March for skiing and enjoying the hot springs amid snow. Spring and late autumn are quieter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not for the town itself, which has Roam buses and is walkable. A car helps for the Icefields Parkway and Yoho; there are organized tours.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Banff
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Morning
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Ride the gondola early and walk the boardwalk to Sanson Peak.
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Afternoon
Hot springs and Bow Falls
Relax at the Upper Hot Springs and finish with a walk to Bow Falls.
2 days in Banff
Day 1
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Morning
Gondola and Cave and Basin
Take the gondola and, on the way back, visit the Cave and Basin historic site.
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Afternoon
Downtown and hot springs
Stroll along Banff Avenue and end at the Upper Hot Springs.
Day 2
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Morning
Johnston Canyon
Follow the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon and hike to the upper falls.
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Afternoon
Lake Minnewanka
Take the boat tour on Lake Minnewanka and return via Two Jack Lake.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Banff in one day?
Ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola, visit the Cave and Basin site, see Bow Falls and finish at the hot springs.
How to get around Banff without a car?
Roam buses connect the town center to the gondola, the hot springs, Lake Minnewanka and to Canmore and Lake Louise.
Can you see wildlife in Banff?
Deer, moose and bighorn sheep commonly appear near roads, and bears can be seen from a distance. Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Does Banff have skiing?
Yes. There are three resorts in the region: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, generally from November to May.