Banff Travel Podcast

Two iconic boat cruises, one in Banff and one in Jasper. In this episode, Celine Brewer compares the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and the Maligne Lake Cruise so you can choose the best fit for your Banff itinerary or Jasper itinerary.  You’ll learn what each cruise feels like, how the scenery differs, the driving tradeoffs, which one is easier to add to a Banff trip, and why Maligne often wins for pure...

Not a hiker? Banff is still an incredible trip. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares the best ways to experience Banff National Park without big hikes, including easy walks with great views, gondolas and chairlifts, scenic drives, and simple “pick one and go” activities that still feel like a full Banff day.  Links mentioned in this episode Banff for Non-Hikers guide Easy walks and hikes in the B...

Lake O’Hara is one of the most spectacular places in the Canadian Rockies, and it stays that way because it is intentionally hard to access. In this episode, Celine Brewer breaks down what makes Lake O’Hara so specia and how to decide if it deserves a spot in a Banff itinerary. She also explains every realistic way to get there, including the shuttle lottery, and what it actually means to hike the...

What if, instead of a list of travel tips for Banff, you could listen in on a real Banff travel planning conversation? In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer shares an actual Banff travel consultation with a client planning a September trip to Banff National Park.  You’ll hear how Celine refines a rough Banff itinerary into something more realistic, including where it makes se...

Banff is busy. That’s not exactly news. But does that mean it’s too crowded to enjoy? In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast , Celine shares her honest local take on what crowds in Banff are really like, where they tend to feel the most intense, and how to avoid the worst of them so you can still have an incredible trip. In this episode: whether Banff is actually too crowded where and when cr...

Planning Banff for a big family group is a totally different kind of trip. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer shares a simple framework for building a multi-generational itinerary that works for kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. You’ll learn how to choose the right home base, avoid the common group-travel mistakes, and plan days that include “together time” without f...

You’ve booked your Banff trip, and now the real questions start. In Part 2 of this Q&A series, local Banff trip planner Celine Brewer tackles the nitty-gritty logistics that come up once you’re finalizing your itinerary. Think gondolas and chairlifts, biking vs driving the Bow Valley Parkway, how Lake Louise and Moraine Lake transit works, what to pack for hiking, and the practical details peo...

Planning a Banff trip can feel like a spiral of browser tabs and conflicting advice. In this episode, local Banff trip planner Celine Brewer kicks off a two-part Q&A series answering the big-picture questions she hears most often in her Live Banff Trip Planning Workshops. You’ll learn what actually needs to be booked ahead, what does not, and how to make the key decisions that shape your itine...

March in Banff is still winter, and that’s what makes it such a fun time to visit. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer explains what Banff in March really looks like, how to plan your days with longer daylight, what to expect from crowds during spring break, and the best winter activities if you ski or if you don’t.  Book a Banff Travel Consultation Here Links mentioned Ban...

Yoho National Park is one of the best day trips from Banff, and it often ends up being the surprise favourite of an entire Rockies itinerary. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through exactly how to plan a smooth Yoho day, including the must-see stops at Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls, plus a few extra stops that are worth it if yo...

Wondering when the lakes thaw in Banff National Park and whether Lake Louise and Moraine Lake will actually be blue when you visit? In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down the typical spring thaw timeline for the most popular lakes and what you can realistically expect in late April, May, and June. You’ll also hear real examples from spring conditions around Banff,...

Worried about driving in Banff or the Canadian Rockies, especially if you are travelling solo? You are not alone. The good news is that most routes around Banff are on well-maintained paved highways, but there are a few key things to know about mountain driving, weather, wildlife, and cell service. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer explains what the roads are really like...

Confused about which park pass you need for Banff? In this episode, Celine breaks down the different passes for Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, plus the Kananaskis Conservation Pass for Canmore and K-Country. You’ll learn when you need a daily Parks Canada pass vs a Discovery Pass, how the Kananaskis pass works, what’s covered (and what isn’t), and how upcoming free admission day...

Wondering whether you should add Jasper National Park to your Banff itinerary ? In this episode, Celine explains how Banff and Jasper are different, how many days to spend in Jasper, and what you can realistically see with 1, 2, or 3 days, including the Icefields Parkway, Maligne Lake, the Jasper SkyTram, and easy viewpoints. You’ll learn how to plan the Banff to Jasper drive, where Jasper fits in...

 Thinking about camping in Banff National Park ? In this episode, your Banff travel planning expert Celine walks you through how Banff camping reservations work and how to plan ahead for getting camping reservations this summer. You’ll learn which Banff and Lake Louise campgrounds to consider, when to book for peak summer, and how to camp safely in bear country.  Sign up for my email here 2026 Cam...

Banff in January and February are peak winter months and home to one of the best festivals of the season: SnowDays . In this episode, Celine shares what makes this time of year unique, including snow sculptures, Ice Magic at Lake Louise, skating, winter hikes, and what conditions are really like.  If you're planning a winter trip to Banff National Park, this guide will help you know exactly w...

Not a skier? You are absolutely not alone and Banff is one of the best winter destinations in the world even if you never touch a chairlift . In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the most memorable winter activities for non-skiers: ice walks, winter hikes, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, snowshoe tours, the Banff Gondola, and so much more. You...

Winter transforms Banff National Park into a completely different place. The waterfalls freeze, the crowds disappear, and even familiar trails feel brand new under fresh snow.  In this episode, local Banff travel expert Celine Brewer walks you through the best easy winter hikes in Banff. These hikes are scenic and perfect for first-time winter hikers or anyone looking for shorter adventures. ✔ Eas...

Planning a trip to Banff National Park isn’t like planning a regular vacation. Dates, hotels, shuttles, and even what’s open can vary dramatically depending on the month and the choices you make early on will shape your entire trip. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the five essential decisions every traveller needs to make before they build an itinerary...

December is when winter really begins in Banff National Park. If you’re wondering what conditions are actually like, what’s open, what you can realistically do, and how cold it truly feels, local Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re visiting for skiing, skating on Lake Louise, winter hikes, or the holiday events around town, this...

You do not have to spend every day chasing the big-name lakes to have an amazing Banff trip. In this episode, Celine walks you through the best things to do right in and around the town of Banff, including easy walks, canoe and kayak options, bike routes, viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and fun rainy-day activities.  If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, use this episode to anchor your...

How many days do you really need to experience Banff National Park? In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down what you can realistically see and do with 3 days, 5–7 days, or a full 10-day Banff adventure. You’ll learn how to plan the perfect length trip based on your travel style, priorities, and pace, whether you’re a first-time visitor, avid hiker, or just want to s...

Every time I host one of my Banff Trip Planning Workshops, people bring incredible questions and this episode is packed with real ones from my October sessions! In this episode, Banff Travel Expert Celine Brewer is answering your top Banff trip questions for 2026, including how to see a glacier without paying for a tour, the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, whether you can visit Moraine Lak...

Canmore may sit just outside the Banff National Park gates, but it’s a destination all its own. In this episode, local host Celine Brewer shares what makes Canmore such a great base for exploring the Rockies year-round: from summer hikes, biking trails, and cave tours to winter adventures like dog-sledding, ice walks, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also hear insider tips for parking, passes, get...

Choosing where to stay in Banff National Park can be confusing. Should you split your stay between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper? In this episode, Celine shares how to decide based on your travel style, budget, and plans. You’ll hear the pros and cons of each area, which makes the best base for first-time visitors, and when it’s worth splitting your stay. In this episode: Banff vs. Canmor...