How to Plan a Trip to Banff to Get a Load of These Views

Banff is conveniently located just 140 kilometers (87 miles) west of Calgary, which has an international airport. From Calgary, there’s the option to get a shuttle from the airport, hop on a Greyhound bus, or hire a car. If visiting from Vancouver, Banff is a very scenic day’s drive away, or 850 kilometers (530 miles). A Parks Pass is required when driving into Banff National Park. For a more picturesque and luxurious journey into the area, the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train also stops in town.

Mid-range
With rooms starting at CAD$104 (US$78), Banff Park Lodge is an affordable hotel located just off the main street and right near the Bow River. The lodge has many excellent amenities, including two on-site restaurants, an indoor pool, a free ski shuttle, and an airport shuttle service.
Banff Park Lodge, 222 Lynx St, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 4433

Luxurious
For a luxurious stay in Banff, look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs. The stately hotel has 764 guestrooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, a golf course, and a full-service spa. It sits like a castle on the hill, overlooking Banff and surrounded by rocky mountains. Room rates begin at CAD$395 (US$296).
Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 2211

Balkan Restaurant
For fresh Greek food in the heart of Banff, head to Balkan Restaurant. It’s a family affair, and signature dishes include slow-roasted lamb shanks and Greek share platters. Every Tuesday and Thursday night at the Balkan is Greek night, which involves belly dancing, plate smashing, and Greek dancing.
Balkan Restaurant, 120 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 3454
Melissa’s Missteak
An institution in Banff, Melissa’s Missteak has been the town’s best steakhouse and family restaurant for over 30 years. They serve their “legendary family breakfast” every morning and also have a sports bar upstairs. They pride themselves on serving fresh and made-from-scratch meals only.
Melissa’s Missteak, 218 Lynx Street, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 5511

Banff Ave Brewing Co.
For beer lovers, check out Banff Ave Brewing Co. They use only the best ingredients in their beer, including glacial water straight from the Canadian Rockies. The menu features Canadian staples, which pair perfectly with their beers. Some of their beer varieties include a blonde ale, black pilsner, hefeweizen, and an IPA.
Banff Ave Brewing Co., 110 Banff Avenue #2, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 1003

The Bison
“Whether in high heels or hiking boots, our dining room is yours.” The Bison is a restaurant serving regionally inspired and seasonal meals in an open concept kitchen. Their dining room features windows on three sides with mountain views, plus they have a terrace perfect for summer drinks. Pair your meal with a local beer or signature cocktail.
The Bison, 211 Bear Street, Banff, AB, Canada, +1 403 762 5550

Banff National Park is a big place – 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) in fact – and it’s filled with many natural wonders and outdoor activities. Close to town, take an easy stroll along the Bow River to Bow Falls. From here, visitors can climb the hill to see the prestigious Fairmont Banff Springs. Take a walk around the grounds and check out its panoramic mountain views. An easy public bus ride away is Banff Upper Hot Springs, an affordable relaxation experience.
Next stop is the Banff Gondola, which travels to Sulphur Mountain’s summit. There’s a boardwalk at the top for views of the township and six different mountain ranges. There are also interactive displays, restaurants, a theater, and a rooftop observation deck on top of Sulphur Mountain.

A little bit further from town are just a few beautiful turquoise lakes. Must-visits include Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise. The drive to the latter two lakes, along the Bow Valley Parkway, is just as picturesque as the destinations themselves. During summer, there’s the option to kayak on the lakes, whereas in winter, Lake Louise becomes an ice skating rink.

There are also many hiking trails around Banff National Park, which offer even more mountain, lakeside, and glacier views, including Wenkchemna Pass and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. The final outdoor attraction in the national park is Johnston Canyon, where you can join hundreds of people in summer and hike to its Upper and Lower Falls.