Banff
Banff is a year-round destination town in the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage Banff National Park Site. It’s located 145 km (90 mi) west from Calgary International Airport. It’s a gateway to three ski areas totalling 7,748 acres of skiing that you can ski on the one ski pass. The closest is Mt Norquay from the town of Banff, 7.5 km (4.6 mi), followed by Banff Sunshine 18 km (11 mi) and the furthest but very much worth the extra drive time is Lake Louise Ski Resort a 45 minute drive some 59 km (36 mi) away.
So there is no ski in ski out accommodation found in Banff, access to the ski areas are via car or daily local shuttle rides. First settled in 1880, after the transcontinental railway was built, Banff is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park. It is a vibrant ski town and summer destination of 9,000 residents who welcomed 4 million visitors annually, with the majority of those visiting in the summer. Banff has over 130 bars, restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries to satisfy hungry, thirsty families, couples and partygoers each winter.
Banff Lodging & Accommodation Options
Banff offers a range of hotels and accommodation from the picture postcard 5 star Fairmont Banff Springs that will have you staying in a castle, to the many lodges and condominium (apartment) style options.
Fairmont Banff Springs
- Rating: 5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel, 1 Bedroom
Moose Hotel & Suites
- Rating: 4.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel, 1-2 Bedroom
The Fox Hotel & Suites
- Rating: 4 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel, Studio, 1, 1+ Bedroom
Hidden Ridge Resort
- Rating: 3.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Condominium / Apartment; 1 - 2+ Bedroom
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
- Rating: 3.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel Room
Calanta Lodge
- Rating: 3.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel, Suite
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
- Rating: 3.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
- Rating: 3.5 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Condominium / Apartment; 1-4 Bedroom
Inns of Banff
- Rating: 3 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Condominium / Apartment; Hotel; 2-4 Bedroom
Tunnel Mountain Resort
- Rating: 3 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel; Condominium / Apartment; Hotel Room; Studio; 1-2 Bedroom
Bumpers Inn
- Rating: 2 Star
- Location: Less than 2 min walk to shuttle
- Room Type: Hotel Room
Banff Ski Big 3 Mountains & Ski Terrain
The ski big three areas of Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt Norquay combined total 7,744 acres of skiing over 334 runs with an average snowfall over 9 m (30 feet) across the three areas.
Lake Louise Ski Resort is described as a friendly giant with over 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces and is the host of the World Cup downhill at the start of the season each year.
Banff Sunshine Ski Resort with its three sprawling mountains sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of the Baff National Park with amazing wilderness scenery. With over 3,300 acres from gentle beginner to extreme big mountain runs and with the Village’s altitude of 7,200 feet ensuring the snow stays light and dry also allows the resort to stay open late each season.
Since is opening in 1926, Mt Norquay Ski Resort is considered the locals gem with excellent beginner terrain, easy access from town it’s a very small family friendly resort of 190 acres and 74 runs that’s produced more than its fair share of Olympic and World Cup athletes because you biggest.
For an individual breakup of each of the resorts you can visit their dedicated resort pages of Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt Norquay.
Banff Ski Big 3 Combined Statistics
| Skiable Terrain | 7,748 acres (3,100 hectares) |
| Vertical | 1,070 m (3,510 ft) |
| Top Elevation | 2,730 m (8,960 ft) |
| Base Elevation | 1,660 m (5,450 ft) |
| Average Snowfall | 914 cm (360 in / 30 ft) |
| Intermediate Terrain | 37% |
| Advanced Terrain | 40% |
| Trails | 356 |
| Parks | Yes |
| Pipes | Yes |
| Winter lifts Total | 26 |
| Lift Capacity | 46,000 |
| Longest Run | 8 km (5 mi) |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
| Season Opens | Banff Sunshine 9 November, 2018 |
| Season Closes | Banff Sunshine 20, May, 2019 (Estimated) |
How To Get To Banff
The closest international airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC) some 145 km (90 mi) distance away. Flight times into Calgary from Vancouver are 1hr 25, Seattle 1hr 50, Denver 2hr 30, New York 4hr 45 and Mexico 5h 35.
There are well maintained roads to get you to Banff and the surrounding ski areas. As always, use extra caution when driving in the winter, meaning driver a little slower and allow for extra stopping distances. Make sure your vehicle has the necessary winter tyres as you will most likely encounter some degree of snow cover on the roads and perhaps some ice. The roads through the Rock Mountains are generally kept open however there are some times when there are temporary closures due to winter storms of avalanche work.
Driving times listed here assume good driving conditions, so times will vary in low visibility and snowy conditions. Driving times from Calgary is 2 hours, Golden / Kickinghorse 2 hours, Revelstoke 4 hours, Kamloops and Kelowna 6.5 hours and Vancouver 11 hours.
Banff Lift Pass Options
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay offer a full range of ski pass options for you to chose from plus you can also ski Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay on the IKON Pass, which is a multi resort / multi day pass option.
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay Early Bird Lift Specials
We have negotiated a number of early bird lift pass specials for that you can access when you get a quote.
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay IKON Pass Options
You can also ski and ride at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay on the IKON Pass. The IKON Pass is a multi-resort / multi day ski pass that is available for purchase for a limited time each season.
Which Ski Pass Do I Choose – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Norquay or IKON?
It depends on a number of factors including your skiing dates, the number of days you plan on skiing, early bird specials, if you are you planning on skiing any other IKON Pass resorts and importantly if there are any IKON Pass blackout dates that you need to factor in.
The best way to work out which pass option is best for you – is to pick both pass types when you prepare your quote – and then simply bin the pass option that doesn’t offer you the very best deal.
Some of the IKON Pass options have blackout dates so be sure to double check and understand the IKON Pass options and blackout dates and how they work by visiting this page we have prepared for you – IKON Pass Explained.
Banff Things To Do, Activities & Tours
In Banff you can choose from many winter activities with some tour operators picking you up from your accommodation in town. Choose from: Dogsledding, Sleigh Rides, Snowmobiling, Ice Walks, Snowshoeing, Heli-Skiing, Ice Climbing, Cave Tours and Ice Fishing, Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff, Johnston Canyon Icewalk, Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in Banff, Grotto Canyon Icewalk, Snowshoeing on Top of the World, Johnston Canyon Icewalk from Banff, First Tracks Snowshoe Explorer, Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff, Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff, Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk from Banff, Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff, Banff Day Trip from Calgary.
Plus there are also a host of actives offered at each of the three ski resorts.
Banff Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife
For fine dining try the Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar, Eden, The Bison Restaurant, and The Maple Leaf. For local Canadian cuisine try The Jupiter Bistro, Eddie Burger and Bar, The Bear Street Tavern, Melissa’s Restaurant and Bar. Value restaurants include Block Kitchen and Bar, Coyotes Southwestern Grill. Cheap eats try Beaver Tails, The Beaver Bar, Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub, and the Good Earth Coffeehouse.
For a après drink in Banff, you can try Mel’s Bar above Melissa’s Missteak restaurant, Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub, The Pump & Tap in the basement of the Sundance Mall, and the The Banff Ave. Brewing Company.
Choose from one of three nightclubs in Banff. The Dancing Sasquatch that’s open seven days a week. The Hoodoo Lounge that’s closed on a Wednesday. Aurora Nighclub & Lounge that’s open Tuesdays to Sundays.
Block Kitchen and Bar
Location: 201 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 985-2887
Park Distillery
Location: 219 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5114
Ramen Arashi
Location: 215 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-0908
The Maple Leaf
Location: 137 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-7680
Bear Street Tavern
Location: 211 Bear St
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2021
The Bison Restaurant
Location: 211 Bear Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5550
Tooloulou’s
Location: 204 Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2633
Saltlik Banff
Location: 221 Bear Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2467
Indian Curry House
Location: 225 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (587) 222-8779
Earls
Location: 299 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4414
Taste Of Sri Lanka
Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3112
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Location: 206 Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3963
Balkan The Greek Restaurant
Location: 120 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3454
Whitebark Cafe
Location: 401 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-7298
Eddie Burger + Bar
Location: 137 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2230
Seoul Country
Location: 215 Banff Ave
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4941
Grizzly House Restaurant
Location: 207 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4055
Melissa’s
Location: 218 Lynx Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5511
Wild Flour – Banff’s Artisan Bakery Cafe
Location: 211 Bear Street
Ph: +1 (403) 760-5074
Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar
Location: 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr
Ph: +1 (403) 762-6300
Chaya
Location: 118 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-0882
Sushi House
Location: 304 Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4353
Nourish Bistro
Location: 211 Bear Street
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3933
Bamboo Garden
Location: 211 Banff Ave
Ph: +1 (403) 985-6688
Chuck’s Steakhouse
Location: 101 Banff Ave
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4825
Good Earth Cafe
Location: 333 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 985-0989
Banff Shawarma
Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-0489
Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 985-7632
Magpie & Stump Restaurant
Location: 203 Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4067
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Location: 317 Banff Avenue, 2nd Floor
Ph: +1 (403) 760-2779
Eggsmart
Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5996
Squish Sandwich Cellar
Location: 211 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 985-5000
Sushi Bistro
Location: 208 Caribou St
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4000
Elk & Oarsman
Location: 119 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4616
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
Located in Wolf & Bear Mall
Ph: +1 (403) 760-6612
High Rollers
Location: 110 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-5300
Aardvark Pizza & Sub
Location: 304A Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5500
Barpa Bill’s Souvlaki
Location: 223 Bear Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-0377
Pad Thai Restaurant
Location: 110 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4911
Silver Dragon
Location: 109 Spray Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3939
Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon
Location: 201 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-0333
Pacini
Location: 345 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-8570
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Location: 117 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3030
Yan’s Bistro
Located in Cascade Shops
Ph: +1 (403) 985-6868
Skoki’s Waffle & Frozen Yogurt
Location: 109 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 985-2220
El Toro Restaurant
Location: 429 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2520
Bruno’s Bar & Grill
Location: 304 Caribou Street
Ph: +1 (403) 762-8115
Crave Mountain Grill
Location: 222 Lynx Steet
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3255
Banff Edo
Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-8820
Ticino Swiss-Italian Restaurant
Location: 415 Banff Avenue
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3848
Banff Shopping
Banff is a year round destination town with a consistent local population so it offers a wide variety of well established shops from big brand clothing and technical outerwear, sports stores, bike shops to art and souvenirs. Plus a full range of grocery and liquor and convenience stores.
Cascade Shops
317 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph:+1 (403) 762-8484
Rocky Mountain Flannel Company
225 Bear St, Banff
Clock Tower Village Mall
108 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4698
Patagonia
94 Banff Avenue, Banff,
Ph: +1 (403) 985-5588
Roots – Banff
227 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-9434
Lululemon Athletica Banff
121 Banff Ave, Banff,
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3303
Fjällräven Banff
216 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-8575
Cabin 108
108 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2108
Pika Village
221 Banff Ave, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-2622
Rocks and Gems
137 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4331
Cascade Gifts
131 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2035
CT Style
108B Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3554
The Summit
225 Banff Ave, Banff
Rude Boys
205 Caribou Street, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-8211
The Thunderbird
215 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4661
Monod Sports
129 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (866) 956-6663
Snowflake
215 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3633
Little Blue House
128B Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2420
The North Face Banff
124 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-0775
Bighorn Gifts
201 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2424
The Bay
125 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5525
Duck Duck Moose
112 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-1000
United Colors of Benetton
317 Banff Ave. Cascade Plaza
Pine House Gifts
128 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3988
Ammolite In The Rockies
Located in Clock Tower Village Mall
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4698
Banff Gifts & Souvenirs
215 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4661
About Canada
105 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-2995
Helly Hensen
201 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-8282
Bear In Mind
3-127 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2801
Atmosphere Banff
124 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-8249
OK Gift Shop
209 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-3133
Gap
317 Cascade Plaza, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-8630
Rundle United Thrift
104 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-2075
The Last Temptation Thrift
229 Bear St, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 985-7747
Stratton’s Jewelry
202 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4367
The Bare Moose
112B Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-4696
Lole Banff
211 Bear Street, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-0817
Botega Salon & Gallery
105-211 Bear Street, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3087
The Sleeping Buffalo
111 Banff Ave, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-8443
Boulder Menswear
317 Banff Ave, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-2800
Nv Boutique
220 Bear Street, Banff
Ardene
Located in Cascade Shops
Ph: +1 (877) 606-4233
Rundle Gifts
319 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-9340
Canada House Gallery
201 Bear Street Banff
Ph: +1 (800) 419-1298
Indigo
317 Banff Avenue, Banff,
Ph: +1 (403) 760-2920
Quiksilver
114 Banff Ave, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 762-5566
Billabong
317 Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3466
Struggler Games
Banff, AB
Ph: +1 (833) 561-6750
All In The Wild Photography
105A Banff Avenue, Banff
Ph: +1 (403) 760-3141
Banff Ski Big 3 Trail Maps
Explore Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Norquay trail maps to find your ideal place to ride, catch up with friends and more…