Banff

The town of Banff is located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies. It is the larger of the two populated areas in Banff National Park, and is about an hour and a half drive west of Calgary and four hours south of Jasper. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like many mountain towns, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer. There is a nice selection of restaurants but predictably a few too many souvenir shops and boutiques. Muslim travellers will especially welcome the sidewalks that facilitate exploration of the town on foot.

Introduction to Banff

Banff is a tourist town full of visitors and seasonal workers from across Canada and around the world. It is a convenient base for seeing some stunning scenery with little effort. However, with convenience comes crowds. Banff Avenue can be very busy on summer afternoons and evenings, but it is a great place to stay for any length of time. There are a wide variety of restaurants and clubs and plenty of tours and activities to keep you busy. Staying in Banff during the winter gives easy access to the nearby ski areas of Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.

The area was named Banff in 1884 by George Stephen, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, recalling his birthplace in Banff, Scotland.

Weather in Banff

At an elevation of 1400m above sea level and neighbored by mountains and the climate is subarctic. Banff has experienced snowfall even during the summer months. With daily mean temperatures of +15°C in the summer and -8°C in the winter and the climate is very similar to northern Scandinavia.

How to travel to Banff

Fly to Banff

The park is easily accessible for international Visitors via Calgary International Airport, which has international scheduled and charter flights. The Banff Airporter (C$63.99 one way) and the Brewster Airport Express (C$69.99 one way) run regular scheduled trips between the airport and Banff several times daily.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Banff

From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west. The first exit to Banff is about an hour and a half from the airport.

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a scenic trip from Jasper.

Parking can be tricky, but the five-storey Bear Street Parkade near downtown is free. Look for it in the 100 block of Bear Street, one block west of Banff Avenue. The Bear Street Parkade also has an EV charging station. The Town of Banff website has ?NID=93 parking maps.

Take a bus to Banff

• Rider Express +1-833-583-3636 - Bus service along the Trans-Canada Highway from Winnipeg to Vancouver, twice daily. Service from Calgary, Strathmore, Canmore and Lake Louise (Alberta); Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Hope, Abbotsford and Vancouver (British Columbia); Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Regina, [and Brandon and Winnipeg (Manitoba).

There are several airport shuttle providers from the Calgary Airport to Banff and Lake Louise.

• Banff Airporter Inc. offers 10 daily scheduled transfers between the Calgary International Airport, Banff and Canmore. They also offer private sedan transfers.
• Brewster Airporter & Resort Connector offers shuttle service from the Calgary and Edmonton Airports.
• Take the Valley Connector or Regional Roam between Canmore and Banff.

Travel by train to Banff

Regularly scheduled passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but luxury Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing trains operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations visit regularly from spring through to fall. (Reservations required.) You can take VIA Rail train service to Edmonton or Jasper and then either take a bus or hire a vehicle and drive to Banff.

Park entry fees

All visitors stopping in Banff National Park (even just for gas or in the town) require a park permit. If you are driving through non-stop and the pass is not required. Day passes and annual passes are available; see Banff National Park#Fees and permits for details.

How to get around in Banff

By foot

The Banff townsite is small and you can walk just about anywhere you want to go. Walking is quick, easy and allows for random adventures down to the river, through the forests and up the mountains. All of these activities are within a 5-15 minutes walking distance.

Travel by Bus to Banff

Banff's Roam public transit system covers most of the town's hotels and attractions. Roam transit fares are C$2 (one-way) for adults, C$1 for kids and seniors; an unlimited day pass costs C$5. Bus service runs from 6:15AM to 11:30PM daily.

Best way to travel in Banff by a Taxi

Taxi cabs are also available, which is handy if you are doing a grocery run or staying out late.

By bike

Biking around town is popular too. There are several shops to rent bicycles if you are interested in either mountain biking, quick travel downtown, or trail riding to the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. You can also combine cycling with public transit, as buses are equipped with bike racks. Banff is filled with trails that take you through forested areas, along streams and waterfalls, to incredible lake and mountain views.

What to see in Banff

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most stunning scenery in the world. It may seem a daunting task to try to see it all in a limited amount of time.

Many tour companies will eliminate the hassle, giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. The friendly guides offer fun and informative sightseeing tours in and around the Banff area in comfortable vehicles.

• Banff Park Museum National Historic site 91 Banff Ave 51.173756,-115.571634 Next to the Bow River Bridge & Central Park ☎ +1 403-762-1558 Opening Hours: May 14-June 30: W-Su 10AM Monday - 5PM; July 1-Sept 1: daily 10AM Monday - 5PM; Sept 2-Oct 12: W-Su 10AM Monday - 5PM C$3.90/adult, free with Parks Canada Discovery Pass Come and learn about the animals you may see on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings! This historic "cabinet museum" is full of Banff wildlife preserved through taxidermy. Most of the animals on display were killed roughly a century ago.

• Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | 405 Spray Ave 51.16411,-115.562381 ☎ +1 403-762-2211 +1-866-540-4406 Free to visit The Banff Springs Hotel is a working hotel and a recognized national historic site. The oldest part of the famous "Castle in the Rockies" was built between 1911 and 1914 using local Rundle stone (dark limestone) on the exterior, while the interior is that of a grand hotel. Fossils can be seen in the stone flooring. Visitors are welcome to see the public parts of the hotel, while guided tours may be available to show you some of the closed areas.

• Bow Falls 51.166523,-115.560378 Below the iconic Banff Springs Hotel is the beautiful Bow Falls. It's not the most dramatic waterfall in Banff National Park, but Bow Falls is in the town of Banff and is worth a visit. Easily accessible with plenty of parking for private vehicles and tour buses.

• Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum 1 Birch Ave 51.172317,-115.576666 ☎ +1 403-762-2388 Opening Hours: May 1-September 30: daily 10AM Monday - 6PM; Oct 1-Apr 30: 11AM Monday - 5PM C$10/adult Housed in a reproduction of a fur trading post, this museum focuses on the history of the First Nations in the Banff area.

• Cascades of Time Gardens - Cascade Gardens | 101 Mountain Ave 51.170858,-115.572446 Next to Administration Building, at the head of Banff Avenue ☎ +1 403-762-1550 Opening Hours: Flowering from late June to early Sept Free Designed and built in the 1930s and the Cascades of Time gardens cover 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in the Banff townsite, in front of the Administration Building and behind it. The rustic timber and stone u.aspx?id=9586 pavilions in the garden are Recognized Federal Heritage Buildings.

• Cave and Basin National Historic site 311 Cave Ave 51.169248,-115.590914 ☎ +1 403-762-1566 Opening Hours: Hours vary seasonally, check website C$3.90/person, free if you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass Cave and Basin National Historic Site. ave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails.

• Lake Minnewanka Loop End of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive 51.248861,-115.496675 take Banff Ave north until it passes under Highway 1, follow Lk Minnewanka Drive This scenic driving loop is a short distance from the Banff townsite. It goes up the side of Cascade Mountain to Lake Minnewanka and back down by a different route. Sights along the way include Cascade Ponds, Bankhead (former site of a coal mining town and the mine), Lake Minnewanka (picnic area, hiking, boat cruises, motor boat rentals), Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake. The area is also well known for the bighorn sheep that can be seen on and near the road.

• Mount Norquay viewpoint Mt Norquay Scenic Drive 51.164598,-115.562254 - As you drive the winding road up to the Mt Norquay ski area and there are several viewpoints that let you see the town of Banff below, Vermilion Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

• Surprise Corner viewpoint 51.167355,-115.559301 - You can see the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow River and Sulphur Mountain from this viewpoint on the lower slopes of Tunnel Mountain.

• Vermilion Lakes Vermilion Lakes Road, just south of and parallel to Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) near Mt Norquay Road 51.181215,-115.594238 - These three shallow lakes make a marvellous foreground to dramatic Mount Rundle in the background. Come at sunrise or sunset to see muskrat and beaver and get great lighting for photos.

• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies Bear Street 51.175178,-115.573270 ☎ +1 403-762-1558 Opening Hours: June 15-September 15: daily 9:30AM Monday - 6PM; September 16-Jun 14: 10AM Monday - 5PM Admission by donation Offers something for the whole family: art, culture and the human and natural history of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the legacy homes or take a guided walk.

Top Muslim Travel Tips in Banff

Mountain town activities are characteristically different in summer and winter.

Year round

• The Banff Centre 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr 51.173399,-115.560854 ☎ +1 403-762-6100 A globally respected arts and cultural centre featuring performances and events with dance, music and theatre, opera, film, books, new media and visual arts.

• Banff Gondola Mountaintop Experience - Banff Gondola - End of Mountain Avenue 51.148226,-115.556096 ☎ +1 403-762-2523 +1-800-760-6934 +1 403-762-7493 Opening Hours: Varies seasonally; closed for 1 week in Jan for annual maintenance C$62 per adult (C$56 if booked 48+ hrs in adv.) Banff's sightseeing gondola provides visitors with great views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. The gondola takes you up 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft). At the top and there is a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck, photo opportunities and a boardwalk to nearby Sanson Peak, at the top of Sulphur Mountain. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience a sunset "Alpine Lights" dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top of the gondola.

Indoor activities

Banff does offer some indoor activities besides museums and galleries.

• Waterslides at Douglas Fir Resort Tunnel Mountain Road 51.184446,-115.549217 ☎ +1 403-762-5591 +1-800-661-9267 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday, hours vary seasonally C$20/person, ages 6+. Free for age 5 and under At the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets on Tunnel Mountain. Open only to hotel guests on Friday & Sa, open to non-guests Sunday - Th.

• Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling & Entertainment Centre 405 Spray Ave 51.164753,-115.562139 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel ☎ +1 403-762-2211 +1-866-540-4406 Opening Hours: Summer: Sunday - Thursday 3PM Monday - 10PM; Friday Saturday 1PM Monday - 11PM; Winter: Sunday - Thursday noon-11PM; Friday Saturday 1PM Monday - midnight Canadian 5-pin bowling, neon black-light bowling, an HD golf simulator and a swimming swimmingpool table.

• Lux Cinema lux@ 229 Bear St. 51.178357,-115.572881 Corner of Wolf & Bear ☎ +1 403-762-8612 Four-screen movie theatre showing first-run movies.

• Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre sbb@ End of St. Julien Road 51.171494,-115.561385 Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre ☎ +1 403-762-6450 Opening 6AM Monday - 10PM, Saturday Sunday 7AM Monday - 10PM C$10 adult day membership, C$5 adult public swim Facilities include a climbing wall, spin studio, aquatics centre (25-m swimmingpool with view of Sulphur Mountain, hot tub, whirlpool, wading pool, steam room and sun deck), private massage, physiotherapy, drop-in classes (e.g. spin, yoga, zumba) and more.

Spas

Banff National Park was established to protect and promote the natural thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) at the Cave & Basin (now Cave & Basin National Historic Site). So there is a century-long tradition of visitors coming to take the waters in a spa-type setting. Today, visitors have many spas to choose from, but only the Upper Hot Springs Pool and Pleiades Spa allows visitors the opportunity to bathe in water from a hot spring.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs and Pleiades Massage & Spa Upper end of Mountain Avenue 51.15112,-115.56097 ☎ +1 403-762-1515 +1-800-767-1611 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 10PM varies seasonally C$7.30 per adult All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this historic spa and bathhouse, with a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery. Relax in soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra apres ski laugh, guests wishing to amuse can rent a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume. The outdoor hot swimmingpool is a great place to soak and watch falling snowflakes or the stars. Can be quite busy at times. In late spring and the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) flow sometimes drops significantly and must be supplemented with artificially-heated water. The Upper Hot Springs website's "Water" page states whether they are using all thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) water or are supplementing.

• Grotto Spa 459 Banff Ave 51.183170,-115.563877 Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge ☎ +1 403-762-3307 +1-800-661-1379 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 4PM Monday - 9PM, Friday Saturday 9AM Monday - 9PM, Sunday 10AM Monday - 6PM Mineral pool, hot tub, eucalyptus steam room. Massages and other treatments available.

• Mountain Spa 111 Banff Ave 51.175152,-115.571315 2nd floor of Harmony Lane Mall ☎ +1 403-762-0473 +1-888-762-0473 Steam room. Treatments available include massages, dual massages, vichy showers, pedicures, facials.

• Red Earth Spa 521 Banff Ave 51.184219,-115.560754 Banff Caribou Lodge ☎ +1 403-762-9292 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 9PM (varies seasonally) Access to hotel hot pool, steam rooms and exercise rooms. Massage, body wraps, various other treatments.

• Rimrock Spa 300 Mountain Ave 51.150978,-115.559218 Rimrock Resort Hotel ☎ +1 403-762-1835 +1-888-RIMROCK Opening Hours: Daily 8AM Monday - 10PM There are two individual private massage rooms, one facial/Vichy room, a second facial room, 2 manicure stations and 3 pedicure stations in the spa. Two couples/double private massage rooms are located on the 4th and 5th floors. Spa guests may also use the hotel pool, whirlpool, private secluded sauna and outdoor patio decks.

• Willow Stream Spa 405 Spray Ave 51.164577,-115.560896 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel ☎ +1 403-762-1772 +1-800-404-1772 Opening Hours: Daily 8AM Monday - 8PM Banff's most luxurious spa has a huge variety of treatments on offer. Reservations are recommended.

Winter

Skiing and snowboarding

Banff National Park is home to three ski areas, all within easy drive of the Banff townsite. Driving to the hill is not strictly required, as ski shuttles have stops convenient to most hotels. They will take you to the mountain of your choice and back again. Shuttle buses are included in the price of some ski passes, or you may have to pay a fare (C$15).

Of the three Banff National Park ski areas, only Sunshine Village has ski-in ski-out lodgings. However, access to Sunshine is solely through their gondola. The gondola stops running Saturday - Thursday at 4PM and Friday at 10PM. Sunshine is a village in name only; there are very few activities there after the ski lifts shut down for the day. Most skiers stay in the town of Banff or the village of Lake Louise.

The ski season in Banff runs from early November to mid-April. The final day of skiing at Sunshine Village is always on Victoria Day, in late May.

• Norquay - End of Mount Norquay Scenic Drive 51.203106,-115.598296 ☎ +1 403-762-4421 C$61 for full day adult ticket The closest mountain to the Banff townsite and it is much used by the local residents. It is unique in the area because you can pay for skiing by the hour and night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a tube park for non-skiers (and non-boarders.) The ski season is a little shorter at Norquay, because it is at a lower altitude than Sunshine and Lake Louise and snowfall is less consistent. The trails here lean more towards steep and difficult, although there is still plenty of easy terrain. Giv'er Grandi (formerly Excalibur, accessed via Mystic Express lift) is North America's steepest groomed piste. The lodge is not much good for breakfast; lunch and soft-drinks on the deck can't be beat however!

• Sunshine Village - End of Sunshine Road 51.115416,-115.764475 ☎ +1 403-705-4000 +1-877-542-2633 C$85 full day adult ticket - 20 minutes west of the Banff townsite. It also receives more snow than the other two resorts and benefits from a higher elevation and a generally longer ski season. All natural snow, no snow-making. Also fantastic scenery. and is the only resort of the three to have on-hill lodging. Buffet breakfast served in the lodge at the bottom of the gondola - not much else until lunchtime once you get to the top.

• See also Lake Louise Ski Resort

All the ski hills are busier on the weekends. Lake Louise tends to get icy if it hasn't snowed in a while, but with fresh snow is hard to beat. Sunshine Village has been giving them some competition with their new terrain and improvements however. Especially in the early season, pay attention to how many runs are open and how much recent snow has been received in the snow reports - they are better indications of the conditions than the generic conditions ratings given by the hills (the conditions are always at least 'good' according to their ratings). If you only have a few hours and want to ski where the local residents ski check out Ski Norquay, it has nice long open runs with great views of the town.

Lift passes

If you arrive before December 31 and you intend to ski at least 3 days at Sunshine Village, or a combination of three days at Sunshine and at Marmot Basin in Jasper, consider buying a ot-card/ Sunshine-Marmot card. The card costs about the same price as one lift ticket. The first, fourth and seventh times you use the card you get a free lift ticket, all other times you get C$10 off (you are ahead quite a bit by the third day). These cards can be purchased on the hill (either Sunshine or Marmot Basin), or also at Safeway stores in Edmonton and Calgary and are valid at Sunshine Village in Banff and Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper. The Sunshine-Marmot cards are available for purchase until December 31 but can be used all season.

Louise Plus cards are very similar to Sunshine Marmot Cards. In addition to Lake Louise and they are also honored at four other ski areas: Castle (near Pincher Creek, Alberta); Revelstoke (Revelstoke, BC); Panorama (Panorama, BC) and Schweitzer (Sandpoint, Idaho, USA).

You can purchase a Tri-Area Pass for Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Norquay. This ticket includes the bus transportation and can be used at any of the three hills at any time.

Ski and snowboard rentals

There are a number of great places in the Town of Banff that will rent high quality skis, snowboards and boots. Some will also rent winter coats and pants. All Banff National Park ski areas require skiers & snowboarders under age 18 to wear helmets. Adults will find that not only do helmets protect your head when you fall, but they do a great job of keeping your head warm in cold and windy weather.

• Abominable Sports 229 Banff Ave. 51.178330,-115.571061 ☎ +1 403-762-2905 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 9PM Downhill ski equipment, snowshoes for rent. They only rent new skis, not older models.

• Banff Ski Hub 119 Banff Ave 51.175528,-115.571249 ☎ +1 403-762-4754 Rents downhill ski and snowboard equipment, winter clothing.

• Chateau Mountain Sports 405 Spray Ave 51.163536,-115.560732 Fairmont Banff Springs Convention Centre ☎ +1 403-762-2500 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 8PM Renting equipment for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing (skate-skiing & classic). They also rent snowshoes, ice skates, hockey sticks & pucks.

• Rude Boys & Rude Girls Snow and Skat - 215 Banff Ave 51.177596,-115.571503 Lower level of Sundance Mall ☎ +1 403-762-8480 Snowboarding equipment only. Second location at 205 Caribou St.

• Snowtips-Backtrax /ski-snowboard-rentals 225 Bear Street 51.178111,-115.572481 Beside the Lux Cinema ☎ +1 403-762-8177 In addition to downhill ski equipment and they rent cross country skis, light touring skis, skate skis, telemark skis, ski clothing & helmets, ice skates, crampons, snowshoes, winter boots and sleds.

• Soul Ski and Bike 203A Bear Street 51.176845,-115.572578 ☎ +1 403-760-1650 Downhill ski and snowboard equipment.

• Ultimate Ski & Ride 206 Banff Ave 51.176877,-115.570650 ☎ +1 403-760-7583 +1-866-SKI-RIDE Ski and snowboard equipment for rent. They have a second location at Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Avenue.

Ski and snowboard lessons

In addition to the skiing & snowboarding schools at Lake Louise and there are some independent ski and board schools.

• Club Snowboard/Ski 119 Banff Av - A top notch snowboard and ski school with small groups of 4-6. Snowboard methods do vary from European and they tend to teach you to "surf" on snow rather than carve as you would on skis.

• SnowSkool 801 Hidden Ridge Way 51.185116,-115.548494 SnowSkool offers a range of shared, catered lodging in the Banff Alpine Centre as part of the company's ski and snowboard instructor packages, although you’d have to sign up for a course as part of the package. Prices are around £7350 for a 13-week course and stay, with meals and return flights included in the price.

Other winter activities

• Ice skating. There are outdoor skating rinks at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (fire, heated shelter) and at Banff Community High School (right next to Banff Avenue). A section of the Bow River is also cleared for skating. However, as always with bodies of natural ice, Ice safety|be careful. There is an indoor rink at Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Ice skates can be rented from some of the ski rental business.
• Snowshoeing. Strap on snowshoes and walk through pristine snow like the fur traders did in days gone by, a true winter experience. Guided snowshoe walks are available, or you can rent snowshoes from some ski rental shops. Snowshoeing is subject to the same avalanche risks as cross-country skiing; check the current avalanche risk for your planned route with Parks Canada or at the website of the Canadian Avalanche Centre. In March 2014, four snowshoers were killed when they went into avalanche terrain near Lake Louise without proper training or equipment.

• Sleigh rides Warner Stables on Sundance Road 51.174665,-115.581651 ☎ +1 403-762-4551 +1-800-661-8352 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 8PM From C$30/adult Their 12- and 18-passenger sleighs do hourly trips near the Banff townsite. Rides are roughly 45 minutes. They will provide hats & mittens if needed, blankets are also supplied to bundle up in. Couples can book a private 2-seater sleigh ride for C$182 per couple.

• Tubing and sledding - Tube parks at Mt Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Summer

Summer in Banff, just like winter, is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails accessible from the main town, as well as tours for horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain biking and more. Be warned though - some smaller tour companies are not as professional as the larger tour companies. If they are overbooked and they may pass your credit card details along to a third party without your knowledge and book another tour on your behalf (not always at the same price and not always the same tour!) Hummingbird Sitting on Bike - Hummingbird sitting on a spoke of a bike wheel in Banff

• Canoeing & kayaking with Banff Adventures Unlimited - formerly Blue Canoe - Banff canoe docks on Bow River 51.178022,-115.577042 ☎ +1 403-762-4554 +1-800-644-8888 C$36 per person for one hour Three minutes walk from the centre of Banff, you can find the canoe docks. There, you can rent canoe or kayak to take a tranquil journey on the Bow River. 1- and 2-person kayaks available; canoes seat three. Guided Tours in Banff by ehalal.io (email for prices) in large voyageur canoes are offered twice daily. Purchase canoe vouchers at 211 Bear Street.

• Holiday on Horseback Warner Stables or Spray River Corrals 51.174328,-115.582164 End of Sundance Road ☎ +1 403-762-4551 +1-800-661-8352 From C$46 per person Trail rides, Western cookouts (trail ride and campfire meal) and back-country rides. Wagons are available so that your whole group can go together, including non-riders.

• Rocky Mountain Raft Tours Base of Bow Falls 51.164600,-115.556419 ☎ +1 403-762-3632 From C$50 per adult Float trips down the Bow River starting near the base of Bow Falls. The only rafting trips that take place inside Banff National Park; other rafting operators will pick you up in Banff and then start the trip somewhere outside the park. Season is from mid-May to late Sept.

• Banff Legacy Trail - 22-km cycle path between Banff and Canmore.

• Mountain biking , - Mountain biking is allowed on [ designated trails in Banff National Park, most of which have trail-heads in or near the town of Banff. Bike trails are also used by hikers, equestrians, bears and other wildlife. Freeriding and downhilling are not permitted in the national park.

• Rock climbing , - The area around Banff offers climbing for climbers of all levels — all climbs will happen with certified guides. Good places for beginners are Rundle Rock near the golf course and Yamnuska Bluffs and Zygote Crag. Advanced climbers should head to Wasootch Creek, Heart Creek and a site near Lake Louise. Prices for climbing tours are a few hundred dollars for one person, but the per person price is less if there are two or more of you.

• Via Ferrata at Norquay GPS 51.2040,-115.5985 - A bit safer way of climbing, also performed with guides. You go up the mountain along a sort of ladders on the mountain wall.

• Fishing , Companies arrange fishing tours on Lake Minnewanka. There are both boat and wading tours. Some tours include equipment and/or the mandatory fishing permit (C$36.36+GST), inquire beforehand!

• Banff Springs Golf Course 51.1723,-115.5438 - If you'd like to play golf and there's a 27-hole public golf course near to and operated by the landmark hotel. Along the season, several golf tournaments are arranged there.

Hiking and wildlife viewing

Banff has the most beautiful trails surrounding it. You can pick up a free trail map at the Visitor Centre, or find many trail maps online, as [ downloadable pdf files. Another option is to go with a hiking guide and group, different locations are available.

While in the area, always keep your eyes peeled as there are so many animals to spot in the summer in Banff. It is important to keep your distance, though, as wildlife is wild and they should be kept that way and they can be dangerous too! In the spring, female elk are very protective of their calves, who may lie hidden out of sight; in fall, bull elk are extremely aggressive during the rut. For this reason, you will need a Travel telephoto lens to get good photos of wildlife while staying safe.

How can you tell that you are getting too close to wildlife? If the animal stares at you, moves away from you (even just a few steps), or behaves aggressively toward you and then you should back away until that behavior stops. Also, it is illegal to feed wildlife in a national park.

Visitors often confuse bighorn sheep with mountain goats. Goats are white with black noses and short black horns and are seen high up on rocky ledges. Bighorn sheep are brown, with white rump patches and brown horns. They are seen by roadsides and grazing on grasses close to rocky outcrops.

• Sulphur Mountain Trail 51.1442,-115.5745 - Rather than taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, you can hike the trail up to the top of the ridge and catch the gondola down. (It's half price to just take the gondola down, but it's free before 10AM and after 7PM.) The trail is steep but manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Note that there is a little-used road that goes down the side of Sulphur Mountain that is away from the town, which has been mistaken for the hiking trail; the road is much longer than the hiking trail. If you opt to hike down after taking the gondola up, you should be able to see the gondola towers and cables on your way down, as the hiking trail zigzags below the gondola lift.

• Tunnel Mountain Trail GPS 51.1754,-115.5618 - A hike of 4.3 kilometers, ranked as "easy". It starts from downtown Banff and takes you up the Tunnel Mountain, from where you have a nice view over the surroundings. You won't find any tunnel along the trail; when the Canadian Pacific railway was constructed in the late 19th century a plan was to build a tunnel through this mountain but it never happened.

• Fenland Trail GPS 51.1813,-115.5798 - A very good spot for birdwatching all year and you may also see beaver or muskrat in 40 Mile Creek. May be closed in spring due to calving elk. (Cow elk are very protective of calves.)

• Marsh Loop GPS 51.1709,-115.5881 - An easy walk of 2.4 kilometers through the marshlands near Banff. Thit is a good place for birdwatching and there are good views of Mount Norquay.

• Bow River Trail 51.1704,-115.5632 - The Bow River Trail is a riverside trail of 0.9 or 1.4 kilometers, which are paved and according to the home page of the Town of Banff even wheelchair accessible.

• Hoodoo Trail 51.1680,-115.5572 - A popular walk to the hoodoos (a kind of rock formations) east of Banff.

• Sunshine Meadows 51.1144,-115.7670 - An alpine park with trails with varying difficulty levels. There are guided walks too and the area offers good views of the highest mountains in the Banff National Park. Shuttle bus access from Banff.

• Lake Minnewanka Loop GPS 51.2472,-115.4991 Great spot to see bighorn sheep next to the road, especially when you get to Lake Minnewanka and the area around Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake.

• Bow Valley Parkway bvp 51.171,-115.661 - A scenic route from Banff to Lake Louise, running parallel to Highway 1. You have a good chance at seeing different mammals like bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, deer and grizzly bears. There are seasonal travel restrictions.

• Banff Springs Golf Course GPS 51.1671,-115.5493 Great Muslim Friendly place to find elk all year round. They love grazing on the lush grass.

• Mount Norquay Road GPS 51.1900,-115.5837 - Look for bighorn sheep here and if you are lucky, you may also spot a mountain goat along the cliffs.

Islam in Banff

The Bow Valley Muslim Association (BVMA) in Banff and Canmore is more than just a masjid; it's a vibrant hub for the Muslim community in the Bow Valley region. Established with the goal of serving both the spiritual and social needs of Muslims in the area, BVMA has become a vital institution for fostering a sense of belonging and connection among community members.

The association provides a range of essential services, including daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and special observances during Ramadan and Eid. The mosque is open to locals and visitors alike, making it an accessible space for worship, reflection, and community engagement. For many Muslim travelers visiting the picturesque town of Banff, the BVMA serves as a spiritual sanctuary amidst the stunning natural landscape.

In addition to its religious functions, the Bow Valley Muslim Association is deeply committed to education and outreach. The mosque often hosts educational programs, including Quranic studies, lectures, and youth activities aimed at nurturing the next generation of the Muslim community. These programs are designed not only to enhance religious knowledge but also to instill values of compassion, respect, and community service.

Moreover, the BVMA actively engages with the broader community in Banff and Canmore, working to build bridges of understanding and cooperation. Through interfaith dialogues, community service projects, and cultural events, the association promotes a message of unity and inclusivity. By fostering positive relationships with other local organizations and residents, the BVMA plays a crucial role in enhancing the multicultural fabric of the region.

For Muslims living in or visiting Banff, the Bow Valley Muslim Association offers a welcoming environment where they can practice their faith and connect with others. Whether you’re attending a prayer service, participating in a community event, or seeking guidance, the BVMA is dedicated to supporting the spiritual and social well-being of its members. Its commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in the community makes it an integral part of life in Banff and Canmore.

Shopping in Banff

Enjoy strolling alongside local residents and world-travellers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store. A recommended way to experience the highlights is to start on Banff Avenue at the Cascade Plaza mall, do a quick circuit of the shops there and then head down Banff Avenue towards the Bow River. Thit is the retail, cafe and restaurant heart of Banff. Once you get near the river, turn around and head back on the other side of Banff Avenue to complete the Banff shopping loop.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Banff

Banff is an exciting place to visit on all fronts and the palate is not excluded. There are fine Halal dining and even Candies shops.

Banff can be an expensive place to dine as it is a tourist destination but the Halal restaurants are fairly priced.

Saffron Indian Bistro

Rating: 4.5 | Price: $20–30 | Location: 205 Wolf St
Saffron Indian Bistro offers a delightful array of Halal options with a menu that showcases the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. Guests rave about the delicious food and warm ambiance, making it a must-visit spot in Banff.

The Balkan Greek Restaurant

Rating: 4.3 | Price: $$$ | Location: 120 Banff Ave
This popular Greek restaurant offers Halal lamb dishes, including their renowned lamb shank. It's a great spot for those seeking a mix of Mediterranean flavors and Halal dining options.

Banff Shawarma

Rating: 4.0 | Price: $10–20 | Location: 317 Banff Avenue
Known for its delicious and authentic Shawarma, Banff Shawarma offers a fully Halal menu, making it a convenient and tasty choice for Halal-conscious travelers.

Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant Banff

Rating: 4.7 | Price: $20–30 | Location: 211 Banff Ave (2nd floor)
Zyka is a top-rated restaurant offering elevated Indian cuisine with Halal options. The restaurant is praised for its flavorful dishes and excellent service.

Night Owl Shawarma Donair & Convenience

Rating: 2.9 | Price: $10–20 | Location: 211 Banff Ave
Night Owl provides a quick and satisfying Shawarma experience, with Halal options available. It's a convenient stop for those looking for a late-night bite in Banff.

Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine

Rating: 4.4 | Price: $20–30 | Location: WOLF & BEAR MALL, 229 Bear St
Masala is known for its authentic Indian dishes, including the highly recommended Zafrani Murgh Tikka. The restaurant offers a variety of Halal options in a cozy setting.

Indian Curry House-Banff

Rating: 4.4 | Price: $20–30 | Location: 225 Banff Ave #202
This popular spot offers a wide range of Halal Indian dishes with excellent service, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Banff offers a diverse selection of Halal restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisines in this beautiful mountain town. Whether you're in the mood for Indian, Greek, or Middle Eastern, there's something for everyone.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Banff

Banff - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Banff, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banff. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Banff and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Banff. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Banff. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Banff: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Banff.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Banff: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Banff, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Banff.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Banff, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Banff, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Banff and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Banff, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Banff, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Banff without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Banff is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Banff.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Banff is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Banff, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Banff Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Banff

eHalal Group Banff is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Banff. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Banff.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Banff ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at C$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Banff. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at C$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Banff, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Banff are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at C$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Banff

Ramadan 2025 in Banff

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Banff

Being a national park, Banff has plenty of lodging. However, book early, because places fill up quickly in winter and summer. To live in Banff, as opposed to being a perpetual tourist, residents must have a business in town. If you have access to a car, another often cheaper alternative is to stay in Canmore and drive to the ski resorts or into Banff.

Most hotels are along Banff Avenue or on Tunnel Mountain Road.

• Aspen Lodge Banff
• Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
• Banff Voyager Inn
• Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge Banff
• Brewster's Mountain Lodge Banff
• Buffalo Mount Lodge Banff
• Caribou Lodge & Spa Banff
• Delta Lodge At Kananaskis
• Delta Royal Canadian Lodge Banff
• Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets Banff
• Driftwood Inn Banff
• Fox Hotel & Suites Banff
• Inns of Banff Hotel
• King Edward Hotel Banff
• Ptarmigan Inn Banff
• Rundle Manor Hotel Banff
• Spruce Grove Inn Banff
• Swiss Village Lodge Banff
• The Fairmont Banff Springs
• The Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff

Telecommunications

All phone numbers must be preceded by a local area code. The area codes 403 and 587 are used for Banff & Lake Louise and most of Southern Alberta. If you see a Banff phone number without an area code, use the older area code, 403.

Stay safe in Banff

Banff has a lot of wildlife roaming in and around the town. Be careful of elk and deer when driving in the town. The most dangerous wildlife in Banff National Park are not bears or cougars, but elk. In spring, female (cow) elk are very protective of their offspring and will charge anyone who they consider a threat. In the fall, male (bull) elk are rutting and very aggressive. Cow elk weigh roughly 230 kg (507 lb), while bull elk weigh about 320 kg (705 lbs). Both sexes are capable of seriously injuring a person and rutting males have also damaged cars.

Thirty years ago, bears used to be quite common within the town but conservation efforts have largely fixed this problem. Garbage and litter within the town must be discarded into bear-proof containers. In Banff National Park it is illegal to feed any wildlife and both stupid and illegal to feed bears. "A fed bear is a dead bear": bears who learn to associate humans with food engage in behaviours that are threatening to humans and ultimately fatal to the bear.

Avalanches are a risk in winter. This risk is not limited to people engaging in activities like cross-country (Nordic) skiing, skiing off piste, ice climbing, or snowmobiling. The winter of 2013-2014 was particularly tragic in Banff National Park because four people were killed by an avalanche when snowshoeing and two people were killed by an avalanche when sledding. None of them had any avalanche gear with them.

Learn to identify avalanche hazards. An avalanche slope has enough of a slope to it that you can ski or sled down, but is not so steep that it won't hold snow.

Be alert to your surroundings. Not all cliffs or other unsafe areas are marked with signs or blocked off by railings. Some travellers disregard railings and warning signs of unsafe terrain, when they exist, because they are keen on getting a closer look or taking photographs. Even if the risk is not obvious to you, it's best to assume that someone put up the barriers and safety messages for a good reason.

Emergency contacts

• Ambulance/Police/Fire: 9-1-1.

• Banff Mineral Springs Hospital 305 Lynx Street 51.17902,-115.576068 ☎ +1 403-762-2222

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Banff

• If you are staying in the Banff and Lake Louise area and don't mind the slightly longer drive, you may also consider the Kicking Horse Ski resort just over the border in Golden, British Columbia west of Yoho National Park, Banff's sister park and Canada's second protected area.
• Drive along highway 1A west of Banff.
• Johnston Canyon hiking.
• Bow Falls is located close to the Banff townsite.
• Peyto Lake, in Banff National Park, is 40 km north of the town on the Icefields Parkway.
• Jasper National Park — even more magnificent Rockies landscapes and hiking trails.
• Calgary — the largest city in the province, world famous for its Stampede and an access point to many of the region's national parks.
• Edmonton — set in a beautiful river valley park system
• Kamloops
• Lake Louise
• Calgary
• Canmore

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