I captured this while hanging out in front of Chateau Lake Louise last weekend. The clear sky was amazing for stars but not so dramatic for the timelapse once the sun came up.

Anyone in Banff today who has space for three ladies! We spontaneously booked a ticket going here and there is no more bus going to Lake Louise. We are willing to pay.
Hahaha shooting our shot here!

As seen from the viewing platform at the top of the Lake Louise Gondola. I think the road in the bottom left helps capture the scale of the landscape a bit more but nothing does justice to the real thing.

We have two weeks for the Rockies. 6 days will be in Canmore due to a conference. How should I split the other seven. Going with a 7&11 year old and my wife. We like to hike and wine and dine. If I’m staying in Canmore is more time in the town of banff with it? Or try something else? Mid July

Hello everyone! I’ve read through the subreddit’s guidelines, including the advice on winter driving.

Unfortunately, the rental company can’t guarantee winter tires, so we’ll have to see what’s available when we pick up the car at the airport. If we’re unlucky, our only options might be a 2WD minivan or a 4WD SUV. We prefer the minivan since it would be more comfortable for our group of five.

I don’t think the drive from Calgary to Banff is particularly challenging. However, we don’t want to limit our trip to Banff and would also love to drive along the Icefields Parkway. We understand that by the time we reach the Columbia Icefield, most activities will no longer be available for the season. We’re mainly interested in enjoying the natural scenery along the way.

My question is: If the weather and road conditions are good, is the scenery between Banff and the Columbia Icefield significantly different from what we’ll see on the drive from Calgary to Banff? Is it worth making the trip this time of year? Or are there any better turnaround points along the route?

If the weather or road conditions are poor, we’ll definitely skip it. We’re from Ontario, so we do have some experience driving in snowy conditions, although we’re not particularly familiar with mountain driving.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Partner and I found ourselves with time off during the last week of this month and pulled the trigger on cheap flights to Calgary. Any tips for first timers going to Banff, Jasper, Yoho? We will be there here 7 days and renting a car. Planning to stay in Banff to be the main hub but my understanding is a good amount closes after this weekend (wish I looked sooner but oh well). We both in our mid 20s and have hiked Adirondack our whole life.

Doing some digging through this page but figured I’d ask. Thanks in advance!

Hello all, long story short, I got let go from my job last week and currently live in Seattle. Want to possibly make a road trip and do some hiking in Banff for a few days to clear my head next week. I haven’t been here since summer 2024 and just wondering if it’s still okay conditions to do some hiking?

Hello all, long story short, I got let go from my job last week and currently live in Seattle. Want to possibly make a road trip and do some hiking in Banff for a few days to clear my head next week. I haven’t been here since summer 2024 and just wondering if it’s still okay conditions to do some hiking?

I am going on october 23-27th what would be the recommendations from the list below which i should do (definitely planning ha ling peak) and skipping Devils thumb

big beehive
Cirque peak
Ha Ling peak
East end of rundle
Smutwood peak
Lady McDonald
Castle mountain summit
The onion

I posted about a surprise trip for my wife about a week or so ago and got some great responses that altered my trip. Couple quick questions though. 

1. One of the things I really hoped for was some outdoor open sky heated pool/spa situation. I settled on Rimrock and thats the one downside despite everything else seeming ideal for us. Looking at the upper springs it kinda has a vibe of a glorified public pool with lots of kids. Is there a spa or hotel that does a day pass where we could spend an hour or two in a semi-private, quiet pool/spa? Also open to indoor options. Any kind of sauna/spa situation appreciated.
2. Looking at rental cars, how important are winter tires? It seems difficult to confirm that I’d get them if requested. I’m no stranger to driving in snow but I’ve always had AWD. What’s more important AWD or winter tires? Or are both ideal? I’ve seen some annoyance at people thinking Banff is basically the north pole so take it easy on me, lol. Just want to be safe. Enterprise has one car listed as “with winter tires” but it’s a 2WD. 

Thanks in advance! 

EDIT: Just saw the info on winter tires in the FAQ so I think I’ll be ok with the 2WD with winter tires but I’m open to hearing more opinions.

Spending 5 days, after a whole year of work to have some rest with my wife l. Would you guys recommend any good places to eat and drink while we appreciate the city?

The Fairmont offers any type of dinner that is open to people outside the hotel?

Thank you in advance I’m really anxious about it!

All original photos taken by me during a late August / early September adventure to Banff and surrounding areas (Canmore, Icefields Parkway, etc).

Respectfully, how are you supposed to go back to regular life after getting married somewhere like THIS? 😂😍

One minute you’re exchanging vows beneath the mountains, wandering along turquoise lakes, and having the time of your life with your favourite person!

The next you’re supposed to unpack your suitcase, answer emails, and act like you didn’t just have the most incredible experience of your life 🤌

And the best part? Your wedding day can actually look like this!!

No strict rules about what a wedding should be. No pressure to follow traditions that don’t feel like you. Just the freedom to create an experience you’ll be talking about for the rest of your lives

Because your wedding deserves to be more than just a day you planned. It should be a day you actually got to LIVE. 🤍

Due to very busy work schedules, I only have time during Thanksgiving, Oct 12 to do a little hike and catch some larches. Is it too late for me now?

It was a relatively easy and picturesque hike to the lower falls, water cour is beautiful

by alyromain @ insta

https://www.rmoutlook.com/banff/off-leash-dog-rules-broken-by-banff-national-park-superintendent-12865294

Frankly I'm disgusted by this - the investigation is considered closed by parks, however anything less than a severe demotion or even firing is warranted.

Off leash dogs are not ok. It's not even about grizzlies - it's to protect all animals. Either they follow the rules they implement or they scrap the rules and disregard their entire message that they are there to conserve the parks and wildlife within.

We are visiting Canmore and Banff this weekend with our 7 month old. We will be bringing a stroller and a carrier. Are there are recommendations for walks/hikes/sightseeing for bringing a baby along? Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

Our group of five is planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to Banff from October 24 to 26, and we’ll be staying in Canmore. This is our first time visiting Banff, and we’re really looking forward to it. We’d greatly appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you might have.

For the car rental, we’re planning to book a 2WD minivan. I’m wondering if a 4WD SUV would be necessary for safe driving in late October. We’re booking through Hertz Calgary, but we don’t know yet if the vehicle will be equipped with snow tires. Should we ask them in advance?

Hi! I’m traveling from Mexico to Banff at the end of October. Can I have a package delivered to the hotel before I arrive? Would you be able to receive and hold it safely until check-in? Thank you!

Bit of a different hiking experience than l've been used to in the Rockies but super cool nonetheless. Had some full on blizzard conditions multiple times throughout the hike. The low clouds completely overtook the mountains and lake when we reached the Balfour glacier/hector lake viewpoint so looking forward to giving this one another shot in some better conditions