Solo female travel in Banff

Solo travel experience

I drove from Calgary all the way to Yellowknife in September with the hope to catch northern lights, I enjoyed the scenery very much but I would suggest u drive with someone or caravan, just in case if your car broke down, because you are really in the middle of nowhere

Group travel experience

Amazing place to visit in the autumn. Very safe and touristic place. Lots of hiking around but need for a car to travel around. Also did a Via Ferrata which was pricey but totally worth it. Campings are very nice but beware of the bears.

Family travel experience

Banff is super nice! It’s pretty, not super far from major Albertan cities, lots to do, and certainly picturesque :) that being said, it’s also very popular, meaning tourism is crazy in Banff in the summer, and prices are super high! Banff is always a lovely experience regardless

Solo travel experience

I was in Banff a few weekends ago. It's definitely worth taking the gondola, there's a restaurant and bar at the top with good food and an epic view! There are plenty of small shops in town to visit. Try the Wildflower Cafe! As for hotels, I recommend Fox Inn and Suites. It's reasonably priced, and they also have a cave with a hot tub. The hotel has a Chili's, as well as a Keg steakhouse, a liquor store, a gas station within a 2-minute walk. As for bars, Pump and Tap Tavern, Tommy's, and Rose and Crown are quite decent.

Group travel experience

I share my 5 day plan: Day 1: I'm staying at the Banff Springs hotel. I'm going to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Day 2: Drive to the glacier: the Icefields Parkway until I stay in Jasper. Day 3: Jasper: I'm hiking to the waterfalls, and then I return to Banff Day 4: I rent a bike and go to Cascade Ponds, turn around and go to Vermillion Lakes Day 5: Hiking around Tunnel Mountain

Try to avoid January/February as they are the coldest months (as low as -30), also avoid July/August as they are the most expensive. Best time to visit: September, if you want to catch the end of summer weather, see the changing of the larch’s and not pay the extortionate prices. End of may, before long weekend: Sunshine skill hill stays open until May long weekend. Spring passes are much cheaper. June can be hit or miss with prices, as it depends on the weather. Most tours are not worth the prices as well, take public transport for half the cost. You will need a tour though if you plan on seeing Maureen lake (only open seasonally). I would recommend hiring a car if you plan on doing certain hikes that are not accessible by transit as there is no other way. We have a handful of rental companies in town. Speaking of hikes: Wear layers, this is the Rocky Mountains- we get all four seasons in a day. It has snowed in July (seriously they opened the ski hill for Canada Day). Don’t get conned in to the bear bells, they do nothing. It is however good to have bear spray. I would rent it though, not worth it to buy. Most hikes in the townsite are are easily accessible, they range from easy to quite hard. If you arnt super fit but really want to summit a mountain start with Tunnel, and just take your time. If you really want to get high up, rundle mountain or cascade are the biggest in the direct vicinity. Both quite hard and almost full day hikes. Personally I enjoy hiking in kananaski’s, it’s about 30/40 min out of banff but it’s the best in my opinion for larches. The town is practically owned by a few different companies. Most restaurants are operated by BHC, Hotels by Caribou properties or Pursuit. If you want to support family run or smaller businesses do a check to see who it is owned by. Taxi mike will be your best friend. This is an online guide of Banff’s restaurants, and sometimes events. Side note: the Mclab bistro at the Banff centre has amazing views and a great patio. There is literally so much I can say, if anyone has questions feel free to reach out!!