Banff, Canada

Overview of Banff

One of the most beautiful spots on earth, Banff and Lake Louise are a magnificent blend of glaciers, jagged peaks, forests and lakes combined with wide open slopes, expansive snow-laden bowls, unsurpassed dry (Rocky Mountain) powder and thrilling drop-offs. Banff is an iconic frontier town famous for its railway history and wildlife. It is a genuinely unspoilt resort in the middle of the National Park. Lake Louise (45 mins drive) is a smaller village that also boasts spectacular scenery and it's namesake alpine lake, earning recognition as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’.

For those staying in Banff, the skiing is at Mount Norquay - a 10-15 minute ride on the regular shuttle bus from downtown Banff, and Sunshine Village (a magnificent 3,168 skiable acres) which is 20-25 minutes away. Lake Louise is approximately 45 minutes away but busses run regularly throughout the day.

3 Things We Love About Banff

1. Multiple Mountains - Banff is the town at the heart of a trinity of ski mountains, each with its own unique charm. Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt Norquay are all well worth visiting on your trip.
2. Wildlife - It’s not uncommon to see a majestic elk wandering down the snowy main street in Banff. Being within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site means the flora and fauna take precedence… skiers are merely guests in their backyard.
3. The Choice - A brilliant ski town needs a variety of accommodation and Banff has just that; from the uncomplicated home-style simplicity of Brewster’s Lodge to the 5 star luxury of Fairmont Banff Springs.

Skiing and Boarding in Banff

A huge and guaranteed annual snowfall provides this vast variety of terrain with a world-famous reputation of enjoyable skiing for all abilities. From glacier-carved bowls to remote powder chutes and challenging mogul fields, the world-class ski and snowboard schools will help you to conquer it all.

The ski hill closest to Banff is found at Mount Norquay, a 10-15-minute ride on the regular shuttle buses from town and various hotels. Sunshine Village (20 min bus from downtown) can receive up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow in a season. The high altitude and dry climate of the Rockies keeps the snow light, dry and incredibly skiable. With 3,300 acres of skiing on offer, you'll find more than enough in all departments, from gentle beginner runs all the way up to extreme big mountain off-piste.

Lake Louise (45 min bus from Banff) has been called the most scenic ski area in all of North America. The skiing there is on three mountain faces and, for skiers and snowboarders of any ability, the options are limitless. From wide, plunging bowls to great tree-line runs and beautifully groomed slopes, there is so much you will probably not be able to ski all of its stunning 4,200 acres.

The Best Time to Ski in Banff

It does get seriously cold in the depths of Winter in the Canadian Rockies, so the best time to ski is in the spring, from late March. But, there’s so much going on throughout the resort in January and the snow is so so good that its worth wearing 2 pairs of gloves to brave it! 

Lift Passes in Banff

Booking in advance will always get you the best discounts on your lift passes. "Ski Big 3" often operate an early booking and a super-early booking offer in roughly June and September, respectively. In addition, you can make cumulative savings with multi-day tickets, so it becomes better value to go for longer. Lift passes are priced according to different seasons – it’s more expensive during peak than off-peak season for example. Get in touch with our Ski Specialists (0330 102 8004) for an accurate quote.

Activities in Banff

One of the most beautiful spots on earth, Banff and Lake Louise are a magnificent blend of glaciers, jagged peaks, forests and lakes combined with wide open slopes, expansive snow-laden bowls, unsurpassed dry (Rocky Mountain) powder and thrilling drop-offs. Banff is an iconic frontier town famous for its railway history and wildlife. It is a genuinely unspoilt resort in the middle of the National Park. Lake Louise (45 mins drive) is a smaller village that also boasts spectacular scenery and it's namesake alpine lake, earning recognition as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’.

For those staying in Banff, the skiing is at Mount Norquay - a 10-15 minute ride on the regular shuttle bus from downtown Banff, and Sunshine Village (a magnificent 3,168 skiable acres) which is 20-25 minutes away. Lake Louise is approximately 45 minutes away but busses run regularly throughout the day.

3 Things We Love About Banff

1. Multiple Mountains - Banff is the town at the heart of a trinity of ski mountains, each with its own unique charm. Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt Norquay are all well worth visiting on your trip.
2. Wildlife - It’s not uncommon to see a majestic elk wandering down the snowy main street in Banff. Being within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site means the flora and fauna take precedence… skiers are merely guests in their backyard.
3. The Choice - A brilliant ski town needs a variety of accommodation and Banff has just that; from the uncomplicated home-style simplicity of Brewster’s Lodge to the 5 star luxury of Fairmont Banff Springs.

Après Ski in Banff

Take advantage of quintessential Canadian hospitality in the wide range of après venues up and down Banff Avenue, as well as the public bars in many of Banff's hotels.

• Banff Ave. Brew Co. – Award-winning beers made from Alberta wheat and barley. A bar menu is also available. The Banff Ave Brew Co. is a friendly and local craft brewery that has a cool mountain flare and a beer for everyone.
• Rose & Crown Pub – Banff's only pub to have live music every night of the week. You'll find a true pub atmosphere, excellent service, draught and bottled beers plus cocktails, wine, and bar games such as pool and darts to keep you entertained.
• High Rollers – Pins, pints, and pizza! High Rollers has 48 beers on tap and 10-pin bowling for the ultimate après experience. Celebrate a day of adventure with an evening of bowling at Banff's only 10-pin bowling alley beer hall.
• The Rose & Crown - This neighbourhood favourite has live music most week nights and even has a rooftop patio, the perfect way to enjoy a sunset with a drink.
• Wild Bill's - this venue has a real Western vibe to it. With three bars, Banff's largest dancefloor and, if you're feeling brave you can test your skills on their bucking bronco.
• The Pump & Tap – in need of a home fix? Head to this British-style pub to get your sports fix - all the major international matches are shown on big plasma TVs, there's also karaoke once a week.

Places to eat in Banff

There are plenty of foody options to keep anyone happy in Banff. The choices are as varied as the skiing...

• Melissa's Missteak – for a hearty and value steak dinners, with AAA-grade beef. Live lobsters and burgers are also on offer. For dessert, risk the Brownie Conspiracy ('Don't ask, just try one').
• The Maple Leaf – a true Canadian experience with award-winning cuisine including Canadian seafood, Alberta beef and organic game from local farms. Famous dishes include the wild maple salmon and seafood towers to share. Complete the evening with maple whisky.
• Nourish – if you are need of a meat break, head to Nourish for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. With inventive dishes like vegan poutine, nachos with 27 ingredients, and mac 'n' cheese.
• St James' Gate - A Fun Irish pub with classic dishes like bangers and mash, fish and chips and Irish poutine with sausage, beer onion gravy and Irish cheddar. The first item on the appetiser menu is Guinness, and even the furnishings were shipped from Dublin.
• Waldhaus, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - The perfect choice for a special meal or romantic night out. Cosy up in front of the huge fireplace with a 3-course fondue feast - luxury cheese, beef and chocolate.
• Eagle's Nest Canadian Bistro - Experience upscale dining in a true mountain lodge atmosphere with majestic views of Lookout Mountain. Located on the mezzanine level of Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the Eagle's Nest is spacious enough to host large gatherings, or can be an intimate setting for a romantic evening. The restaurant features dinner menus with such specialties as bison, salmon and AAA Alberta beef.

Family Features Banff

• Sleigh Rides – A magical, fairy-tale experience for all the family. Tuck yourself away under a cosy blanket and take in the vast views of the lakeside.
• Snow Tubing, Banff & Lake Lousie – A purpose-groomed gentle slope to race friends and family on an inflatable tube.