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Picture of Banff, AB, Canada

Travel Guide for
Banff

Canada

Cold winters, mild summers

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a vibrant mountain town within Banff National Park, renowned for its stunning snowy landscapes and luxury amenities. Established in the late 19th century around its famous hot springs, Banff carries a rich history of adventure and hospitality.

In late February, expect crisp mountain air, glistening snow, and daytime temperatures averaging -5°C to -10°C. Gather your friends for deluxe skiing at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise, then unwind at upscale lodges or indulge in Banff’s gourmet dining scene—perfect for creating unforgettable memories in this winter wonderland.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates25-28 February 2026

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

sightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresgastronomyfestivals and events

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Picture of Banff, AB, Canada

Key Facts

Location

Alberta, Canadian Rockies

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Religion

Christianity (majority)

Population

8,205

Language

English, French

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCMST/MDT (UTC-7)

Country code

+1

Internet access

Broadband, Wi-Fi, good coverage

Climate

Cold winters, mild summers

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Map

Logistics

Most visitors reach Banff by flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 1.5 hours away by car. For a high-budget trip with friends, consider arranging a private SUV or limousine transfer for comfort and convenience, as rental cars also provide flexibility for exploring the area. Helicopter transfers and luxury shuttles are available too for a premium experience.

There is no direct train to Banff, but luxury train journeys with the Rocky Mountaineer include stops nearby. Private charters and high-end shuttle services offer seamless group travel. In winter, from February 25 to 28, weather can sometimes cause road closures or delays, so always check road conditions and allow extra time, especially if planning winter activities.

Weather

Banff experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Winter, from November to March, brings frequent snowfall, ideal for skiing and snowshoeing. Temperatures often dip below freezing, so warm clothing is essential, especially for outdoor adventures and sightseeing tours.

From February 25 to February 28, Banff typically remains quite cold, with daytime highs between -8°C to -2°C and colder nights. Snowfall is common, and occasional snowstorms can occur, but extreme weather events are rare. The town and surrounding restaurants often host cozy après-ski events, making it a great time to enjoy local cuisine and winter festivals in a stunning snowy setting.

Food & Drink

Banff’s culinary scene blends Canadian Rocky Mountain flavors with international flair, including Alberta beef, bison, elk, and locally foraged ingredients. High-end favorites like Eden and The Maple Leaf offer elegant dining, while Three Ravens and Sky Bistro serve gourmet meals with stunning mountain views. Try hearty poutine, house-made charcuterie, and fresh trout, paired with Canadian wines or craft beers from Banff Ave Brewing Co.

For drinks, Park Distillery crafts excellent cocktails with house-made spirits, and Bear Street Tavern is renowned for wood-fired pizzas and cocktails in a lively setting. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are widely available. Tipping 15-20% is customary for good service. During peak seasons, reservations are highly recommended for popular spots.

A picture of Poutine

Poutine

Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in...

A picture of Butter Tarts

Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian treat made with a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet and...

A picture of Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo bars are a delectable layered dessert named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. The three...

A picture of BeaverTails

BeaverTails

BeaverTails, or Queues de Castor in French, are a beloved Canadian indulgence characterized by their unique elongated, pastry...

A picture of Montreal-Style Bagels

Montreal-Style Bagels

Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterparts. They are boiled in honey-sweetened water...

Accommodation

For a luxurious friends’ getaway in Banff, top hotels include the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, known for its castle-like grandeur, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel, which offers stunning mountain views and close proximity to hot springs. Both feature excellent dining and spa facilities, perfect for an upscale retreat.

Consider staying in downtown Banff for easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and shops, or opt for the Fairmont’s secluded elegance. Book your accommodations early—especially from February 25 to 28—as this is peak winter season with high demand due to ski activities and the Banff SnowDays festival. Prioritize Hotels.com for the best selection, flexible cancellation, and loyalty rewards.

Itinerary

Kick off your mountain escape with breathtaking vistas and iconic landmarks, complemented by indulgence in Banff’s renowned culinary scene and local hotspots.

Banff Gondola Summit Experience

Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular 360-degree winter vistas and interactive exhibits. Don't miss the Skywalk for incredible photos and a stroll along the ridge. Book in advance for a seamless, luxurious summit adventure!

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

INSTANT

Enjoy stunning panoramas of six mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town & Canada’s first national park. Walk along the ridge line at your leisure, take photos, or visit a national historic site while enjoying the alpine scenery. A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas (Nov 22 – Dec 31, 2025): Saturdays & Sundays starting Nov 22 | Daily from Dec 22 to Dec 31, 2025 Morning tickets pre-sunset include festive holiday fun! Celebrate in vintage style with Santa, classic movies, timeless activities, and family-friendly surprises. Kids ride free with every adult ticket during the first two hours of the day. Nightrise (Nov 22, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026): Tickets during sunset hours include Nightrise (timing depends on the day’s sunset). Experience Sulphur Mountain transformed with storytelling, art, and sound in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Explore the Four Wonders and see the summit in a whole new light.

4.6 (2664 reviews)

From $55 USD

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Attractions

4.8 (517 reviews)
Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff Secrets | Award-Winning Tour

Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff Secrets | Award-Winning Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the best of Banff National Park with the Canadian Rockies top-rated tour operator. This active, small-group guided tour is our best hits album, featuring the top destinations that should be on everyone's Banff bucket list, plus a tailor made selection of other stunning stops & memorable experiences that are both on and off the radar of most visitors. - Explore Banff National Park’s most popular locations, plus a few of our local secret spots - Guaranteed & expedited lakeshore access to the famous glacier fed lakes, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake (now closed to public vehicle access, meaning a tour is the best way to guarantee your visit) - Expert local guiding and a tailor made itinerary designed for you so you can maximize your experience on the day - A tailor made finish to the day, factoring in recent wildlife sightings and local insights to include a surprise stop or two (or three) that will leave you stoked you chose to explore with us!

From $141 USD

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4.8 (394 reviews)
Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff

Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff

INSTANT

Visit Canada's famous glaciers on a full-day seasonal excursion from Banff. Your personalized small group tour takes you through an awe-inspiring landscape carved by glaciers and remnants from the last ice age, as you travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic highways.

From $288 USD

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4.7 (59 reviews)
Discover Lake Louise (Spring & Fall Sightseeing)

Discover Lake Louise (Spring & Fall Sightseeing)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spring and fall is a fantastic time for sightseeing and viewing wildlife in Banff National Park. Foliage colour start to change, the first hints of winter begin to appear and a low sun makes photographic opportunities more dramatic. Come and discover beautiful Lake Louise at its very best! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there will be plenty of photo opportunities on this half day, small-group tour. Learn about the mountaineering history and how a tragic accident shaped Canadian mountain culture.

From $156 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Banff PRIVATE Safari Drive and Custom Nature Walk -4H

Banff PRIVATE Safari Drive and Custom Nature Walk -4H

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Your journey begins with a private safari drive, where you'll traverse the park's scenic routes in a comfortable vehicle designed for optimal wildlife viewing. As you travel through the diverse environments of Banff, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the region's ecology, history, and geology. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, your guide will take you to known hotspots where the chances of spotting animals such as elk, deer, bears, and various bird species are higher. After your safari drive, embark on a custom nature walk tailored to your interests and fitness level. This portion of the excursion will lead you down lesser-known trails, allowing you to explore the tranquil beauty of the park away from the more crowded areas. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or a casual explorer, this private safari and nature walk offers a unique blend of adventure and education, all set against the backdrop of Banff's stunning wilderness.

From $409 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
4-Days Rockies Banff, Lake Louise, Peyto with Fairmont Experience

4-Days Rockies Banff, Lake Louise, Peyto with Fairmont Experience

MANUAL

Indulge in the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness on this 4-day guided escape through the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy three nights at iconic Fairmont hotels, seamless transfers, and curated sightseeing led by expert local guides. • Stay in Luxury at Fairmont Hotels – Relax in world-class Fairmont resorts, known for refined comfort, breathtaking views, and exceptional hospitality. [Important Note]: Free admission applies to Parks Canada sites from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026. A refund of CAD 7 per person per day will be issued on tour for days that include national park visits. • Explore Iconic Rockies Landmarks – Visit the highlights of Banff and Yoho, including Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Natural Bridge, and Marble Canyon. • Fully Guided, Seamless Experience – Enjoy stress-free travel with expert guides, smooth transfers, and thoughtfully planned stops throughout your Rockies adventure

From $1145 USD

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5.0 (69 reviews)
Explore 3 National Parks - Exclusive Small Group Tour

Explore 3 National Parks - Exclusive Small Group Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Set out on a guided small-group adventure through three stunning national parks in Alberta and British Columbia. This thoughtfully crafted day trip blends epic views, scenic walks, short hikes and unforgettable moments — perfect for those eager to explore the Canadian Rockies! Marvel at towering Takakkaw Falls (seasonal), the turquoise beauty of Emerald Lake and Lake Louise, and the dramatic landscapes of Marble Canyon and The Natural Bridge. Enjoy a mix of scenic drives, short walks, photo stops, and a lunch break in Lake Louise Village — with plenty of stories and rest stops along the way! ・A full-day adventure through Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks ・Discover Alberta and BC’s top natural wonders — all in one trip ・Come prepared! Bring snacks and dress for changing mountain weather ・Guided adventure with time to explore and relax ・Your experience comes first from start to finish

From $104 USD

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5.0 (53 reviews)
Abraham Ice Bubble/Sunwapta Falls,Snowshoeing,Icefield, Bow&Peyto

Abraham Ice Bubble/Sunwapta Falls,Snowshoeing,Icefield, Bow&Peyto

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience a full-day tour to witness the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Start your day with a pick-up from Calgary, Canmore or Banff. This day trip revolves around a number of incredible attractions along 233km long Icefield Parkway, including breathtaking Athabasca Glacier, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls in summer, or “Ice Bubbles” phenomenon at Abraham Lake in winter (from mid of Dec to early March). Experience a day filled with wonder and excitement as you take in the sights and create lasting memories • A small group allows your guide to give you more interaction and details, and makes the experience more comfortable and personal • Hot drinks and crampons are included in winter, bottle water in summer ensuring your comfort and safety during the adventure • Hassle-free pickup and drop-off services available from Banff Calgary or Canmore • See the stunning Athabasca Falls, the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier, and the magnificent Sunwapta Falls in summer.

From $74 USD

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