If you want to create sweet memories from your last few days as a single, throwing a bachelor or bachelorette party at Banff National Park is an excellent idea! There are plenty of adventures, good food, drinks and party options. This article will help you get the most out of it.
So you want to throw a stag or stagette party? Banff has almost everything you could wish for. Nothing can beat the setting of the town of Banff and all the opportunities it provides.
When I think of it, the main thing the park can’t offer is big-city vibes. But carousing on Banff Avenue will do the trick; you’ll have a fantastic night in town. Promise! I know by experience, eh. 🙂
I included everything you should know in this post to make things easy for you. Let’s dive in.
Bachelor or Bachelorette Party: Why Banff is Perfect
Yup, Banff is the PERFECT place to throw a bachelor or bachelorette party. And there are several reasons for it:
- The setting is unbeatable. Surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, Banff offers guests an incredible natural backdrop for any party or event.
- Banff is home to many great bars, clubs and restaurants for a perfect night out.
- Banff is a relatively small town, so it’s easy to get around and find everything you need. And everything is within walking distance as well. Could come in handy when you’re totally wasted.
- Banff is home to several great hotel and lodging options, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your group.
What to Think Of?
I get it; throwing your bachelor or bachelorette party in Banff should be fun and without worries. Because, eh, those will come once you’re married…
Just kidding. Still, if you go to Banff with a relatively big group, you might want to ensure everything’s properly planned. To help you achieve this, I listed some things you want to take care of before you head out to the park and party till you drop.
- Plan ahead and book your tickets early. This will ensure you get the best price for your plane ticket and hotel room. If you wait until the last minute, you may find that the prices have gone up significantly. I’m talking months ahead, not weeks.
- Make sure to book a restaurant that accommodates the size of your group well in advance. This is especially important if you’re going to Banff over the summer or for a long weekend.
- The same goes for a tour or activity you might want to do, like rafting, via ferrata, skiing, cycling, golfing, horseback riding etc. Your group’s size will affect the availability. The bigger your group, the earlier you should book your tour or activity. Below I listed some tour companies that organize many cool tours and activities.
- Think about your means of transportation to the park. If you’re flying into Calgary, you’ll need a ride by bus or car, as there is no train service to Banff. Although it is theoretically possible to fly to Vancouver and then take the Rocky Mountaineer to reach Banff, driving is definitely advisable. How many cars are you going to need to rent? You might do better working with a limo service that provides group transportation.
Getting to Banff
If you’re flying in, you’re most likely to fly to Calgary. Vancouver is possible, but then you’d still need to drive almost 1000 kilometers (621 mi) to get to Banff.
Maybe you’d like to gather in a central location in Calgary and then continue as a group. As mentioned in point 4 above, you’ll need a car to get to the park. Below you’ll find information on companies with group transport to the park.
Private group transports from Calgary Airport and the city center to Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise are available through Discover Banff Tours. You can reserve them online and specify the kind of car you want to use for your trip. They request that you call for a quote on this option.
Rocky Mountain Shuttle is a personal transportation service available 24 hours a day. This company also provides group transportation. You can travel to Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise using the Rocky Mountain Shuttle. Reservations are necessary. For this, you can make a call, shoot them a message through Whatsapp, or send a message using the website.
Three Sisters Transportation is yet another option. This Canmore-based company offer transportation to and from your favorite night-life hot spot.
COMPANY | Address | Phone | Website | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Discover Banff Tours | 215 Banff Avenue, Banff (in the Sundance Mall) | +1 403 – 760 5007 | banfftours.com | info@banfftours.com |
Rocky Mountain Shuttle | 60 Glendale Way, Cochrane | +1 403 – 829 2667 | rockiesshuttle.ca | N/A |
Three Sisters Transportation | 202 – 1080 Railway Avenue, Canmore | +1 403 – 493 8558 | threesisterstransportation.ca | threesisterstrans@gmail.com |
What Things Can You Do in Banff During a Bachelor Party?
Stag and hen parties in Banff are usually pretty wild. There are many things to ensure the groom- or bride-to-be has an experience they’ll never forget. Here are a few ideas for both summer and winter:
- 1. Go skiing or snowboarding
- 2. Go snowshoeing
- 3. Go skating
- 4. Go dogsledding
- 5. Go hiking
- 6. Drink and dance the night away
- 7. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain
- 8. Go for a hike or a bike ride through the park
- 9. Go horseback riding through the wilderness
- 10. Play golf at the stunning Banff Springs golf course
- 11. Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- 12. Take a tour of a local brewery
- 13. Go whitewater rafting down the Bow River
- 14. Go paddling on a lake or river on a canoe, kayak or SUP
- 15. Spend a day exploring the town of Banf
- 16. Indulge your group’s sense of adventure by going on a via ferrata trek up Mount Norquay
- 17. Go test your singing skills in a karaoke bar
- 18. Try to hit as many strikes as possible at ten-pin bowling
- 19. Test your inner Houdini in an escape room
- 20. Do a scavenger hunt through the town of Banff
- 21. Do a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka
- 22. Visit the world-famous Banff Springs Hotel, a historic landmark
These are just a bunch of ideas. You can also read the post on remarkable tours in Banff to get several more interesting options. Whatever you do, make sure you take advantage of all Banff has to offer!
What Banff Restaurants Accommodate Large Groups?
The cool thing about most restaurants in Banff is that they are situated in the center. So when you’ve finished dinner, you’ll be at a bar or nightclub within a few minutes.
Many restaurants in Banff accommodate large groups. Below you’ll find some good options.
Firstly, El Toro. This restaurant offers Mexican-, Canadian- and Spanish-influenced cuisine. Cool fact: El Toro offers a variety of menu options for bigger group reservations. It’s situated on Banff Avenue, and a 5-minute stroll will take you to the town center.
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar has two locations in Banff, both on Banff Avenue. One of them is downtown. This inviting restaurant – you guessed it – serves a selection of steaks and other meats. On the Keg’s website, you can make a request for a group reservation.
The Grizzly House is a steak and fondue restaurant that caters to groups of all sizes for lunch and dinner. Their food is truly excellent, and despite the menu’s emphasis on meat dishes (which includes rattlesnake…), it is diverse enough to cater to a variety of tastes. Their raclette and a variety of fondue alternatives can be an excellent idea for groups.
Melissa’s MisSteak is another excellent meat lovers alternative. The restaurant accommodates groups and provides good steaks in a good atmosphere.
If you’re into a quick, good and trusted Italian bite, then the Old Spaghetti Factory will suffice. It’s big, spacious and perfect for big groups. And it’s conveniently located in the Cascade Mall in downtown Banff.
If you want to know what restaurants there are in Banff, I listed them all in the post The Ultimate Overview of restaurants in Banff.
RESTAURANT | Address | Phone | Website | |
---|---|---|---|---|
El Toro | 429 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 762 2520 | eltorobanff.com | eltororestaurant@shaw.ca |
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar | 117 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 760 3030 | kegsteakhouse.com | kegcommunity@kegrestaurants.com |
The Grizzly House | 207 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 762 4055 | banffgrizzlyhouse.com | N/A |
Melissa’s MisSteak | 201 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 762 5511 | melissasmissteak.com | melissa@melssteak.com |
The Old Sphaghetti Factory | 317 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 760 2779 | oldspaghettifactory.ca | banff@osf.ca |
What Banff Hotels Accommodate Large Groups?
When planning a Banff bachelor or stagette party, finding an accommodation best suits your group’s needs is essential.
There are a variety of hotels in Banff that can accommodate large groups, so you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for your party.
A good option is looking at condo-style hotels, as they are generally capable of accommodating groups. There are several good hotels you can check out.
A good option is Castle Mountain Chalets. It is situated midway between Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll find lovely wooden cabins at the base of Castle Mountain, one of Banff National Park’s most recognizable summits. If you’re seeking a wilderness feeling at a good location, this is it. They have two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six people, though they require you to spend two nights for this option.
A second good chalet option is Baker Creek Chalets (photo below). A little closer to Lake Louise, this hotel is also located on the Bow Valley Parkway and comprises several lovely log cabins. Yes, there are beautiful vistas here as well, making it unquestionably worthwhile to visit.
In the town of Banff, the Hidden Ridge Resort at Tunnel Mountain is one of them. Even if it’s a little further from Banff’s center, it’s still not far from the Trans-Canada Highway, the starting point of your upcoming stag or hen party adventure! You can reach their reservations department at + 1 800 – 661 1372 to make a group reservation.
A bit closer to the center, the Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets has hotel rooms and chalets that take up to ten people. Inquiries about group rates via info@douglasfir.com or call +1 800 – 661 9267.
The Caribou Lodge & Spa is an excellent option for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience. The lodge requires you to call their Reservations Team (+1 800 – 563 8764) to make group reservations.
Since The Caribou Lodge & Spa’s owner also owns Tunnel Mountain Resort, the same policy and phone number apply to this property. It is a little further from downtown Banff, but it has a beautiful location on Tunnel Mountain and is still only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) from Banff Avenue.
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, the Banff Voyager Inn is a great option. The inn offers a variety of room types to suit every need, and it’s centrally located, so you’ll be close to all the action. The hotel requires you to fill out a form on their contact page if you need to reserve more than 5 rooms.
If you want to know what hotels there are in Banff, I listed them all in the post The Ultimate Overview of hotels in Banff.
HOTEL | Address | Phone | Website | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Castle Mountain Chalets | Bow Valley Parkway | +1 403 – 762 3868 | castlemountain.com | info@castlemountain.com |
Baker Creek Chalets | Bow Valley Parkway | +1 403-522-3761 | basecampresorts.com | bakercreek@basecampresorts.com |
Hidden Ridge Resort | 901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff | +1 403 – 762 3544 | banffhiddenridge.com | reservations@bestofbanff.com |
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets | 525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff | +1 403 – 762 5591 | douglasfir.com | info@douglasfir.com |
Caribou Lodge & Spa | 521 Banff Avenue, Banff | +1 403 – 762 5887 | banffcariboulodge.com | reservations@bestofbanff.com |
Tunnel Mountain Resort | 502 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff | +1 403 -762 4515 | tunnelmountain.com | reservations@bestofbanff.com |
Banff Voyager Inn | 555 Banff Avenue, Banff | +1 888 – 205 7322 | banff-voyager-inn.h-rez.com | N/A |
Stay in Canmore
If you feel Banff hotel prices are a bit too steep, you could consider spending the night in Canmore. Canmore is only a twenty-minute drive away from the town of Banff and is also situated in the Rockies. Hotels in Canmore typically cost less than those in Banff.
What Companies Are Aimed at Bachelor Parties in Banff?
There are a couple of companies aimed at bachelor parties in Banff:
– Check out Yervana to learn more about their bachelor or bachelorette party options. ATVing, mountain biking, canyoning, eFoiling, flyboarding hike and yoga are just a few of the possibilities they offer.
– Another company to check out is banffpartyco.com. They offer bachelor and bachelorette packages, just like bar crawls, brewery and distillery tours. They also provide a limousine service to get around the park.
– Your third option is Carte Blanche. Although this company is active throughout Canada, Banff is the focus of one of its programs. They give you a quote after letting you build your bachelor or bachelorette party. Handy!
Tour Companies
Tour operators offer a wide range of excursions and activities in Banff. You’ll find the three most prominent listed below. Due to their broad range, you can quickly scan the enormous diversity of trips and activities.
These businesses have partnerships with many local organizers specializing in a particular activity. Of course you can also book your tour with a local organizer.
Discover Banff Tours has a dedicated page for groups on its website.
TOUR COMPANY | Address | Phone | Website | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Banff Adventures | 211 Bear Street | +1 403 – 762 4554 | banffadventures.com | info@banffadventures.com |
Discover Banff Tours | 215 Banff Avenue, Banff (in the Sundance Mall) | +1 403 – 760 5007 | banfftours.com | info@banfftours.com |
Yervana | – | +1 855 – 403 8808 | yervana.com | support@yervana.com |
Viator | – | +1 (702) 648-5873 | viator.com | cseu@Viator.com |
How Much Does a Bachelor Party in Banff Cost?
Banff is a great place to have a bachelor party because there are many things to do. The cost of a Banff bachelor party will depend on how many people are in the group, what activities you want to do, and where you stay.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can save money by staying in one of the hostels in Banff. You can also cook your own meals instead of eating out.
There are plenty of free activities to do as well, such as hiking, exploring the town and biking, although in the latter case you would still need to rent bikes. Click on the link to read about Free Things to Do in Banff Town in Summer.
If you want to splurge, you can stay in a luxury hotel like the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Rimrock Resort Hotel or the Fairmont Château Lake Louise and eat at the best restaurants.
You can also add on extras like helicopter tours and spa days. The cost of a Banff bachelor party (one day and night) typically ranges between CAD 3,000 and CAD 6,000, depending on the number of people and the activities you choose.
Banff is expensive. If you want to better understand what prices to expect, please read the post How Much Does a Banff Vacation Cost.
If a bachelor party is still one step too far, you might want to check the post listing 22 enchanting dates for Banff.
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Hi there,
I am looking to book a cruise for my friend’s bachelorette – we are hoping this will be private (10 girls) on Lake Minnewanka. Would love to bring our own snacks/drinks. Would you be able to help us with a quote or point us in the right direction?
Thanks!
Hi Dani,
You might want to check out the Banff Jasper Collection website. They organize cruises on Lake Minnewanka. An other option is Carte Blanche Parties. They offer customized parties.
Good luck!
Dan