I don’t know what to say anymore, words can’t describe how I feel about Banff. No matter what I say, it will not do any justice of what Banff actually is. One must go there and experience to really understand. I know I say good things about all of my travel destination, but Banff is REALLY SPECIAL, I’m not kidding you. If I could recommend a place for you to go, it’s Banff. (And Norway – still).
But seriously, Banff is up there with Norway. I now have 2 favorite place on earth: Norway and Banff.
Two Jack Lake overlooking the Mighty Mt. Rundle.
The Natural Bridge at Emerald Lake creates this beautiful falls effect.
There are some practical things I want to share from my trip to Banff though, that could help you since you’re planning one. Oh yes, you’re planning your trip to Banff. Yes YOU ARE, NOW.
Yaiy! Let’s do it!
1. Calgary is your port to enter Canada where it’s the nearest and easiest to Banff. Start researching a ticket to Calgary (YYC) now.
2. The lakes in the Lake Louise Region are frozen most of the times. It’s starting to thaw at the end of May til August. That’s the only time you can see the lakes as lakes, not as skating rinks. But bear in mind, summer will be so crowded. If you’re like me, love the beautiful view of snow, come anytime except summer, the view is amazing.
Aww, some PDA here, but I love this shot. <3
3. Icefield Parkway is an amazing road trip route during winter; everything around it turns into a snow wonderland. I visited at the beginning of May and the snow was still 1 metre thick in some places.
4. Banff has some public transports, but it won’t be that many unless it’s summer time, even the bus from Calgary to Banff only operates during summer, so the only way to visit Banff is by car if you’re planning a non-summer visit. Prepare your international’s driving license!
5. There’s only daily entrance to Banff National Park (including Lake Louise and Jasper) and it’s CAD 9.8 per person; while annual pass cost $136 for 4 people in 1 car. So if you’re planning to visit Banff for more than 6 days (at least 2 persons), it’s better to buy the annual pass. Plan accordingly.
6. Gear up! Even though it seems like it’s already spring, Banff is surrounded by snowy rocky mountains, even the lakes are frozen, so you go figure.
7. I highly recommend to go to the peak of Sulphur mountain. It’s free if you hike up, but it’s a really strenuous hike and an icy one, so better to pay CAD 62, I know this sounds expensive but the view and the museum are worth it. Read all the story and information about this amazing Sulphur Mountain while at the top; you can also see the 360 degrees view of mountains of Banff, and learn their names too. Now that you’ve known them in first name basis, you’ll love them even more! My favourite is Mt. Rundle!
8. Hiking trails are open all year round, however depending on the avalanche season, some of the trails may be closed. Visit the information centre to have trails recommendation. We went on: Tunnel Mountain Trail, Fernland Trail, Bow lakes (which is open 365 days and so easy and fun to do), Bow Summit (overlooking Peyto Lake – even though the trail was covered by snow), and Lake Louise Trail (also icy)
Bow Lake
On the way up to Tunnel Mountain Summit.
The icy way up to see Peyto Lake
9. Banff Town is actually a real town with so many restaurants, markets, even movie theatre and a yoga studio. Of course it’s not like in the city where your theatre is in a huge building, it’s still a pretty small movie theatre, but Banff is a pretty complete town, Bandi-approved. Coz Bandi loves to see nature but still wants his well-cooked food and strong internet connection. However, we went to lake Louise Town on the 3rd and 4th Night and it’s a totally different story. So if you’re like Bandi, better stay at Banff Town.
I hope I’ve said all the important and useful information, well at least those are all I remember now. I am still currently on the road trip. I’ve left Canada 3 days ago and had fun in Maine afterwards (another post I believe because Acadia national park is so awesome!) and now I am currently in Salem, Massachusetts to sleep for the night so tomorrow morning we can catch the bus to New York! Hope to talk to you guys again soon, meanwhile hit me up in the comment if you have questions about Banff.
And don’t forget to follow our adventures on instagram @baytravels !
Cheers,
May, carrying laptop and backpack and yoga mat.
Bay Travels: The Journal 