In this episode, Celine Brewer, your local Banff trip planning expert, shares how you can experience all the jaw-dropping beauty of Banff without blowing your budget. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling solo, or planning a romantic escape, you’ll learn simple ways to cut costs while still making the most of your adventure.

From affordable places to stay and where to find the best picnic views, to free activities, transit options, and even discount tips for top attractions like the Banff Gondola and Columbia Icefield, this episode is packed with local advice to help you stretch your dollar. 

55 Free Things You Can Do In Banff

Discount codes for canyoning, GuideAlong, and more (available at travelbanffcanada.com/support)

Banff Hikes Without a Car

Hikes & Walks from Banff Townsite

Celine's Banff Facebook Group

Grab the free downloads:

• Banff Travel Planner
• Banff Cheat Sheets 

Check out the pre-built Banff Itineraries 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!

In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, host Celine Brewer shares why a rainy day in Banff might just be the best thing that happens to your trip. As a local who’s weathered it all, she walks you through the best ways to enjoy Banff and Canmore when the skies open up plus tips for dealing with smoky skies, packing for unpredictable weather, and even getting out on the trails anyway.

Inside, you’ll get local tips on:

• Indoor activities for all ages
• Outdoor adventures where it doesn’t matter if you get wet
• The best scenic drives and wildlife spotting routes for drizzly days
• Forested hikes that are peaceful even in the rain
• How to pack smart for shifting mountain weather
• What to do on smoky wildfire days instead of canceling your plans

Mentioned in this episode:

• Banff Rainy Day Activity Guide
• Banff Scenic Drives

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!

In this episode, Celine shares her go-to list of the best easy hikes in Banff National Park. These trails deliver incredible views without a full-day effort. Whether you're travelling with kids, grandparents, or just want a low-key day in nature, these scenic walks pack in the wow factor with minimal elevation gain.

You'll learn:

• Celine’s favorite easy hikes around Banff
• Family-friendly and stroller-accessible trails
• What gear to bring (yes, you still need bear spray!)
• Mistakes to avoid when choosing short hikes
• Extra tips for wildlife sightings and trail conditions

Helpful resources:

Easy Hikes in Banff 

Best Banff Hikes with Kids

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!

July is one of the most popular and most beautiful times to visit Banff National Park. In this episode, local expert Celine Brewer breaks down exactly what you can expect if you’re visiting in July, including what’s open, what to pack, how to beat the crowds, and what to book in advance.

You’ll learn:

• Why July is peak season in Banff and how to plan accordingly
• What activities, trails, and tours are open (hint: almost everything!)
• The best things to do in July
• How to avoid the biggest crowds while still seeing the highlights
• What to pack for warm days, cool nights, and changing mountain weather
• Practical tips to help you stay flexible, safe, and stress-free

Helpful links:

Guide to  Banff in July

Lake Louise hikes

Moraine Lake hikes

How to get to Moraine Lake

Best Hikes in Banff National Park

Easy Hikes in Banff National Park

Trail Conditions:

Kananaskis Closures

Banff National Park Trail Conditions

Jasper National Park Trail Conditions

Yoho National Park Trail Conditions

Kootenay National Park Trail Conditions

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!

Even the most well-researched Banff trip can go sideways if you fall into one of the common planning traps. In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer walks you through the real-world mistakes travelers make every single week, from not booking the Moraine Lake shuttle early enough, to choosing the wrong time of year, to skipping one of the best scenic drives in the world.

Whether this is your first visit to Banff National Park or your fifth, this episode is packed with helpful insights, local tips, and a few stories from behind the scenes. 

Here's my full blog post on Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Banff National Park.

Don't miss the GuideAlong App for scenic drives in Banff. Use TVLBANFF for 15% off.

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!

In this episode, Celine breaks down how to take that long list of must-sees and turn it into a realistic, stress-free Banff itinerary that flows smoothly, without the overwhelm.

Whether you're coming for three days or ten, you'll learn how to group your activities by area, avoid common mistakes like backtracking and overbooking, and balance your trip with big adventures and slower-paced moments. 

Celine shares her local insight on how planning your itinerary changes based on your travel style and how to build flexibility into your trip with built-in Plan Bs and time buffers.

What you'll get in this episode:

• How to organize your ideas and set up a simple itinerary planning system
• What to consider based on your travel style
• How to group hikes, drives, and sightseeing efficiently
• What to book ahead and when to leave space for spontaneity
• How to adapt your itinerary for 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day trips

Celine also shares a few favorite resources to help you plan, including her free Banff Travel Planner and downloadable itineraries built specifically for hiking trips, car-free travel, and Banff–Jasper road trips.

Things to do in Banff for Non-Hikers

Grab the free downloads:

• Banff Travel Planner
• Banff Cheat Sheets 

Check out the pre-built Banff Itineraries here

If you’re feeling stuck in the planning stage or just want to be sure you’re making the most of your days in Banff, this episode will help you move from scattered ideas to a smooth plan.

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!

The Bow Valley Parkway isn’t just a scenic drive. In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about exploring this iconic stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise, including tips for visiting Johnston Canyon, cycling the parkway, and where to stop along the way.

You’ll get a local’s insight on:

• What the Bow Valley Parkway is and why it’s worth visiting
• Seasonal closures: what they mean and how to plan around them
• How to bike the parkway while it’s closed to vehicles
• What to expect at Johnston Canyon and how to beat the crowds
• What to know about May, June, and September driving access (including Castle Junction tips!)

Hiking Johnston Canyon

Hike to the Ink Pots

Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway + Map from Banff

Everything to Know About the Bow Valley Parkway

Tours*:

Cycling Tour with Return Shuttle

Johnston Canyon Guided Hike

Banff HopOn (can also be used to visit Moraine Lake)

*these links area affiliate links

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!