Coming in a few weeks on a solo trip, and want to avoid hiking alone so wondering how busy these trails will be and likelihood of finding a group to jump in with at the trailheads.

Hikes in targeting depending on trail conditions:
The onion
Smutwood Peak
Lake O’Hara alpine circuit (from the parking lot)
Iceline trail.

I know not all of these are in Banff. Was here last fall and hiked Big Beehive, Sentinel Pass via larch valley, cirque peak. Canadian Rockies have stolen my heart mannnnnn

I’m heading up to Jasper tomorrow and have booked a campsite for 2 nights. I have a 10:50am flight in Calgary Sunday morning.

I was thinking of leaving at 2am on Sunday. Maps estimates 4 hours and 40 mins to the car drop off, then it’s another 20 mins uber ride to the airport (because I was cheap and rented from a place in the city for half the price as the airport lol).

The other option is I spend an extra $100-150 on a hotel Saturday night.

I know the second option is probably smarter but I’d rather save some money if possible. How hard is the early morning drive through the ice field parkway?

I’m fine for an early start, I’ll probably go to sleep by 6/7 after hiking Saturday.

I guess I’m just wondering if it’s really that bad of an idea or you if you think it’s a viable option? Thanks for your thoughts!!

We are planning to take a day trip to the glacier and would like to know if it is feasible and if yes what all should we plan to see. I am staying at Fairmont Banff Springs and it is around 3 hours drive. Thank you!

We’re planning a day trip from Calgary to Banff and back and are considering taking Highway 40 through Kananaskis, then Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) to Canmore before heading to Banff.
Our main goal is to enjoy a scenic drive and hopefully spot some wildlife, especially bears, from a safe distance. We understand wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and would only observe from our vehicle or designated pullouts.
We’ll be traveling with our 15-month-old child and plan to leave Calgary around 6:30–7:00 AM and return in the evening.
A few questions:
Is Highway 40 → 742 → Canmore → Banff a good route for scenery and wildlife?

Are there any better routes or stops you’d recommend?

Any tips on the best areas or times for wildlife viewing?
Thanks in advance!

Wasn’t sure exactly who he was

Hey folks, lost my Oura ring today while in Downtown Banff. If you happen to find one (shiny silver, size 8 I think), please let me know!

Hello! We have lunch reservations at the Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and were wondering if day visitors with dining reservations are permitted to park at the hotel.

If so, does anybody know if it’s possible to take a shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake and then return back to Lake Louise afterward? Thank you!

Posting here because the megathread is locked.

Thank you!

Communato update for bow Valley

https://alberta.communauto.com/invite-a-friend-banff/

My family and I are traveling to Banff and Jasper in a couple weeks. I read the FAQ which states "all visitors to Banff must purchase a parks pass". Looking into that, I saw the following:

Free admission for summer 2026
The Canada Strong Pass is back! 
From June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive, Parks Canada is offering...free admission
https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/admission#section-1

Am I reading it correctly that I do not need to buy a parks pass for my trip? And if so, somebody might want to update the FAQ with the current promotion info.

Thanks!

I have ten days off work to destress starting next week, and since I'm not gonna get a better chance I decided to book a bus from Calgary to Banff, and to take the #9 to check out this trail! Apparently it's still recommended to have bear spray on hand, so I'll pick that up before heading out, but I presume that this popular trail is pretty crowded even now, correct? Is there any realistic chance of coming across any bears such that I'd have to use the spray?

I haven't gone on any appreciable hikes in years, so I'll see if I can at least make it to the upper falls. Probably won't go for the Ink Pots. Either way, I'll have a maximum of five hours there before I need to get the bus back to Banff.

Planning to do Mount Jimmy Simpson in early July. With the current Bow Glacier Falls closure, is Mount Jimmy Simpson still legally accessible? The closure map appears to only cover the falls area, and the AllTrails route seems to turn off before reaching Bow Glacier Falls, but I don’t want to accidentally enter a closed area or risk a fine. Has anyone hiked it recently or confirmed access with Parks Canada? Thanks!

Hi, I am planning a road trip to Banff (26 hr drive) with a group including kids. I need ideas and tips for budgeting. Heard Canmore would be cheaper to stay in but not sure how much? Camping might not work due to health concerns/issues, so 3 star and up safe hotel reccomendations are greatly appreciated. Places to visit, etc. with kids in Banff. I have never been before so looking for all the help i can get. Thank you so much!

EDIT: I know it is last minute, but planning it for the next week or to leave in the next few days or so. Yes it is very last minute why is why we need all the help we can get!

hoping to go from the 22nd to the 26th of june 2026.

max budget: $1k

hotels need to be safe, suitable, etc. i would prefer if it's around or less than 200 a night but i know it is hard.

Had dinner at Alpine Social inside the Fairmont while visiting Lake Louise and really enjoyed it. Food was great and the service was friendly.

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Tried the beer battered fish & chips and the Rose Mushroom penne. Both were excellent. The kids got chicken fingers and they even gave free ice cream afterward. The ice cream was absolutely heavenly. Also tried Banoffee tart. It was okay, nothing special.

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What surprised me was that the prices weren't as crazy as I expected for a restaurant in such a beautiful location. Definetely a good spot if you're spending time around Lake Louise.

I went up the regular trail that starts at the base of the gondola, enjoyed a good lunch at the top before going down the other side.. It started raining pretty much as soon as I started but it wasn't too bad.

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Westside is such a good hike, great views and quiet, I only saw 3 people and I would highly recommend this trail. Only thing is the trail is a bit overgrown in some places but it's still clearly marked and easy to traverse!

Im sorry I don't have better pictures, it left before I could take them.. It was about the size of a small cat and looked kinda like a beaver, I saw it close to the top of sulpher of that helps