At an elevation of 1400m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, the climate is subarctic. Banff has experienced snowfall even during the summer months. With daily mean temperatures of +15°C in the summer and -8°C in the winter, the climate is very similar to northern Scandinavia.

The park is easily accessible for international travellers via Calgary International Airport, which has international scheduled and charter flights. The Banff Airporter ($63.99 one way) and the Brewster Airport Express ($69.99 one way) run regular scheduled trips between the airport and Banff several times daily.

Alternatively, On It transit provides a direct Calgary downtown to Banff central service for a flat rate of $10. It's less convenient than the direct shuttles, as getting from the airport to downtown requires either an expense taxi or an hour-long trip on public transit.

From Calgary, take the Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) west. The first exit to Banff is about an hour and a half from the airport.

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a scenic drive from Jasper.

Parking can be tricky, but the five-storey Bear Street Parkade near downtown is free. Look for it in the 100 block of Bear Street, one block west of Banff Avenue. The Bear Street Parkade also has an EV charging station. The Town of Banff website has parking maps.

• Banff AIrporter, �� +1-403-762-3330, toll-free: +1-888-449-2901. Operates a route between Calgary International Airport, Canmore, and Banff. Travel time to Banff from Calgary International Airport is 2 hours. Trip operate daily through the day, generally departing every 2 hours. $73 one way for adults, no savings for round trips. Discounted rate for children and seniors. (updated May 2022)
• Brewster Express, toll-free: +1-866-606-6700. Bus service throughout the year between downtown Calgary and Lake Louise including stops at Calgary International Airport, at Kananaskis Village (some trips), in Canmore and in Banff. Some trips operate between Calgary International Airport and Banff. From May to mid-October, a trip extends beyond Lake Louise to and from Jasper. Travel time to Banff from downtown Calgary is 3 hours, from Calgary International Airport is 2 hours, from Canmore is 40 minutes, from Lake Louise is 1.25 hours, and from Jasper is 4.75 hours. Buses operate daily with the portion of the route between Calgary International Airport and Banff having buses departing throughout the day every 1.5 to 2 hours. $74 one way and $126 round trip for adults traveling between Banff and Calgary. Discounted rate for children. (updated May 2022)
• Rider Express, toll-free: +1-833-583-3636. Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver with stops in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Revelstoke, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Chase, Kamloops, Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. Travel time to Banff from Calgary is 1.5 hours, from Lake Louise is 50 minutes, from Golden is 1.75 hours, from Revelstoke is 4 hours, from Salmon Arm is 5.5 hours, from Kamloops is 7 hours, from Hope is 10 hours, from Abbotsford is 11 hours, and from Vancouver is 12.25 hours. In Salmon Arm, this service provider offers some trips with timed connections with its route between Salmon Arm and Kelowna. In Calgary, this service provider has routes that reach Edmonton. The service provider also has routes that allow travel as far east as Winnipeg. (updated Mar 2022)
• SunDog Tours, ☏ +1-780-852-4056, toll-free: +1-888-786-3641, info@sundogtours.com. Service between Banff and Jasper via Lake Louise. Operates in the winter season only. Travel time to Banff from Jasper is 5.5 hours and from Lake Louise is 1 hour. (updated Sep 2021)
• FlixBus. Service from Calgary, Canmore, and Lethbridge. (updated Apr 2024)

See also: Rocky Mountaineer

Regularly scheduled passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but luxury Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing trains run from Vancouver between late April and early October (reservations required), requiring two days to complete the journey with an overnight stop at Kamloops. You can take VIA Rail Canada train service to Edmonton or Jasper, and then either take a bus or rent a car and drive to Banff.

• 51.1819-115.5761 Banff railway station. (updated Apr 2021)

All visitors stopping in Banff National Park (even just for gas or in the town) require a park permit. If you are driving through non-stop, the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available; see Banff National Park#Fees and permits for details.

The Banff townsite is small, and you can walk just about anywhere you want to go. Walking is quick, easy and allows for random adventures down to the river, through the forests, and up the mountains. All of these activities are within a 5- to 15-minute walking distance.

• Roam Transit, ☏ +1 403-762-0606. Bus service runs from 6:15AM to 11:30PM daily. This public transit bus system operates bus service in and between Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. It provides service near most of the Banff's hotels and attractions. Roam transit fares are $2 (one-way) for adults, $1 for kids and seniors; an unlimited day pass costs $5. (updated Jul 2022)

• Banff Transportation Group, ☏ +1 403-762-0000. (updated Jul 2022)

Biking around town is popular too. There are several shops to rent bicycles if you are interested in either mountain biking, quick travel downtown, or trail riding to the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. You can also combine cycling with public transit, as buses are equipped with bike racks. Banff is filled with trails that take you through forested areas, along streams and waterfalls, to incredible lake and mountain views.

• 51.173756-115.5716341 Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, 91 Banff Ave (Next to the Bow River Bridge & Central Park), ☏ +1 403-762-1558, banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca. May 14-June 30: W-Su 10AM-5PM; July 1-Sept 1: daily 10AM-5PM; Sept 2-Oct 12: W-Su 10AM-5PM. Come and learn about the animals you may see on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings! This historic "cabinet museum" is full of Banff wildlife preserved through taxidermy. Most of the animals on display were killed roughly a century ago. $3.90/adult, free with Parks Canada Discovery Pass.  
• 51.16411-115.5623812 Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), 405 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406, banffsprings@fairmont.com. The Banff Springs Hotel is a working hotel, and a recognized national historic site. The oldest part of the famous "Castle in the Rockies" was built between 1911 and 1914 using local Rundle stone (dark limestone) on the exterior, while the interior is that of a grand hotel. Fossils can be seen in the stone flooring. Visitors are welcome to see the public parts of the hotel, while guided tours may be available to show you some of the closed areas. Free to visit.  
• 51.172317-115.5766663 Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, 1 Birch Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2388, buffalonations@telus.net. May 1-Sep 30: daily 10AM-6PM; Oct 1-Apr 30: 11AM-5PM. Housed in a reproduction of a fur trading post, this museum focuses on the history of the First Nations in the Banff area. $10/adult.  
• 51.169248-115.5909144 Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 311 Cave Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-1566, banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca. Hours vary seasonally, check website. See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails that are free to access that explain the origin and the give you a view over the pools that are free to access. $3.90/person, free if you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass.  
• 51.175178-115.573275 Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, 111 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-762-1558, Info@whyte.org. Jun 15-Sep 15: daily 9:30AM-6PM; Sep 16-Jun 14: 10AM-5PM. Offers something for the whole family: art, culture and the human and natural history of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the heritage homes or take a guided walk. Admission by donation.  

• 51.164598-115.5622546 Mount Norquay viewpoint, Mt Norquay Scenic Drive. As you drive the winding road up to the Mt Norquay ski area, there are several viewpoints that let you see the town of Banff below, Vermilion Lakes, and the surrounding mountains. 
• 51.167355-115.5593017 Surprise Corner viewpoint. You can see the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow River, and Sulphur Mountain from this viewpoint on the lower slopes of Tunnel Mountain. 

• 51.166523-115.5603788 Bow Falls. Below the iconic Banff Springs Hotel is the beautiful Bow Falls. It's not the most dramatic waterfall in Banff National Park, but Bow Falls is in the town of Banff and is worth a visit. Easily accessible with plenty of parking for private vehicles and tour buses. You can take in the view from either side of the river. 
• 51.170858-115.5724469 Cascades of Time Gardens (Cascade Gardens), 101 Mountain Ave (Next to Administration Building, at the head of Banff Avenue), ☏ +1 403-762-1550, Banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca. Flowering from late June to early Sept. Designed and built in the 1930s, the Cascades of Time gardens cover 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in the Banff townsite, in front of the Administration Building and behind it. The rustic timber and stone pavilions in the garden are Recognized Federal Heritage Buildings. Free. 
• 51.248861-115.49667510 Lake Minnewanka Loop, End of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive (take Banff Ave north until it passes under Hwy 1, follow Lk Minnewanka Drive). This scenic driving loop is a short distance from the Banff townsite. It goes up the side of Cascade Mountain to Lake Minnewanka, and back down by a different route. Sights along the way include Cascade Ponds, Bankhead (former site of a coal mining town and the mine), Lake Minnewanka (picnic area, hiking, boat cruises, motor boat rentals), Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake. The area is also well known for the bighorn sheep that can be seen on and near the road. Free. 
• 51.181215-115.59423811 Vermilion Lakes, Vermilion Lakes Road, just south of and parallel to Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy 1) near Mt Norquay Rd. These three shallow lakes make a marvellous foreground to dramatic Mount Rundle in the background. Come at sunrise or sunset to see muskrat and beaver and get great lighting for photos. 

• For a spot of whimsy, you can check out 51.18188-115.5713912 Moose and Squirrel.  Rather, the intersection thereof, about 2 blocks east of the train station, diagonal from the school. Nothing more than the signpost, but good for a chuckle.

• 51.173399-115.5608541 The Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, ☏ +1 403-762-6100. A globally respected arts and cultural centre featuring performances and events with dance, music, theatre, opera, film, books, new media, and visual arts.  
• 51.148226-115.5560962 Banff Gondola Mountaintop Experience (Banff Gondola), End of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-2523, toll-free: +1-800-760-6934, fax: +1 403-762-7493. Varies seasonally; closed for 1 week in Jan for annual maintenance. Banff's sightseeing gondola provides visitors with great views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. The gondola takes you up 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft). At the top, there is a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck, photo opportunities, and a boardwalk to nearby Sanson Peak, at the top of Sulphur Mountain. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience a sunset "Alpine Lights" dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top of the gondola. $62 per adult ($56 if booked 48 hr in advance). (updated Mar 2023)

Banff does offer some indoor activities besides museums and galleries.

• 51.184446-115.5492173 Waterslides at Douglas Fir Resort, Tunnel Mountain Road, ☏ +1 403-762-5591, toll-free: +1-800-661-9267, stay@douglasfir.com. Su-Th, hours vary seasonally. At the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets on Tunnel Mountain. Open only to hotel guests on F & Sa, open to non-guests Su-Th. $20/person, ages 6+. Free for age 5 and under. 
• 51.164753-115.5621394 Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling & Entertainment Centre, 405 Spray Ave (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406, banffsprings@fairmont.com. Summer: Su-Th 3-10PM; F Sa 1-11PM; Winter: Su-Th noon-11PM; F Sa 1PM-midnight. Canadian 5-pin bowling, neon black-light bowling, an HD golf simulator, and a pool table. 
• 51.178357-115.5728815 Lux Cinema, 229 Bear St. (Corner of Wolf & Bear), ☏ +1 403-762-8612, lux_ban@landmarkcinemas.ca. Four-screen movie theatre showing first-run movies. 
• 51.171494-115.5613856 Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, End of St. Julien Road (Sally Borden Building at the Banff Centre), ☏ +1 403-762-6450, sbb_info@banffcentre.ca. M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM. Facilities include a climbing wall, spin studio, aquatics centre (25-m pool with view of Sulphur Mountain, hot tub, whirlpool, wading pool, steam room, and sun deck), massage, physiotherapy, drop-in classes (e.g. spin, yoga, zumba) and more. $10 adult day membership, $5 adult public swim. 

Spas

[edit]

Banff National Park was established to protect and promote the natural hot springs at the Cave & Basin (now Cave & Basin National Historic Site). So there is a century-long tradition of visitors coming to take the waters in a spa-type setting. Today, visitors have many spas to choose from, but only the Upper Hot Springs Pool and Pleiades Spa allows visitors the opportunity to bathe in water from a hot spring.

• 51.15112-115.560977 Banff Upper Hot Springs and Pleiades Massage & Spa, Upper end of Mountain Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-1515, toll-free: +1-800-767-1611, hot.springs@pc.gc.ca. 10AM-10PM varies seasonally. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this historic spa and bathhouse, with a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Relax in soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra apres ski laugh, guests wishing to amuse can rent a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume. The outdoor hot pool is a great place to soak and watch falling snowflakes or the stars. Can be quite busy at times. In late spring, the hot springs flow sometimes drops significantly and must be supplemented with artificially-heated water. The Upper Hot Springs website's "Water" page states whether they are using all hot springs water or are supplementing. $7.30 per adult. 
• 51.18317-115.5638778 Grotto Spa, 459 Banff Ave (Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge), ☏ +1 403-762-3307, toll-free: +1-800-661-1379. M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Mineral pool, hot tub, eucalyptus steam room. Massages and other treatments available. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.184219-115.5607549 Red Earth Spa, 521 Banff Ave (Banff Caribou Lodge), ☏ +1 403-762-9292. 9AM-9PM (varies seasonally). Access to hotel hot pool, steam rooms, and exercise rooms. Massage, body wraps, various other treatments. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.150978-115.55921810 Rimrock Spa, 300 Mountain Ave (Rimrock Resort Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-1835, toll-free: +1-888-RIMROCK (7467625), Spa@rimrockresort.com. Daily 8AM-10PM. There are two individual massage rooms, one facial/Vichy room, a second facial room, 2 manicure stations, and 3 pedicure stations in the spa. Two couples/double massage rooms are located on the 4th and 5th floors. Spa guests may also use the hotel pool, whirlpool, sauna, and outdoor patio decks. 
• 51.164577-115.56089611 Willow Stream Spa, 405 Spray Ave (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), ☏ +1 403-762-1772, toll-free: +1-800-404-1772, bsh.spareservations@fairmont.com. Daily 8AM-8PM. Banff's most luxurious spa has a huge variety of treatments on offer. Reservations are recommended. 

Summer in Banff, just like winter, is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails accessible from the main town, as well as tours for horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain biking and more. Be warned though - some smaller tour companies are not as professional as the larger tour companies. If they are overbooked, they may pass your credit card details along to a third party without your knowledge and book another tour on your behalf (not always at the same price, and not always the same tour!)

• 51.178022-115.57704221 Canoeing & kayaking with Banff Adventures Unlimited (formerly Blue Canoe), Banff canoe docks on Bow River, ☏ +1 403-762-4554, toll-free: +1-800-644-8888. Three minutes walk from the centre of Banff, you can find the canoe docks. There, you can rent canoe or kayak to take a tranquil journey on the Bow River. 1- and 2-person kayaks available; canoes seat three. Guided tours in large voyageur canoes are offered twice daily. Purchase canoe vouchers at 211 Bear Street. $36 per person for one hour. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.174328-115.58216422 Holiday on Horseback, Warner Stables or Spray River Corrals (End of Sundance Road), ☏ +1 403-762-4551, toll-free: +1-800-661-8352, warner@horseback.com. Trail rides, western cookouts (trail ride and campfire meal), and back-country rides. Wagons are available so that your whole group can go together, including non-riders. From $46 per person. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.1646-115.55641923 Rocky Mountain Raft Tours, Base of Bow Falls, ☏ +1 403-762-3632. Float trips down the Bow River starting near the base of Bow Falls. The only rafting trips that take place inside Banff National Park; other rafting operators will pick you up in Banff and then start the trip somewhere outside the park. Season is from mid-May to late Sept. From $50 per adult. (updated Mar 2023)
• Banff Legacy Trail. 22-km cycle path between Banff and Canmore. (updated Mar 2023)
• Mountain biking. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails in Banff National Park, most of which have trail-heads in or near the town of Banff. Bike trails are also used by hikers, equestrians, bears, and other wildlife. Freeriding and downhilling are not permitted in the national park. (updated Mar 2023)
• Rock climbing. The area around Banff offers climbing for climbers of all levels — all climbs will happen with certified guides. Good places for beginners are Rundle Rock near the golf course and Yamnuska Bluffs and Zygote Crag. Advanced climbers should head to Wasootch Creek, Heart Creek and a site near Lake Louise. Prices for climbing tours are a few hundred dollars for one person, but the per person price is less if there are two or more of you. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.204-115.598524 Via Ferrata at Norquay. A bit safer way of climbing, also performed with guides. You go up the mountain along a sort of ladders on the mountain wall. (updated Mar 2023)
• Fishing. Companies arrange fishing tours on Lake Minnewanka. There are both boat and wading tours. Some tours include equipment and/or the mandatory fishing permit ($36.36+GST), inquire beforehand! (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.1723-115.543825 Banff Springs Golf Course. If you'd like to play golf, there's a 27-hole public golf course near to and operated by the landmark hotel. Along the season, several golf tournaments are arranged there. (updated Mar 2015)

Hiking and wildlife viewing

[edit]

Banff has the most beautiful trails surrounding it. You can pick up a free trail map at the Visitor Centre, or find many trail maps online, as downloadable pdf files. Please check the trail reports online or with the Parks Canada desk before you go, as high-elevation snow, bear activity, or other factors may close trails or create hazards. Another option is to go with a hiking guide and group, different locations are available.

While in the area, always keep your eyes peeled as there are so many animals to spot in the summer in Banff. It is important to keep your distance, though, as wildlife is wild and they should be kept that way, they can be dangerous too! In the spring, female elk are very protective of their calves, who may lie hidden out of sight; in fall, bull elk are extremely aggressive during the rut. For this reason, you will need a telephoto lens to get good photos of wildlife while staying safe.

How can you tell that you are getting too close to wildlife? If the animal stares at you, moves away from you (even just a few steps), or behaves aggressively toward you, then you should back away until that behavior stops. Also, it is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park.

Visitors often confuse bighorn sheep with mountain goats. Goats are white with black noses and short black horns, and are usually seen high up on rocky ledges. Bighorn sheep are brown, with white rump patches and brown horns. They are usually seen by roadsides and grazing on grasses close to rocky outcrops. You'll never forget the difference after you watch this Parks Canada music video, "GOat Sheep GOat".

• 51.1442-115.574526 Sulphur Mountain Trail. Rather than taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, you can hike the trail up to the top of the ridge and catch the gondola down. (It's half price to just take the gondola down, but it's free before 10AM and after 7PM.) The trail is steep but manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Note that there is a little-used road that goes down the side of Sulphur Mountain that is away from the town, which has been mistaken for the hiking trail; the road is much longer than the hiking trail. If you opt to hike down after taking the gondola up, you should be able to see the gondola towers and cables on your way down, as the hiking trail zigzags below the gondola lift. 
• 51.1754-115.561827 Tunnel Mountain Trail. A hike of 4.3 km, ranked as "easy". It starts from downtown Banff and takes you up the Tunnel Mountain, from where you have a nice view over the surroundings. You won't find any tunnel along the trail; when the Canadian Pacific railway was constructed in the late 19th century a plan was to build a tunnel through this mountain but it never happened. 
• 51.1813-115.579828 Fenland Trail. A very good spot for birdwatching all year, and you may also see beaver or muskrat in 40 Mile Creek. May be closed in spring due to calving elk. (Cow elk are very protective of calves.) 
• 51.1709-115.588129 Marsh Loop. An easy walk of 2.4 km through the marshlands near Banff. This is a good place for birdwatching and there are good views of Mount Norquay. 
• 51.1704-115.563230 Bow River Trail. The Bow River Trail is a riverside trail of 0.9 or 1.4 km, which are paved and according to the home page of the Town of Banff even wheelchair accessible. 

• 51.168-115.557231 Hoodoo Trail. A popular walk to the hoodoos (a kind of rock formations) east of Banff. 
• 51.1144-115.76732 Sunshine Meadows. An alpine park with trails with varying difficulty levels. There are guided walks too, and the area offers good views of the highest mountains in the Banff National Park. Shuttle bus access from Banff. 
• 51.2472-115.499133 Lake Minnewanka Loop. Great spot to see bighorn sheep next to the road, especially when you get to Lake Minnewanka and the area around Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake. 
• 51.171-115.66134 Bow Valley Parkway. A scenic route from Banff to Lake Louise, running parallel to Highway 1. You have a good chance at seeing different mammals like bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, deer and grizzly bears. There are seasonal travel restrictions. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.1671-115.549335 Banff Springs Golf Course. Great place to find elk all year round. They love grazing on the lush grass. 
• 51.19-115.583736 Mount Norquay Road. Look for bighorn sheep here, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a mountain goat along the cliffs. 

• Banff Summer Music Series: . Musical performances of all genres. Usually an annual festival. Be sure to check out their Events Calendar for other musical events throughout the year and for the series schedule. (date needs fixing)
• Banff World Media Festival (formerly Banff World Television Festival): mid-June – mid-July. An annual event that attracts television and digital media industry professionals from around the world. Prices start at $249 + HST for a Content Pass that includes attending panels, discussions and classes; to $895 + HST for a Marketplace Pass to also meet showrunners, directors and buyers, to do "speed pitching," and to later see festival session replays. (date needs fixing)
• Starlight Concert Series: , Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-833-762-6866 (when booking tickets with a room reservation), banffsprings@fairmont.com. A weekly series of concerts usually held outdoors on Friday evenings and weekends, with the Canadian Rockies providing the scenery. Each week or month showcases a different music genre. Performers include up-and-coming and award-winning Canadian singers and musicians, especially those from Alberta. $60-90 per person, for hotel guests only. (date needs fixing)
• Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival: . An annual international festival that showcases international films and books on outdoor adventure and mountain culture. It's usually a very popular event that is well attended at the Banff Centre and various venues around Banff by a diverse mix of backcountry enthusiasts, weekend warriors and average Joes. Tickets and passes for the festival go on sale in early October. In-person event tickets cost $25-35 (2021). (date needs fixing)

• 51.175336-115.5707581 Chaya, 118 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-0882. Tiny Japanese noodle shop. 
• 51.175943-115.5725112 Nesters Market, 122 Bear St. 8AM-11PM. For those that need a supermarket instead of a restaurant, Nesters has a great range of organic products. 
• 51.174837-115.5707213 Pad Thai, 110 Banff Ave (Clock Tower Mall, Main Level), ☏ +1 403-762-4911. 12:00-21:00 every day. Budget-friendly Thai food in a cafe setting. (updated Jul 2022)
• 51.179491-115.5715684 IGA, 318 Marten St (3 blocks from the Samesun Backpacker Lodge and Banff International Hostel), ☏ +1 403-762-5378. 7AM-10PM. This large grocery store also sells ready-to-eat meals to take away. (updated Apr 2022)
• 51.177345-115.5727395 Wild Flour Bakery, 211 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-760-5074. Artisanal bakery cafe. Their menu includes sandwiches, croissants and different soups. 

• 51.175509-115.5708276 Balkan Restaurant, 120 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3454. The Balkan restaurant first fired up its grill on Banff Avenue in 1982. The restaurant was the creation of Greek families out of their element in the cold Canadian Rockies who wished to bring the authentic flavors and warm festive atmosphere of the Mediterranean to this high mountain town. Check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing. 
• 51.176552-115.5713777 Magpie and Stump, 203 Caribou St, ☏ +1 403-762-4067. A Mexican restaurant that specializes in margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where margaritas are half-price, and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late. 
• 51.180174-115.5698328 The Meatball Pizza & Pasta, 337 Banff Av (at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn), ☏ +1 403-762-3667. The Meatball offers a menu featuring delicious Italian influences. 
• 51.177574-115.5710339 Seoul Country Korean Restaurant, 215 Banff Ave (Sundance Mall), ☏ +1 403-762-4941, seoulcountrykorean@hotmail.com. This Korean BBQ restaurant smells fantastic as you enter. Value for money. $20. 
• 51.176841-115.57058310 Rose and Crown, 202 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2121. Serves a substantial, eclectic menu, along with 11 beers and one cider on tap. 
• 51.171588-115.56102511 Vistas Dining Room, End of St. Julien road (upper level of Sally Borden Building at the Banff Centre). This buffet restaurant in the Banff Centre shares a floor with The Three Ravens (see below), but provides more food for less money. 

• 51.177043-115.57112512 Grizzly House, 207 Banff Ave. A must-see, this was once a swinger's bar. This uniquely shaped restaurant downtown has telephones at every table with placemats that serve as a map so you can call tables to chat through your dinner. It is a laid-back, fun atmosphere and the food does not disappoint. A typical meal may consist of a Caesar salad to start, then a cheese fondue served with freshly steamed veggies and mouth-watering bread for dipping. The second course is where things get exciting; opt for the hot-rock style of fondue. Rocks are brought to the table and heated to 300 °F (149 °C). Each rock gets its own pot of garlic butter smeared on, first by your server and then by you; each person receives a customized plate of raw fish, chicken, bison, frog legs, AAA-beef, shark, snake, whatever you wish, or dare, to try. Accompanying the exotic mix of possibilities are dipping sauces like chipotle and teriyaki. 
• 51.184189-115.56048213 The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge - Caribou Lodge, 521 Banff Av (at the Banff), ☏ +1 403 762-4442. Steaks and a casual ambiance. 
• 51.175341-115.57125414 The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge - Downtown, 117 Banff Av, ☏ +1 403-760-3030. The Keg steakhouse also has another restaurant downtown. 
• 51.176417-115.57116215 The Maple Leaf, 137 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-7680. A four-diamond restaurant, caters to an elite crowd with impressive wine selections and pricey entrees. 
• 51.177899-115.57253516 Saltlik Steakhouse, 221 Bear St, ☏ +1 403-762-2467. Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs. 
• 51.15118-115.55928817 Eden, 300 Mountain Ave (Rimrock Resort), ☏ +1 403-762-1865. French restaurant using many local ingredients, with some Asian influences. 10-time winner of CAA 5-Diamond and "Best of Award of Excellence" Wine Spectator awards. 
• 51.1745-115.571318 Chucks Steakhouse, 101 Banff Avenue. High-end steak and dining. (updated May 2018)
• 51.169963-115.56034719 Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar, End of St. Julien Road (3rd level of Sally Borden Building at the Banff Centre). Fine dining with fine views. The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients and has an ambitious and creative kitchen that mostly succeeds in meeting its goals. The service is reportedly superb. Expect about $100 per person for a decent meal. 

Every tourist destination has stores that specialize in tempting visitors with sweet delights.

• 51.175506-115.57077620 Beaver Tails, 120 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-0086. Deep-fried pastry topped with many sweet options. 
• 51.176148-115.57070621 Cows Ice Cream, 134 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-3493. Ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, and fun cow-related novelty t-shirts and mooooer. 
• 51.177552-115.57104122 The Fudgery, 215 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403 762-3003. Hand-made fudge and chocolates. 
• 51.176717-115.57070323 Mountain Chocolates, 200 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2624. Reportedly the only chocolate shop in town where the products are manufactured on site. They also have caramel apples, ice cream and other sweet things. 
• 51.175805-115.5707624 Welch's Chocolate Shop (The Banff Candy Store), 126 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3737. Candy and chocolates from all over the world. Ice cream cones, fudge, and locally-made chocolate treats. 

• 51.180199-115.5698881 Banff Ptarmigan Inn, 337 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2207, toll-free: +1-800-661-8310. A block from downtown, it offers a great location. 
• 51.182771-115.5646922 Banff International Hostel (Not associated with Hostelling International), 449 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-7744, toll-free: +1-855-5HOSTEL (467835), fax: +1 403-985-7745, reservations@banffinternationalhostel.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Banff International Hostel offers bunks in dorm rooms or private bedrooms all with lockers and with private bathrooms. 2 blocks from downtown on a bus route it connects guests with most sights in town. It offers free Wi-Fi and 3 internet work stations. For updates, check the hostel's blog as it keeps adding new services! $25-160. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.171892-115.5694163 YWCA Banff Hotel, 102 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3560, toll-free: +1-800-813-4138. The Banff Y has a fully licensed bistro with an outdoor patio and a variety of meeting space. Internet ($1 for 10 minutes on a computer or $12 for 24 hours of Wi-Fi), laundry, common kitchen (it is not sparkling clean), and quiet sitting room all on the premises. Private and semi-private rooms starting at $46, dormitory rooms starting at $22, group rates available. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.185117-115.5485254 HI-Banff Alpine Centre, 801 Coyote Dr (on Tunnel Mountain Road), toll-free: +1-866-762-4122. With private rooms, 2 spacious kitchens and lounge areas, 2 fireplaces and restaurant Cougar Pete's Lookout & Kitchen. 20-minute walk to downtown Banff. "The Storm Cellar, Banff's Pub and Game house" features drink specials, games (pool, darts, foosball) and an eclectic bunch of servers. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.176513-115.57125 King Edward Hotel, 137 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-985-3734, toll-free: +1-888-762-2607, fax: +1 403-985-3735, reservations@kingedwardhotelbanff.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The King Eddie, as the locals call it, is at the most central point in Banff. The hotel offers private rooms with all major amenities, like free wireless internet, in-room coffee and tea, private bathrooms and 32" flat screen cable TV. Concierge service is available at the front desk. $55-199. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.182484-115.5661146 SameSun Backpacker Lodge, 433 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-4499. A 100-bed hostel with a private room. Each room has an en suite bathroom. Lockers, laundry, common lounge and kitchen, free Wi-Fi and Internet kiosks, video games, nightly activities, BBQs, local tours, patio. Breakfast (self-serve pancakes, toast, porridge, fruit, juice, coffee, tea) included. Daily activities, including open mic, trivia, ice skating, bands, and theme parties. Ski and Stay for $155 or rooms starting at $31/night. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.19333-115.5274347 Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds. Two sites, one of them operating around the year (Tunnel Mountain I is just open during the summer). The other has a 34-site "walk in" tenting area and a total of 188 sites. $27.40-32.30. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.18635-115.556348 The Dorothy Motel, 250 Marmot Crescent, located behind the Husky Gas Station on Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3386, toll-free: +1-866-474-0423 (in North America), reservations@banfflodgingco.com. Check-in: 4pm, check-out: 11am. Like the motel's predecessor, the Dorothy is ideal for guests who just want a clean and comfortable place to stay. Rooms have a window view of the motel's outdoor forest courtyard. For now, guests must go to the nearby Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa to check in. The motel says it will soon offer mobile check-in. Your stay includes a complementary Banff Roam bus pass, as there's a bus stop in front of the Husky Gas Station. Free parking and complementary Wi-Fi Internet access are also included. The motel welcomes pets in certain rooms, at a fee of $25 per pet per night. The motel asks that you call in advance so arrangements can be made to accommodate your pet. Bike storage is also available. Room rates start at $119/night if you book directly with the motel. (updated Nov 2023)

• 51.184199-115.5604769 Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, 521 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-5887, toll-free: +1-800-561-8764, reservations@banfflodgingco.com. Check-in: 4pm, check-out: 11am. This mountain-themed lodge offers luxury bedding, large jetted hotpool, underground parking, The Keg Steakhouse & Lounge, and The Red Earth Spa. (updated Nov 2023)
• 51.183575-115.56234610 Banff Inn, 501 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-8844, toll-free: +1-800-667-1464. The Banff Inn features standard guest rooms, rooms with jacuzzi tubs, loft units, king rooms and honeymoon suites. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.199798-115.53600711 Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, 1029 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2638, toll-free: +1-800-563-8764. This resort features suite-style accommodation with kitchens and fireplaces. The resort also offers an indoor pool, tennis courts, Wi-Fi, and complimentary shuttle to and from downtown. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.182888-115.56545212 Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge, 453 Marten St, ☏ +1 403-762-5575. Breakfast included, heated indoor pool, balconies with mountain views, jacuzzi suites, heated parking and pet-friendly. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.183323-115.56299513 Fox Hotel & Suites, 461 Banff Ave, ☏ +1 403-760-8500, toll-free: +1-800-661-8310. The Fox offers one- and two-bedroom suites and hotel rooms. The hotel's centrepiece is the hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Site. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.187884-115.54641414 Hidden Ridge Resort, 901 Hidden Ridge Way, ☏ +1 403-762-3544, toll-free: +1-800-661-1372. This resort features condo style accommodation with full kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. The resort also offers two outdoor hot pools, BBQ and picnic areas and Wi-Fi. It is located on the Banff transit route. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.185295-115.55570815 Hotel Canoe & Suites (formerly Inns of Banff), #2000 - 600 Banff Ave, toll-free: +1-888-661-1272, reservations@banfflodgingco.com. Check-in: 4pm, check-out: 11am. Hotel Canoe & Suites paddle away from the ordinary. Located on Banff Avenue, an easy walk to downtown, Hotel Canoe & Suites extends the natural landscape of Banff National Park into its lobby and rooms, offering a rich mountain accommodation experience with an outdoorsy edge. (updated Nov 2023)

• 51.16435-115.56212616 Banff Springs Hotel, 405 Spray Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-2211, toll-free: +1-866-540-4406. One of the grand old hotels, few hotels can compare to the majesty of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Nestled in the trees overlooking the rest of the town and valley, it is a magnificent location for a magnificent building. Multiple restaurants, a heated outdoor pool and a wide range of accommodation. All this comes at a price, though, and the Banff Springs is an expensive hotel. Also, booking very early is required. Among the luxurious amenities, you can indulge in their three waterfall treatments whirlpools and indoor Hungarian mineral pool (that actually has music underwater to soothe you as you float into complete relaxation) or enjoy treatments at the onsite Willow Stream Spa. Bike and ski rentals are available at the hotel and can be booked in advance. From $270/night. (updated Mar 2023)
• 51.151535-115.55952517 Rimrock Resort Hotel, 300 Mountain Ave, ☏ +1 403-762-3356, toll-free: +1-888-RIMROCK (7467625), info@rimrockresort.com. Perched dramatically on the edge of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock has a spa and several fine dining restaurants. From $168/night. (updated Mar 2023)

• Ambulance/Police/Fire: 9-1-1.
• 51.17902-115.5760681 Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, 305 Lynx St, ☏ +1 403-762-2222. (updated Mar 2023)