Banff Travel Essentials

Banff has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from -9ºC in winter to 15ºC in summer.

• The rainiest time of the year is between May and August, with an average of 14 rainy days per month.
• Snowfall can be expected between September and May.
• June-August and December-March are the best time to visit Banff, yet these periods are peak tourist seasons, with hotel prices rising accordingly.

• Languages: Primary: English; Secondary: French
• Plug types: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$)
• International dialing codes: +1 403
• Emergency telephone number: 911

Calgary International Airport

Calgary International Airport is the primary airport serving Banff. One of the busiest airports in Alberta, it sits 110 km east of Banff city center. It features 2 passenger terminals and 4 runways. Here, you’ll find a great range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach Banff: 

• A taxicab takes around 1.5 hour. The taxi ranks can be respectively found doors 1 and 6 outside of Domestic terminal and doors 16 and 17 outside of International Terminal.
• You can also use Uber and Tappcar in Calgary Airport. The pick-up areas are at Doors 1, 12, and 17. The journey is slightly cheaper than with a standard taxi.
• You can reach the Downtown Greyhound Station via the Calgary Transit bus route 300 BRT Airport/City Center. It takes around 30-40 minutes (the ticket gives you full-day access to buses and CTrains in Calgary). From there, take a Greyhound bus to Banff. The journey takes around 2 hours. It’s the cheapest way to get to Banff from Calgary.
• Shared shuttle buses take around 2 hours. The pick-up area is between Doors 4 and 5.
• Car rental agencies can be found opposite the Departures Level of the Domestic Terminal.

If you come by train to Banff

You can get to Banff by train from Vancouver. Banff Station is served by Rocky Mountaineer and also serves as Greyhound bus terminal. It’s listed as a heritage railway station. From here, you can get to your hotel by taxi, bus or on foot (Banff is a small town).

Banff is compact enough to be explored on foot. Settled on the north bank of the Bow River, Banff resort town is wrapped around Tunnel Mountain, at an altitude of 1,400 meters. It covers roughly a 3-sq km area. The city center hosts a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options, but most of the attractions are out of town. For longer journeys, a good choice of public and private transportation services is at hand.

• Roam is in charge of public transportation in Banff. It operates 6 bus lines that cover most of the out-of-town attractions including Lake Minnewanka and Sulphur Mountain.
• Single local fares and 1-day local and regional passes are available.
• Tickets and passes can be purchased on the bus and at the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission on Beaver Street.

• Taxis can be hailed down on the street in Banff.
• You can find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions.
• You can also directly call one of the few companies available including Taxi Taxi (403-762-0000) or Banff Transportation Group Ltd. (403-762-8400).
• Most taxis accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
• It’s common to give a 10-20% tip to the taxi driver.

Summer Events at the Banff Center

• What: The Banff Center for Arts and Creativity runs music and theatre performances as well as art and cultural exhibitions all thru the summer.
• When: From June to September
• Where: Banff Center for Arts and Creativity

Banff Center Mountain Film and Book Festival

• What: One of the main adventure filmmaking celebrations in the world, the Banff Center Mountain Film and Book Festival showcases the work of Canadian and international filmmakers, photographers, authors and adventurers.
• When: October
• Where: Banff Center for Arts and Creativity

Banff Craft Beer Festival

• What: This 1-night festival gives you the opportunity to sample local craft beers and taste delicious dishes prepared by local restaurants in a convivial atmosphere. Discussions with brew masters and chefs from the neighborhood give you interesting info about the daily local life in the mountains of Alberta.
• When: November
• Where: Cave and Basin National Historic Site