Let’s Go To Banff, Canada | The Trip Guide You Need!

Road trips are always fun, especially when you are with your loving partner. This time, my husband and I planned our road trip to Banff, Canada, from the last week of July to the first week of August.

The journey towards Banff, Canada, is not just a trip; it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of nature’s grandeur. As the miles unfold beneath the tires of our van, the landscape morphs from urban sprawl to untouched wilderness, each turn offering a glimpse of the raw beauty that has drawn travelers for centuries.

Here is our Itinerary for this road trip and a few items that can be handy while you are out on the roads for your road trips.

Here’s My Road Trip Guide and All of the Essentials You’ll Need To Make Your Van or Travel Trailer Stay Exceptional and Memorable.

My Itinerary for Our Road Trip to Banff, Canada

On our journey towards Banff, Canada, we spent most of our days on the roads; we drove approximately 1500 miles in total from Southern Oregon to Alberta, Canada, and back.

Our journey toward Banff, Canada, started with our first stop, which is Smith Rock Park in Bend, Oregon.

A little brief about Smith Rock Park

Smith Rock State Park in Bend, Oregon, is a stunning natural wonder renowned for its dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs, and scenic beauty. It is located in Central Oregon’s high desert.

It is also popular for hiking, with trails like Misery Ridge offering breathtaking views of the Crooked River, the surrounding landscape, and the Cascade Mountains in the distance.

We started our day with coffee, Boots on the Ground Coffee, as always, with our personal favorite, Got Your Six. It has four different strengths and aromas, so you can make your coffee exactly how you want it.

Following that, then our next spot was the Fairmont Hot Springs Hotel and RV Park. After we reached British Columbia, we swam in the hot springs at night until we pruned up.

Fairmont Hot Springs

They have a beautiful lodge, cottages and villas, but they also have the RV Park where we stayed. The four pool Hot Springs are the main attraction but they do have an 18 hole golf course and other family activities.

It was amazing! It was only about 65 degrees at night, which was chilly, but they maintained a great temperature. Plus, I had my Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie which kept me cozy.

RV Parks near Banff and Lake Luise are very busy spots. It seems nearly impossible to get a spot there unless you have booked months in advance. But, there is an alternative option that turned out to be great, as we opted for it. It is for a minimal fee, and then we can park overnight in the Lake Luise overflow parking lot. Thank God it worked out.

It is really incredible! Even if you take a peek inside, it’s worth seeing. They have a beautiful lodge, cottages, and villas, but they also have the RV Park where we stayed.

Cascades of Time Garden

The next day, we took our way to Banff, where we had fun. We went shopping, and it was a day when we walked a lot. We went to the Cascades of Time Garden, and it was so beautiful and refreshing it felt like we were in heaven.

Cascades of Time Garden within the Canadian Rockies is more like a serene garden located in Banff National Park. It is known for its meticulously designed terraces, cascading water features, and a wide variety of native and ornamental plants.

The garden offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and provides a tranquil space for visitors to explore and enjoy nature. It is also home to historic stone buildings, including the Banff Park Administration Building, which adds to the garden’s charm, historical significance, and beauty of the place.

For the Dinner and Quick Drinks, we stopped for a drink.

We had a beer at St. James’s Gate Irish Pub, Banff, Alberta. To have our dinner, we went to Distillery Park; we had Ribs, and it was quite good.

THE FAIRMONT HOTEL AT LAKE LUISE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!

It’s just up the road from the Lake and the famous Fairmont Chateau Hotel. It’s perfect because you need to be in the Lake Luise Parking lot early, probably by 7:30 am, or you won’t get a spot.

If you are just passing through the Rocky Mountains like we were, I highly recommend Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Glimpse from The Lake Luise

A Few Things That I Found Handy for the Trip

MaisoNovo Black Glass Black Pumps,Two cute bottles with labels that match any RV aesthetics, the tray (handmade) secures the bottles and keeps them intact. High-efficiency pumps minimize the need for frequent refills. That means they can run for a long.

Tomorotec Foldable Stainless Steel Triangle Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack. It is rustproof and small enough for the corner of your small RV or van sink. It is a multipurpose kitchen drainer that organizes your RV sink easily.

Snackle Box Charcuterie Container. I love this snackle container. It can be used as a tray, or it has the removable individual containers. It has easy side latches and a handle. It fits easily in your small space. Since it is food grade, it can be used to save your eatables and leftover food portions.

Full Circle Bubble Up- Eco-Friendly Bamboo Dish Brush & Ceramic Soap Dispenser. That’s my favorite kitchen gadget for my Van and for home; it makes doing dishes way easier than it looks and ensures easy and efficient cleaning.

LARS NYSØM Salt and Pepper Grinder Set. These are very stylish salt and pepper shakers. They have lids, so they don’t spill. The compact size makes them store anywhere in your RV to spice up your meals.

Waterproof Outdoor Rug 5×8 ft, Reversible Plastic Straw Patio Rug.This outdoor rug shakes out dirt and sand easily. It’s lightweight, folds, and comes with a caring case. Available in 5 different sizes, it can surely meet your requirements.

STANLEY Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Tumbler-Stainless Steel Camp Mug

it is super insulated and keeps coffee hot for at least an hour or cold with ice for 17 hours. It is made BPA-Free and designed to be compact to carry in your cars, RVs, and for office use.

12PCS Knife set with Blade Guards, Granite Nonstick Ceramic Coating. Stylish White Granite nonstick ceramic coating; love the wood handle

Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close. Silent, soft close lid and is perfect for small spaces.

Here are a few tips for the Road Trip to Banff, Canada

Whenever the time of the year you are planning your Banff trip, here are a few tips that will always work.

Get your visa stamped in your passport first if your nationality is not allowed, but if it is, you can apply to ETA Canada.

Take your non-perishable snacks on your way to Banff and Jasper. You can get them from Calgary as the supermarkets are pretty costly, plus it’s a little effort to find them.

The scenery is so magical. If you are driving like us, you will probably get the urge to stop every 10 minutes.

If you are planning to visit in the summer, then pre-book your accommodation in advance.

To save time, you can buy the entry gate passes online.

If you are planning one hike only, then Peyto Lake is the best option.

A wildfire tour is a waste of money, I believe; it is just the bear sighting and nothing more than that.

Weather in Banff

The weather in Banff is really unpredictable. It usually stays between 55 degrees F and 70 degrees F, but it can rise during the day when it is sunny.

You may want to consider layering even in the summer in the Rocky Mountains. It can be chilly in the morning, but the afternoons are warm. On road trips, I tend to keep it simple with yoga pants and a sweatshirt, but I always have a jacket in the van in case I need it.

How to go to Banff, Canada?

We chose to go to Banff, Canada, on a Van, but that is not the only way to reach there. You can enjoy your trip by going there via train, bus, car, or your RV like we did, air, or through the hike or bike. If you are traveling from

If Traveling by Train

There is no direct route to Banff, so you have to take a train from Vancouver to Banff. The route takes two days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops, offering breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. This is a more expensive option, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Via Rail: Another option is to take Via Rail from Vancouver or Edmonton to Jasper and then drive or take a bus from Jasper to Banff. The journey from Jasper to Banff is incredibly scenic, taking you through the heart of the Rockies along the Icefields Parkway.

If Traveling by Bus

Several bus services provide transportation to Banff from major cities in Alberta and British Columbia.

From Calgary: Companies like Greyhound, Brewster Express, and RTB Tours offer bus services from Calgary to Banff. The bus ride takes around 2-3 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

From Edmonton: You can also catch a bus from Edmonton to Banff, though this will take longer, around 6-7 hours.

From Vancouver: Bus services from Vancouver to Banff are available, but the journey can be lengthy, typically taking about 12-14 hours.

So, you can find the route that best suits you.

If Traveling by Car,

Driving to Banff is a popular option, especially if you’re starting from within Canada or the northern United States. That is why we planned our road trip. Although it was a lot of driving, the scenic beauty is worth watching.

From Calgary: As mentioned, the drive from Calgary to Banff is a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour journey along Highway 1.
From Vancouver: The drive from Vancouver to Banff is longer, about 850 kilometers (530 miles), and takes approximately 9-10 hours. This route takes you through some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Okanagan Valley and the mountain passes of the Rockies.
From Edmonton: The drive from Edmonton is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) and takes around 4-5 hours. You’ll travel south on Highway 2 before joining Highway 1 towards Banff.

Traveling by air

The nearest major airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC), located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Banff. Calgary serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient starting point for your journey. From Calgary Airport to Banff, you can take

Rental Car: You can rent a car at the airport and drive to Banff. The drive is straightforward, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The route offers stunning views of the Rockies as you approach Banff.
Shuttle Service: Several shuttle services operate between Calgary Airport and Banff. Companies like Banff Airporter and Brewster Express provide regular, comfortable transport directly to your accommodation in Banff.
Private Transfer: For a more personalized experience, you can book a private transfer service. This option offers door-to-door service and is ideal if you’re traveling with a group or prefer a more luxurious journey.

Traveling by bike or hike

For the truly adventurous, it’s possible to bike or hike to Banff, especially if you’re already in the area. The Banff Legacy Trail is a dedicated bike path that runs from Canmore to Banff, offering a safe and scenic route. While hiking to Banff from nearby areas is feasible, it requires careful planning, proper gear, and a good level of fitness.

Final notes

Even as you arrive in Banff, the journey feels far from over. The mountains, with their timeless presence, are more like the whisper of adventures yet to come.

As you stand on the edge or gaze out over a valley carved by ancient ice, you realize that the journey towards Banff is not just about reaching a destination.

It is about discovering a part of yourself that you did not know existed, a part that is wild, free, and forever in awe of the beauty of the world.

We surely felt that no matter which traveling mode you opt for this trip, I must say it is worth visiting.

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I have also compiled a Guide on How to Organized Your Car or Conversion Van for a Trip where you can find more options for