Otter Hotel
Room OnlyBanff
Canada
From Toronto (YYZ)VAE · Direct flightDeparts Sat, Aug 1
- 3 nights
- Suite Superior
- Flights incl.
From
$4,080
per person · taxes incl.
or $340/mowith FlexPay
Banff, Alberta
Flight + hotel Rockies getaways · Fly into Calgary (YYC) · Lake Louise & the Icefields Parkway
4.8 · 3,600+ Banff getaways booked by Canadians
Flight + Hotel · Rockies Getaways
Vacation Packages to Banff
Flights into Calgary plus mountain hotels near Banff & Lake Louise
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Banff
In the heart of Alberta's Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is Canada's original national park — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of turquoise glacial lakes, soaring peaks, and alpine trails. Fly into Calgary, drive 90 minutes west, and you're at the doorstep of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and the mountain town of Banff itself.
Banff, Alberta, CanadaClimate
Climate
-9°C winters · 22°C summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Snowy winters (ski season Dec–Mar), mild green summers (Jun–Sep) for hiking and lakes.
Currency
Canadian Dollar
No exchange needed · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
No passport
Domestic — government photo ID for your flight
Top Experiences in Banff
IconLake Louise
Paddle a canoe across glacier-fed turquoise water beneath the Victoria Glacier — Banff's most photographed lake.
Sunrise stunnerMoraine Lake
The jewel of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, its vivid blue water framed by ten towering summits.
Ride to the summitBanff Gondola
Ride up Sulphur Mountain for a 360° boardwalk view over six mountain ranges and the town of Banff.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
ID for flights: This is a domestic trip — no passport needed. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or provincial ID) to fly.
Parks Canada pass: Banff is a national park. Every vehicle needs a Parks Canada park pass — a daily or annual Discovery Pass, available online or at the park gates.
Mountain weather & layering: Alpine weather changes fast and nights are cold even in summer. Pack layers, a waterproof shell, and sturdy footwear year-round.
Wildlife safety: You're in bear, elk, and bighorn country. Keep 30–100 m away, never feed wildlife, and carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Getting around: A rental car from Calgary gives the most freedom for the Icefields Parkway and Moraine Lake. Drive on the right; winter tires and mountain-driving caution matter Nov–Apr.
Time zone: Banff runs on Mountain Time (MST/MDT) — two hours behind Toronto year-round.
Best time to visit Banff
Jun – SepSummer peak
Warm days, open trails and lakes, full Icefields Parkway access. Busiest and priciest.
Dec – MarSki season peak
Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Norquay in full swing. Cold, snowy, festive.
May & OctShoulder season
Quieter and better value. Some high trails and roads may still be snow-bound.
NovBetween seasons
Lakes freezing over, limited ski terrain open. The quietest, least scenic window.
Where to stay
Banff areas & where to base yourself
From the walkable town of Banff to lakeside Lake Louise and value-friendly Canmore, here's how to choose your mountain base.
Banff Townsite
Park centre
The lively mountain town with shops, restaurants, hot springs, and the gondola — walkable and central to it all.
Best for
- First-timers
- Dining & nightlife
- No car needed
Lake Louise
Northwest of Banff
Steps from the famous lake and ski resort, surrounded by glaciers and alpine trails. Remote and serene.
Best for
- Couples
- Hiking
- Skiing
Canmore
Just outside the park
A relaxed mountain town 20 minutes east of Banff, with lower rates, great food, and no park pass needed to stay.
Best for
- Families
- Value
- Road trips
Sunshine Village
Ski area, Banff
Canada's only true ski-in ski-out hotel high in the alpine, buried in powder all winter long.
Best for
- Skiers
- Snowboarders
- Winter escapes
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Banff
Banff is the launch point for the Rockies' most iconic sights and adventures. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
Scenic DriveIcefields Parkway & Columbia Icefield
Full day · 10 hrs~230 km north · Guided coach or self-drive
One of the world's great drives, past Peyto Lake to a glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
Insider tips
- Book the Ice Explorer in advance
- Bring warm layers even in July
Natural WonderMoraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks
Half day · 5 hrs~15 km from Lake Louise · Shuttle only (no private cars)
Visit the vivid blue lake beneath ten summits — accessible by shuttle or guided tour.
Insider tips
- Private vehicles are banned — reserve a shuttle
- Go early for the calm reflection
Winter AdventureJohnston Canyon Ice Walk
Half day · 4 hrs~25 km west · 30 min by car
Trek past frozen waterfalls on ice cleats through a dramatic limestone canyon.
Insider tips
- Ice cleats provided by guides
- Dress in warm waterproof layers
Relax & SightseeBanff Upper Hot Springs & Gondola
Half day · 4 hrsIn Banff · 10 min by car
Ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, then soak in the historic mineral hot springs.
Insider tips
- Rent a swimsuit on-site if needed
- Go at sunset for the best views
● Peak seasons sell out — book early
Your Banff Rockies getaway awaits
Flight + hotel packages into Calgary (YYC), starting at
No booking feesBest price guaranteeFlexible cancellationCanadian-owned & operated
Good to know
Banff travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do I need a passport to visit Banff?
No. Banff is in Alberta, so it's a domestic trip for Canadians. You only need a valid government-issued photo ID to board your flight.
How do I get to Banff from eastern Canada?
Fly into Calgary (YYC) — about 4h 20m from Toronto — then it's a scenic 1h 30m drive (128 km) west to Banff. A rental car is the easiest way in.
Do I need a Parks Canada park pass?
Yes. Banff is a national park, so every vehicle needs a Parks Canada park pass. Buy a daily or annual Discovery Pass online or at the park gates.
When is the best time to visit Banff?
June to September is peak for hiking and the lakes; December to March is ski season. May and October are quieter shoulder months with better value.
What should I pack for the mountains?
Layers year-round. Even summer nights are cold, and alpine weather shifts fast. Bring a waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, and sturdy footwear.
Do I need a car in Banff?
The town of Banff is walkable, but a rental car is best for the Icefields Parkway and Lake Louise. Note Moraine Lake is shuttle-access only.
Is Banff safe for wildlife encounters?
Banff is home to bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. Keep your distance (30–100 m), never feed wildlife, and carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add tours like the Icefields Parkway, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon to your trip at checkout.