Banff | Alberta | 2025 Information

Banff is both a town and the name of a national park in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Within Banff National Park are three distinct ski resorts, all within proximity of each other: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay.

If you plan to ski at any of these mountain resorts, you will most likely need to find lodging in Banff, as there are limited lodging options available at Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine.

Snowfall and Conditions in Banff

Banff has an average annual snowfall of over 300 inches. The ski season can start in early November, making it one of the first Western Canadian ski areas to open. Check the weather conditions at Banff before travelling here.

Winter in Banff

Banff is the gateway to Alberta’s famed “Big 3” ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay. Together, they offer nearly 8,000 acres of combined skiable terrain, all accessible with a single lift ticket or pass. Each mountain offers a distinct outdoor recreation and hospitality experience. Mount Norquay is great for beginners and families with its abundance of green runs. Banff Sunshine has some of the best off-piste terrain, and Lake Louise is an iconic Canadian destination.

In addition to its ski resorts, Banff’s small-town charm draws tourists year-round. The atmosphere is lively, with plenty of dining options from casual cafes and high-end restaurants to pubs with live music. Cultural attractions, art galleries, and shopping round out the in-town experiences, while the surrounding national park offers activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, and fat tire biking.

Winter Activities at Banff: Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Snowmobiling, Ice Skating, Ice Walks, Fat Biking, Dog Sledding, Shopping, Dining.

Summer in Banff

Equally popular in summer, Banff is the base for many to explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Visitors come to hike, bike, and camp in the national park, or to visit nearby lakes for paddling and sightseeing opportunities. Free shuttles run throughout the summer, connecting the town of Banff with the surrounding ski resorts.

Summer Activities in Banff: Hiking, Biking, Paddling, Rafting, Fishing, Sightseeing Tours, Climbing, Horseback Riding, Scenic Gondola Rides.

What’s New in Banff

From June 20 to September 2, 2025, no entry pass is needed to explore Banff National Park. Note that you will need a pass if you’re visiting September 3, 2025, or later.

Getting Around Banff

Banff is a compact town with many shops, hotels, and restaurants within walking distance. Shuttles to the ski resorts run daily, and have an approximate drive time of 10 minutes to Mount Norquay, 20 minutes to Banff Sunshine, and 45 minutes to Lake Louise. Shuttles pick up from several stops in town and most hotels. Find the shuttle schedule and more details here.

Local transit, taxis, and ride-share companies are also available for trips within town. Because of this, many visitors find it unnecessary to rent a car, unless they want the flexibility to explore beyond the town and resort areas.