One of the main perks of working in travel is that you often get to try it for yourself, and for over 25 years, our team of Travel Designers has been visiting and planning dream trips in Banff and Lake Louise. If it's your first time, we understand the process can be a little daunting, but that's why we're here.
To answer your questions, we've created a Travel Expert's Guide to Banff and Lake Louise.
For more details on the tours we offer, see our five favorite winter and summer packages at the end of this article. And to start planning your trip, simply get in touch with our knowledgeable Travel Designers at sales@canadabydesign.com or by calling 1 (800) 217 0973.
Banff Avenue in the snow | Credit: Travel Alberta
Where is Banff?
The town of Banff is located within Banff National Park in the province of Alberta, Canada. As part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it is located on Alberta's western border with British Columbia, about 80 miles west of Calgary and 500 miles east of Vancouver.
Originally a small, 26 square kilometer hot springs reserve, Banff National Park now covers a whopping 6,641 square kilometres of pure, beautiful nature filled with intriguing wildlife and outdoor adventure.
Banff National Park entry requires a Park Pass, which helps support visitor services and national historic sites within the park. National Park service fees will be included in your Canada By Design package.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: the 'Castle in the Rockies' | Credit: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Where to Stay in Banff
Whether in downtown Banff or on the edge of Rundle Mountain, Banff National Park offers stays from historic castles to contemporary boutiques.
Luxury Accommodations in Banff
If you're looking for a truly magical and almost fairy-tale-like experience in Banff, look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Nicknamed Canada's 'Castle in the Rockies' due to its grand presence, peaks and turrets, its broad hallways lead to large ballrooms, fine-dining restaurants, and stunning guest rooms you'll need to see to believe. And, at the base of Rundle Mountain, you are offered sweeping views over Bow Valley, the many bars, restaurants, and rooms that overlook it.
Moderate Accommodations in Banff
If the Fairmont is outside your budget, we still have many properties we equally recommend.
Try Elk + Avenue Hotel, in the heart of downtown Banff, or Banff Caribou Lodge, the Moose Hotel, or Fox Hotel & Suites, which has a one-of-a-kind cave-themed indoor hot pool that's open to the elements through an opening in the roof.
These accommodations are all in downtown Banff, allowing you to stay closer to the action and the vibrant town atmosphere.
Dining in Banff | Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Hendrickson
Where to Eat in Banff
Our Travel Designers frequent the area and are always finding new tasty dishes to enjoy in atmospheric dining rooms. On a team member’s most recent trip to Banff, she was lucky enough to try a number of incredible restaurants.
For a view that positively can't be beat, she recommends making a reservation at the Banff Gondola's Sky Bistro to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains alongside delicious Canadian cuisine.
Her personal favorite, though, is Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar back in town, where campfire-inspired cooking is mixed with award-winning spirits distilled in-house. Other recommendations include The Bison Restaurant and Lounge, Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge and JK Bakery & Cafe, but be sure to ask your personal Travel Designer for their favorites while planning the details of your trip!
Banff Upper Hot Springs | Credit: Travel Alberta
What to Do in Banff
Apart from its scenic views, the activities you can do in Banff are the real reason why you come here.
In winter, carve fresh powder at one — or all — of the three area ski slopes, take your family tobogganing, book a wildlife tour, try cross-country skiing, or go dog-sledding for something truly authentic.
The Banff Gondola offers incredible views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town from the top of Sulphur Mountain, and to warm up from the chilly winds, take a dip at Banff Upper Hot Springs. The hot springs were first discovered in 1883 by three rail workers and have since been converted into a full commercial operation where you can sit in the pools, watch the snow fall, and relax while reaping the benefits of healing properties.
A wildlife tour between Banff and Jasper | Credit: Sundog Tours
How to Get to Banff
With so much to enjoy, the devil is always in the details, so you'll need to know how to get there first.
Luckily, our Travel Designers can arrange whichever mode of transportation you're most comfortable with, though we strongly recommend against driving yourself in winter.
Our favorite way to get to Banff is either by booking a private car or SUV transfer, which typically leaves from either Jasper or Lake Louise depending on your direction of travel.
Our tours often arrive in the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail's Canadian train between Vancouver and Jasper, then traveling by private car or motorcoach with Sundog Tours or Brewster between Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary.
The iconic view of Cascade Mountain in Banff | Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
When to Visit Banff
For winter in Banff, the best time to visit is in December, when the snow has settled and the Holiday festivities have begun. But for summer activities, we recommend late June for the best balance of weather and crowds.
Winter in Banff
To truly enjoy all of the magic that winter has to offer, the best time to visit Banff National Park falls between December and March. This is when the peaks and ski hills receive large amounts of snow, while the town itself receives a moderate amount.
In March, the temperatures begin to lift ever so slightly, meaning it won't be quite as cold as it is in December, and you'll still have the snow to enjoy. But, of course, keep in mind any particular event or festival dates that you want to experience!
Banff Avenue in summer | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Summer in Banff
Summer in Banff National Park really begins in June, when the weather has warmed and the wildflowers begin to bloom. The best time to visit is between late June and early August. In the summer, gondola rides show the sweeping Bow Valley in green, and the opportunity to hike the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson's Peak.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Banff, and can lead to larger crowds, higher prices, and more limited availability. For this reason, we recommend visiting early in the season.
Warming up by the fire | Credit: Travel Alberta
How Many Days to Spend in Banff
Considering a trip to Banff is often combined with Jasper and Lake Louise, we advise travelers book at least a couple of nights (three days) in Banff. There's just so much to do here — from wildlife tours and snowshoeing to the Icewalk at Johnston Canyon or gondola rides — you won't want to feel rushed or that you're passing by the fun.
On our Luxury Winter Snow Train itinerary, you'll have two nights in Jasper and Banff, plus a night in Lake Louise and another onboard VIA Rail's train from Vancouver to Jasper.
Even on our Trans Canada Winter Adventure from Toronto to Vancouver, we make sure to include a couple of nights in Banff. Of course, you can always add more! Simply mention it to your Travel Designer.
Walking on frozen Lake Louise | Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Where is Lake Louise in Canada?
A lot of people ask whether Lake Louise is inside Banff National Park, and the answer is yes.
Located a scenic 45 minutes west of the town of Banff or less than two hours from Calgary, Lake Louise itself is a small area best known for its gorgeous glacial lake surrounded by snowy peaks.
While the thought of it typically conjures images of postcard-worthy turquoise waters, in winter it freezes over completely. The lake plays host to an ice-carving competition, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and skating right on the lake — like a true winter wonderland should.
Sleigh ride at Lake Louise | Credit: Travel Alberta
What to Do in Lake Louise
By summer, canoe rentals and lakeshore walks, and by winter, wild ice skating and horse-drawn sleighs.
Lake Louise in Winter
If you weren't already tempted by the sound of an ice-carving competition, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and wild ice skating at Lake Louise, there are plenty of other activities for you to consider on your trip.
Snowshoeing is a popular choice for those seeking time out in nature, and the Ink Pots via Moose Meadows trail is a fantastic choice as it takes you through dense forest to brilliantly colored mineral springs in an open meadow.
Of course, you can also try cross-country skiing or fat biking in the winter, with tires that are extra wide and perfect for riding on snow. And the annual Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition takes place in late January each year.
When it's time to come indoors, warm up over Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or indulge in a Canadian charcuterie board at the restaurant in Deer Lodge.
Summer at Moraine Lake | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Summer
Summer in Lake Louise is when the brilliant blue emerges and the iconic red canoes take to the waters. And nearby, Moraine Lake is open for the summer. Visiting Lake Louise — and now-open Moraine Lake — in the summer is an introduction to what makes the Canadian Rockies as magical as they are: turquoise waters backed by rocky peaks and surrounded by dense pine.
Lake Louise's lakeshore can get busy, so visiting the surrounding area is a good way to avoid some of the crowds. Following the lakeshore, you will find hikes to Lake Agnes or the Six Glaciers — both with remote tea houses hidden at the end.
Parking at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is infamously challenging. Moraine Lake does not allow visitors to drive private vehicles to the lake itself. Instead, you will need to take a commercial tour or Parks Canada shuttle to the lakeshore. Driving to Lake Louise's lakeshore is permitted, but parking is limited. Unless you are a guest at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we do not recommend driving directly to the lake.
Our tours give you the option to travel to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, meaning you don't need to plan ahead.
Wild ice skating at Lake Louise | Credit: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
When Does Lake Louise Freeze
While Lake Louise begins to freeze as early as November, it isn't safe to skate and do other activities on the lake until typically mid-December. Of course, it stays frozen until close to June so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it!
Rent your ice skates and other equipment at Chateau Ski and Snow Rentals near the lobby of Chateau Lake Louise. Here you'll find an array of high performance equipment for all ages and abilities, first-come first-serve.
Warming up inside | Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Top Banff and Lake Louise Itineraries
You may have caught a couple of our most popular itineraries earlier in this post, but we've put together a simple list to make browsing easier to manage.
Have questions or want to customize your own trip? Contact our Travel Designers at sales@canadabydesign.com or 1 (800) 217 0973. If you're not ready yet, subscribe to our newsletter for more travel inspiration.
5 Winter Itineraries in Banff and Lake Louise
Christmas in Banff at the Castle (5 days)
Spend Christmas Day at a castle in the mountains, surrounded by snowy pine forests and festive cheer. On the big day itself, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride before a festive feast back home at the castle.
Winter Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies | VIA Rail (7 days)
Arrive in the Rockies on your own Polar Express, journeying through Canada's winter wonderland on a warm sleeper train, before exploring the mountains with tours through Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise
Luxury Winter Snow Train to the Rockies (7 days)
Upgrade your snow train trip with private tours and transfers through the Canadian Rockies, giving you an intimate look into one of Canada's quietest seasons.
Trans Canada Winter Train Adventure (12 days)
See the Great White North coast-to-coast on a winter train across Canada, sleeping onboard in a cozy cabin while snow-covered landscapes rush by your window.
Winter Delights in the Majestic Canadian Rockies (7 days)
Spend seven days touring the Canadian Rockies, seeing the winter at its best as you snowshoe and dog sled; ride gondolas and sleighs; and tour snowy mountain towns and their winter wildlife.
5 Summer Itineraries in Banff and Lake Louise
Western Canada Highlights Train Tour (7 days)
Arrive in the Canadian Rockies in style onboard Rocky Mountaineer, before spending five days touring the mountains as you visit turquoise lakes, mountain peaks (via easy gondola), deep canyons, and step onto an ancient glacier.
Canadian Rockies Circle by Train and Road Trip (10 days)
Explore the Canadian Rockies' every avenue as you travel by both rail and road through the mountains, beginning by car as you enter and explore, and then relaxing on a return trip onboard Rocky Mountaineer.
Canada’s Great Western Parks Road Trip (14 days)
See both British Columbia and Alberta's mountain views as you travel north from Vancouver to Whistler, before venturing east to the grand Canadian Rocky Mountains, adventuring through them on a road trip.
Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island Road Trip (12 days)
Venture off the beaten track as you extend your Canadian Rockies trip west to Vancouver Island, traveling up to the small surf town of Tofino and seeing the wild Pacific Rim carve its place along the ocean.
Classic Rocky Mountain Rail Circle Tour (8 days)
Experience the Rocky Mountains in luxury from the daylight-only Rocky Mountaineer train, enjoying luxurious onboard dining, masterful storytelling, and, of course, jaw-dropping natural views across two different routes through the Rockies.