Information For You if you are planning on Visiting Banff In The Summer
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Banff Alberta has vibrant downtown streets that are filled with unique restaurants, cafés, bars and stores that encapsulate the friendly, local vibe that makes it so hard to leave. Nestled deep in the rugged mountains, Banff is surrounded by dazzling snow-covered peaks and stunning natural phenomena on all sides, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and wildlife.
Tips for parking in Banff
Pay parking is now in effect in downtown Banff. Free parking is still available in certain locations around town. See blue areas in the map for free parking locations.
In summer, all parking lots in downtown Banff are usually full by 11 a.m. Use of the large Train Station Public Parking lot is strongly advised. This lot is only 10 minutes by walking to downtown, where Roam Public Transit connects with all attractions in and around Banff and even connects to Canmore and Lake Louise.
Worthwhile Experiences to check out in Banff
Some Hotels Downtown Banff
- Moose Hotel and Suites – Located a 1 minute walk from the heart of downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites features 174 air conditioned guests rooms, with a combination of One and Two Bedroom Suites and hotel rooms.Amenities include the Meadow Spa & Pools with 10 treatment rooms and private outdoor hot pool, a bright indoor swimming pool and exercise room on the 3rd floor, and 2 spectacular rooftop hot pools with views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Located a 1 minute walk from the heart of downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites features 174 air conditioned guests rooms, with a combination of One and Two Bedroom Suites and hotel rooms.
- Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre – Banff Park Lodge is the ideal mountain destination for any type of gathering, be it a wedding celebration, large conference, smaller meeting, reunion, anniversary, holiday or any other special event.
- Elk Avenue Hotel – The hotel is located 1 km from the centre of Banff and a couple of minutes’ drive from the scenic Banff Gondola. The property is also placed within a 25-minute walk of the large waterfall “Bow Falls”. Banff Avenue is also located near the venue. The low-key Canada House Art Gallery is only a short walking distance away.
- Banff Inn – located on Banff Avenue, only minutes away from the downtown shops, restaurants, bars and many of Banff’s attractions. The Inn features well appointed Standard rooms, Premium, Kings, Lofts and suites.
- Banff Aspen Lodge –Offering a hot tub, this Banff hotel is located just 10 minutes’ walk from Banff Park Museum. A balcony or patio feature in each guest room. Free WiFi and a full breakfast are included.
- Mount Royal Hotel – The hotel is nestled in the very heart of Banff with direct proximity to Lake Minnewanka. The resort is 10 minutes’ drive from the thermal Banff Upper Hot Springs. You can get to the Canadian Cave and Basin National Historic Site in a few minutes by car.
- Brewster’s Mountain Lodge –Brewster’s Mountain lodge is located in the heart of Downtown Banff, steps from shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Royal Canadian Lodge – This luxury resort welcomes you to experience a restful stay amid the grand surroundings of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Entering our lobby, you’ll be greeted by our beautiful stone fireplace and our friendly front desk staff.
- Fox Hotel & Suites –Waterfalls and mountain springs are brought to life in the Fox’s design. Capturing the historic and natural elements of Banff National Park, the hotel’s centerpiece is the hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Site.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world famous this hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” has been providing legendary hospitality to our guests for more than 130 years.
Hiking trails
- Fenland Trailhead – Head out on this 1.8 km loop trail near Banff, Alberta. Generally concidered an easy route. It takes an average of 30 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through August
- Marsh loop Trail – When visiting the Cave and Basin area, consider taking the public access Marsh Loop trail for incredible views of the valley
- Bow Falls Viewpoint – Check out this 2.7 km out-and-back trail near Banff, Alberta. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 43 min to complete. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
- Tunnel Mountain Trailhead – Tunnel Mountain Trail is a short hike that can be easily accessed from downtown Banff. The well graded switchbacks make the ascent up the mountain relatively easy to accomplish.
- Hoodoos Trailhead – The Hoodoos trail near Banff is an excellent choice for those with families and dogs. With minimal elevation and unrivalled views of the area, you won’t be disappointed with this easy hike. It is a great way to get some exercise and explore the area directly from town.
Popular Restaurants Downtown
- Old Spaghetti Factory -Italian Restaurant
- Balkan Restaurant – Greek Restaurant
- Sky Bistro – Restaurant
- The Grizzly House -Restaurant
- Block Kitchen & Bar – Restaurant
- Nourish Bistro Banff – Bistro
- Chuck’s Steakhouse – Restaurant
Other Activities
- A Bit of Banff – Souvenir Shop
- Cool as a Moose – Gift Shop
- Roots – Clothing Store
- Cascade Gifts – Gift Shop
- The Bare Moose – Gift Shop
- Cabin 108 – Woman’s Clothing Store
- Rundle United Thrift – Thrift Shop
- Banff Sweet Shoppe – Candy Store
- Banff Gondola
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise
- Bow River Horseback Ride
- Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour from Banff
- Spray River Horseback Ride
- Big Canoe River Explorer Tour
- Whitewater Rafting
- Helicopter Tours
- Hot Springs
Trails/Waterfalls & popular Lakes near Banff
Some Lakes Near Banff
- Moraine Lake – 58 min (71.4 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W
- Lake Louise – 39 min (57.1 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W
- Lake Minnewanka – 16.6 km Distance from Lake Minnewanka to Banff
- Vermillion Lakes – 6 min (2.4 km) via Mt Norquay Rd and Vermilion Lakes Rd
- Peyto Lake – 1 hr 7 min (100.4 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W and AB-93 N
- Two Jack Lake –15 min (11.3 km) via Banff Ave and Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr
- Bow Lake – 1 hr 3 min (93.6 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W and AB-93 N
- Johnson Lake – 16 min (11.3 km) via Banff Ave and Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr
- Lake Agnes – 45 min (61.5 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W
Trails to Waterfalls Near Banff
- Cascade Falls – at almost 290 meters (950 feet) tall, is an impressive waterfall to visit! The falls are the namesake of Cascade Mountain and the third largest waterfall in Alberta. A short distance from Banff and Canmore, this is a popular hike that is suitable for most.
- Bow Falls – is an easily accessible natural attraction located in the community of Banff, Alberta, Canada in the Banff National Park. The cascading falls are a popular sightseeing destination located on the Bow River enjoyed by people of all ages and all abilities.
- Johnston Canyon Lower and Upper Falls -Johnston Canyon is a very popular trail in Banff National Park , accessible year-round.From June, the waters of the river and waterfalls flow freely, while in winter, ice and snow create a completely different landscape one could describe as magical.During the summer months, the site is very (very) busy, I advise to get there as soon as it opens at 8am, or after 6pm. The route is composed of 3 points of interest: Lower Falls , Upper Falls and the Ink Pots .
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Bow Glacier Falls -With gorgeous lake, glacier and mountain views; an adventurous stair climb along a gorge; and creek crossings, Bow Glacier Falls delivers everything you’d expect from a classic Canadian Rockies hike. It’s one of those trails where the journey is just as eye-popping as the destination.
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Silverton Falls – This hike is more of a short walk than a hike, however, it is worth it. If you are looking for something along the Bow Valley Parkway to explore but you are short on time, this is an excellent choice. You won’t need much on this hike as it will take you less than an hour to complete.
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Panther & Bridal Veil Falls – Panther Falls is a roaring powerhouse spraying out from a small opening in a rocky cliff, whereas Bridal Veil Falls is a long, multi-tiered waterfall with a more delicate appearance.
