Banff Travel Podcast

Banff in November (and late October) is the in-between season when the crowds are gone, prices drop, and you can experience the mountains at a slower pace. But it also comes with a few surprises: road closures, icy trails, and early winter conditions that can change fast. In this episode, I share what’s really open in November, how to plan around closures, what to pack, and how to make the most of...

Banff is packed with scenic drives, but some routes stand above the rest. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer takes you through the must-do drives: the Icefields Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Minnewanka Loop, Tunnel Mountain Road, Vermilion Lakes, Mount Norquay, and beyond. You’ll learn the best stops, insider tips for wildlife spotting, when to drive for the...

October is Banff’s transition month, when autumn’s last colours meet the first signs of winter. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer shares what makes October so special, from fall colours to snow-dusted peaks.  You’ll hear about the weather, seasonal closures, and what activities are still available plus what to pack for those unpredictable days. Celine highlight...

September in Banff means one thing: larch season . In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning expert, Celine Brewer, breaks down everything you need to know about larch hiking season in Banff National Park. From world-famous Larch Valley to lesser-known gems like Healy Pass, Saddleback Pass, and Taylor Lake, you’ll hear how to time your trip, which hikes are worth it, and what to expect on...

Dreaming of Banff’s famous alpine scenery without the grueling hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer (your local Banff Travel Expert) takes you to Sunshine Meadows , one of the most spectacular high-alpine areas in Banff National Park. You’ll hear what makes this spot so special, from wildflower meadows and crystal-clear lakes to panoramic viewpoints you can reach by gondola and chairlift. Celine s...

Cycling in Banff isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about slowing down, soaking up the views, and experiencing the park in a whole new way. In this episode, your Banff Travel Planning expert, Celine Brewer, shares her local guide to the best bike trails in Banff National Park, from family-friendly rides to bucket-list road cycling routes. You’ll learn about: The best bike route...

Planning the ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip? The Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper is one of the world's most scenic drives, but it deserves proper planning to make the most of it.  In this episode, Celine Brewer (your Banff Travel Planning expert), shares everything you need to know about driving the Icefields Parkway, including the best time to visit, must-see stops like Peyto Lak...

Planning a trip to Banff can feel overwhelming with so many questions, like when to visit, how to get to Moraine Lake, what hikes are best, or whether you really need bear spray. In this episode, I’m tackling the most common questions travelers ask about Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.   From shuttles and itineraries to packing, wildlife, and iconic sights like Lake Louise, Morai...

Planning a September trip to Banff? In this episode, local Banff travel expert Celine Brewer shares everything you need to know to make the most of September in the Canadian Rockies. From the golden larch season (including what they are, where they grow, and how to see them at their peak) to packing for unpredictable mountain weather, Celine gives you insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks. You...

Did you know there were 3 mountain lakes to explore just minutes from downtown Banff? In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast , Celine Brewer takes you on one of her favorite scenic routes in Banff National Park: the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. You'll get the local perspective on: The best stops along the Lake Minnewanka loop  Scenic viewpoints, hikes, and picnic spots  Tips for enjoyin...

August in Banff National Park means turquoise lakes, long summer days, dry trails, and endless opportunities for adventure. This episode will help you make the most of your time and avoid common mistakes. What You’ll Learn: What to expect from the weather and how to pack The best hikes, gondolas, lakes, and scenic drives Tips for wildlife safety and how to see bears safely What’s new for cyclists...

In this episode, Celine Brewer, your local Banff trip planning expert, shares how you can experience all the jaw-dropping beauty of Banff without blowing your budget. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling solo, or planning a romantic escape, you’ll learn simple ways to cut costs while still making the most of your adventure. From affordable places to stay and where to find the best picnic...

In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast , host Celine Brewer shares why a rainy day in Banff might just be the best thing that happens to your trip. As a local who’s weathered it all, she walks you through the best ways to enjoy Banff and Canmore when the skies open up plus tips for dealing with smoky skies, packing for unpredictable weather, and even getting out on the trails anyway. Inside,...

In this episode, Celine shares her go-to list of the best easy hikes in Banff National Park. These trails deliver incredible views without a full-day effort. Whether you're travelling with kids, grandparents, or just want a low-key day in nature, these scenic walks pack in the wow factor with minimal elevation gain. You'll learn: Celine’s favorite easy hikes around Banff Family-friendly...

July is one of the most popular and most beautiful times to visit Banff National Park. In this episode, local expert Celine Brewer breaks down exactly what you can expect if you’re visiting in July, including what’s open, what to pack, how to beat the crowds, and what to book in advance. You’ll learn: Why July is peak season in Banff and how to plan accordingly What activities, trails, and tours a...

Even the most well-researched Banff trip can go sideways if you fall into one of the common planning traps. In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer walks you through the real-world mistakes travelers make every single week, from not booking the Moraine Lake shuttle early enough, to choosing the wrong time of year, to skipping one of the best scenic drives in the world. Whether t...

In this episode, Celine breaks down how to take that long list of must-sees and turn it into a realistic, stress-free Banff itinerary that flows smoothly, without the overwhelm. Whether you're coming for three days or ten, you'll learn how to group your activities by area, avoid common mistakes like backtracking and overbooking, and balance your trip with big adventures and slower-paced...

The Bow Valley Parkway isn’t just a scenic drive. In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about exploring this iconic stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise, including tips for visiting Johnston Canyon, cycling the parkway, and where to stop along the way. You’ll get a local’s insight on: What the Bow Valley Parkway is and why it’s worth visiting Seasonal closures: what t...

In this episode, Celine shares what you really need to know about travelling to Banff in June, from changing trail conditions to which lakes have thawed, and what’s open (or still snow-covered). You’ll get a local’s take on: What’s typically open and accessible in early, mid, and late June Which lakes are thawed and canoe-ready Trail conditions, avalanche risks, and what footwear to pack Seasonal...

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most iconic (and most visited) places in Banff National Park. But once you've figured out how to get there, the next big question is: how long do you actually need at each lake? In this episode, local expert Celine Brewer breaks down what there is to do at both lakes, how long each activity takes, which experiences need to be booked in advance, and...

Do you really need to rent a car to visit Banff National Park? The answer isn’t so simple.  In this episode, Celine breaks down when a car is worth it, when it’s not, and how to make the most of Banff without one. In this episode, you’ll get a local breakdown of: When renting a car is the right decision  How to get around using Roam Transit and shuttles  The best hikes and activities you can do wi...

In this episode, Celine shares exactly what to pack for your trip to Banff, whether you're coming in spring, summer, fall, or winter. From unpredictable mountain weather to trail conditions and wildlife safety, this is the practical, local advice you need to feel confident and prepared. You’ll get a local guide to: What to wear for Banff’s wild temperature swings The non-negotiables you’ll re...

In this episode, Celine breaks down one of the most scenic and effortless ways to soak in Banff’s epic mountain views: gondolas and chairlifts . Whether you’re hoping to ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, spot bears from above at Lake Louise, or wander through wildflower meadows at Sunshine Village, you’ll learn which lift offers the best experience for your travel style. You’ll get a local guid...

Planning a trip to Banff in May? In this episode, Celine dives into what it’s really like to visit Banff in May. May is a shoulder season month full of potential, unpredictability, and surprisingly great experiences (if you know what to expect).  While it’s not quite summer, the snow is melting, trails are drying out, wildlife is active, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. For travellers more into...

In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about one of Banff’s most iconic (and debated) experiences— catching sunrise at Moraine Lake . You’ll get an honest look at what sunrise is really like, how to decide if it’s worth the early wake-up call, and exactly how to plan for it now that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake. Drawing from years of experience living...