BANFF Canada Winter Travel Tips

[@ArtistryOfAdventure]

There are so many beautiful places to see in Banff. Johnston Canyon is definitely slippery in winter and crampons are suggested.

[@brittanymorgan09]

Good to know! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@Deepblackice]

thanks for the tips I'm heading there next month

[@hansinandou6537]

Yes it’s really slippery! Went there last week and the signs said it’s slippery until end of may

[@jkphotography9757]

Can you rent crampons?

[@ArtistryOfAdventure]

@@jkphotography9757 I’m sure you can rent crampons in town but I haven’t done it myself. I own the gear, and feel it’s a good thing to have when exploring in winter.

[@telosmonos_gustavo]

Lots of great information here, thanks for the post! Our family (myself, wife, college kiddo and high school age kiddo) will be visiting Banff and Calgary during our spring break this year (mid-March 2024). We know it'll be the tail end of winter, so I presume heavy coats and lots of warm layers are needed. We're hoping for at least a few days of sunny but cold and clear weather!

[@brittanymorgan09]

That's so exciting!! March is a great time to visit and I hope you get decent weather too. Enjoy your trip!

[@wolfgangbing2497]

Thanks for your tips! Greetings from Germany. I will come back to Lake Louise and Banff in mid May 2023!

[@brittanymorgan09]

Thanks for watching! I hope you have an amazing trip to Banff!

[@jkphotography9757]

What kind of shoes do you need to walk around Bow Falls and at the Boardwalk at Sulphur Mtn during the winter? I am heading to Banff next week to celebrate my birthday! 🥰 Thanks for this very informative video!

[@brittanymorgan09]

Lovely! Well it depends on how snowy it is but I would wear regular winter boots, you won't need anything crazy unless you way to hike around Bow Falls. Then you might need some hiking boots and crampons. I hope you have a great time!

[@jkphotography9757]

Thank you!!!! @@brittanymorgan09 😍

[@jkphotography9757]

By the way I am Brazilian living in Texas so I am eager to see snow but I don't see much snow in the forecast next week, which is a shame... @@brittanymorgan09

[@formerjadedlass]

Thanks for this. I have a work trip to Calgary and trying to squeeze in a Banff trip. Do I need a snow/winter boots while going around Banff downtown or a highcut waterproof hiking shoes is enough? I am from Australia where winters are milder so not keen on buying a snow boots unless I really really need to.

[@brittanymorgan09]

Depends when you're heading there! There will be snow & ice in late December, January and February but you'll be fine with hiking shoes if you're just walking around downtown. Your feet might freeze though so you might want to pack some nice thick socks.

[@SergeantTopBins]

I really want to visit Banff in the wintertime to experience the beauty of winter. I want to stay in Canmore where it's cheaper and rent car but I'm from Florida and have absoltuely no experience driving in winter conditions. I'm also considering staying in Banff and not renting a car, but I want the flexibility of being able to drive anywhere.

[@brittanymorgan09]

That's a tough choice! There are lots of shuttles from Banff so depending on what you want to see, you could still explore without a car. Winter driving is only tough in a blizzard or when there's a ton of ice & snow on the roads. Typically the highways are good otherwise but you can just drive slower and be more attentive. I'd prefer to stay in Banff and be walkable but totally up to you!

[@SergeantTopBins]

@@brittanymorgan09 Thanks for your advice! Even though I want to come in winter, I’ve been considering coming late May/early June which seems to be a bit of a sweet spot with little snow and before most of the crowds seem to come, and Lake Louise potentially melting. Any thoughts on this?

[@brittanymorgan09]

@@SergeantTopBins Shoulder season is a great time to come! September/October would be a good option too (then you can see the larch trees all yellow!). My only concern in spring is avalanche risk but if you're not doing big hikes you'll be fine!

[@SergeantTopBins]

@@brittanymorgan09Awesome! It's nice to hear from someone who has been there. I don't plan on doing any long hikes but I sure will do ones that are shorter/safer at that time. Thank you so much.

[@brittanymorgan09]

@@SergeantTopBins No problem! I hope you have an awesome trip, Banff and the surrounding areas are truly spectacular!

[@prashantcgi]

thanks really helpful

[@brittanymorgan09]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@Deepblackice]

Thanks for the tips i'm heading there next month and renting a car. First time driving in snow....and rental company is only giving all season tyres :( For Banff city, what are the parking charges there? I'm staying in Canmore and is there much food to eat in Canmore or I have to go to Banff to eat? would you recommend Banff Gondola for solo traveller with budget?

[@brittanymorgan09]

You should be fine without winter tires, it's been pretty nice lately so not as much snow and winter driving conditions as usual. For going into Banff solo, it's about $10 per day, just stop at the park entrance to pay. There are lots of options in Canmore for food! My personal faves are Rocky Mountain Bagel, Iron Goat and Grizzly Paw Brewing. I would hike up sulphur mountain instead of taking the gondola, it's an easy 2 hour hike! And it's free!

[@brittanymorgan09]

Oh sorry I misread that, parking in Banff was about $5 for 3 hours but depends where you park!

[@Deepblackice]

@@brittanymorgan09 awesome thanks so much for the suggestions! what's the tipping culture like in Canada/banff?

[@brittanymorgan09]

@@Deepblackice the tipping culture is out of control here. Fast food places and coffee shops with counter service only now ask for tips and it usually starts at 18%. I default to 15% still unless the service was outstanding. I don't tip for counter service or fast food since tips are supposed to be for service.

[@elijahwilson4361]

planning on going in february, would i need tire chain to drive around banff?

[@brittanymorgan09]

No tires chains but winter tires for sure!