Banff National Park

Banff is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities:

• June–September (Summer & Early Fall): Best for hiking, wildlife spotting, and lake activities.
• December–April (Winter): Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and Northern Lights viewing.
• September–October: A great time for fall foliage, fewer crowds, and wildlife viewing.
• May: Shoulder season with melting snow, early wildflowers, and less tourist traffic.

• Lake Louise – One of the most famous glacial lakes in the world, with stunning turquoise waters.
• Moraine Lake – A breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by the Ten Peaks, best visited at sunrise.
• Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain – Enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies from an observation deck.
• Johnston Canyon – A scenic hike featuring waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and catwalk trails.
• Icefields Parkway – One of the world’s most scenic drives, connecting Banff to Jasper National Park.
• Peyto Lake – A bright blue glacial lake with a famous wolf-head shape view from above.
• Lake Minnewanka – A picturesque lake offering boat tours, hiking, and picnicking.
• Bow Valley Parkway – A wildlife-rich scenic route with excellent chances to see bears and elk.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – A relaxing thermal spa with incredible mountain views.
• Sunshine Village & Lake Louise Ski Resort – Two of Canada’s top ski and snowboard destinations.

• Alberta Beef Steak – A must-try for meat lovers, known for its rich flavor.
• Bison Burgers – A lean, flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers.
• Maple Taffy – A classic Canadian treat made by pouring hot maple syrup over snow.
• Poutine – French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.
• Tourtière – A French-Canadian meat pie, perfect for a hearty meal.
• Salmon from the Pacific Northwest – Fresh grilled or smoked salmon caught from nearby rivers.
• Beavertails – A fried pastry topped with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or other sweet toppings.
• Local Craft Beer & Ice Wine – Banff has several local breweries and access to Canada’s famous ice wine.

• Flights: Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 90 minutes from Banff.
• Banff Airporter & Shuttle Buses: A convenient way to get from Calgary to Banff.
• Car Rentals: The best option for exploring at your own pace, especially for scenic drives.
• Roam Public Transit: A local bus system connecting Banff town, Lake Louise, and key attractions.
• Bikes & E-Bikes: A great way to explore Banff’s trails and townsite.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Limited availability—best used within Banff town.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required, but a passport is necessary for entry into Canada.
• For international travelers: A valid passport and possibly an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) are required.
• Visitors from Visa-Exempt Countries: May need an eTA for air travel to Canada.

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but small businesses may prefer cash.
• ATMs are available in Banff town, but may be limited in remote areas.
• S. dollars are sometimes accepted, but at unfavorable exchange rates.

• English is the primary language spoken in Banff.
• French is Canada’s second official language, but it’s less commonly used in Alberta.
• Most tourism-related services have English-speaking staff.

• Banff is a protected national park—respect wildlife and natural areas.
• Do not feed or approach animals—keep a safe distance from bears, elk, and other wildlife.
• Tipping is customary (15-20% in restaurants, hotels, and for guides).
• Recycling and eco-friendly practices are encouraged in Banff.
• Dress in layers—weather can change rapidly, even in summer.

• Restaurants: 15–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak season (June–September): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and tours.
• For ski season (December–March): Book 3–6 months ahead for the best deals.
• For Lake Louise and Moraine Lake visits: Reservations for parking and shuttles must be made in advance.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for updates before traveling.
• National Park Pass is required for entry—can be purchased online or at park gates.
• Wildlife safety precautions should always be followed—carry bear spray when hiking.
• Camping permits and backcountry reservations should be booked well in advance.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com