5 Tips for Visiting Banff, Alberta (Town)

The town of Banff, Alberta has got to to be one of the cutest resort towns I have ever been to. Home to tons of shops, restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and the perfect home base for exploring Banff National Park. It’s located right off of the Trans-Canada Highway and is an easy hour and a half drive from Calgary. If Banff isn’t on your bucket list, it should be! Here’s my top 5 tips for visiting Banff!

Arrive Early

Even when I visited in the “shoulder season” of May 2022, the town of Banff was bustling! Thankfully I was a bit jet lagged and woke up early naturally, so was able to get on the road to Banff before the sun rose. When I arrived, I went straight to the Banff Gondola to maximize crowd-free time. Afterward, I made my way back down the mountain into the town of Banff. Even though it was still early in the day, parking was filling up! The earlier you can get to Banff, the better. You’ll have some time to enjoy the town without insane crowds and will even have a better chance at scoring a good parking spot! By mid-day, the town started to fill up so expect a wait at restaurants and for the shops to be busy.

Where to Find Free Parking

The town of Banff has plenty of public parking lots, but they are all metered. I tried to park in one for just a few minutes while I quickly ran into a store. Unfortunately, I was welcomed back with a parking ticket on my windshield. Officers are constantly policing the lots so if you do choose to park there, make sure to pay at the meter. If you want to park for free, there is parking at the train station in town. It’s located just outside the Banff Visitors Center. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the lot to the center of town, but there is also a free shuttle that runs throughout the day. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to miss this lot – I did!

Book in Advance

Hotels in Banff are highly sought after and fill up quickly in any season! When I was planning my trip about a month in advance, every moderately-priced hotel in town was booked up. If you’re looking for luxury, the Fairmont Banff Springs looks incredible, but your girl was balling on a budget. Because I waited so long to book a room, I ended up staying about an hour west in Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Inn. Prices were very reasonable in shoulder season (I paid CAD $117/night) and I was very pleased. It’s a little removed from parts of Banff National Park, but is very central if you want to drive the Icefields Parkway up towards Jasper National Park (and I suggest you do!).

Public Restrooms

If you’re visiting Banff for the day like I did (or just out an about in town), this tip may save you. Located at the end of town near the Bow River are public restrooms. They’re large, clean, and really came in clutch. I used them several times, lol! Here is an exact pin. They’re just a few minute walk from the main strip of Banff Avenue, or just off the Bow River Trail. There is also a large parking lot here if you wanted to park for an hour or the day. Behind the building is also a large grassy park which is perfect for a picnic or just to take in the scenery. One of the most beautiful restrooms in the world, in my opinion!

You Need a Park Pass!

Even if you are just spending time in the town of Banff, you will need a National Park Pass. They are CAD $10.50 for the day, and you’ll need one for every day that you’re in Banff National Park (which includes the town of Banff). If you’re staying for 6 or more days, consider buying the annual pass to save money.

There are three ways to buy your pass. If you’re driving from Calgary, you can buy one at the park gates. Credit cards and cash are accepted, so it’s very easy and quick. To go even quicker, there is also an option to purchase them online by clicking here. If you find yourself in Banff and haven’t yet purchased your ticket, you can also go to the Banff Visitors Centre. You’ll need this pass displayed the windshield of your car to avoid a ticket. And trust me, they enforce it.

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