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First timers' Guide

Discover Banff & Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies

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Quickly discover the best of the Canadian Rockies

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.

Getting Here is Easy

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

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.

Two historic towns

Town of Banff

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

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.

What lodging style works for you

Luxury accommodations

Luxury accommodations

Historic fairy-tale castles set amid spectacular mountain scenery, like Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Breathtaking views from the luxurious Rimrock Resort Hotel, nestled in a pristine setting above the Banff Townsite. The Rundle Rock fireplace and soft chandelier glow of the Royal Canadian Lodge. Complete with award-winning dining, spas, and outdoor activities. Dare to dream.

 

Condo accommodations

Condo accommodations

Experience serene mountain settings while still enjoying all the comforts of home at places like Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, Hidden Ridge Resort and Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets. Enjoy wood burning fireplaces, full kitchens and patios or balconies, along with the privacy that comes with your home away from home.

Economy acommodations

Economy acommodations

Banff and Lake Louise both offer moderate hotel style accommodations at affordable prices year round. Clean, comfortable rooms, combined with our legendarily warm, friendly atmosphere are sure to appeal to any budget conscious traveler.

Hotel accommodations

Hotel accommodations

With dozens of options to choose from, many featuring amenities like pools, saunas and fireplaces, choosing the perfect Banff or Lake Louise hotel is easy. The Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, with its hand hewn ambience, and Fox Hotel & Suites, with hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Historic Site, are just two of many choices.

Lodge accommodations

Lodge accommodations

Nothing captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies quite like our signature mountain lodges. Iconic names like Emerald Lake Lodge & Baker Creek Lodge conjure romantic images of tranquil forest getaways surrounded by pristine wilderness. Serious powder-hounds flock to the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel in the heart of Banff Sunshine Village.

Map of Area

3 Ski Resorts, 2 Mountain Towns, 1 National Park

4 Easy Arrival Steps

Ski Shuttles & Public Transit
Access is easy!

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

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