Climate is one of the most important factors when considering when to come to the Canadian Rockies, and what to bring. Below you’ll find the average high and low temperatures for Banff and Jasper, Alberta. Keep in mind that the weather varies quite a bit, despite what the averages say, and, per Murphy’s Law, it tends toward colder and and wetter than you had expected. The best advice is to be prepared.

Entrance into Banff National Park requires an entry fee. An entry pass purchased at Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks allows you admission into all of the Canadian Rockies parks. See table of prices below.

Banff National Park Entry Gates

At the Banff National Park entry gates, you can purchase a pass for a specific number of days or opt for an annual pass. You may decide the cost-effectiveness of a daily pass versus an annual pass depending on the number of days you intend to spend during that trip and the following year.

An annual pass is valid in 27 of Canada’s national parks for 365 days from the date of purchase. If you plan on spending 7 or more days in Banff National Park, it may make sense to buy an annual pass. An annual Discovery Package (165.80 Canadian dollars per family/group or 84.40 Canadian dollars per adult) provides access to all the national parks and historic sites, such as the Banff Museum, Cave and Basin, and Bar U Ranch.

Fees

Looking to chill out a little on your vacation to Banff National Park? There are all kinds of great activities to enjoy in the mountains here, hiking, biking, camping, skiing, rafting, it goes on and on. But if you really need some time to relax, canoeing in Banff is a great way to go.

On a canoe trip, you can coast along and take in all the scenery, watch for some amazing Rockies wildlife, do some fishing, explore islands, stop for a picnic… basically all the things most people find relaxing, while seeing some of the best of the park.

Below you’ll find a quick guide to a canoe trip starting in Lake Louise in Banff National Park. To get a peek at Banff, check out our Banff webcam.

Lake Louise to Castle Junction

This part of the Bow River starts below Lake Louise, Alberta in Banff National Park. It sits between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway line and Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). The Bow River steadily flows through the valley with riffles and Class 1 rapids on the way, as well as logjams and sweepers. Although this section contains many islands and side channels, finding your way is pretty easy.

Put your canoe in at a small side channel about 750 metres east of the Trans-Canada Highway bridge over the Bow River, east of Lake Louise.

You can park at the service road turnoff, but don’t block the road when you park your car.This channel flows into the main river in about 100 metres. The first 3k are fast with tight corners, so be prepared for some skillful maneuvering. At the viewpoint, you’ll find a continuous section of quick water, with waves, and tight bends. These high-risk areas should be approached with care and after scouting for dangers.

The next big landmark is river left at the confluence with Baker Creek, about 5k downstream from Moraine Creek. From here out, the river slows a bit. For the next 14.5 km, the river winds down the valley below the cliffs of Castle Mountain. This brings you to the end of this section at the bridge at Castle Junction. Take out on river left at the parking lot just downstream of the bridge.

Distance: 22 km (usually a 3-4 hour long trip)

Difficulty: Intermediate

There are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in Banff National Park, on your vacation. Rafting, skiing, hiking, camping and watching wildlife are all popular. In addition you should take some time to do some mountain biking around Banff and nearby Canmore and Kananaskis Country.

Banff offers some of the Rockies best biking.

It’s a great way to get out and see the mountains around Banff and Canmore, see a lot of different parts of the Canadian Rockies, and get a little adrenaline rush to go with it.

Here are the trails where you are allowed to take a mountain bike in Banff National Park:

Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake Loop, Cascade, Redearth, Temple Access Road, Sundance, Healy Creek, Brewster Creek, Spray River, Pipestone, Saskatchewan, Sulphur Mountain, Alexandra and most of the trails in the vicinity of Banff Townsite except Tunnel Mountain, Goat Creek, Rundle Riverside, Cave and Basin Boardwalk and the Buffalo Paddock Loop.

For more information on biking in the Rockies, be sure to check out the Colorado Adventure Biker column.

Here’s are 7 Rules of the Road for mountain biking in Banff, or anywhere, really:

1. Plan it, darn it! Know your equipment, be honest about your abilities, and check up on the riding trail, preferably with a park ranger. Prepare accordingly. A little planning is often the difference between a horrible day and an awesome day.
2. Don’t scare the wildlife. You don’t like it when someone sneaks up on you, and neither do wild animals. Usually, the repercussions of doing this with a bear are worse though. Avoid unannounced approaches, a sudden movements, or a loud a noises. These actions can be dangerous for you, others, and wildlife. Give wildlife space and time to adjust to you, and make some noise as you come down the trail.
3. Stay in Control. Don’t go faster, or attempt terrain that you know you can’t handle. Always be attentive and mind bicycle regulations and recommendations.
4. Ride open trails only. Respect the trail and avoid areas which are closed to bikes. They are closed for a reason. Seriously, no one is trying to hide trails from you just to ruin your vacation. Also, remember that the way you ride will influence Parks Canada trail management decisions and policies.
5. Leave no trace. It’s everyone’s park, so treat it with respect by following a few simple rules. Stay on maintained  trails and don’t create new ones. Pack out what you pack in, and bonus points if you pack out some other jerk’s discarded rubbish.
6. Always yield the trail. Make your approach known well in advance. A greeting, a bell or some other noise is basic politeness; don’t startle others. Show respect when passing by, slowing to a walking pace or, if need be, stopping. Anticipate trail users around corners and in blind spots.
7. Put a lid on it! Always wear a helmet.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

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Finding jobs in Banff, Alberta and the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies offer a great working environment. (Photo courtesy John E. Marriott)

This week, Antonio wrote in to ask about jobs in the Rockies:

How many hospitals are in the Rocky Mountains and what are their names? Once I’m done my nursing degree, my plan is to move out there and live amongst nature.

It would be a dream. I’ve been there once and have a huge place in my heart for that wonderful land.

I hope to hear back from you.

Antonio, we don’t blame you. The Rockies are a terrific place to live. Towns like Jasper, Banff and Canmore offer plenty of great mountain activities and plenty of access to lakes, rivers, ski resorts and hiking trails.

As far as nursing jobs, it’s hard for us to gauge in any one moment what is available here and what isn’t But wait! We’ve still got some good advice for you. The best place to start would probably be the local job services offices in Banff, Canmore and Jasper. You’ll find contact info for them below.

I would also recommend checking out these pages on Banff jobs, Jasper jobs, and Canmore jobs.

Canmore Job Resource Centre

• 10 Street
• Canmore, AB T1W 2A6, Canada
• (403) 678-6601

Banff Job Resource Centre

• 314 Marten Street, Box 2039
• Banff AB T1L 1B8
• Phone: (403) 760-3311
• Fax: (403) 760-3386

Jasper Job Resource Centre

• Unit C, 622 Connaught Drive
• Box 2097
• Jasper AB T0E 1E0
• Phone: 780-852-5982
• Fax: 780-852-5957

Banff National Park, Alberta

You will likely have heard of most of the great activities on offer in the Canadian Rockies like rafting, horseback riding and kayaking but one you may not know so much about is cave tours. There aren’t many of these kind of tours in the world so it really is a unique chance to physically get into the Canadian Rockies! Based just outside the gates to Banff National Park is Canmore Cave Tours.

The hike up to the canyon where you begin your adventure!

Unlike many seasonal activities around Banff, caving is a year round experience. Despite the name, the Rat’s Nest Cave is something special. It is wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain. Wild really means wild here with no interior lighting, no handrails, no walkways – it is basically the same as it was when first formed. As well as being fun, it is an educational tour. You will discover how caves form, find out how both humans and animals have used these caves and also all about the geology of the beautiful Bow Valley area.

As well as having one of the best natural surrounds for cave tours, Canmore Cave Tours also has a great staff. The knowledgeable guides start you off with a natural history tour of the exciting underground world through unpredictable twists and turns and passages and chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. When you reappear into the fresh Rockies‘ mountain air and make your way back towards Banff or Canmore, you will have some of the best memories of your vacation with you.

Hotel Deals in the Rockies – The Falcon Crest

Canmore, Alberta

Some hotels are just on the ball when it comes to keeping people coming back again and again to their properties. The Falcon Crest is one of these. Located in beautiful Canmore, only 20 minutes from Banff, it constantly has specials to keep people interested. Whether it be midweek specials or long term discounts, there is always something to make it most economical and fun to stay here. One such special is the Dinner Show and Float Package.

The Falcon Crest is equally beautiful inside and out.

This package costs $239 per person and you get a lot of value for your money. You will get two nights of accommodation in a Deluxe room, two adult tickets to the Cornerstone Dinner Theatre Production of “Oh, Canada Eh!” featuring a 3 course family style dinner. If all this wasn’t enough for you, you also get a relaxing nature float tour down the Bow River. Considering a lot of lesser hotels charge a nightly fee around the same region as this, you realize just how good value this offer is.

If you don’t know too much about Canmore, you should. It is just outside the gates to Banff National Park. Though it started off as just a little brother to Banff, it has come a long way since then. It has a ton of cafes and bars that are totally unique and if possible you are surrounded even closer by the Rockies on all sides. Canmore is the perfect location for a family holiday or a romantic getaway and the Falcon Crest is the perfect host.

Book the Falcon Crest

Unique Summer Activities in Banff – Canoeing

Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff is well renowned as a place brimming with fun and activities. In winter, there is snow shoeing, skiing, snow boarding and ice skating. In summer, it can be as simple as a beautiful hike, bike trip or for something a little more adventurous – canoeing. Canoeing and Canada go together like McDonalds and obesity. Long before the white man landed, canoes have been the preferred form of transport and there are few better places to do it than right in the centre of Banff on the Bow River.

Banff is a beautiful place to take a spin in a canoe.

Blue Canoes are based right down on the river. If you are coming from town, walk down Caribou Street until you hit the beautiful emeraldy turquoise (not a professional description) coloured water. You will see a little hut and you can just walk up here to rent a canoe either hourly or for the day. The price is $34 for the first hour and $20 for every additional hour after that.

It really is one of the most peaceful and serene experiences you will have in Banff National Park and a great way to see wildlife without disturbing them. You will get to glide along the waterways of the Bow Valley including 40 Mile Creek and Vermillion Lakes. The scenery is stunning and if you trust yourself not to get your camera wet, you will get back to dry land with some of the most serene and beautiful photos of the Canadian Rockies.

Book a canoe online with Banff Tours

Best Breakfast in Canmore – Chez Francois

Canmore, Alberta

Though this blog is titled ‘Best breakfast in Canmore’, frankly the breakfast in Chez Francois is one of the best in the Rockies. It is really quite surprising as well as it doesn’t appear to be anything other than a cheap restaurant attached to a hotel. However once you get inside and are immediately served by a real French waitress – you feel like there might be something about this place. The place is lit with beautiful natural sunlight with massive windows offering great views of the Rocky Mountains.

Chez Francois in Canmore has one of the best tasting and best value breakfasts in the Rockies.

The breakfast choices are immense. So much so, in fact, that it can become a burden to try and choose. The eggs Benedict are renowned amongst locals with a ton of different options to choose from. The traditional breakfast is absolutely huge. Eggs as you like them, bacon or sausages, home fries, buttered toast and a constant flow of coffee is what you get and you probably won’t need to eat again for a long time! To sweeten the deal, it is only $8.95!

If you are coming from Banff and you are driving on the Bow Valley Trail, you can’t really miss it. Once you enter the town of Canmore, you will see it on your left hand side. The smoothies are sensational and better again breakfast is served until 2pm so you can enjoy those long lazy mornings and perhaps a long walk before tackling the huge breakfasts. Banff and the Rockies is the kind of place where you can work up a hefty appetite so for a cheap and excellent breakfast, Chez Francois in Canmore is the best choice around.

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