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.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES?
It's Closer Than you think
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – GET TO THE ROCKIES SOONER!
If you want to fly to Banff or Lake Louise, the closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which enjoys many direct flights to cities cross Canada, the US, UK, and the rest of the world. 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.
Airport transfer services are available between airport and Banff and Lake Louise hotels – this shuttle service can be booked with your package with our reservations specialists.
REASONS YOU'LL LOVE YOUR VISIT TO
Banff & Lake Louise
VARIETY OF SKI TERRAIN
Collectively boasting a staggering 8,000 acres of accessible terrain blanketed annually with an average of 30 feet of feather-light, dry Canadian Rockies powder. the 3 resorts of SkiBig3 include Banff Sunshine Village, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay offer skiers and snowboarders virtually unlimited variety.
With two gondolas and 26 chairlifts accessing everything from super-wide groomers, gladed runs to steep and deep chutes and black diamond mogul thrill rides, there’s a run for everyone.
WILDLIFE
Home to over 50 mammal species, including deer, elk, moose, cougar, lynx, wolverine, northern river otter, wolves and grizzly and black bears, Banff National Park offers once in a lifetime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Exploring Banff’s over 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of wilderness trails, chances are good that you may spot some of them, especially elk, which number in the thousands and are commonly found in the valleys of the park with mule deer and white-tailed deer. Remember to pack your binoculars and a healthy capacity for wonder.
ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES GALORE
While skiing has long been a way of life in Banff and Lake Louise, many other iconic outdoor winter activities and experiences can be enjoyed. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to dog sledding, ice walks and horse-drawn sleigh rides, a winter vacation here can be as active as you like.
Add shopping, dining, museums, galleries, nightlife and a mandatory soothing soak in our famous hot springs to the list of can’t miss memories and you’ll be left wondering where the time went.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Canada’s first, oldest, and most iconic national park, Banff is the very definition of pristine wild beauty. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pristine paradise of unspoiled wilderness and mountain lakes is a dream destination for travellers the world over.
Banff is everything a national park should be – majestic, welcoming, wild and fabulously photogenic – overflowing with adventures and memorable moments for the whole family.
TOWN OF BANFF OR LAKE LOUISE
While skiing has long been a way of life in Banff and Lake Louise, many other iconic outdoor winter activities and experiences can be enjoyed. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to dog sledding, ice walks and horse-drawn sleigh rides, a winter vacation here can be as active as you like.
Add shopping, dining, museums, galleries, nightlife and a mandatory soothing soak in our famous hot springs to the list of can’t miss memories and you’ll be left wondering where the time went.
MAP of area
Lodging Choices
Where to Stay
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.
Experiences & Adventures
ON-MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCES
OUTDOOR ACTIVE ADVENTURES
TOURS & SOFT ADVENTURES
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
FITNESS & WELLNESS
ARTS, EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
GETTING AROUND
SHUttle Services
EASY ACCESS TO SKI HILLS AND AROUND TOWN!
Banff and Lake Louise offer a variety of shuttles and a user-friendly public bus system. All three ski areas offer daily shuttle service that run from Banff with pick up points conveniently located throughout the town. Daily Ski Shuttles are free for guests with a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket.
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 neighbouring town of Canmore. Fares are between $2 and $6 per ride depending on your destination.
faq's
Banff & Lake Louise
The national park pass is required if you are stopping within the park (not just driving straight through). Passes can be purchased in advance online, at the gates to the park as you enter Banff or at the visitor center in downtown Banff.
The price of a pass depends on the number of days and number of people. You can purchase your pass in advance by visiting www.banfflakelouise.com/park-pass-purchase, from the gate attendants or visitor center representatives in Banff.
Depending on when travel to Banff the weather can be sunny and blue skies or nearing -30 Celsius (-22F), sometimes even both at the same time!
Bring lots of layers so that you can easily add or take away depending on how the weather is. It is also important to remember the weather in town or at the base of the mountain can be very different to what is happening at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring along layers for your day at the resort.
Average daytime temperature in Banff:
November: 33° F / 1° C
December: 24° F / –5° C
January: 21° F / –7° C
February: 31° F / –1° C
March: 37° F / 3° C
April: 46° F / 8° C
May: 57° F / 14° C
Banff and Lake Louise are full of activities at any time of the year. In the Winter there is snowshoeing, dog sledding, skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice walks, and sleigh rides, are just a few of the activities you can add to your itinerary by contacting SkiBig3. There are also many events held throughout the winter season on the resorts and in Banff and Lake Louise.
Once you arrive in at the Calgary International Airport, the town of Banff is an easy 90 minute drive, with Lake Louise a further 35 minutes beyond.
Distances:
Calgary to Banff: 126 km (78 miles)
Calgary to Lake Louise: 185 km (115 miles)
Banff to Lake Louise: 59 km (37 miles)
Edmonton to Banff: 459 km (259 miles)
Vancouver to Banff: 850 km (528 miles)
Jasper to Banff: 292 km (181 miles)
Revelstoke to Banff: 283 km (175 miles)
There are three central locations which provide easy access to skiing in Banff National Park and SkiBig3 resorts. The town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise are both located inside the boundaries of Banff National Park. Canmore is a neighbouring community located just east of the national park.
Depending on what you are looking for, each location provides a completely different experience. The town of Banff is the busiest hub, providing the largest selection of lodging options, restaurants and activities. Lake Louise offers a quieter experience for those seeking a spot a little more off-the-beaten path. Located just outside the park, Canmore offers more condo options, but you will require a rental car. If you have any questions about where to stay, our SkiBig3 Reservations Team are happy to guide you through the many options, finding you the room that best suits your unique vacation needs.
While there is no guarantee you will see wildlife (the animals roam free here), wildlife sighting are common sometimes even occurring within the townsite. You can tell who the locals are because they won’t stop or pause for an elk or deer sighting. It is simply too commonplace!
The most frequently spotted animals are elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and mountain goats. Bear, cougars, wolves and many other critters also call the park home.
Bringing your own gear can be expensive and cumbersome. With airlines charging extra for boot bags as well as skis or board bags, it is often more convenient and economical to rent gear once you have arrived.
The SkiBig3 Adventure Hub located right on Banff Avenue, in the centre of town, has knowledgeable techs available to fit you to either mid-range or high-performance gear and will deliver it to you hotel once you have selected the equipment that best suits you.
FROM OUR BLOG
More about Banff & Lake Louise
Banff Ski Trip: When is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies?
Level up your ski package with these Banff winter activities
Nine New Places to Eat and Drink in Banff
