I had no idea what to expect when my family decided to spend Christmas in the Canadian town of Banff. I’d seen tons of photos of the surrounding areas, and Googled what to do, but was pleasantly surprised when I got off the bus in this quaint mountain town. Situated only an hour and a half from Calgary, it truly has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Banff.
Know Before You Go
So what exactly do you need to know before you go to Banff? I never like to travel to a destination “blind,” so I compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay in the Canadian Rockies to share with you!
If you’re flying to get Banff, the closest airport is Calgary International Airport. From there, there are a couple of different ways for you to reach Banff.
- The Brewster Express is just one bus company you can rely on to get you from Calgary Airport to the front steps of your hotel in Banff. Expect to pay $60 per person, each way if you decide to utilize their services.
- You can pre-arrange a ride through the Banff Transportation Group. Not only do they provide taxi service throughout the town, but they also drive over to Calgary to pick up guests staying in the area.
- Renting a car is the last option to consider. If you plan on exploring Banff’s surrounding areas, this might be your best bet in getting around.
Once you’ve settled in, don’t forget to hop on Banff’s public buses. The #1 bus route runs through the heart of Banff, along Banff Avenue ending at the Banff Gondola. At just $2 per person, this might be the most cost effective option to get around. Be warned, however, as with all public transportation, schedules fall behind and you might have to wait longer than anticipated. This could be especially not ideal if you are visiting Banff during the winter when temperatures drop to below freezing.
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know before visiting Banff? There are a lot of considerations to make when you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it’s important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your destination and throughout your stay. Let’s be honest, the last thing anyone wants is to find out their credit card is declined or flagged for fraudulent use while sipping Mai Thai’s on a beach during your hard earned vacation time. Although Canada is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider at least the following. Keep in mind this list is not all inclusive, but they were considerations I believed to be important for planning my trip.
Language
Canada’s official languages are French and English. However, depending on which province you visit, you will find that one language might be spoken more than the other. For example, in Alberta where Banff is located, the main language spoken is English. If you were to travel to Montreal or Quebec City, you will hear French.
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Canada depends on where you are from, how you are travelling to Canada, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Currency
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is what you will use throughout your stay. The value of it fluctuates between 70 and 80 cents compared to one U.S. dollar. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a ton of cash with you. Keep in mind though that if you use American Express, make sure to have a backup credit card. There are some restaurants that don’t accept it!
Where to stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! Rustic lodges, hotels, and hostels can be found up and down Banff Avenue. They range in price, depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer!
Are you looking for more reasons to visit this charming town in the Canadian Rockies? Read on to see 14 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Banff!
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