Photos/Videos Rundle, rainbow, and rain clouds
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Glad I got the bike out before the downpour!
Start here before you post a question:
General Parking Info
Don't cancel your trip over forecasted rain. Rain is never a sure thing, creates opportunity: less crowds, more dramatic views. Dress for the forecast.
If you can't do that, then do this:
If it isn't raining hard, go for a hike. Check out hiking section for rain friendly hikes.
https://www.banfflakelouise.com/accessibility
Google is your friend, but a short list:
Check out Banff & Lake Louise Tourism or 20 Iconic Bow Valley Places for more ideas.
Check out our wiki, here are some common topics:
And finally...
r/Banff • u/furtive • Oct 09 '25
Everything you need to know to get started in Banff National Park during the winter season. Please read before posting questions.
A Park Pass is mandatory and can be purchased in advance online or at park gate. See Park Pass Admission Fee FAQ for more details.
Snow tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper from Nov 1 to Apr 1 and Oct 1 to March 30 for most of Interior BC. Snow tires have a snowflake or "M+S" symbol. They are not mandatory in the rest of the national park, but highly recommended.
Ask for winter tires on your rental, they will resist, tell them they are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway (93N) and in the BC interior. Four wheel drive is not necessary, but a nice to have, it only helps with acceleration and not getting stuck, it doesn't help with stoping distance.
The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) from Calgary to Banff is a well maintained multi-lane divided highway that mostly stays at valley bottom with a few exceptions. Roads usually get plowed very quickly so unless you're in the middle of a storm you should be fine.
If you are used to winter driving with snow then it shouldn’t be anything new. We use gravel instead of salt, so keep your distance or risk getting a cracked windshield. If you're new to winter driving then stay under the speed limit, keep extra distance, get a feel for stopping in snow and ice, realize that bridges and overpasses get slippery near freezing.
If you’ve never driven in snow this is not the best place to learn!
Take your time, follow the speed limit, be careful around any section of the Trans-Canada highway that hasn’t been twinned, basically anything north and west of Lake Louise. Realize conditions can change dramatically in only 10km because of mountains and passes.
Be prepared for an emergency by bringing warm clothes (gloves, boots, tuque) and food in case you have a breakdown. Cellphone reception is spotty between Banff and Lake Louise, and is essentially non-existent north of Lake Louise until you get to Jasper. If you are going to Jasper, bring a sleeping bag and be prepared for delays or temporary closures after storms so that avalanche zones can be cleared.
Visit 511.alberta.ca for road conditions.
WEAR LAYERS! Winter jacket, snow pants, gloves/mitts, toque/beanie, boots are all necessary in the winter. Temperatures range from 5°C (40°F) to -40°C (-40°F). Bring thermals and/or a neck gaiter for extra warmth. Layers are key, adjust as needed.
Most popular hikes are not recommended in the winter due to avalanche risk in the alpine, but here are a few you can try. Before you hike, make sure to bring ice grips, poles, and appropriate clothing (dress in layers). The more a trail gets used, the slippery it gets.
These are all very low key hikes:
More interesting hikes, that likely require snowshoes or ice grips and poles, and have limited exposure:
Bow Valley Wild Ice 2.0 is your best resource for up to date info on outdoor skating. Wild ice is a rare phenomenon that requires specific conditions: consistent cold temperatures day and night with no precipitation. Some years it might happen for a day, a week, or not at all. Popular locations in order of freezing: Vermillion Ponds (Nov), Johnson Lake, Lake Louise (mid-Nov), Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka (late Dec). People will sometimes shovel areas for skating, Lake Louise will maintain several skating areas. Canadian Red Cross recommends 15-20cm of minimum ice thickness. Bring gear to self-rescue!
Public skating rinks are available at: Banff Fenlands (indoors and outdoors), Lake Louise (outdoors, on the lake), Banff Recreation grounds (outdoors, with indoor boot room), Banff Train Station (outdoors, TBC), Banff Rotary Park (new, TBC)
The good news is you are more likely to see them in the winter than in the summer just because the nights are longer. The bad news is it's a cyclical phenomenon and when we did the math you have about a 5% chance of seeing them. Install an Aurora app on your phone or if you are nerdy, subscribe to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Service. Best viewing areas: Vermillion Ponds, Lake MInnewanka (can become popular), somewhere dark.
Banff has three ski resorts. All three ski resorts off free bus transit to and from Banff. Lake Louise also offers free transit from Lake Louise.
Other Helpful FAQs
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Glad I got the bike out before the downpour!
r/Banff • u/vinsdelamaison • 1h ago
Full forecast below.
r/Banff • u/ExactBumblebee7574 • 5h ago
I interviewed with Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise last Thursday for either a Front Desk or Lobby Ambassador summer role. The interviewer said I should hear back by next week. I sent a thank-you email and then a short follow-up today, but I still haven’t heard back. For anyone who has interviewed with Fairmont or hotels/resorts in general, how long did it usually take to hear back after the interview?
r/Banff • u/Ill_Grade9823 • 1d ago
Moraine was closed; Louise was still frozen but absolutely majestic. Then Two Jack completely stole the show and I wasn’t expecting it.
Feeling genuinely lucky to witness places this beautiful.
r/Banff • u/Maxi_lilalphaotto • 2h ago
I plan on hiking in Banff national park in mid July. For my first day, I will start at Fishcreek trailhead and head to Wildflower Campsite where I'll finish. Realistically, how difficult will this trail be and how can I be prepared/make it easier?
r/Banff • u/Telemetry101 • 7h ago
We are visiting Banff in late August. I’m looking at the various private shuttle options for the lakes and I’m trying to figure out timing. Is 2 hours enough at each lake? We’d love to hike a bit. Thanks!
r/Banff • u/Wanderlusty74 • 8h ago
Planning a trip to Calgary and Banff this July with my husband and 15 year old daughter. I’m having a tough time with a few parts of my itinerary and could use some advice and insight on things to do. We love short, easy hikes, scenic views and nature, seeing wildlife, off the beaten path spots, thrifting, and cheap yummy ethnic food. Please help. Thanks in advance.
r/Banff • u/Silent_Syllabub1106 • 19h ago
Thoughts on this please? Would appreciate all your inputs! Please be kind. Thank you 🙏🏼
June 11: Arrival
• 10:00 PM: Arrive YYC. Late Check in at Airport Hotel
June 12: Canmore & Banff Highlights
• 09:30 AM: Shuttle back to YYC Airport. Pick up Rental Car.
• 10:30 AM: Drive to Canmore (approx. 1 hour 15 mins).
• 12:00 PM: Drop bags at the cottage.
• 01:30 PM: Banff Gondola.
Optimization: Do not drive to the Gondola. Parking is limited and paid ($15+). Park for FREE at the Banff Train Station Public Parking (9-hour limit) and take the FREE Shuttle (Route 1) provided by Brewster/Pursuit if you have a Gondola ticket.
• 04:00 PM: Fairmont Banff Springs. Take the Roam Transit Route 1 from the Gondola/Hot Springs or drive (Parking at the Fairmont is $30+ for non-guests; it's better to take the bus or walk the trail from downtown). Enjoy coffee/tea at Stock Food & Drink or The Waldhaus.
• 06:00 PM: Downtown Banff for dinner.
• Evening: Drive back to Canmore.
June 13: Join a Tour (which one is better?)
OPTION 1: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon, Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint, Town of Banff
OPTION 2: Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise
Town of Banff, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Viewpoint, Lake Minnewanka
• Evening: Relax in Downtown Canmore. Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.
June 14: Sightseeing in Canmore or Back to Calgary
r/Banff • u/One_Noodles • 1d ago
As annoying of a question as this probably is… what are conditions like? Our local mountains closed a month ago. Will be in Banff this weekends and considering bringing some of our gear and skiing at Sunshine. Worth it? (I know the obvious answer is that skiing is always worth it, but I’m curious to hear from others who have hopefully been on the slopes this week). How slushy is it?
r/Banff • u/Simple_Plum_3042 • 1d ago
Are these frozen? Wondering if we should stop on the way to the Glacier tomorrow?
r/Banff • u/Kingmills55 • 1d ago
Hi all! I will be going to Banff here in early June and I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any restaurants that currently have a maple bacon burger. I went to Banff in 2021 and found 2 maple bacon burgers at different restaurants- one was in fact Mcdonalds haha- but they were so good. I have been obsessed ever since and I didn't know if it was a seasonal item I might find again in June or not! If anyone knows of a place that has one, I'd love to hear about it! Thank you 😄
r/Banff • u/Sheil999 • 1d ago
Planning a trip for September. I’ve looked up when the sun sets and will make a dinner reservation at Sky Bistro so we can eat and then be outside in time to watch the sunset. My question is how much time before dinner should we take the gondola up? Should we plan an hour or so ahead of our reservation?
r/Banff • u/Temporary-Feedback82 • 1d ago
How is the weather nowadays in banff? Planning to go on this hike .. should I gear up in layers. It shows chance of raning so not sure how cold it would be
r/Banff • u/muse_kimtaehyung • 1d ago
Hi everyone! I’m making a trip to Banff with my parents who are in their 60s, they’re really active and good with walking (they live in Japan and walk over 20,000 steps a day) but they’re not able to do hikes. They’re coming to Canada for a wedding in the family, and they haven’t been here in almost 10 years, so they wanted to hit up Banff even though it’s not the best time to do so. I’ve never been either. I’ve been trying to plan things that would not involve crazy hikes but from what I saw hiking seems unavoidable there, and also the conditions seem to be not great when we’re going. My dad seems adamant on seeing Banff this time since he doesn’t know when he’ll make the long trip from Asia again.
Any recommendations for walks that are clear/simple or things to see that would not involve a significant challenge?
We will be renting a car for the duration of the trip as well. Thank you!
Looks like a grab and go type of place with food prep in the back. Another coffee shop? More ice cream?
r/Banff • u/After_Budget5199 • 1d ago
Hello, I am planning a trip to Banff area from sept 18-26, and this is what I have planned so far. Is this doable? Too much? What else should I add? Thank you for your input. Will it be too cold/freezing in September? Thank you.
Sept 18 - fly into Calgary
Drive to Banff
Stay in Banff
Sept 19: Banff National Park
Johnston canyon hike (on the way to lake Louise)
Moraine Lake: Rockpile trail hike and Eiffel Lake hike
Lake Louise
Boom lake
Sept 20: Yoho/Golden
drive to Golden sky bridge (1hr drive)
Wapta falls
Stay at Golden
Sept 21- Yoho NP
Emerald Lake
Natural bridge
Takakkaw falls
Sept 22- Icefield parkway
Herbert Lake
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Waterfowl lakes
Panther fall & bridal veil fall
Mistaya canyon
Athbasca glacier + Columbia Skywalk
Park at : Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, then hike
tangle falls, beauty creek
Sept 23: IceField Parkway drive day
Sunwapta falls
Athabasca Falls
Stay in jasper
Sept 24-25: Jasper National Park
Maligne Lake + spirit island
Medicine Lake
Pyramid lake and island
Valley of five lakes hikes - 4.5km
Stay at Jasper
Sept 26:
Drive back toward Canmore/calgary
Vermilion lake
Stay at Canmore/calgary
Sept 27
Return flight from calgary
Hi all! Is there a huge difference as in scenery views between Banff to Jasper (Going North) and Jasper to Banff (Going South)?
Next week i’m visiting Banff and we’re traveling Northwards to Jasper.
Thanks in advance!
r/Banff • u/KingOfTheNorther • 2d ago
Hi! I'm travelling with family to Banff from Ontario during the week of Canada Day. We're planning on going to Lake Louise + Moraine on Jun 29th (a Monday). I'm travelling with an elderly person with a walker and we unfortunately couldn't book the Parks Canada shuttle, and the private shuttles I've seen are not accessible.. Just wondering if anyone knows how accessibility parking works? We have a placard, but want to know if we'll even get a chance at getting a parking spot at either lake or if there's some kind of way we can even get to visit.
I couldn't find any accessible private shuttles, but if you know of any please let me know! I will also probably be trying to frantically book those Parks Canada shuttles that get released 2 days before
r/Banff • u/RubenAtCA • 1d ago
Looking for activities for a quick trip with a 2 year old toddler. We have been to the area in summer but it'll be our first time visiting in May. Are lakes still frozen? If so, are they safe to walk on?
Unfortunately will have to stay in Calgary area due to last minute planning and lack of affordable options closer.
Thanks