Top 10 Canada Ski Resorts | Canada Adventure Tours | National Parks of Canada
Banff, Alberta, is a popular tourist town in western Canada. The town is part of Banff National Park, tucked into the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Banff - the town and park - attracts visitors year round for its skiing and other winter sports, hiking and camping, hot springs and overall beauty.The Town of Banff
Where is Banff
Map courtesy Town of Banff.
The Town of Banff is located in the southwest corner of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
It is 128 kilometres (80 miles) west of Calgary, 401 kilometres (250 miles) southwest of Edmonton and 850 kilometres (530 miles) east of Vancouver.
Driving access to Banff is via the #1 Trans Canada Highway.
Getting to and around Banff
Photo © Rocky Mountaineer / Armstrong Group
Air
The Calgary International Airport is a modern facility that handles airlines from around the world and the most convenient airport from which to visit Banff. Compare flights. Driving time from the airport to Banff takes less than 90 mins. Airport charters and shuttles as well as car rentals (check rates) are available.Car
Banff is easily accessible by Hwy 1, the Trans-Canada Highway. Because the town of Banff is inside Banff National Park, you will need to purchase a national park pass at the Park gate.Train
No regular passenger trains offer regular service to Banff, but Rocky Mountaineer has sightseeing vacations with stops in Banff and VIA Rail offers service to JasperBanff National Park
Photo © Daniel Coughlin
Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's first and largest national park spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. Together with Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay national parks and four adjacent provincial parks, form the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site - one of the largest protected areas in the world.
Banff National Park is visited by 4 million people every year for its wide range of year-round outdoor activities, natural beauty and world-famous Banff Springs Hotel (check rates with Kayak). All visitors must buy a permit at the park entry gates.
Banff as a Ski Destination
Photo © Philip and Karen Smith / Getty Images
Banff Attractions
Photo courtesy Banff Gondola.
Climate
Photo © Stuart McCall / Getty Images
Banff climate varies with elevation, but here is a guide:
Average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F); however it is not unusual to have a two-week cold snap during December or January where temperatures plummet into the -30º C (-22º F) range. Warm chinook winds may bring relief.
Lasting snow starts in November, with peak snowfall in December.
Spring temps are similar to fall. Rainy days begin in May and continue through August, with June getting the most.
Summers are warm with long daytime hours. Average highs are about 21º C (70º F) with night-time lows around 7º C (45º F). July is Banff's warmest month.
Fall daytime temps stay above zero with night time temps hovering around freezing.
When to Visit
Photograph: Philip and Karen Smith / Getty Images
Plan Your Visit
Visitors from outside of Canada will need to check the passport requirements and visa requirements.The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (check flights with Kayak).
Much of Banff's charm is its natural surroundings, so the town wisely keeps its commercial growth in check. Large chain hotels are scarce. Instead, moderately sized, privately owned hotels, motels and lodges are the norm. Check prices and read reviews for Banff accommodation on Kayak.
