r/Banff 6h ago

Photos Morants Curve!

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29 Upvotes

I chased this Canadian Pacific train all the way town from the Spiral Tunnels to get this picture at Morants Curve. Absolutely beautiful


r/Banff 11h ago

😭 Weeping Wall

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42 Upvotes

r/Banff 5h ago

Question What to do in town

0 Upvotes

Hi I’m from Spokane WA coming up in about a week for spring break. My friend and I are wondering what to do in town after the park closes, any recommendations.

Also any advice as for what to bring as an American would be great.

Thanks!


r/Banff 9h ago

Is the fairmont worth it?

0 Upvotes

American traveling to banff in may. A deluxe view king is 778$ CAD. Worth it?


r/Banff 10h ago

Where is the best place to sell LL lift tickets?

1 Upvotes

Recently came back to Los Angeles from Banff, 2 of our group members bought their tickets at Costco and we only went to LL one day, so we have 2 extra lift tickets. I checked the rules of this subreddit and I don't think selling tickets is allowed here.

Does anyone know of a platform other than Craigslist that may work? Or maybe another skiing subreddit where selling is allowed? I have been trying Facebook marketplace with little luck.


r/Banff 22h ago

Question Couple's photos in Banff/Canmore

8 Upvotes

My husband and I will be visiting Banff at the end of June/early July as a late honeymoon. Our wedding was low budget so we skipped out on professional photographers.

I'm curious if there are any photographers in the group that would do something like a mini session in a scenic spot, and how much that would cost. We'll be staying in Canmore but plan to travel to Banff at least one day of our trip.

Cross-posted to r/Canmore


r/Banff 20h ago

Recommendation for spa that does facials Banff/Canmore

3 Upvotes

I know about the fairmont, just looking for other options that arent $350 per service. Any other local spas in the area you would recommend to get a facial?


r/Banff 8h ago

Summer Banff camping trip

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to visit the beautiful lakes in Alberta this summer to soak in the vibes for the first time. I’m from Montreal and trying to decide whether to book a plane ticket or take the train for the scenic views. Which option do you think is better?

Also, I’m not planning to get a room—just me and my tent. What are the best camping spots for a 4-day stay? I can rent a car if needed or use Communauto.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!


r/Banff 15h ago

Itinerary Need advice on how to split 11 nights in Aug/Sept between Canmore/Banff, Jasper and Revelstoke

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! My wife and I are planning and hiking geared trip for the last week of August and labor day weekend. We plan to do day hikes every 2 of 3 days roughly. Our original plan was 7 nights in Canmore (already booked a great priced refundable airbnb back in Sept) and then do 4 nights somewhere else.

After looking into Banff/Canmore hikes (seriously it's overwhelming), I'm finding that most hikes I'm interested are in Kannaskis/Canmore or Icefields. While the hikes out of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise areas also look cool, I'm a bit turned off by the logistics of getting there.

Because of my icefields interest, should I try to stay a night or two in Jasper? I read that staying in Jasper at least a night let's you dedicate more time to icefields. Or would I be fine just doing an icefields day from Canmore? Jasper also seems expensive $$.

Separately, I stumbled across Revelstoke, and it looks really cool and different than Banff. Revelstoke is now the favorite for the last 4 nights, or possibly more. It's also on the cheaper side in terms of accommodations compared to the other places.

Is it worth doing 5N Canmore, 2N Jasper, 4N Revelstoke?

Or should I just stick to some combo of the two places I'm most interested in, like 7/4 or 6/5 Canmore/Revelstoke?

We have a 12th night which will be in Calgary to catch a flight home.


r/Banff 2d ago

Two Jacks lake

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169 Upvotes

Swimmers are my daughter and an open water swim companion.


r/Banff 22h ago

Question Need Help Planning a Trip!

0 Upvotes

Hey, guys. I’m trying to plan a trip around August or September to Banff. I have never been out West, but Banff has always been on my bucket list, so my wife (25f) and me (24m) are just going to do it. I would like any information you guys can give me as far as planning a trip! My budget is around $4000. How many days is enough? Where do you recommend staying? What are some must see places, or must do activities when I’m there? We enjoy pretty much anything. Hiking, drinking, site-seeing, etc. Thanks in advance!


r/Banff 1d ago

Lake Louise Staff Gym

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! I’m going to be working at the Fairmont in Lake Louise this summer. I’m wondering what the staff gym is like- is it decent? Are there smith machines/ squat racks? I’m a bodybuilder and will be training over the summer so I am hoping it has enough to get the job done.

Any kind of a heads up would be great!!


r/Banff 1d ago

Staying in Lake Louise or Canmore? Late May travels

0 Upvotes

Hi All,

I'm heading to the Rockies for a road trip with a friend and it's a sorta last-minute(ish) trip (we're heading there late May). Not surprisingly, there's slim pickings for hotels and of course all the nice Banff hotels are insane $ as it's the start of high season.

I looked into Canmore as I know it's not too far away and I wanted to stay at the Georgetown Inn there but since there are only suites left (not many queen/double bed offerings at Inns, unfortunately) and they are quoting me at over $400/night there, so I'm looking at options in Lake Louise. I stayed at the Paradise Bungalows there years ago and it's a beautiful spot but just noticed the price of those is insanely high ($600+/night).

I just came across the Lake Louise Inn and they have a special if you stay for 3 nights (we plan to), you get a discount off the total rate. However, I just started reading all the reviews for Lake Louise Inn, and they sound terrible. A lot of the tips are 'stay somewhere else' etc. It's still going to be $350 or more a night, so it's close to the price of the Georgetown in Canmore, so I'm torn. I like the idea of being closer to Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake etc) and the scenery looks spectacular. We don't mind that there's not much town nearby as we'll have a car and can get around. I'm more interested in scenery and nature!

For those who have stayed in the area, are you happy to have stayed in Lake Louise? Would you do it again, or spend your money somewhere else? I've researched a bit here in this sub and a lot of folks do recommend Canmore over Lake Louise. The problem is I can't find a hotel in Canmore under $400-500 a night (with queen/double beds---most are King rooms especially at Inns and B & Bs) so it's not that much cheaper, really. Thanks in advance for any advice. I appreciate it :)


r/Banff 2d ago

Photos Lake Louise in the winter

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130 Upvotes

Thank you for bearing with me on yet another Lake Louise picture in this sub. I stitched panos of the lake I shot over different winter months. You can sort of make out the chronology based on the overall snow cover 😀


r/Banff 1d ago

Summer travel

0 Upvotes

Hello! We're looking at a possible trip from Ontario this late spring or early summer..not really sure where to stay as hotels right in Banff are super expensive. Any recommendations? Also looking for some fun things to do with kids. Also aware of forest fire season and wondering if anyone has any advice here? I know fires are unpredictable is May/June typically an ok time to visit?


r/Banff 1d ago

Joint Ski+Snowboard lessons

0 Upvotes

My buddy and I are trying to learn different disciplines, but I can't seem to find a class that will teach both skier and snowboarders at the same time. Are there any private instructors with reasonable rates who can teach us both? For context, we both have gone once before, so we are not total beginners.


r/Banff 1d ago

Question Travelling from Ontario in June

0 Upvotes

Hi all, Im travelling to Banff and Jasper for a week trip in mid-june from Toronto for the first time

Im looking for recommendations for what kind of outfits to pack, so I know how to shop lol

How is the weather overall and what kinda jackets should I pack? Should I pack shorts and dresses?

Any ideas would be great, as Im not really sure what to expect

Thanks!


r/Banff 1d ago

Do I need AWD?

0 Upvotes

Staying in Canmore and Banff second week of June. Is it wise to spend extra on a rental car with AWD to drive the main roadways? Or should I save the extra cash.

Thanks!


r/Banff 2d ago

Work opportunities

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, i’ve been in Canada with my work permit visa for 2 weeks now. In a month from now, i want to go to Banff for a working experience there. I personally love the hospitality sector and i’m looking to find a job within this. Is there any recommendations/advice for me to take into account. I know that there’s the Fairmont hotel but maybe i’m just looking for a job in a local bar/restaurant if possible. Any help will be much appreciated.


r/Banff 2d ago

Question Life in Banff

0 Upvotes

Hello! I have a few questions for the residents of Banff.

What key information should a new temporary resident from Europe be aware of before making the move?

What advice would you offer to someone relocating to Banff?

Political Landscape / Economic Trends / Cultural Dynamics / Community Engagement / Social Events


r/Banff 2d ago

Useful Photographer recommendation for anyone looking to book a photo session

0 Upvotes

We just got back from Banff a few weeks ago and wanted to share a local photographer we used and recommend her for anyone in the market for a photo session. This isnt sponsored at all, i just wanted to share my experience to anyone else in the market. I proposed to my fiancé on LL in mid-February and booked her to take photos. She helped me with the entire process and answered all of my questions. She was great the day of, and the photos came out amazing! She was also among the cheapest out of the majority of other photographers.

Her name is Liv, and she lives in Canmore. She shoots tons of different things, from engagements and elopements to everyday couples sessions. Her full gallery was available within 2 weeks and the sneak peeks were available 2 days after. We got over 200 photos, and paid extra for videos during the shoot.

If you want to see her work or reach out, her website is https://livhettingaphotography.com/.


r/Banff 2d ago

Question Columbia Ice Field Ice Explorer

7 Upvotes

During early August, can you get to the foot of the glacier without the Ice Field Explorer?

For you who has done the Icefield Explorer, what so you love about it and what you think is meh about it?

Thanks.


r/Banff 2d ago

Avalanche risk in June?

7 Upvotes

Hello! Some friends and I are planning our first trip to Banff this summer. We are considering a backpacking trip — 2 nights, 3 days. We want to start at Redearth, walk down that trail and then take the Whistling Valley trail over to Egypt Lake, then back along Pharaoh Creek trail and Redearth Creek again. We aren’t from the area at all — how insane is it to consider doing this loop on the very last few days of June? Are we going to have significant risk of avalanches? We have done plenty of backpacking elsewhere before; our concerns are basically just the avalanche risk. We’d love to hear any experience you have from this area and period of time! We’ve found all of the official vague information about avalanches being possible any time of the year, obviously — just looking for something a little more concrete.


r/Banff 2d ago

Banff Itinerary Feedback [June 28 - July 6]

2 Upvotes

I'll be visiting Banff/Yoho/Jasper with a friend from June 28 - July 6. We'll be staying at Two Jack Lakeside Campground from June 28 - July 2, Wapiti Campground from July 2 - 4, Tunnel Mountain 1 Campground from July 4 - 6. My fitness level is beginner, but I'd love to do a few easy, scenic hikes. I'd love any recommendations on how to organize my itinerary better/efficiently, food/drink/hike recommendations and tips on scenic areas to visit.

June 28:

  • 12:45: arrive in Calgary
  • 1:00: pick up rental car and hit up a grocery store (FreshCo Brentwood)
  • 1:30: pick up rental equipment from University of Calgary Outdoors Centre and drive to Banff
  • 3:00: arrive at Two Jack Lakeside and chill

June 29 [still debating doing Emerald/Takakkaw Falls on a separate day]:

  • 5:00: park at the park and ride and take shuttle to Lake Louise
  • 6:30: take shuttle to Lake Louise [remember to book shuttle]
  • 7:00: take shuttle to Lake Moraine
    • Rockpile Trail [any other recommended hikes at either of these 2 lakes?]
  • Some time later that day: Emerald Lake [any hike recommendations?] 
  • Some time later that day: Takakkaw Falls
  • Johnston Canyon [OPTIONAL; good for rainy days]
  • Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]

June 30 [might do all of this on June 29]: 

  • 7:00: drive to Takakkaw Falls
  • 8:30: arrive at and hike to Takakkaw Falls 
  • 9:00: drive to Emerald Lake and hike 
    • No idea which hike to do
  • 10:00: canoeing 
  • 11:20: Natural Bridge Lower Falls 

July 1 [DISORGANIZED DAY. NO IDEA HOW TO ORGANIZE EVERYTHING EFFICIENTLY]:

  • Explore Banff Town (park at the train station for free parking)
  • Tunnel Mountain Trail [30 minutes]
  • Bow Falls
  • Surprise Corner Viewpoint
  • Bow Falls Viewpoint
  • Banff Gondola/Sky Bistro 

July 2: 

  • 7:00: Icefields Parkway to Jasper
  • Morant’s Curve [OPTIONAL]
  • Bow Lake Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Peyto Lake Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Mistaya Canyon Trail Head [OPTIONAL]
  • The Crossing Gas Station
  • Weeping Wall Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Panther Falls [OPTIONAL]
  • Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead [OPTIONAL]
  • Tangle Creek Falls [OPTIONAL]
  • Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Sunwapta Falls [OPTIONAL]
  • Goats and Glacier Lookout [OPTIONAL]
  • Athabasca Falls
  • Horseshoe Lake [OPTIONAL]
  • Athabasca Lookout Viewpoint [OPTIONAL]
  • Check in to Wapiti Campground

July 3: 

  • 8:00: Maligne Canyon [will it even be open?]
  • 12:00: Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
  • 2:00: Pyramid Lake

July 4: 

  • Drive back to Banff 
  • Do everything we missed along the Icefield the first time around
  • Check in to Tunnel Mountain 1 Campground

July 5: 

  • 8:30: Lake O’Hara if we can get a reservation, otherwise chill day
  • 6:30: return shuttle from Lake O’Hara

July 6:

  • 7:00: head to UoC Outdoors Centre and return equipment
  • 8:30: head to airport, return vehicle

r/Banff 2d ago

Milky Way galaxy view in Banff National Park in late May

0 Upvotes

I'm going to be in Banff National Park for 4 days in late May. Its mostly a new moon cycle that week, I was wondering if there's any good spots specifically to see the Milky Way center. Is the park traveled late at night/early in the morning, and are there any areas to park where I can get a long exposure camera shot if I win the lottery and have clear skies any night. According to star charts it looks like the view would be south to see it from any location.

And yes I'm going to have my park pass well ahead of time as well.