Banff, Alberta Canada (10 Must-Know Travel Tips)

Before you visit Banff, Alberta Canada, learn these 10 travel tips you must-know. Banff is a town inside Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Update: The shuttle if you stay in Chateau Fairmont on Lake Louise is now $30.
www.banfflakelouise.com/parks...
Moraine Lake or Lake Louise
www.travelbanffcanada.com/lak...
www.travelbanffcanada.com/mor...
The correct gondola tour: www.banfflakelouise.com/gondolas
banffandbeyond.com/escape-the-...
Call The Post: 200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada Phone [phone]
Small Item Hacks: bit.ly/SmallTravelHacks
Scared of turbulence? Watch this: bit.ly/PilotHelpsWithTurbulence
Long flight? Watch this: bit.ly/Outfits4LongFlights
How to Pack for 2 Climates: bit.ly/PackFor2Climates
Links:
Blue sweater: bit.ly/3IPWtRZ (I have 3 of these. Large for size 10 is great)
Waterproof jacket: bit.ly/44FDzFc
Similar: bit.ly/3Qly3na
Stamp Collector shirt: bit.ly/MyTravelShirts
Chapters:
00:00 Banff Alberta Canada travel tips
00:08 Banff Town tips
00:10 Banff National Park
00:24 Banff Lake Louise travel tips
00:37 Banff National Park pass
00:56 Pass on dashboard
1:17 Drive to Banff
1:32 Rent car
1:38 Pictures of Cascade Mountain
2:05 Hidden Gem Municipal Building
2:15 Cascade of Time Gardens
2:50 Air conditioning
3:45 Banff Town food
3:52 Best Italian Lupo
4:22 Best Coffee Banff Town
5:02 Lake Minnewanka
5:45 Banff Springs Hotel
6:45 Moraine Lake Tips
7:43 Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise
9:05 Rock Pile Moraine Lake
POP over and say hi:
Instagram: @TravelTipsByLaurie (My former channel name was LauriePOP Ideas That POP, but now I produce travel tip videos only)
Occasionally I use affiliate links, and all opinions that POP into my head are my honest ones.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Tap here for details in this video: www.banfflakelouise.com/parks-pass-faq Moraine Lake or Lake Louise www.travelbanffcanada.com/lake-louise-shuttle/ www.travelbanffcanada.com/moraine-lake-shuttle/ The correct gondola tour: www.banfflakelouise.com/gondolas banffandbeyond.com/escape-the-crowds-of-banff-avenue-in-cascade-gardens/ Call The Post: 200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada Phone [phone] Scared of turbulence? Watch this: bit.ly/PilotHelpsWithTurbulence Review of all of my travel bags video: bit.ly/CompareAllMyBagsforTravel How to Pack for 2 Climates: bit.ly/PackFor2Climates Helpful video: bit.ly/BigBulkyOuterwearHack Links: Blue sweater: bit.ly/3IPWtRZ (I have 3 of these. Large for size 10 is great) V-neck cashmere sweater: bit.ly/47ks8Vp 2023 sweater: bit.ly/3qh625s Green jacket: bit.ly/44FDzFc Similar: bit.ly/3Qly3na Stamp Collector shirt: bit.ly/MyTravelShirts

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

Banff is my backyard…so glad you were able to experience our majestic mountains. It’s a magical place to visit anytime of the year! 😊🇨🇦

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Magical is a great way to describe those Canadian Rockies! I would love to take a train!

[@Cdnl4927]

Mine too! Ha ha. This is cool. I'll save to watch later.

[@susanwhite5825]

New rules say you MUST take a bus to Lake Louise and Morraine Lake. No longer allowing parking. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for the info! I would be sure to research the rules before visiting.

[@WhySoSeriously101]

Not entirely true, I visited last week in an RV. There is limited parking next to lake Louise and a few small car parks along the road leading up to lake Louise. The road to moraine lake is permanently closed so you’ll either need to walk down to the lake which is roughly 12km round trip or get the bus, I’d recommend getting the park and ride bus anyway (next to the lake Louise gondola) as the parking is a nightmare and the traffic conductors are useless! The bus was $8 and stopped off at both lakes and ran every 15minutes

[@chrisnewel4732]

Too bad you didn't know you can drive and park at Lake Louise! No new rules for Lake Louise. Very clear on the Visting the Lakes website by Parks Canada. You can't take your vehicle to Morriane Lake.

[@chrisnewel4732]

Not accurate. The "new rules" are only for Morriane Lake, you can still drive to and park at Lake Louise. Although parking is very limited. @@TravelTipsbyLaurie

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks!@@chrisnewel4732

[@priakumar]

Thanku for this Laurie, bless you, btw your dance with your mom I watched on loop, cdnt see it in one go as I was teary eyed,, love from India

[@_PAIGE94]

This place looks absolutely beautiful!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It really is!

[@eddierobles2137]

Thank you for this video . Very important tips . Planning to visit Banff this year

[@suzanne8284]

Banff has been on my "list" for years! This is so helpful - thanks Laurie!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We had wanted to visit for so long. I absolutely cannot believe I have not been.

[@lucyalderman422]

I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Banff National Park

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

The best!

[@serkanister3620]

I can't believe you didn't mention how expensive Banf is, great video tho

[@brendalucas1632]

Thank you for sharing

[@dkwillrn]

Banff is the top of my bucket list so this is great info.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You should go! I wish I had gone sooner. It’s easier to get to than Breckenridge

[@tinas4946]

Great trip review. I love when you trip reviews. They are so informative.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks so much!

[@tntidefan1]

We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Our room was updated and fabulous.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh yay that is great to know. Beautiful area! Cannot wait to return

[@charlenesims2089]

I’ve never heard of this place but it looks beautiful and peaceful. I wouldn’t mind going there

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Took me 50 years before I visited Banff!

[@judywelday7557]

What a great video, put this location on our bucket list!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You should!

[@wahinepaddler4]

I love how detailed you are with your videos.. I feel like you must write down all the things while you are on vacation just to keep notes on things to let us know about .. love it 🥰

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Pictures help me-and the memory of yummy food

[@elliejellie22]

Thank you so much. This is a must see for me. I will save to my watch later list.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It’s been on our list. So much to research before you go.

[@Grazilla52]

Banff & Lake Louise have been on my List de Bucket for quite a while but your video has moved it up several notches. Great tips as always Laurie-thanks so much!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We enjoyed visiting. Knowing these tips will make your trip less stressful.

[@nickihinton5062]

We were in Banff the first of October. Beautiful place! We did a lot of the things you suggested. I highly recommend this trip!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for the tips! I want to return ASAP or at least compare the seasons

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Hey Laurie, great info on Banff. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Maybe one of these days I’ll get there. 🥰

[@shellydo6762]

We been there last year and we will be back this year again. What is amazing breathtaking beautiful!.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Banff is such a beautiful place to visit!

[@elizabeths4272]

It was really fun to watch a video about Banff, which is our backyard, from the perspective of a Texan! You had some great tips! You and your husband went at a good time, as the autumn months have the least number of tourists and most years the temperatures are cool and the hiking trails still dry. With three ski resorts within the park, it is also a great winter destination.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I want to try every season or month!

[@thecleaningteacher638]

Banff is on my bucket list! I love your videos…your teaching background shines through. I’m also a teacher. ☺️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wonderful! Thanks. Took us 50 years to finally visit Banff.

[@karenfairbairn3185]

Thank you fantastic information

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deniselanglois6193]

Great video thanks from Florida

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Our pleasure!

[@epp]

You make such wonderful informative videos!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad you think so!

[@Aritul]

Thank you so much for these tips and the link to the park pass.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have a glorious and beautiful trip!

[@Tips4_Trips]

Great tips. Thanks. 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jungersrules]

I've been twice in my lifetime. I want to go back so bad! One of my favorite things to do is take the Sulphur Mtn. gondola. Great views while on the ride, and awesome views once you get to the top.

[@laurie-jeannelister1029]

I used to live in Lake Louise and I had to stop watching this lovely video as I just got too homesick!!

[@WorkHardDreamHarder1]

Banff used to be a 3 season town but tourism is now strong year-round! Canmore is a great option for accommodations just before the gates at the National Park.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We are going to search Canmore for lodging or right on Banff Avenue.

[@graemejw]

Canmore is not a hidden gem - its swamped with tourists & doesn't have the infrastructure to cope

[@melissamalone1817]

I visited this gorgeous area in the nineties and loved it Yes the Beautiful Banff Hotel had old small and outdated rooms even then so I can't imagine now Chateau Lake Louise was one of my all time favorite hotels. We did the hike up to the "tea house" along the side of the lake louise I want to take my teenagers there soon

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow that hike! I researched it.

[@stevenmshawzy]

Great tips, Laurie. I'll be going to Banff the 1st week of October 2024. I appreciated the work you put into helping all those who are going there as well.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That will be perfect timing! Fewer crowds.

[@lissabmitchell]

I am solely planning a trip to Banff just based on your beautiful photos and this video!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It is a most beautiful place to visit in Canada!

[@karenvestergaard1571]

I am from Ontario Canada and here we call Adirondack chairs Muskoka chairs! July 2021 my daughter and I visited Banff an Jasper Alberta. Simply beautiful! I would love to go back again one day.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for sharing! Us too

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

We enjoyed Banff and Lake Louise on a RV trip about 15 years ago. Breathtaking scenery. While enjoying a cocktail on the patio at the Fairmont Hotel we called home to our 18 year old son who was staying home for the first time. First words out of his mouth were “I have bad news for you!). He had crashed our car going to the grocery store. Needless to say it put a damper into that awesome day but nobody got hurt and my sister was able to help him out until we got home. What a trip!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word! Haha 18 year old sons! We let ours stay by himself one night this past Fall and he loved it. Nowadays only guests can go in the hotel.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Very Informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So nice of you!

[@stacymcintyre1796]

@traveltipsbylaurie This is perfect timing! My husband and I are going later this year--thank you for making this vidoe!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It will be magical! Hope these tips help.

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Very informative! Thank you! Hoping to go in June 2024. 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have fun! It’ll be beautiful

[@teresabradley]

We ate at Lupo! It was OUTSTANDING! Delicious food and the best moscato wine I’ve ever had!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word let’s meet there for dinner tonight! Wasn’t it divine?

[@teresabradley]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Yes...outstanding! I loved Banff...would go back there again!

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

I lived in Calgary for 4 years and visited Banff, lake Louise, the national park, etc. It should be on everyone's bucket list. If you ski, it's great!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I want to return to Banff ASAP! The layers of jagged mountains every where you turn🙌🏻

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie the scenery is breathtaking!

[@Icriedtoday]

I’m from Houston too. Never was a better missionary for Banff than myself. Been there about 10-11 times.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I LOVE it and am debating another trip soon. It's so hot here.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Beautiful locations and pictures! Missed this kind of videos from you! Longtime subscriber! 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, in the next year I will have more availability to do these. Did you see this video because you searched, or was it a suggestion?

[@andresalgadomarques]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie because it was a suggestion, and because I regularly check your channel to see if there are new videos 👍

[@annaburch3200]

We've GOT to get there one of these days! One thing we have to clarify with people (as someone who lives near the Cascade MountainS), is that Cascade Mountain (singular) is part of the Canadian Rockies. That confuses people. 😆 Anyway, gorgeous photos!! Great tips!!

[@jeffgorham8819]

We went to Banff National Park about nine Septembers ago (this was the year they had the bad spring floods). It was one of our best trips ever, and you're right -- it's hard *not* to take a good photo there. Besides the places we went to, we also crossed over the continental divide into BC to go to Echo Lake. It's a small lake, but has the same charm as the other lakes. We had a wonderful lunch one day at the old train station at Lake Louise.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Take me back! What a great visit.

[@chrisallen2005]

Emerald Lake?

[@jeffgorham8819]

@@chrisallen2005 It's in Yoho National Park, which is adjacent to Banff NP.

[@chrisallen2005]

@@jeffgorham8819 True.

[@terrifromm5085]

My mother visited Banff and Lake Louise about 30 years ago on a bus tour and she had a fantastic time. She took pictures but told me they did not do justice to this exquisite park. I think I will visit because my father was from Canada. Thank you for all these excellent travel tips.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It is a must see destination!

[@bettybywater7860]

Thanks for a great vid on Banff, AB. I live in Calgary. There's lots to see in the Rockies and hopefully some day you'll return and do the Icefields pkway to Jasper. I just discovered your Travel Tips this week and have been trying to catch up on trends and new packing accessories. We haven't traveled since fall of 2019. You've stirred the travel bug in me and I'm wanting to pull out all my gear and start packing. Look forward to learning more tips and hacks before we head to the South Pacific in the fall. Thanks for your great videos.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh Canada to South Pacific will be a nice change! I hope to return to Banff this Fall.

[@mjor6406]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Go April so you can see snow capped mountains and the park is not that busy. Banff NP looks nicer in the winter.

[@tliliedahl7002]

Thanks for being so accurate in all your details! Living so close to Banff we see so much inaccurate information being posted from visitors. There is so much to see and do. Hopefully next time you come you can travel the Icefield Parkway to Jasper too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I hope to visit Banff with my mom and mother-in-law. Would love to take a train!

[@paddyanne2024]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie The train from Calgary to Vancouver (Rocky Mountaineer) is a highly rate train trip. Hope you try it one day!!

[@fionafrazer8820]

Glad you enjoyed it so much. I think you would find the food in Quebec City as good, if not better, than Banff!! Canadian Thanksgiving is the same weekend as Columbus Day in case anyone is wondering about the closing dates.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes so lovely! And I’ve heard the food in Calgary is excellent too. We are foodies!

[@kevinjones5560]

My son spent his honeymoon there and stayed on Lake Louise. It was amazing. They stayed at the Chateau Fairmont on Lake Louise and it was about $1000 a night but well worth it. Two story rooms and a view from the bedroom of the Lake.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes so nice! But like I said no AC in most rooms just so people know before they go. Such a treat!

[@kevinjones5560]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie They went in late October in 2021 and it was very pleasant. Cool but not much snow and not “cold.” They even had their own concierge on their floor.

[@stinkygraykitty6808]

Great video! Super helpful, appreciate all the good info. Soooo different from TX lol.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Glad it was helpful! And different from the Colorado Rockies too even though they’re the same range.

[@mothmagic1]

I love that view along Banff Avenue. I took a photo of that view except that mine was in the snow as opposed to the summer one the holiday brochures use.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ahhh I would love to return to Banff!

[@mothmagic1]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie likewise. It's such a beautiful place and the locals are so welcoming that if it wasn't for the accent you could easily imagine yourself to be in the original Banff

[@andresalgadomarques]

Great video! I'm going on the Rocky Mountaineer at the end of August/ early September and I'll be going to Banff and Lake Louise as well, and staying at the Château 😁 So excited with my trip! Can't wait! I'll then continue to Calgary, then Toronto, Montréal, Vermont and Quebec city 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Eeeek it will be magical!

[@andresalgadomarques]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you, I'm sure it will and I look forward to it! Love your channel, by the way ❤️

[@yakarobed]

We visited Banff and surrounding areas the last week of September, 2022. I specifically chose that time of year because I wanted it cold! Who knew there was going to be a heat wave? 😂 The locals all seemed so happy that it was warm! I left warm in Texas. I wanted cold! Thankfully, all of our hotels had a/c. I do hope to return to Banff again in the future. It was our favorite area and wished we had more time there.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, it was perfect when we were there the first of October.

[@jodipetry5428]

We’re just 2 weeks back from Banff and Lake Louise. Unfortunately the wildfires impacted most of our photos. We stayed at the Dorothy at the N end of Banff ave in part because it had AC and parking outside the room. In Lake Louise, we stayed at the Chateau adjacent Deer Lodge for 1/4 the $ but comfortable. No AC though. We booked a Moraine Lake Bus shuttle for $70/person for 7:30 am to find the lake fogged in and unable to view from the rock pile. A hike to the waterfall gave us a glimpse though. This video helped us plan! Thanks

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ahhhh the frustrations of weather. Did it feel wonderful or was it hot? I am glad these tips helped you know what to do in Banff National Park.

[@donkiml5805]

We went to Banff in September, it is so gorgeous. Some other tips and ideas include: their are wonderful large indoor markets in Calgary. They were very fun to experience; we got a really good deal for renting a car through Delta Airlines, saving almost $1000 for 9 day trip; Calgary, Canmore and Banff had great restaurants that served gluten free, this can sometimes be difficult to find when you travel; I previously commented about how I had my collapsible hiking poles confiscated by Canada TSA, they are not allowed in carry-on luggage in Canada. US will allow, but Canada does not. Wonderful place to visit, would highly recommend. A late Happy anniversary to you Laurie.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am still so angry about that for you! I hope to take my mom and mil.

[@driouchben2846]

Hi

[@TalliesbyDee]

Banff is on my "to see" travel list. :)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Took me 50 years!

[@kenbrown2808]

it has literally been over 30 years since I've been up into canada. when I was young, we made multiple trips to Vancouver and Victoria. my parents have been thinking of driving the trans canada highway. if we made the trip, we'd likely run up from visiting my MIL in Montana.

[@eplourde4634]

I invite you to visit Quebec province. Quebec city, especially. If you were surprised with the gourmet side of Calgary and Banff, you'll get a warm insight of North American themed french cuisine with a je-ne-sais-quoi that Quebec people will offer you! Nice videos by the way. :)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh, would love to visit! So many areas-and we are foodies! Thank you!

[@driouchben2846]

Hi good morning my friend

[@joanndumont1344]

If you didn't drive from Banff to Jasper on the Icefield Parkway, you missed Peyto lake and the best views.

[@driouchben2846]

Hi 😊

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

That overpass is super cool!! Togwotee has quite a few underpasses for wildlife, but I've never seen an overpass for wildlife before. For anyone looking for product links, they're in the description.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I totally agree! So animal friendly!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Are there are fences along the sides of the overpass itself so that the animals can't fall into the road, or not (i.e. they just figure that the animals are smart enough to stay away from the edges)? Couldn't quite tell from the photo.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@SnowySpiritRuby I did not see any.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Cool - those animals must pick it up pretty quickly; I guess it would be similar to them instinctively staying away from the edge of a cliff. Just curious, since I've never seen wildlife overpasses before.

[@jaylarsen6487]

Yes there are fences along the road so they can only cross at the animal overpasses, there are a few of them within the park. They don’t have them all the way to Banff from Calgary though

[@cj9667]

Banff is on our bucket list. Not sure if we want to fly into Calgary and drive or take the train from Vancouver! Now you’ve rekindled the fire!

[@tedn6855]

There is no passenger train.

[@cj9667]

@@tedn6855 Rocky Mountaineer Train?

[@tedn6855]

@cj9667 several thousand dollars for a train bus package. The train goes to jasper and the rest is a bus. For a tenth of the price you can arrange your own transport.

[@cj9667]

@@tedn6855 great info..thanks

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I heard that the train trip was beautiful and that the food was wonderful!

[@Icriedtoday]

Someone has probably already posted this, but you can drive into Banff without a park pass however, you are not allowed to stop anywhere and you must drive through.

[@suesrnka8675]

Laurie, I love all of your videos and find them so helpful. We are planning a trip to Banff in September 2024. Did you ever make the video of "What to Pack for your trip to Banff?" Also wondering if you stayed right in Banff or somewhere else? We are looking at Canmore.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, I did not make it but we stayed at The Dorothy on the main drag. I would stay farther up that street so you can walk to more of the restaurants etc.

[@suesrnka8675]

Thank You!

[@icedteamama176]

Thanks so much! We’re going to visit Banff late March. Should we drive ourselves to the lakes?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I would.

[@trentthai]

Thank you for the wonderful info on visiting Banff National Park. We will visit Banff in March this year. Just one question to ask, is this pass to Banff National park includes visiting Lake Louise or must I buy a separate pass for Lake Louise?

[@tonisams6902]

Thank you! I plan to vacation here for my 70th birthday in 2025.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It is absolutely beautiful!

[@lucyalderman422]

The Canadian Thanksgiving is the same as the American Columbus holiday

[@dianne3406]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@teresamascarenas5422]

Is it the same Lupo as in NYC? Mario Batali owns the Lupo in NYC.

[@sonypix01]

Got confused as Banff has mountain called Cascade Mountain but it is in the Rockies, not the Cascades.

[@StephaniesBestLife]

We live within a 7 hour drive of Banff and will be heading there mid-May for 4 nights. Thanks for the tips. Trying to decide where to stay that is central to everything. (Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine lake - I know a big spread) Thoughts?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We saw many places on Banff Ave where we would stay again and have plenty to walk to or leave from. We stayed at The Dorothy, and that was way at the end so I would want not that far at the end of the stree.

[@douglashersey8159]

you only need to purchase a park pass if you are stopping in Banff townsite, a park pass is not needed if just driving thru on your way to the coast

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you for this huge tip!

[@CarolynHill-ol2jl]

It's on my bucket list. How many days would you recommend to stay in Banff to see everything for a first time visitor?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

3-5

[@akalilchau]

Hello! Glad to stumble across a fellow houstonian! We are going this summer for about 3 days in banff. Do i need a national park pass for each day?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, we did that. But look at the link I listed in the paragraph below the video of you do not find the answer. You’ve gotta make an account and everything. Just don’t wait until the last minute.

[@hennyflintermanvroege]

Some more info on the Banff Springs Hotel: It has a ghost. The hotel was built backwards (not intentionally), so what you see is actually the back. There are also some odd things inside, e.g., there's a stairway that leads to nothing - just a wall.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I love this type of trivia! Can you take a tour?

[@hennyflintermanvroege]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie I don't know.

[@dianemcadam2773]

Hi I have a question- travelling from Canada to Grand Caymans for 10 days . Am I allowed to carry on an “ over the counter “ sleeping aide, unopened but contains 96 tablets. From BC ….and yes Banff is stunning!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi you sure can. Tsa does not need to see them.

[@cassieely9150]

Hello thank you for your great suggestions and video! I’m 55 and planning to go solo to Banff this Mother’s Day for a self love trip 😊. What do you recommend for accommodation and activities. Thank you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ooh! I would stay on Banff Ave in the very middle!

[@cassieely9150]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you! I’m excited and can’t wait to see Banff😊

[@deniselanglois6193]

What time of year did u go

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

First week of October

[@joannkim6143]

When is the. Best time to go?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I loved that last 2 weeks of September and into October because fewer crowds and Fall leaves.

[@kwatson4357]

Here in Canada we call them Muskoka Chairs

[@your1face1133]

What do you think is the best hotel to stay in? We are going Aug 6 and at this point have reservations at The Fairmont in Banff.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That will be fantastic location too! Anywhere off of Banff avenue would be great too! I forgot to say that we stayed in the Dorothy motel but it’s at the very very end of Banff avenue. But it was budget friendly and super clean!

[@mjor6406]

The new hotels on Banff Avenue.

[@maryalicebowers8636]

My husband and I are planning a trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks for our 25th Anniversary. We are finalizing our dates. Is September a good time?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It’s so beautiful then! They can have lots of mosquitos in the summer. But so can Houston

[@barbb]

Sept is good, less people than the "peak holiday time". Enjoy your visit. Happy Anniversary

[@yasmeengutierrez1191]

Did you come across any spots that would be good for a rehearsal dinner for a large group? I’m getting married in October of this year in Banff!! Currently trying to figure out where to hold rehearsal dinner!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

There was a beautiful hotel near the Banff Gondola (not the lake Louise one) that had a pretty area, the Post Hotel grounds were amazing and beside a running creek, and there was a building that was super oddly shaped that seemed cool! It will be absolutely beautiful! Have fun planning. Wherever your food is from, it’ll be fantastic!

[@yasmeengutierrez1191]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you, I can’t wait!We are actually getting married at the Banff Gondola! I’ll check out the Post Hotel grounds when I go in a few weeks! 🤍

[@truhunk1]

Just to clarify. You said it was warm at 31 degrees. I assume you mean 31 Celsius ?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

True

[@zebralove2840]

I'm confused about the fact that your hotel room was very warm but the pictures show people wearing hats and jackets. Does the temp vary that much or was it unusually warm a few days?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I know! We were surprised at that. It was just this hotel. There were 2 fans in the closet.

[@lburton874]

THis is a bit hard to watch due to some minor things. if you are not stopping in Banff you do not need a pass. The building at the end of Banff ave at 1:48 that is not a municipal building. That is a National parks Building which is federal. lake minnewanka and lake Louise can be visited via transit bus from Banff in the summer. Bow falls has a parking lot. You do not need to park at the Banff springs hotel. (I’m a almost local) my biggest “tip” is stop a Johnston’s canyon.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes next time we want to go to that canyon. Is it an easy walk for senior citizens?

[@RodSwansmad]

I’m 599 Thumbs-Up 🤙 LOL 😂🤣

[@chrisallen2005]

Not the municipal building. That is the Park's Administration Building. Town offices are right in town.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh thank you!

[@My.Mylabear]

You mentioned some things are closed near thanksgiving. We are planning to go Oct 23-30. What kinds of things are closed during that time?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, you will need to check with some restaurants you may want to visit. The Post is closed after Thanksgiving, for example.

[@My.Mylabear]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie ohh okay I see now :) thanks Laurie! Can’t wait to visit as it’s our first time ☺️

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@My.Mylabear I would go back every summer if I could!

[@My.Mylabear]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie yes, must be lovely! hopefully I’ll be able to experience summer there someday :)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

@@My.Mylabear Oh it'll be beautiful when you're there!

[@shivijain4454]

I am an immigrant in the US on F1 visa, but I have US driver license , Can I drive in Canada or will I need International Driver Permit ? Please help.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, you should be able to. It is beautiful!

[@PamKistenmacher]

The 31 degree you spoke about is Celsius, not Fahrenheit. 31C is about 88F!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

True I am American.

[@dalebrownlee3843]

Hi, Banff is amazing but if you are just driving through and are not stopping to camp in the park you do not need to purchase a park pass.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for the tips! All that we researched said we need the pass on our dashboard at all times, and we were there in Banff Town and Lake Louise for 3 days.

[@paddyanne2024]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Yes, that is because you stayed (ie "stopped") in the park. If you drive through, no pass is needed as the road is part of the TransCanada Highway. (Hwy #1). When you stop at a site, park at a hiking spot, or the town IN the park etc., , your pass is needed to be displayed - much like a parking ticket.

[@KuldeepGhadiali]

That Texas accent haha Bainf lol

[@cindyleween3624]

You were told wrong about Fairmont Lake Louise!! They do have updated rooms beautiful rooms where you feel like a king and queen. You lost out !!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Probably because my hubby took the cheaper route lol

[@cfaith59]

Tons of people there every summer… we still go tho!😂

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We hit the jackpot by waiting until the week before their thanksgiving!