Banff Travel Podcast

After more than 200 one-on-one Banff Travel Consultations, Celine Brewer has noticed that most travellers don’t have a bad itinerary. They’ve done the research and know what they want to see. The problem is that the itinerary doesn’t always fit the people taking the trip.

In this episode, Celine shares real examples from her consultations and the changes she makes most often, from moving activities to better days and cutting overloaded plans to choosing hikes, transportation and experiences that better match the traveller.

You’ll learn:

• Why a Banff itinerary can work on paper but still not work for you
• How to avoid putting too much into a single day or trip
• Why social media can make trip planning harder
• When taking something out can actually improve your vacation
• How to build an itinerary around the way you actually like to travel

Planning a Banff or Jasper trip? Join the Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub for ready-made itineraries, planning resources and live Q&A support.

https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/hub/

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Flying into Calgary for a Banff trip and trying to figure out the best way to get into the mountains? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares how she would decide between renting a car and taking an airport shuttle, plus the few places she actually recommends stopping between Calgary and Banff.

Celine covers when a rental car makes sense, when you may be better off going car-free, and why this decision can look very different in winter.

And if you’re wondering whether you need to fill your drive with sightseeing stops between Calgary and Banff, Celine explains why the answer is often no, and how to decide whether adding something actually fits the trip you’re planning.

Planning your own Banff or Jasper trip? Join Celine inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub for local itineraries, planning resources and live Q&A support.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Calgary Airport Shuttles to Banff
• Best Calgary Airport Hotels
• Banff Discounts

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Planning a Banff trip and not sure where to start? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares the exact order she would use to plan a Banff and Jasper trip from scratch, beginning with the things you absolutely do not want to miss.

If you are starting to plan a Canadian Rockies trip, this episode will help you create a realistic framework before you get caught up in shuttle reservations, activity bookings and all the smaller details.

Are you starting to plan your Banff or Jasper trip? Come and join Celine inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub. Save yourself hours of researsh by learning about the area, accessing itineraries created by a local, and joining live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions about your own trip (all in one place).

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

What makes a Banff hike worth doing? In this more personal episode, Celine Brewer shares how she thinks about hiking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies, and why her idea of a worthwhile hike may be different from someone who only wants huge mountain views.

Using recent hikes to Emerald Basin and the Ink Pots, plus thoughts on Taylor Lake, Celine talks about enjoying the entire hiking experience, from quiet forest trails and creeks to alpine lakes and mountain views. She also explains how she still distinguishes between a nice hike, a great hike and one that is truly worth prioritizing on a Banff trip.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Looking for the best Banff viewpoints without doing a big hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of her favourite viewpoints around Banff National Park, starting with places that require little or no hiking and then moving into a few where the extra effort is absolutely worth it.

You’ll hear about viewpoints around the Town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Banff Gondola and more. Celine also shares a few short hikes and viewpoints where a little climbing gives you an even better view.

Planning a Banff or Jasper trip for 2027 or beyond? Join Celine inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub for ready-made itineraries, planning resources and live Q&A support to help you build a realistic Canadian Rockies itinerary.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

You don’t need to hike deep into the mountains to enjoy fall colours around Banff. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of the easiest places to enjoy fall colours around Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis, with a focus on beautiful aspen scenery that doesn’t require a big hike.

She also covers a few easier ways to experience larch season if you want those classic golden mountain views without committing to one of the bigger hikes.

Kananaskis Fall Hikes

Best Larch Hikes

Come join the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub!

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Wondering what time of day is best to visit Banff’s most popular places? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares practical advice for planning around crowds in Banff, including when it’s worth getting an early start, when later in the day can work better, and when you may simply need to accept that a popular place will be busy.

Celine covers timing for places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola, the Icefields Parkway and the Town of Banff. .

Planning a Banff or Jasper trip for 2027 or beyond? Join Celine inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub for ready-made itineraries, planning resources and live Q&A support to help you build a realistic Canadian Rockies itinerary.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Looking for the best walks in Banff National Park that still deliver incredible mountain scenery? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares 18 beautiful walks in Banff National Park for travellers who don’t want to tackle a long hike, including lakeshore walks, townsite trails, viewpoints, boardwalks and easy stops along the Icefields Parkway.

You’ll also hear practical information on distances, stairs and terrain so you can choose the best Banff walks for your trip. These are not all accessible trails, and some include uneven terrain or short climbs.

**Blog post coming soon**

Planning a Banff or Jasper trip for 2027 or beyond? Join Celine inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub for ready-made itineraries, planning resources and live Q&A support to help you turn all those saved ideas into a realistic Canadian Rockies itinerary.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Coming to Banff in September? Will it snow? Are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake still turquoise? Is it really less crowded? And when exactly do the larches turn yellow?

In this episode, Celine Brewer (your Banff Travel Planning expert), answers five of the questions she gets all the time about visiting Banff in September. You’ll learn what September weather can actually look like, what to expect at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and why September isn’t necessarily the quiet shoulder season you might be expecting.

Celine also shares what you need to know about larch season, including when the trees typically turn golden and why you shouldn’t plan your whole trip around one specific larch hike.

USEFUL LINKS:

Banff in September – Full Guide

Best Larch Hikes in Alberta

Best Banff Larch Hikes

Kananaskis Fall Hikes

4 Day Larch Hiking Itinerary for Banff

Moraine Lake Shuttle Guide

ALSO LISTEN TO:

🎙️ Episode 21: Visiting Banff in September? Here’s What to Expect

🎙️ Episode 26: Larch Hiking Season in the Canadian Rockies

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer talks about wildfire smoke in Banff National Park and one of the biggest questions travellers have during summer: should you cancel your trip if the forecast looks smoky? She shares what it’s really like dealing with wildfire smoke while living in the Canadian Rockies, why conditions can change quickly with the wind, and why smoke or rain forecasts several weeks out aren’t worth stressing over.

You’ll also hear how to check current air quality and smoke forecasts, how to adjust your Banff itinerary when visibility is poor, and ideas for less strenuous or more smoke-friendly activities.

If you’re worried about smoke affecting your upcoming trip and want help creating a flexible Plan B, you can book a Banff Travel Consultation here: https://banfftravelplanning.com/banff-travel-consultations/

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Looking to get out on the water during your Banff vacation?

In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of the best water activities around Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho, Kananaskis, and the Canadian Rockies. From iconic canoe rentals at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to paddleboarding, river floats, whitewater rafting, canyoning, and more, Celine helps you decide which activities are worth adding to your itinerary.

She also explains the current Parks Canada regulations for bringing your own paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft into Banff National Park and where personal watercraft are no longer permitted.

Parks Canada Watercraft Regulations

If you're bringing your own paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft, be sure to review the current regulations before your trip.

• Banff National Park Water Activities
• Jasper National Park Water Activities
• Yoho National Park Watercraft Restrictions
• Kootenay National Park Watercraft Restrictions

Banff Discounts

Planning to book a guided tour or water activity? Check Travel Banff Canada's Banff Discounts page before booking. Celine has discount codes for several tours and experiences throughout the Canadian Rockies.

https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-discounts/

Need More Help Planning Your Trip?

If you're looking for help putting together the perfect Banff and Jasper itinerary, visit the Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub, where Celine shares detailed itineraries, planning resources, workshops, and live Q&A sessions to help you make the most of your trip.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Looking for a fun and unique way to experience Banff beyond the usual sightseeing stops?

In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Clare, founder and owner of Bikescape, to talk about why exploring Banff by e-bike is one of the best ways to see more, escape the crowds, and discover hidden gems throughout Banff National Park.

Whether you've never ridden an e-bike before or you're an experienced cyclist, Clare explains what to expect on a guided e-bike tour, the difference between renting an e-bike and riding with a local guide, and why e-bikes make Banff accessible for almost everyone. They also discuss mountain biking experiences, family-friendly options, and how a bike tour can be the perfect way to start your Banff vacation.

About Bikescape

Bikescape is Banff National Park's first and only certified bicycle guide company permitted to guide on the park's trail network. They offer guided e-bike tours, mountain biking experiences, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and custom outdoor adventures for visitors of all experience levels.

Website: https://bikescape.ca/

Follow Bikescape:

• Instagram @bikescapeskibanff
• Facebook: @bikescapeskibanff

Resources Mentioned

• Travel Banff Canada: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/
• Banff Discounts:
• Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Trying to figure out how to get to Moraine Lake? You're not alone.

This is a refreshed and updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast.

Instead of comparing every shuttle company and departure time, this episode takes a different approach. We'll start by figuring out what kind of day you want at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, then narrow down the transportation options that make the most sense for your Banff itinerary.

How to Get to Moraine Lake

I have discount codes for several Moraine Lake shuttle operators. Sign up here to access the latest discounts:

Banff Discounts

Shuttle Operators Mentioned

From Canmore or Banff

• Via Via Moraine – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options
• Canmore Travel – Daytime options

From Lake Louise

• Moraine Lake Bus Company – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options
• Moraine Lake Big Bus
• Fairview Limo – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options. Fairview Limo is also the only shuttle that allows large dogs, making it a great option if you're travelling with your four-legged companion.

Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Banff Travel Podcast and Travel Banff Canada!

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

When planning a trip to Banff and Canmore, it's easy to get caught up trying to see everything. But what if one of the best experiences wasn't about seeing more, but slowing down and connecting with nature?

In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Scott from Among the Trees to talk about forest bathing (also known as forest therapy), a guided experience that helps visitors unplug, slow down, and experience the Canadian Rockies in a completely different way.

About Among the Trees

Among the Trees offers guided forest bathing experiences, hiking adventures, and wildlife talks in Banff, Canmore, and the Canadian Rockies. Scott combines his experience as a hiking guide and certified Forest Therapy Guide to help visitors experience the mountains at a slower pace while creating a deeper connection with nature.

Website: https://www.amongthetreescanada.com

Follow Among the Trees on Instagram: @amongthetreescanada

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

One of the most common questions I hear from travellers planning a trip to Banff National Park is:

"How much time do I actually need at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?"

This is a fully updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast. Celine Brewer helps listeners with how much time to spend at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with the latest transportation information, current pricing, and updated planning advice to help you decide how much time to spend at each lake and whether visiting both in one day makes sense for your trip.

Helpful Resources

Banff Discounts Page

Hiking Guides

• Lake Louise Hikes
• Moraine Lake Hikes

Getting to Moraine Lake

Recommended Shuttle Companies

From Canmore or Banff:

• Via Via Morainefor sunrise or daytime
• Canmore Travel for daytime shuttles

From Lake Louise:

• Moraine Lake Bus Companyfor sunrise or daytime
• Moraine Lake Big Bus for daytime
• Fairview Limofor sunrise or daytime. Fairview Limo is also great if you are travelling with a large dog! They are the only shuttle that allows large dogs!

*some of these links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Did you know one of the most unique adventure experiences in the Canadian Rockies happens entirely underground?

In this episode, Celine Brewer chats with Adam Walker, owner of Canmore Cave Tours, about exploring Rat's Nest Cave, one of Canada's longest caves. They talk about what it's really like to go caving, who it's best suited for, common misconceptions, and why so many visitors call it the highlight of their trip.

Whether you're looking for a rainy-day activity, a year-round adventure, or something completely different from the usual Banff sightseeing, this episode will give you an inside look at one of the Rockies' most memorable experiences.

It's always a great day to go caving!

Learn more about Canmore Cave Tours:

Website: https://www.canmorecavetours.com

Follow Canmore Cave Tours:

• Instagram: @canmorecavetours
• Facebook: Canmore Cave Tours

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

In this real Banff travel consultation, Celine Brewer helps first-time visitors sort through their Banff itinerary and make their trip feel more realistic. They discuss how to balance Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Lake Minnewanka, and some easier hiking options without trying to cram too much into each day.

You’ll hear how small itinerary changes can make a big difference, including when to visit Yoho, whether the Icefields Parkway can fit into a shorter trip, what to do at Moraine Lake, and why sunrise at Moraine Lake isn’t always worth the very early wake-up.

Email me at info@banfftravelplanning.com for a 15-minute itinerary review.

New to planning? Join the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Banff is known for its incredible mountain scenery, but it also has a thriving food scene that many visitors overlook.

In this episode, I sit down with Joanna from Nibble Tours to talk about Banff's restaurants, food tours, and how visitors can experience the town through its local food and drink offerings.

Find out how food tours can help visitors discover Banff beyond the main tourist attractions! Plus, some of Joanna's favourite local recommendations.

About Nibble Tours

Nibble Tours offers guided food tours in Banff that combine local stories, hidden gems, and delicious food experiences.

Website: https://www.nibbletours.com

Follow Nibble Tours on Instagram: @nibbletours

Book on Get Your Guide

Book on Viator

*some links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you if you book through these links.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Banff may be best known for turquoise lakes and mountain views, but there are still some excellent waterfalls worth adding to your itinerary.

In this episode, Celine Brewer shares waterfalls near Banff that are either easy to add to a trip or worth the extra effort if you really love waterfalls. We’ll talk about easy stops like Bow Falls and Tangle Falls, classic walks like Johnston Canyon, big Yoho waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls and Wapta Falls, and a few worthwhile waterfall hikes in Kananaskis and along the Icefields Parkway.

Helpful links

• Johnston Canyon Hike
• Silverton Falls Hike
• Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
• Icefields Parkway Guide
• Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls
• Takakkaw Falls
• Wapta Falls
• Marble Canyon
• Troll Falls
• Grassi Lakes
• Karst Spring

Need help planning your itinerary?

If you’re struggling to turn your saved list of lakes, waterfalls, hikes, viewpoints, and scenic drives into an actual itinerary, that’s exactly what I help with inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

In this episode, Celine Brewer shares another real Banff itinerary review from a 30-minute travel consultation.

This traveller already had a thoughtful plan for a relaxed Banff trip with easy walks, scenic viewpoints, good meals, drinks, and time to enjoy each day without rushing.

We talk through Moraine Lake timing, whether Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise is worth adding, when to book the Banff Gondola or boat cruise, and how to think through logistics like parking, shuttles, Lake Louise transportation, and flexible add-on options around Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, and Kananaskis.

Links Mentioned

Book a Banff Travel Consultation

Listener Feedback

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ and https://www.banfftravelplanning.com/.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada