Banff Townsite

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is both an adventure hub and a cultural hotspot. Surrounded by majestic mountains in every direction, the town plays host to a venerable arts and culture scene along with abundant skiing, hiking and camping options.

Shop, wander museums and galleries or visit cultural centres right in town. Get to know the town’s history and diverse heritage, and better understand people that view the world a little differently.

A woman walks along a via ferrata walkway between two mountains above a forested valley below.
Exhilarate your senses on a guided tour of Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata, minutes from downtown Banff.
Two friends riding their bikes down Banff Avenue with the mountains in the background.
Peddle through town or venture further onto the trails of the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise Village

A breathtaking 45-minute drive from the Banff townsite brings you to the captivating turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the stunning Fairmont Château Lake Louise. This is Canada’s highest alpine community and the adventure destination of a lifetime.

Paddle across the glimmering lake or explore the surrounding trails on foot. In winter, Lake Louise Ski Resort delivers premier skiing and snowboarding with over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.

Aerial view of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise surrounded by mountains in Banff National Park.
Glide through the glassy turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Couple enjoying drinks and food at the Fairview Lounge.
Savour elegant plates and handcrafted cocktails from Fairview Bar & Restaurant.
Couple canoeing, surrounded by mountains at Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
Friends sitting at a bar enjoying some the food and drinks at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar in Banff.
Woman looking out at the vantage point of the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park.

Getting here

The towns of Banff and Lake Louise can both be accessed from the TransCanada Highway. The road is open year-round and well maintained. The closest international airport is in Calgary and a quick 1.5-hour drive from Banff National Park.

Learn more

Know before you go

Accommodations
Getting Here
Climate & Weather
Maps & Transportation
Health & Safety
Frequently Asked Questions