Banff Travel Podcast

In this episode, Celine shares what you really need to know about travelling to Banff in June, from changing trail conditions to which lakes have thawed, and what’s open (or still snow-covered).

You’ll get a local’s take on:

• What’s typically open and accessible in early, mid, and late June
• Which lakes are thawed and canoe-ready
• Trail conditions, avalanche risks, and what footwear to pack
• Seasonal road and shuttle openings, including Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise gondola
• What to expect from weather and crowds
• How the G7 Summit in Kananaskis (June 15–17) might affect your plans

Whether you're visiting in early June with snow still lingering or arriving at the end of the month when summer is in full swing, this episode will help you plan for the best experience.

Guide to Banff in June

Kananaskis Closures

Banff National Park Trail Conditions

Jasper National Park Trail Conditions

Yoho National Park Trail Conditions

Kootenay National Park Trail Conditions

Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

• Cycling Bow Valley Parkway
• Cycling Legacy Trail

Hiking Trails: 

• Castle Mountain Lookout
• Tunnel Mountain
• Johnston Canyon
• Johnson Lake
• Grassi Lakes

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

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Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most iconic (and most visited) places in Banff National Park. But once you've figured out how to get there, the next big question is: how long do you actually need at each lake?

In this episode, local expert Celine Brewer breaks down what there is to do at both lakes, how long each activity takes, which experiences need to be booked in advance, and how to make the most of your time. Whether you’re hoping to hike to a tea house, paddle across turquoise waters, or just enjoy the classic Rockpile view, this episode will help you plan your perfect day.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The top things to do at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (and how long each one takes)
• Which experiences require advance booking
• Sample time plans for short visits vs full-day adventure
• Whether you can (or should) visit both lakes in one day
• A helpful tip for Fairmont guests wondering about shuttle access

Hiking at Lake Louise & Moraine Lake:

• Lake Louise Hikes
• Moraine Lake Hikes

 Shuttles with ~1.5 hours at each lake (from Canmore & Banff):

• Canmore Travel *
• Explore Banff Tours *

Shuttles with extended hiking time (from Canmore & Banff):

• Canmore Travel *
• Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle *

Other great shuttle options from Lake Louise

• Fairview Limo *
• Moraine Lake Bus Company *

Free Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Blog Post: How to Get to Moraine Lake

*affiliate links

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

Do you really need to rent a car to visit Banff National Park? The answer isn’t so simple. 

In this episode, Celine breaks down when a car is worth it, when it’s not, and how to make the most of Banff without one.

In this episode, you’ll get a local breakdown of:

• When renting a car is the right decision
•  How to get around using Roam Transit and shuttles
•  The best hikes and activities you can do without a vehicle
•  The real downsides of going car-free (and how to work around them)

Mentioned in this episode:

• NEW Car-Free Banff Itinerary
• Banff Hikes Without a Car
• Hikes Direct from Banff Townsite

Also mentioned for cycling: 

• Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway
• Cycling the Legacy Trail (Banff to Canmore)

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

In this episode, Celine shares exactly what to pack for your trip to Banff, whether you're coming in spring, summer, fall, or winter. From unpredictable mountain weather to trail conditions and wildlife safety, this is the practical, local advice you need to feel confident and prepared.

You’ll get a local guide to:

• What to wear for Banff’s wild temperature swings
• The non-negotiables you’ll regret forgetting
• Footwear, gear, and layering tips by season
• What to skip (so you have room for bear spray and snacks!)
• The one item that everyone underestimates

Whether you're planning your first Banff adventure or want to double-check your packing list before heading to the Rockies, this episode will help you show up ready for whatever the mountains throw at you.

Planning to hike? Don’t miss my day hiking essentials checklist and here's what to wear hiking in Banff.

Coming in the winter? Here's my full winter packing list

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

In this episode, Celine breaks down one of the most scenic and effortless ways to soak in Banff’s epic mountain views: gondolas and chairlifts. Whether you’re hoping to ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, spot bears from above at Lake Louise, or wander through wildflower meadows at Sunshine Village, you’ll learn which lift offers the best experience for your travel style.

You’ll get a local guide to:

• The pros and cons of each gondola and chairlift in Banff
• What to expect at the top (restaurants, trails, viewpoints & more)
• Which gondola is best for each season

Whether you’re planning your first trip or narrowing down your bucket list, this episode will help you pick the best lift for those high-alpine views

Prefer to hike up Sulphur Mountain? Read this post on what to expect when hiking up Sulphur Mountain in Banff.

Want to know more about hiking at the Sunshine Gondola? Read more on Hiking at Sunshine Meadows

Read more about all 4 Banff Gondolas and Chairlifts here.

Also mentioned: Lake Louise Shuttle Combo & Mt Norquay Via Ferrata

Want to see a video on each? Watch my Banff Gondolas Reel on Instagram here.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

Planning a trip to Banff in May? In this episode, Celine dives into what it’s really like to visit Banff in May. May is a shoulder season month full of potential, unpredictability, and surprisingly great experiences (if you know what to expect). 

While it’s not quite summer, the snow is melting, trails are drying out, wildlife is active, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. For travellers more into sightseeing than alpine hikes, it can be one of the best times to visit.

In this episode:

• What’s open, what’s still closed, and what starts to thaw in May
• The best things to do in Banff in May, from biking and gondolas to waterfalls and scenic drives
• What to include in your Banff itinerary in May
• Honest advice on packing, weather, and managing expectations
• A listener Q&A on which park passes are required for Banff and Kananaskis

Whether you’re planning a spring getaway or wondering if May is too early, this episode will help you decide if Banff in May is right for your style of travel and how to make the most of it if it is.

Guide to Banff in May

Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

• Cycling Bow Valley Parkway
• Cycling Legacy Trail
• Banff Red Chairs
• Banff Town Walks & Hikes
• Canmore Walking Trails
• Scenic Drives Around Banff

Hiking Trails: 

• Tunnel Mountain
• Johnston Canyon
• Johnson Lake
• Grassi Lakes

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about one of Banff’s most iconic (and debated) experiences—catching sunrise at Moraine Lake. You’ll get an honest look at what sunrise is really like, how to decide if it’s worth the early wake-up call, and exactly how to plan for it now that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake.

Drawing from years of experience living in the Rockies and helping travelers plan their dream visits, Celine shares insider tips on the best way to get there for sunrise, what to pack for those chilly early mornings, and how to set realistic expectations (because not every sunrise is picture-perfect—and that’s okay!). You’ll also hear a listener Q&A on the best hikes around Banff National Park.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

• What to expect at Moraine Lake at sunrise (the good and the reality)
• Whether sunrise is right for your travel style and schedule
• Bonus tips to make your sunrise experience smoother and more memorable

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Moraine Lake at Sunrise

Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Hikes mentioned in this podcast:

• Lake Agnes Teahouse
• Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse 
• Big Beehive 
• Little Beehive
• Tunnel Mountain
• Johnston Canyon

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

In this episode, Celine tackles one of the biggest questions travelers have when planning a Banff trip: 

When is the best time to visit? 

Spoiler: it depends on what you want from your trip—but by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to pick the best season for you. 

Drawing on years of experience exploring Banff year-round, Celine shares an honest month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect; from frozen lakes in spring, to turquoise waters in summer, golden larches in fall, and snow-covered peaks in winter. You’ll also hear personal insights on what makes each season special, local tips to avoid common mistakes, and real talk about what you’ll love (and what might surprise you) depending on when you visit. 

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

• The pros and cons of visiting Banff in each season
• The best months for hiking, sightseeing, and avoiding crowds
• When the lakes thaw, when wildflowers bloom, and when ski season is at its best

Whether you're planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, this episode will help you match your visit to the Banff experience you’re dreaming of.

Safe Skating in Banff

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Webcam

Banff in September

Banff in October 

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

In this episode, Celine dives into one of the most common planning questions she gets: How do you get to Moraine Lake now that personal vehicles are banned? With years of experience helping travelers figure out this exact thing—through blog posts, consultations, and live shuttle workshops—Celine breaks it all down simply and clearly.

You’ll get a complete overview of your options:

• Parks Canada shuttles (best for most travelers)
• Private sunrise shuttles 
• Roam Transit combos for travelers without a car

Plus, she shares how to choose the right shuttle for your needs—whether you're visiting for sunrise, trying to see both lakes in one day, or want to keep things easy. You’ll also hear a smart question from a listener wondering whether they can wait for the weather forecast before booking shuttle tickets (and Celine’s honest take on what she’d do instead).

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly which shuttle to book, when to do it, and how to make the most of your time at Moraine Lake.

Moraine Lake Blog Post

Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Shuttles Workshop Recording

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada 

Planning to visit Banff in April? Join host Celine Brewer, a Canmore local and co-founder of Banff Travel Planning and Travel Banff Canada, as she shares what it’s really like to experience the Canadian Rockies during this often-overlooked shoulder season.

April might not offer turquoise lakes or summer hikes, but what it does deliver is peace, spring sunshine, epic mountain views, and a surprisingly long list of things to do. In this episode, Celine breaks down what to expect from the weather, what’s open and what’s not, and why April just might be one of the best times to explore Banff, if you set your expectations accordingly. 

As a local who spends spring biking and hiking with her kids one day and skiing the next, Celine blends expert insight with personal stories to help you plan a trip that feels intentional and stress-free. You’ll also hear why this is a great time of year for wildlife viewing, easy hikes, and soaking in a mountainside hot spring.

In this episode:

• What to expect from April weather in Banff (hint: be ready for anything!)
• Why this season is surprisingly perfect for spring skiing and scenic walks
• What hikes are doable (and which to avoid due to avalanche danger)
• Why the snow-covered peaks are actually better for photos this time of year
• What to pack so you're ready for both sun and snow
• And a listener Q&A about the top splurges people recommend while visiting Banff

Whether you're trying to decide if April is the right time for your visit or you've already booked your trip and want to know how to make the most of it, this episode is packed with real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes the Rockies all year long.

Guide to Banff in April

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

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

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada