Frequently Asked Questions
I will be in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
I am on a driving holiday. What can I do to make it better?
A: Rent a GyPSy Guide! It's like a portable tour guide you take in your car. GyPSy will give you all the interesting stories facts and trivia on what your are looking at while you drive, plus give you directions on how to follow the most scenic route. This is the BEST thing to do if you are on an independent driving holiday.
Where is the Gondola, how do I get there and how much does it cost?
A: Get information on the Gondola HERE.
Where is the Banff Hot Springs, how do I get there and how much does it cost?
A: Get information on the Banff Upper Hot Springs HERE
Where can I see wildlife especially bears?
A: We don’t have a schedule for them but you can take a DBT-Wildlife Safari in the am or pm, or a Discover Grizzly Bear Tour. You can take the gondola in Lake Louise (good chance of seeing bears under the lift), or go to Kicking Horse Resort in Golden BCand visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge. Finally, there is a grizzly bear at the Calgary zoo who is originally from Lake Louise. And the bears are hibernating in the winter!
How do I get to Lake Louise?
A: you can take the Trans Canada HWY 1 West, but the Bow Valley Parkway is a more scenic drive.
Do I need a reservation for the Ice Explorer tour at the Columbia Icefields?
A: No, the tour leaves daily, every 15-20 mins.
Where is a good place to eat?
A: Depends on what type of food you are interested in. We have a list of all the restaurants in Banff. Banff Dining Guide
What route does your local transit run and where can I catch it?
A: There are three routes-Banff Ave, Tunnel Mountain, and Sulphur Mountain. The closest stop is behind the Mount Royal Hotel and runs every 20-30 min. Transit Information
Where are some easy walks/hikes?
A: Bow River Trail, Bow Falls Trail, Fenland Trail, Tunnel Mountain.
What time does the park close?
A: The park gates close at 11pm but you can still drive into the park. Just have to purchase your park pass the next day.
Where is an internet café?
A: Cyberweb is directly underneath our office.
Where is the grocery store?
A: Safeway is on the corner of Elk and Marten street and Keller’s is on Lynx Street.
Where can I rent a bike/skis?
A: There are many places to rent skis/boards in the winter (we have a list) and for bike rentals there is Adventures Unlimited, Ski Stop and Bactrax-Snowtips on Bear Street, Abominable Sports on Wolf Street and Banff Springs Ski & Mtn Sport at the Banff Springs Hotel. In Lake Louise you can find ski/board rentals at Wilson Mountain Sports in the village and Monod Sports at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can also rent winter equipment at Lake Louise Mountain Resort.
What should I wear on the tour?
A: You should dress for the weather. Sightseeing tours give you the comfort of the bus to warm up in so comfortable clothes and walking shoes are all you need. Dress in layers for anything active (eg Classic Hikes) so you can add or remove clothes as necessary.
What should I bring on the tour?
A: Your smile, a camera and lots of questions for your guide
What is the weather going to be like?
A:Though we wish we could predict the weather and control it we can’t. Instead, check here for the latest conditions.
Top 20ish Things to Do in Banff
- Take a Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour!!
- Rent a GyPSy Guide for a self guided driving tour of the Rockies
- Ski/snowboard at Sunshine Village
- Try a bear claw from The Fudgery
- Hike Tunnel Mountain
- Take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs
- Bike around Vermillion Lakes
- Go fishing on Lake Minnewanka
- Smash some plates and belly dance at Balkans Restaurant
- Visit the Cave and Basin Natural Historic Site
- Ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain
- Visit the Banff Park Museum
- Canoe or kayak the Bow River
- Sample one of the many beers at the St James Gate
- Try calf roping and line dancing at Wild Bill’s
- Have a barbeque at Cascade Ponds
- Cross country ski the Spray River Loop
- Scramble up Mount Rundle
- Mountain bike down Stoney Squaw Mountain
- Sit on the patio of the Muk a Muk Restaurant and spot for eagles
- Take in the view from Surprise Corner on the Bow River
- Have a meal at one of Banff’s many great restaurants (www.dininginbanff.com)
Hotel Packages
