Marie & Paul
Things To Do
Lake Louise (+ Hiking)
You can take the Roam 8X bus from Banff to Lake Louise. It's about a 50 minute trip from Banff. You can also drive, although parking can be tricky. Best bets for parking are weekdays, or weekends early in the day or in the evening. Late October is categorically shoulder season, so you might have better luck parking this time of year! (There is also the option to park'n'ride if you make it to the lake and find that lake parking isn't available.) Hiking options: Lake Louise lake shore - very flat stroll around the lake Lake Agnes Tea House - a steep trek, 4.6 miles out/back, ~1200 feet of elevation Plain of 6 Glaciers Tea House - continue from Lake Agnes tea house for a total of ~11 miles and ~3000 feet of elevation. *There is likely to be some snow at higher elevations (if not lower!) this time of year! Appropriate footwear, traction, and trekking poles are recommended.
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Located on Roam route 1 (right past the hot springs), the gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain. At the top, there is a boardwalk that meanders along the ridge line to an old lookout tower, as well as a fully-equipped restaurant/cafe situation and viewing decks. Amazing views for minimal effort! Tickets run at around $60 CAD each and reservations are not a terrible idea (especially if you plan to dine at the top). Alternatively, you can hike up! 6.7 miles out/back and ~2500 ft. elevation.
Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs are conveniently situated on Roam route 1. Hot water from natural springs is redirected into a (chlorinated) pool where you can soak and soak in the mountain views. $CAD 16.50 for adults. You can rent a towel (and even a swimsuit!) for $2 each.
Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
Banff Mountain Film Festival will be taking place in Banff between Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 2024. Besides the featured films, there are lots of events, forums, and talks happening throughout the week. Check out the festival in its namesake!
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
A crazy natural thermal pool in a cave! Sadly, taking a dip is not allowed (for that, visit Banff Upper hot springs!), but a very cool site to behold. Hours are Thrs - Mon from 11 AM - 5 PM
Light hiking: Johnston Canyon
You can access Johnston Canyon trailhead via Roam bus route 9. This is a popular hike through a pine forest and a cragly canyon. The canyon is outfitted with an elevated walkway so that you can get the best views of the rushing creek and epic waterfalls along the way. This is an out-and-back hike, with the option to go part-way to Lower Johnston Falls (1.4 miles round trip) or all the way to the Upper Falls (3.3 miles). For those looking for a longer hike, you can extend your trek to the Ink Pots, which makes this a 7-mile out-and-back hike.
Light hiking: Goat Creek Trail
This is a mellow, wide trail winding along a hillside through pine trees. Below, you'll catch views of crystal blue Spray Creek, and above you're surrounded by the tall peaks of Banff, including the back side of Rundle (there is no wrong side of this epic mountain!). This is an out-and-back. Stroll for as long as your heart desires <3
Light hiking: Tunnel Mountain Reservoir Trailhead
This hike is straight out the door of the lodge! From the meadow at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir you can access the Topp Notch trail system that winds through the forest below Tunnel Mountain. Good for 3-ish mile loops. *This trail system is popular for mountain biking, so be aware that some fast-moving people on wheels will likely be sharing the trail!*
Moderate Hiking: Tunnel Mountain
From either upper or lower Tunnel Mountain trailhead, this is a short but steep hike to the the summit of Tunnel Mountain. The upper trailhead is a ~20-25 minute walk up Tunnel Mountain Drive from the lodge, and the lower trailhead is just down the hill closer to town (there is a Roam stop - Muskrat North - that's a ~5-10 minute walk from the lower trailhead).
Moderate Hiking: C Level Cirque
The trail starts from Upper Bankhead parking area. This steeper hike takes you through a pine forest up to an incredible spot where you're surrounded by the towering cliffs of Cascade Mountain. Catch views of Lake Minnewanka from the top! 5.8 miles out and back, 2,539 ft of elevation gain.
Harder/Longer Hiking
If you're thinking about fully getting after it while in the area, let us know! There are lots of amazing hikes that require more time / commitment and potentially more gear. We're super happy to share our favorites with you!! :)
Ice skating or curling at Fenlands
Fenlands Rec Center offers 60 and 90 minute public skating sessions — Mon-Fri 12-1:30 and Sat-Sun 1:30-2:30. Skate rentals are also available on site! Family skate sessions for little ones (strollers allowed and balance bars available) are Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:45-2:45 p.m. PLUS, if you’re here on a Tuesday night, why not learn to curl from real Canadians? Public learn-to-curl classes are offered at Fenlands on Tuesdays from 5:30-7 and cost CAD$25.
Parks Passes: Banff Visitor Centre
For anyone renting a car to get to/around Banff, a parks pass is required. You can purchase a pass at the park gates or at a park visitor center (in Banff or Lake Louise), or you can purchase a pass ahead of time online at this link: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/park-pass-purchase
Spreadsheet to coordinate outings/adventures and ride sharing
We put together a spreadsheet so that people can coordinate rides or find hiking buddies during their time in Banff. The first tab is for Calgary <--> Banff travel and the second is dedicated to planning adventures together.