First timers' Guide
Discover Banff & Lake Louise and Skiing in the Canadian Rockies
Cold Plunges and Snow Peaks: Dive Into SkiBig3 in Banff and Lake Louise.
Everything you need to know to experience the 3 ski resorts of Banff National Parks and what to expect when staying in the town of Banff or the village of Lake Louise. Easy trip planning tips to make the most of your next ski vacation.
4 Easy Arrival Steps
Getting Here is Easy
The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC). From there, the town of Banff is an easy 90 minute drive along the all-weather, four-lane Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy #1). Lake Louise is a scenic 45 minutes further west.
Frequent airport transfer services are available between Calgary International Airport and Banff-Lake Louise hotels – this can be booked with your package online or with our reservations specialists.
Banff National Park
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canada’s first National Park now encompasses 6,641 square kilometres of unmatched mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies.
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas, you’ll be seduced by the elemental allure of this extraordinary wilderness.
And just beyond the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, you can explore this vast wilderness, home of some of North America’s wildest creatures, including caribou, elk, wolves, black and grizzly bears.
Three historic towns
Town of Banff
First settled in the 1880s after the transcontinental railway was built through the Bow Valley, the town of Banff is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and its namesake national park. Tourism here got its start when railway workers discovered a series of natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. Soon, construction of the majestic Banff Springs Hotel was underway and the rest, as they say, is history.
Village of Lake Louise
Welcome to the most iconic mountain community in the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise is one of the most photographed sights in the Canadian Rockies. Staying in the village of Lake Louise provides a quiet wilderness location with quick access to the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Canmore
The neighbouring town of Canmore, just east of the Banff National Park gates, you’ll find this charming mountain community with a down-to-earth vibe, spectacular scenery, and a pace that’s unique from Banff and Lake Louise. You’ll rub shoulders with everyone from Olympic athletes to seasonal ski bums, to families who have lived here for generations.
If a winter ski vacation to the Canadian Rockies is on your bucket list, Canmore makes for a perfect home-base for your outdoor adventures.
What lodging style works for you
3 Ski Resorts, 2 Mountain Towns, 1 National Park
Sitting on the continental divide, Sunshine is famous for its all natural snow & diverse terrain.
With 4200 acres to explore, Lake Louise features terrain for everyone.
Only a quick 7 minutes from the townsite of Banff, Mt Norquay is known as a local's favourite.
Ski Shuttles & Public Transit
Banff and Lake Louise offer a variety of shuttles and a user-friendly public bus system. All three ski areas offer daily ski shuttle service that run from Banff with pick up points conveniently located throughout the town. Ski Shuttles are free for guests with a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, Mountain Collective and Ikon Pass.
The town of Banff is easy to navigate on foot but, if you aren’t feeling up to it, traveling within town is made easy with a public transit system (ROAM) that runs 3 different lines as well as a regional service to the village of Lake Louise and the neighbouring town of Canmore.
Experiences & Adventures
FAQs
Get inspired!
