Banff Holidays

The beautiful Canadian Rockies are ready to discover

Overview

Situated in the stunning Canadian Rockies, Banff has to be one of the most picturesque towns in all of Canada. It is as charming as it is beautiful, and not surprisingly, it is a very popular destination for holidays in Canada!

Visiting Banff in the Winter

Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and offers some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The iconic views of Banff’s Lake Louise are pretty synonymous with holidays to Canada! Banff is one of Canada's most visited towns all year round, offering incredible snow in the winter for a perfect ski and snowboard holiday, with easy access to the Big 3 ski resorts - Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise – all of which you can enjoy on just one lift ticket.

With such great access to the Big 3, Banff is a dream destination for both skiers and snowboarders. Mount Norquay is a friendly resort that is revered by tourists and locals alike, with runs for all levels from beginners to advanced skiers. Sunshine Village is a stunning resort high in the Rocky Mountains with panoramic views of the majestic mountains, yet is only 15 minutes from Banff. Lake Louise is Canada's biggest ski resort with runs to suit any skier; perfect for families or groups to enjoy together.



Visiting Banff in the Summer

Banff is also a haven for anyone looking for a true Canadian adventure in the summer, with lots of outdoor activities on offer - you can hike, canoe and horseride your way through picturesque Banff National Park. Summertime is the perfect time for a trip to Canada for adventure seekers ready to discover the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Banff is especially popular with those looking for a walking holiday in the Rockies, with endless hiking trails through spectacular mountain vistas and waterfalls, plus plenty of opportunities to see lots of Canadian wildlife, too! Some of Banff's best hiking trails can be accessed from the top of the scenic Banff Gondola, where you can simply hop off and start exploring.

Whatever you are looking for, a Banff holiday has it in bucket loads – and all with a friendly smile and a warm Canadian welcome!

Things to do

Things to do in Banff National Park

Banff is a stunning town nestled high in the Rocky Mountains – in fact, there's so much to do on a Banff holiday that it can be hard to know what to choose first. Famed for its lively atmosphere, Banff has activities and things to do for all interests, ages, families and groups in any season.


Summer hiking in Banff

Summer in Banff is the perfect location for a Rockies adventure! Why not take a walking tour? These brilliant tours are considered to be one of the best ways to discover the majestic Rocky Mountains? There are endless hiking and walking trails to follow that lead from the town or from the top of the Banff Gondola. You'll be joined by a friendly local guide, ready with the knowledge to point out things you may not have noticed and share the history on the Banff National Park to truly enrich your experience.


Skiing in Banff

If you are heading to the town of Banff in winter then obviously hitting the slopes is the top priority! With Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village on its doorstep, Banff has access to some of the best snow in North America!

Beginners can head to Mount Norquay to learn in a friendly and professional environment. Families can take to the slopes in Lake Louise and have fun sharing their ski experience, whereas advanced skiers can hit Sunshine Village high up in the Rockies, with breath-taking views as you speed down the slopes. All three resorts are worth a visit and all have lots to offer any skier or snowboarder, whatever your level or style.


Eating and drinking in Banff

Banff may be renowned for having some of the world’s finest pistes, but this town is so much more than a ski destination. After a long day on the slopes you may be in need of a drink! Banff has countless après options available, as well as a great range of bars and clubs to let your hair down! The town offers fantastic entertainment and shopping for anyone who fancies a day away from the slopes, as well as popular winter activities for those looking for an alternative to skiing -dog sledding and snowmobiling being favourites.

Banff is packed full of attractions, activities and things to do in both winter and the summer. So, who's ready to head to beautiful Banff?

Popular things to do in Banff

  • Banff gondola ride

    from £54pp

    A breathtaking ascent to the pinnacle of sulphur mountain for an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of sheer mountain majesty, enjoy the interpretative hiking trails that lead along the ridge of the mountain.

    Duration: 2 hours
    Departures: Daily- weather permitting

  • Discover Banff & its Wildlife

    from £62pp

    Discover the town of Banff and its unspoiled natural surroundings. The highlights include Bow Falls, the hoodoos that are curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive which overlooks the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley, and the magnificent Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Maple cookies and fresh water are provided

    Duration: 3 hours
    Duration: Daily between May 01 - Nov 30

  • Explore Banff tour including Gondola

    from £163pp

    Participants learn about culture, geology and wildlife while exploring the spectacular sights of the renowned mountain town of Banff. view natural attractions like the wind-shaped hoodoos and take a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for magnificent 360 degree views over Banff National Park.

    Duration: 5.5 hours
    Departures: Selected dates between May 1 - Oct 12

  • Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour

    from £185pp

    Discover the beauty of Banff and Yoho National Parks and other landmarks. Enjoy hiking or simply appreciate the spectacular mountain scenery. You’ll stop at some of the many lakes including the most famous Lake Louise often known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, so have your camera ready. The tour includes lunch.(Also available from Lake Louise)

    Duration: 9.5 hours
    Departures: Daily between May 1 to Oct 17

  • The Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk

    £224pp

    Prepare yourself for the experience of the Columbia icefield!this impressive icefield forms one of the largest masses of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Your route along the scenic Icefields Parkway provides a spectacular view, and also includes a trip directly onto the Athabasca Glacier – which represents a substantial portion of the entire ice blanket - in a special Ice Explorer snow coach. Following your on-ice adventure, you will head over to the Glacier Skywalk. Step out on a cliff-edge walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below

    Duration: 11 hours
    Departures: Daily between May 1 to Oct 18

Holidays

Browse our amazing range of holidays in Banff

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Banff Ptarmigan Inn

    from £48

    Charming and cosy, this hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Banff and has an on-site pizza/pasta restaurant ‘The Meatball’, great for ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Banff Caribou Lodge

    from £43

    Caribou Lodge welcomes you into a charmingly rustic reception area, complete with huge fieldstone fireplace and roaring log fire. The rooms are comfortable ...see more

  • Superior Room with Mountain View

    Inns of Banff

    from £32

    Located in Banff National Park is a 15-minute walk from downtown Banff and 7.4km from Banff Upper Hot Springs. The rooms are simple and warmly decorated, ...see more

  • Loft Suite

    Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

    from £43

    Set amid eight acres of private parkland, The Rocky Mountain Resort is a relaxing mountain retreat yet still within walking distance of Banff town.

    Suites ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Banff Aspen Lodge

    from £44

    Right in the centre of Banff, this hotel has an elegant modern feel but still retains mountain lodge cosiness. Rooms are beautifully decorated with crisp ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    The Fox Hotel and Suites

    from £69

    From the beautiful fireplace and Rocky Mountain reception to the cosy plaid bedrooms with pine beams, the hotel echoes mountain character throughout. Chili’s restaurant ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Hidden Ridge Resort

    from £53

    Perched on the side of Tunnel Mountain, Hidden Ridge is a condo-style resort with absolutely stunning views across Banff town and the surrounding Rocky ...see more

  • Fairmont Banff Springs

    from £174

    Known as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ the Fairmont Banff Springs is a luxury hotel within walking distance of Banff town centre. Styled after a Scottish ...see more

  • Rimrock Resort Hotel

    from £97

    The Rimrock Resort is a luxurious hotel nestled in the forest on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain with spectacular views of Banff and the Rockies.

     There ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Banff Inn

    from £40

    This traditional lodge-style hotel has an excellent location on the edge of the main downtown area of Banff. Rooms are welcoming and bright. The friendly ...see more

  • Superior Rooms

    Banff Park Lodge

    from £72

    This large hotel is in a quiet location in the forest, but just a few blocks from the busy Banff downtown. Rooms are traditional and spacious, all with ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Banff Voyager Inn

    from £30

    The Banff Voyager Inn is a motel-style hotel with good amenities in a convenient location just a short walk to the centre of Banff.

    Rooms are ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Brewster Mountain Lodge

    from £44

    Brewster Mountain Lodge is a lovely rustic style hotel right in the centre of Banff. Accommodation is bright and comfortable with hand-crafted log furnishings ...see more

  • Jacuzzi

    Buffalo Mountain Lodge

    from £79

    Situated on Tunnel Mountain, away from the main Banff road, but still a short stroll into town, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a lovely hotel in stunning ...see more

  • Canalta Lodge Banff.

    from £31

    The Canalta Lodge Banff is one of Banff’s newest hotels and shares amenities with sister hotel Banff Voyager Inn next door.

    Rooms are large ...see more

  • Deluxe Guest Room

    Charltons Banff

    from £56

    Charlton’s Cedar Court is a lovely lodge-style hotel with a great location just a short walk from the centre of Banff town.

    Rooms are traditional ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Elk and Avenue Hotel

    from £51

    The hotel is located a few minutes from the centre of the town, with the spectacular Rocky Mountains towering behind it. The guest rooms are comfortable ...see more

  • Lobby - seating area

    High Country Inn

    from £36

    The High Country Inn is a classic hotel with good amenities and an excellent location just a few blocks from dining and shopping in downtown Banff.

    Rooms ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Irwin's Mountain Inn

    from £30

    Irwin’s Mountain Inn is a lovely hotel in a great location on Banff’s main street, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.

    The ...see more

  • Juniper Hotel

    from £41

    The Juniper Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel nestled in the forest with lovely views of the mountains, and just a five minute drive into the centre ...see more

  • Mount Royal Hotel

    from £34

    The Mount Royal Hotel is a grand hotel with a long history, in a great location right in the heart of downtown Banff.

    Rooms are spacious and ...see more

  • Royal Canadian Lodge

    from £68

    The Royal Canadian Lodge is an elegant and stylish hotel in an excellent position right in the heart of Banff town.

    Accommodation is warm and ...see more

  • King Jacuzzi Suite

    Rundlestone Lodge

    from £36

    Rundlestone Lodge is a lovely rustic hotel situated on the main road into Banff town with excellent amenities.

    There is a wide range of accommodation ...see more

  • Exterior Hotel Image

    Tunnel Mountain Resort

    from £40

    On the lower slopes of the mountain, the Tunnel Mountain Resort offers a more secluded base for your Banff holiday, but is still a manageable walk or ...see more

  • Ski Banff & Lake Louise including Lift Passes

    from £2,240

    Enjoy a 10-night ski holiday in Banff, where one lift ticket gives you access to three excellent ski resorts. The SkiBig3 ticket covers Mt Norquay, Lake ...see more

  • Ski Banff (10 nights)

    from £1,336

    Enjoy a 10-night ski holiday in Banff, where one lift ticket gives you access to three excellent ski resorts. The SkiBig3 ticket covers Mt Norquay, Lake ...see more

  • Ski Banff and Lake Louise with Guided Adventure

    from £2,435

    This 10-night ski holiday to the incredible mountain town of Banff includes a Half Day Private Guided Adventure with Banff’s certified ski and snowboard ...see more

  • Ski Banff

    from £1,040

    Banff is one of the world’s most popular ski resorts, in the heart of the incredible Canadian Rocky Mountains. On one lift ticket you can ski at ...see more

  • Banff and Lake Louise

    from £1,377

    Two iconic Canadian Rockies destinations are the popular resort town of Banff and the jewel of the Rockies, Lake Louise.  A haven for anyone looking ...see more

  • Alberta Ski Safari

    from £1,997

    With this ski Safari through the best resorts of Alberta, we combine 3 of the most stunning ski areas of North America set within the awe-inspiring Banff ...see more

  • Christmas in Alberta Ski Holiday

    from £2,737

    What better way to experience Christmas than in a picture perfect setting that the Canadian Rockies offer. This holiday will take you on a journey through ...see more

  • Banff and Jasper Short Break

    from £1,286

    Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains lies the wonderful mountain towns of Banff and Jasper. Picturesque and the perfect base for exploring ...see more

  • Canadian Rockies Ski Safari

    from £2,041

    Always wanted to explore the Canadian Rockies in Winter and enjoy some of the best ski resorts in the world? This Ski Safari is made for you! From stunning ...see more

  • Fairmont Rockies Ski Safari

    from £2,709

    This amazing ski safari combine only the greatest: World class ski resorts and iconic Fairmont Hotels, for the perfect luxurious ski holiday in the Canadian ...see more

Top tips

Top tips for visiting Banff

1. Canoe on Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake, and is regarded as one of the jewels in Banff National Park’s crown. Visiting the lake is a great family or group activity for a peaceful afternoon in this beautiful spot.


2. Visit the Buffalo Nations Museum

• We highly recommend visiting the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum to learn about the fascinating history of the First Nations people of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. See costumes, decorated teepees, hunting equipment, arts and items from the First Nations communities’ history and daily life.


3. Ride on the Banff Gondola

• A ride on the Banff Gondola will give you a stunning view of six mountain ranges. With several observation decks at the top there is so much to take in – this is definitely one to add to your bucket list.


4. Stroll along Lake Louise

• A visit to Lake Louise is definitely a must on your holiday to Banff, whether is it to take a stroll along the beautiful shoreline or to jump in a raft and have a wild water adventure!


5. Take a dip in the Banff Hot Springs

• The Upper Banff hot springs are the highest springs in Canada, and after a long day of adventure they are the perfect spot to relax and unwind. This is a great late night activity and is perfect for a spot of star-gazing.


6. Take in a Banff sunrise or sunset

• Words can’t express how stunning Banff is every hour of the day with its picture-perfect setting. But to see the area at its ultimate best, our top recommendation would be to take in this majestic scenery by experiencing a Banff sunrise or sunset in the midst of the Canadian Rockies.

If you’d like more information about booking your trip to Banff call one of our dedicated team who will help you plan the holiday of a lifetime!


Gallery

At a glance


  • Essential Banff information

  • Local time: -7 hours
  • Language: English
  • Currency: Canadian Dollar
  • Flight time: approx. 9hrs
  • Nearest airport: Calgary YYC
  • Do I need a Visa? Yes, you will need an eTA
  • Public transport: Free with your lift pass

Trusted travel partner


Winner of British Travel Awards 2020 - Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)
Winner of British Travel Awards 2020

Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)


Fully protected - We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA
Fully Protected

ATOL, ABTA and IATA logos

We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA.

Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee

If you find the same tour cheaper through another operator, we'll match the price.

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Talk to us

Speak to our travel experts to book or tailor-make this holiday.

Canadian Affair Travel Expert

020 7616 9949

 

At a glance


  • Essential Banff information

  • Local time: -7 hours
  • Language: English
  • Currency: Canadian Dollar
  • Flight time: approx. 9hrs
  • Nearest airport: Calgary YYC
  • Do I need a Visa? Yes, you will need an eTA
  • Public transport: Free with your lift pass

Trusted travel partner


Winner of British Travel Awards 2020 - Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)
Winner of British Travel Awards 2020

Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)


Fully protected - We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA
Fully Protected

ATOL, ABTA and IATA logos

We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA.

Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee

If you find the same tour cheaper through another operator, we'll match the price.

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