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Get InspiredNorth AmericaCanadaAlbertaBanff

Banff

Alberta, Canada
City·Scenic, Buzzy, Alpine Inspired
Banff
Photo by John Lee from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Jacky Huang from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Louis Paulin from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Krista Joy Montgomery from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Matthew Fournier from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by John Lee from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Jacky Huang from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Louis Paulin from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Krista Joy Montgomery from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Matthew Fournier from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Kowshik Roy sagor from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by Gene Dizon from Unsplash
Banff
Photo by David Wirzba from Unsplash

Banff is a vibrant town nestled within the majestic peaks of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. As Canada's first national park, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its turquoise glacial lakes and diverse wildlife. The town itself offers a blend of rugged adventure and refined amenities, featuring a walkable downtown area filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the historic Banff Springs Hotel, soak in the Upper Hot Springs, or take the gondola for panoramic views. Whether visiting for the winter snow or the summer trails, Banff provides a quintessential mountain experience.

Banff is a vibrant town nestled within the majestic peaks of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. As Canada's first national park, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its turquoise glacial lakes and diverse wildlife. The town itself offers a blend of rugged adventure and refined amenities, featuring a walkable downtown area filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the historic Banff Springs Hotel, soak in the Upper Hot Springs, or take the gondola for panoramic views. Whether visiting for the winter snow or the summer trails, Banff provides a quintessential mountain experience.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Stunning views of the Canadian Rockies from the town center.

  • Gateway to Banff National Park's iconic lakes and trails.

  • Charming downtown area with boutique shopping and local dining.

  • Access to the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Before you go: Banff essentials

  • High demand for accommodation during peak summer and winter months.

  • Rapidly changing mountain weather conditions regardless of the season.

  • Strict environmental and wildlife protection laws within the park.

Park Pass

A national park pass is required for all visitors staying in or driving through Banff.

Wildlife Safety

Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals.

Best For

Nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers.

Currency

CAD $

Average Cost

$150-$250 p/day

Languages Spoken

English, French

Public Transit

Use the Roam transit system to avoid parking difficulties at popular tourist spots like Lake Louise.

Best time to visit Banff

June-August, December-March

Spring

Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals descend to the valley; some hiking trails may still be snowy.

Best Season

Summer

Peak season for hiking and sightseeing; expect large crowds at major attractions.

Fall

Larch season in late September offers stunning golden foliage and crisper air.

Best Season

Winter

A top destination for skiing and snowboarding with a festive atmosphere and cold temperatures.

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Location

Banff, Alberta, Canada
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Where to stay in Banff

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Brewster Mountain Lodge

4.4(1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Cozy, Rustic, Relaxed
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Place
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Place

Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre

4.2(2,2 K)
Banff, Alberta
Warm, Scenic, Relaxed
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Place
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Place

Elk + Avenue Hotel

4.3(1,7 K)
Banff, Alberta
Modern, Comfortable, Scenic
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Place
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Place

Banff Aspen Lodge

4.3(1,1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Comfortable, Relaxed, Unfussy
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Best Western Plus Banff International Lodge

4.1(1,2 K)
Banff, Alberta
Cozy, Unpretentious, Functional
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Royal Canadian Lodge

4.1(980)
Banff, Alberta
Cozy, Relaxed, Scenic
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Place
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Buffalo Mountain Lodge

4.2(1,4 K)
Banff, Alberta
Rustic, Cozy, Scenic
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Place
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Place

Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

4.0(2,1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Relaxed, Comfortable, Scenic

Food & drink in Banff

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Place
Place
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Place

Maclab Bistro

4.5(474)
Banff, Alberta
Airy, Relaxed, Scenic
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Hankki Banff + Dessert

4.8(2,5 K)
Banff, Alberta
Vibrant, Casual, Welcoming
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Mountain Folk Coffee Co.

4.6(265)
Banff, Alberta
Cozy, Aesthetic, Relaxed, Welcoming
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The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant

4.3(2,4 K)
Banff, Alberta
Lively, Upbeat, Festive
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Brazen

4.5(943)
Banff, Alberta
Vibrant, Busy, Welcoming
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The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood

4.3(2 K)
Banff, Alberta
Rustic Chic, Elegant, Scenic
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Tooloulous

4.3(3,1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Lively, Casual, Louisiana Inspired
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Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

4.5(2 K)
Banff, Alberta
Lively, Stylish, Nature Inspired

Things to do in Banff

Banff: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Shuttle | Limited Time Offer!
From $21

Banff: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Shuttle | Limited Time Offer!

4.3(132)
Duration: 5h
Banff
Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk
From $97

Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk

4.7(1,9 K)
Duration: 3h
Banff
Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunrise | Award-Winning Premium Tour
From $288

Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunrise | Award-Winning Premium Tour

4.9(241)
Duration: 7h
Banff
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Small Group Half Day Tour
From $65

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Small Group Half Day Tour

4.9(106)
Duration: 4h
Banff
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle 2.5hours each from Banff
From $51

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle 2.5hours each from Banff

Duration: 7h 30min
Banff
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
From $58

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

4.6(439)
Duration: 1h
Banff
Banff's Canadian Rocky Mountain Food Tour
From $107

Banff's Canadian Rocky Mountain Food Tour

5.0(100)
Duration: 3h
Banff
Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle
From $177

Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle

4.9(131)
Duration: 3h
Banff
Explore on Viator

Attractions in Banff

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Banff Gondola

4.7(15,1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Calm, Scenic, Nature Focused
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Bow Falls Viewpoint

4.7(6,4 K)
Banff, Alberta
Tranquil, Scenic, Natural
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Surprise Corner Viewpoint

4.6(1,7 K)
Banff, Alberta
Scenic, Tranquil, Picturesque
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Cave and Basin National Historic Site

4.3(5,1 K)
Banff, Alberta
Historic, Natural, Scenic
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Cascade of Time Garden

4.7(3,6 K)
Banff, Alberta
Tranquil, Scenic, Relaxing
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Banff Pedestrian Bridge

4.8(966)
Banff, Alberta
Serene, Scenic, Relaxing
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Central Park

4.7(1,4 K)
Banff, Alberta
Relaxed, Scenic, Family Friendly
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The Whyte

4.4(561)
Banff, Alberta
Cultural, Educational, Artistic

Natural & historic sites near Banff

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Yoho National Park

Protected Area · Majestic, Rugged, Serene
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Kootenay National Park

Protected Area · Majestic, Rugged, Serene

Banff National Park

Protected Area · Majestic, Vast, Adventurous