@Komainu959
Been to Banff region for 10 weeks over 3 trips. This video is really good. Some additional thoughts / tips: Renting a car is almost a must do. ROAM is great for what it is but is way too limiting and their timetables leave a lot to be desired. If you really insist on only using public transit be aware that none of the surrounding parks (Yoho, Jasper, Kootenay) have any public transit and ROAM covers Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. It also doesn't go to many places between those spots so you're out of luck even then. 01:46 Free parking locations in Banff. Banff Train Station - Lots of free parking and there will be signage directing you there as you enter Banff. It's the furthest away from downtown but still pretty reasonable. Bear Street Parking Garage- Anything above the first floor is free and there is a moderate amount of stalls, if you try to go say during lunch time expect to wait for a stall. Bow Avenue between Wolf and Buffalo is free but there are a very limited amount of spaces. 02:16 Canmore also has a visitor center. You can pick up your park pass from there as it's just before the Banff Park entrance and avoid the lineup that backs up during peak times. It's also a lot less busy than the one in Banff so you can ask questions much faster. 02:48 I've never stayed at the mentioned places but I have stayed at the Peaks hotel, it's fairly reasonable and right in the middle of town just one street over basically. Canmore is a very good alternative but if you're coming to Banff for a once in a lifetime trip- try to stay at least a day or two in Banff itself. 04:18 The only "fancy" place I've eaten that I love to go to while in the area is Rustica above Canmore in the Silvertip area. I also like Helna's Stube but that's all the way in Radium...but if you're making a trip there. A big thumbs up for the mentioned Wildflower...their baked are awesome as well. 05:20 So glad to see Vermillion lakes given a mention. Surprise corner has very little parking so be prepared for that or that will be your major surprise! Other things- Cascade Ponds, Banff Pedestrian Bridge, Banff sign and maybe the green spot up Mount Norquay. 08:00 Lake Louise now is paid parking from mid May to Mid October. The overflow and shuttle is an option if it's full. 08:58 Moraine lake- Just so you know shuttles only start from around 0800 so there will be no more sunrise photo shoots unless you're willing to hike/bike or stay at the lodge. You CAN take your private vehicle but you'll need to have a disability placard to do so. Honestly I think it's a good idea as it was crazy to find parking here and it's better than circling around and around just to get on the road to the parking lot. 09:35 going north from Lake Louis I would suggest you stop at Herbert Lake, it's a great little stop and has a restroom. Bow lake is far more impressive but it doesn't have a restroom...at least that I am aware of. 12:17 Kananaskis Country requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass which can only be purchased online. Yoho- If you're going ensure you stop at Takakkaw Falls as well. The visitor center located in Field is also a nice break to stretch the legs. When to go- First timer? Then do NOT go anytime before June. The reason is that many of the big name attractions have a high potential to be closed. The hike to Agnes Teahouse, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls and many others simply will not be open to you or will be icy and require buying/renting micro spikes or snowshoes- Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, etc. Yes, it gets crowded in summer, it gets expensive in summer but there's a reason for it. If it's just too expensive then I'd try for a Fall visit, it's less crowded / cheaper and still has everything open. Thanks for such a great video and hopefully someone finds the above useful.
@Ediwen1231
I was so lost trying to plan an upcoming trip to Banff for my family, this has been a life saver. I love how organized the video is and having a list of options for every category.
@marianaaidar7215
I’ve been there twice and you made me cry of remembering this peace of heaven on earth. I’m visiting again this June. Can’t wait.
@barnhartmarissa
Leaving for Banff in a little under two weeks! Thanks for the information!
@terryfarmer6894
Grew up in Calgary. 1960's. Banff was my back yard. Now everything has changed, Sundance Canyon, Hot springs, Buffalo paddock. Cave and Basin. Lake Louise, Lake Moraine , As a child I never knew it would change so fast. My backyard turned into Disneyland. Selfie sticks everywhere .I disapprove of this message. They have paved paradise and put up a large parking lot..OK, My vent is over. I am just glad to have experienced it before it blew up.
@kenchubb
Banf has always been on my bucket list since i was 8! Now 38 heres hoping it will happen soon! Love from Scotland
@balkaranbasra7097
One of the best travel guides I seen, Great video!
@janeanjolly9176
Best video about traveling to Banff I have seen. So helpful. Thank you.
@stevefazzio
Wow! This is an excellent and very informative video. Thank you! We’ll be there soon!
@mikesensier3656
Thank you Travel Eaz....this is a great video with awesome tips and information. I still have 98 days to wait until we go...the more I watch the more I'm getting exciting about it, I'm just like a little kid...(52)..haha. As you said this must be the must wonderful and beautiful place on earth, I've always dreamt of this place ever since seeing lake Louise and moraine lake as a child in magazines and holiday brochures ...just cant wait. I've treated the wife to two nights at Emerald lake at the end of our holiday, so we can wake up and see that turquoise lake. Keep up the great work and look forward to seeing more videos on Banff.
@lisette_7474
We visited Banff in 2019, we loved it so much! We hope to return soon. We also really loved Vancouver Island. Thank you for the wonderful, inspiring videos! Best wishes, Lisette (the Netherlands)
@ontarioweddingofficiant9691
amazing, thanks so much for the update, I will be there in Oct!!
@ChooChooTravelsSolo
This is such a spectacular video!! Thank you so much!!! I’ll be taking via rail from Winnipeg to Jasper soon and I’ll be spending 17 days from Jasper to Banff! I cannot wait!!! Thanks so much for the wonderful tips!!
@annette3488
Just found your videos! I will be in Banff first time next month!! Your videos are very helpful!! Thank you!!
@rickrich7325
We visited all those places back in I think 1984. Need to take my wife there in Sept, better start making resv!
@funkingitup1805
Ridiculously good travel review. Thanks.
@MegaLakornlover
Thank you for info! I’ll be in in a few days and so excited!
@sarahct445
Great video. It’s going to be my first time going to Banff next month. So excited already!
@FarFromTheBoxTravels
This video is insanely helpful because I’m going to banff in august
@ImTheBlade65