The town of Banff is located inside the Banff National Park. If you have rented a car, you will have to pay to enter the Park. 

The Canadian currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Gratuities are seldom included on the bill in Canadian restaurants. Listed prices never include tax, which is normally an extra 14%. On top of that is the tip (15 - 20%) you’re expected to pay at restaurants and for other services.

The plugs in Canada are type B (the same as the US). The standard voltage is 110-120 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

Vancouver is a very safe city to visit, but avoid leaving any of your belongings unguarded.  The number of homeless people and drug addicts in Vancouver might be shocking, especially near East Hastings, but don’t let that worry you. You can safely walk anywhere at any time of day or night in Vancouver.

Although Banff is epic at any time of year, it is more difficult to get to certain attractions with the crowds in Summer. That said, most still consider June through to August the best time to visit.

Most people would say it is best to visit Vancouver in the summer, when the days are long and the weather is beautiful, but that is the busiest tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, try going in early fall, when the hotels offer reduced rates and there's a quieter pace.

If you're visiting to hit the slopes, December to March is the best time for skiing.

Banff National Park is located along the TransCanada Highway, about 90 minutes outside of Calgary. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC).

If you want to explore Banff at your own pace, hire a car at the airport. It's the easiest way to get around and see everything on your list.

Public transportation is easy to access via SkyTrain, bus, or ferry. Prices vary depending on your destination, but single fares range from $1.30 to $4.00, and a DayPass costs $5.60 to $7.31.

Free shuttle buses run throughout the summer to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Good to Know:

When to Go:

Transportation:

Vancouver's foodie scene never ceases to amaze us. Every itinerary is pack-fulled with great foodie options, but this particular travel diary has me salivating. Don't miss a cycle along the 22-kilometer Seawall that wraps around Downtown including Coal Harbour, False Creek, and Stanley Park,

Extend your stay and visit one of the
below nearby cities:

Edmonton // Calgary // Victoria 

You can find other City Guides here.

First off, Vancouver is considered to be a 'casual' city, so you can wear whatever you feel like.

During summer, temperatures average around 21- 25°C, but can reach highs of over 30°C, meaning shorts and flip-flops are a must! Vancouver is an outdoorsy city so be sure to bring your active wear to get out on adventures

In Spring (April - May) or Fall (September - October), temperatures are crisp, and average 11°C to 17°C.

Vancouver enjoys mild winters, and snow is pretty rare in the city.  Temperatures usually range from 5° to 10°C during the day (40° - 50° F).  To stay cozy and dry, you'll need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof boots are also a good idea.

See below for outfit suggestions!

Even though Canmore and Lake Louise are nearby, first-timers without a car rental should stay in the town of Banff itself. If you're looking for something grand, the Fairmont Banff Springs is more castle than hotel. 

Union Bank Inn and Matrix Hotel are both solid options for those looking for small hotels with character. The former is more old-school; the latter on the sleek, contemporary side.

Canmore might not be the best choice if you will be doing a lot of trips back and forth to the other end of Banff National Park to places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway or into Yoho National Park

Booking accommodation well in advance is a must for July and August and through most of September.

What to Do:

What to Wear:

Where to Stay:

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