You do not have to spend every day chasing the big-name lakes to have an amazing Banff trip. In this episode, Celine walks you through the best things to do right in and around the town of Banff, including easy walks, canoe and kayak options, bike routes, viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and fun rainy-day activities. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, use this episode to anchor your itinerary with a couple of slower, close-to-town days that balance out your big driving and shuttle days.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Banff Travel Consultations: Get 1-on-1 help direct from Celine Brewer
• Banff trip-planning email signup: Join my free weekly Banff trip-planning email for must-know updates (shuttle release dates, camping bookings, seasonal closures and more)
• Best Hikes Around Banff Townsite
• Best Banff Bike Trails
• Best Viewpoints Around Banff

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

How many days do you really need to experience Banff National Park?
In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down what you can realistically see and do with 3 days, 5–7 days, or a full 10-day Banff adventure. You’ll learn how to plan the perfect length trip based on your travel style, priorities, and pace, whether you’re a first-time visitor, avid hiker, or just want to soak in the mountain scenery.

In this episode:

• What to expect with 3–4 days, 5–7 days, and 7–10+ days in Banff
• How travel style, season, and fitness affect your ideal trip length
• When to add Jasper, Yoho, or Kananaskis to your itinerary
• Why 5–7 days is the “sweet spot” for most travellers
• Seasonal tips for summer vs. winter visits
• Sample day-by-day outlines for each trip length

🗺️ Banff Itineraries – I’ve created detailed itineraries that show exactly how to structure each trip length, with daily drive times, activity options, hotel picks, and hiking recommendations.

You'll find all my itineraries mentioned in the show including the 3-Day See-it-All Banff Itinerary, the 5 Day Banff Hiking Itinerary and the 7- or 10-Day Banff & Jasper Itinerary here: BANFF ITINERARIES

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Every time I host one of my Banff Trip Planning Workshops, people bring incredible questions and this episode is packed with real ones from my October sessions!

In this episode, Banff Travel Expert Celine Brewer is answering your top Banff trip questions for 2026, including how to see a glacier without paying for a tour, the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, whether you can visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day, when to start booking hotels, and how to plan your trip if you’re driving, going car-free, or travelling in an RV.

If you’re planning a trip for next summer or fall, this episode will help you plan smarter, avoid overwhelm, and feel confident about what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your time in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and the surrounding area.

📅 Don’t miss my final live Banff Trip Planning Workshop of 2025
👉 Thursday, November 13th at 6 p.m. MST
Save Your Seat Here

Helpful Resources Mentioned

• Banff Car-Free Itinerary
• Icefields Parkway Guide
• GuideAlong App (use code TVLBANFF for 15% off)
• Moraine Lake Shuttle Workshop
  
  

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Canmore may sit just outside the Banff National Park gates, but it’s a destination all its own. In this episode, local host Celine Brewer shares what makes Canmore such a great base for exploring the Rockies year-round: from summer hikes, biking trails, and cave tours to winter adventures like dog-sledding, ice walks, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also hear insider tips for parking, passes, getting around, and the best time to visit.

In this episode:

• Why Canmore makes a perfect Banff base 
• The best summer hikes and outdoor adventures around town
• Top winter experiences
• Local tips for parking, passes, and public transit
• Where Canmore fits into your Banff or Jasper itinerary

🗓️ Save your seat: Banff Trip Planning Workshop

Free Banff & Canmore Restaurant Guide

Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

• Best Easy Walks & Scenic Trails in Canmore
  
  
• Grotto Canyon Ice Walk Tour
  
  
• Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
  
  
• Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Choosing where to stay in Banff National Park can be confusing. Should you split your stay between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper? In this episode, Celine shares how to decide based on your travel style, budget, and plans. You’ll hear the pros and cons of each area, which makes the best base for first-time visitors, and when it’s worth splitting your stay.

In this episode:

• Banff vs. Canmore + how to choose your base
• What to expect in Lake Louise and Jasper
• Tips for ski season and winter stays
• When it makes sense to move between towns

🗺️ Banff Itineraries – See how I break up each day by location, with drive times, hotel picks, and daily activity ideas. 

🏨 Hotel Guides

• Affordable Banff Hotels
• Banff Cabins for a Unique Stay
• Banff Hotels with Private Hot Tub
• Best Banff Hotels without a Car
• Best Luxury Hotels in Banff

• Best Canmore Hotels
• Best Canmore Hotels with a Pool
• Best Lake Louise Hotels

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Banff in November (and late October) is the in-between season when the crowds are gone, prices drop, and you can experience the mountains at a slower pace. But it also comes with a few surprises: road closures, icy trails, and early winter conditions that can change fast.

In this episode, I share what’s really open in November, how to plan around closures, what to pack, and how to make the most of shoulder season.

Banff Travel Consultations
Need a personalized plan for your fall or early-winter trip? Book a one-hour Banff Travel Consultation with me for up-to-date advice on openings, closures, itineraries, and safety tips.
➡️ Book your consultation here

More information on visiting in November

• Guide to Banff in November
• Banff Winter Packing List
• Walks / Hikes in the Banff Townsite
• Canmore Walking Trails

Winter Driving & Tire Information

• Parks Canada: Winter Driving on the Icefields Parkway
• Alberta 511 – Road Reports & Closures
• Understanding Tire Types (All-Season vs All-Weather vs Winter)

Winter Skating & Ice Safety

• Parks Canada: Skating in Banff National Park
• Canadian Red Cross: Ice Safety – Know When It’s Safe to Play

Conditions & Weather

• Banff Trail Conditions (updated seasonally)
• Banff Weather Forecast

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Banff is packed with scenic drives, but some routes stand above the rest. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer takes you through the must-do drives: the Icefields Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Minnewanka Loop, Tunnel Mountain Road, Vermilion Lakes, Mount Norquay, and beyond.

You’ll learn the best stops, insider tips for wildlife spotting, when to drive for the best light, and how to avoid common mistakes. Celine also shares advice on planning, fuel stops, and how to fit scenic drives into your itinerary.

👉 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Full Guide to Banff's Scenic Drives
• Complete Guide to the Icefields Parkway
• Complete Guide to Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive
• Complete Guide to the Bow Valley Parkway

👉 Grab the Guide Along App and use code TVLBANFF for 15% off.

👉 Grab one of Celine's Banff Travel Guides: 

• Ultimate Guide to Banff National Park and Area
• Ultimate Guide to Banff National Park in Winter

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

October is Banff’s transition month, when autumn’s last colours meet the first signs of winter. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer shares what makes October so special, from fall colours to snow-dusted peaks. 

You’ll hear about the weather, seasonal closures, and what activities are still available plus what to pack for those unpredictable days.

Celine highlights hikes, scenic drives, and cozy October experiences, while also giving a reality check on what shuts down after Canadian Thanksgiving. 

Full blog post on Visiting Banff in October with updated closure details

👉 Grab Celine’s Free Banff & Area Restaurant Guide

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

September in Banff means one thing: larch season. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning expert, Celine Brewer, breaks down everything you need to know about larch hiking season in Banff National Park. From world-famous Larch Valley to lesser-known gems like Healy Pass, Saddleback Pass, and Taylor Lake, you’ll hear how to time your trip, which hikes are worth it, and what to expect on the trails.

Celine explains what makes larches unique, shares practical logistics for Moraine Lake shuttles, and gives advice for those looking for easier options. 

Grab this 4-Day Banff Larch Hiking Itinerary created to help ease your Banff trip planning and helping you fit it some of the most incredible larch hikes around Banff. 

 👉 Other resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Getting to Moraine Lake 
• Best larch hikes
• Shuttle options for hikers heading into Larch Valley:
  • Via Via Moraine 
  • Moraine Lake Bus Company
• Activities for Non-Hikers in Banff

Larch Hikes to add to your Banff Itinerary:

• Larch Valley
• Saddleback Pass
• Taylor Lake
• Healy Pass

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Dreaming of Banff’s famous alpine scenery without the grueling hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer (your local Banff Travel Expert) takes you to Sunshine Meadows, one of the most spectacular high-alpine areas in Banff National Park. You’ll hear what makes this spot so special, from wildflower meadows and crystal-clear lakes to panoramic viewpoints you can reach by gondola and chairlift.

Celine shares insider tips on when to visit, what trails to choose, and how to avoid the crowds. 

Full Sunshine Meadows hiking guide with trail details.

 👉 Grab your seat at Celine’s Live Banff Planning Session here.

Support the Podcast

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!