Banff Survival Guide

Just got back from a 5-day trip to Banff, and I want to share my honest feelings—no bashing at all! Just hoping to help you avoid pitfalls. Sisters planning a trip to Banff, read this first to get a clear picture of what Banff is like now! ⚠️ Banff Survival Guide (Avoid These Pitfalls): Since 2023, private cars have been banned from the road to Moraine Lake. Now, the only ways to get there are via shuttle buses, public transport, or group tours. Download offline maps on Google Maps in advance. There’s almost no cell service on highways—only Banff and Jasper towns have reliable signals. The temperature difference between day and night in the park is huge. Be sure to pack plenty of clothes, both light and thick, so you can switch them according to the temperature. For summer trips, take sun protection and anti-mosquito measures, and carry bear spray with you. Bring a lightweight backpack, a water bottle, and hiking poles—there are lots of trails to explore. There are buses to Moraine Lake’s parking lot, but you have to wait 20 minutes for each bus. Hotels don’t provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, or slippers—remember to bring your own! There are few restaurants on the highways and their prices are high. Gas stations are also scarce. It’s recommended to stock up on food and refuel your car in time. ⭐️ Must-Visit Attractions 📍 Peyto Lake: A glacial lake with a blue color. From a high altitude, the shape of the lake looks like a cat’s paw 🐱—cute and spectacular! 📍 Columbia Icefield: One of the seven natural wonders of the world, it’s a relic of the ancient ice field in the Rocky Mountains. 📍 Emerald Lake: True to its name, it’s like an emerald inlaid in the Rocky Mountains. 📍 Moraine Lake: Featured on Canada’s $20 bill, it’s recognized by countless photographers as the most valuable lake and is perfect for taking photos! 📍 Lake Louise: Known as the “Sapphire of the Rocky Mountains” 💎. 📍 Banff Town: It has a rich business district, where you can enjoy hot springs, skiing, and lots of delicious food! 📍 Banff Gondola: Take the gondola to the top to overlook the charming scenery of Banff Town and the Rocky Mountains. 📅 5-Day Trip Reference Route Day ❶: Pick-up at Calgary Airport Day ❷: Calgary → Bow Lake → Peyto Lake → Abraham Lake (Bubble Lake) Day ❸: Athabasca Falls → Maligne Canyon → Fairmont Resort → Jasper Town → Columbia Icefield Day ❹: Waterfowl Lake → Emerald Lake → Moraine Lake → Lake Louise → Banff Town Day ❺: Banff Town → Johnston Canyon → Lake Minnewanka Cruise 🌟 Trip Highlights: 🚌 Small group: Groups with fewer than 13 people, allowing you to stop and go freely. 🏨 Accommodation: 3 nights stay in the national park, with beautiful scenery right outside the door. 🚗 Transportation: Convenient and time-saving round trips from and to Calgary, including free airport pick-up and drop-off services. 💰 Free gifts: Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola 🚡, giant snow vehicle experience 🚜, Lake Minnewanka cruise ⛵, and two helicopter experience spots per room 🚁. 🍝 Food: Enjoy lunch at the Fairmont Hotel by Lake Louise, with a close-up view of the stunning lake scenery. #CanadaTravel #banffGuide #banff #LakeLouise #BanffNationalPark #Banff #BanffTown #BanffTravel #MoraineLake