Whether you’re visiting with colleagues, friends or family, those who visit Banff with a large group sometimes face challenges that you otherwise don’t have to worry about. This article gives you valuable tips.
Of course, visiting Banff with a large group is no problem, but you will encounter some challenges here and there. Maybe not in the park itself (after all, there is more than enough space), but in some practical matters.
Like parking, for example. Or accommodating all group members in the same hotel. What about a restaurant that can seat the whole group. Preferably at one table. And does your preferred tour have enough places for everyone?
Car Rental
If you want to visit Banff with a large group from (the region of) Calgary, you have to use transport by car or bus, because unfortunately Banff has no airport for commercial flights and there is no train to Banff (yet). Fortunately, there are several parties with whom you can bring your company to your hotel in the Rockies in a van or, if desired, in a comfortable limousine. You can find them below.
Banff Sedan
Banff Sedan offers private transfers. Check the website for the different options and their rates.
Banff Sedan
Address: 141 Eagle Crescent, Banff
Website: banffsedan.com
Phone: +1 888 – 449 2901 (free) / +1 403 – 762 3330 (local)
E-mail: info@banffsedan.com
Banff Transportation Group
Banff Transportation Group has various options for transporting groups, including customized sightseeing packages.
Banff Transportation Group
Address: 101 Owl Street, banff
Website: banfftransportation.com
Phone: + 1 403 – 762 3111
E-mail: info@banfftransportation.com
Brewster Express
Brewster has been a household name in the Rockies for decades. The company also offers private transfers, should high(er) prices not be an objection. The shuttle bus connects Calgary with Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Brewster Express
Address: 100 Gopher Street, Banff
Website: banffjaspercollection.com
Phone: +1 877 – 625 4372
E-mail: through form on website
Discover Banff Tours
Discover Banff Tours operates a shuttle bus service from Calgary Airport and downtown Calgary to Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. Private transfers for groups are also available. You can choose which type of car you want to travel in.
Discover Banff Tours
Address: 215 Banff Avenue, Banff (in the Sundance Mall)
Phone: +1 403 – 760 5007
Website: banfftours.com
E-mail: info@banfftours.com
Limo to Go
Limo to Go has several options for the type of transportation for groups, from shuttle buses to luxurious party buses. The company also has a Wedding Limo Service for weddings.
Limo to Go
Address: 1804 Crowchild Trail N.W, Calgary
Phone: +1 403 – 619 4629
Text Message: + 1 403 – 619 4629
Website: limotogo.ca
E-mail: info@limotogo.ca
Rocky Mountain Shuttle
Rocky Mountain Shuttle is a personal transport service available 24 hours a day for Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise trips. Reservations are required.
Rocky Mountain Shuttle
Address: 60 Glendale Way, Cochrane, AB
Telephone: +1 403 – 829 2667
Website: rockiesshuttle.ca
E-mail: through form on website
RTB Tours
RTB Tours offers various transport options, from scheduled services to bus charter services, private tours and shuttle services for weddings. Transportation of groups goes up to a maximum of 24 people.
RTB Tours
Address: 2536 7 Ave NE, Calgary
Phone (toll-free): 1-855-595-1855
Website: rtbtours.ca
E-mail: info@rtbtours.ca
Spending the night
Once you arrive in Banff, you will probably need a group accommodation (or you will have to leave again within the day, which is also possible). You then have several options. The most obvious one is, of course, a hotel. But what about spending the night in a log cabin or private accommodation via Air B&B?
Another prominent option if you are visiting Banff with a group is to rent an entire house. Unfortunately, this is not possible in the park. The housing ordinance does not allow it.
That leaves only one option: camping on one of the campgrounds if everyone is up for it. If you want a bit more luxury, but you don’t mind spending the night on a campground, you can rent an oTENTik at Two Jack Lake and the town of Banff. They can accommodate up to six people per oTENTik.
Are you visiting Banff with your family? Click the link to read the post I wrote about Banff for families.
BANFF
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets is located on Tunnel Mountain, just two kilometers (1.24 mi) from the heart of Banff. This hotel offers rooms with a maximum occupancy of six adults. The accommodation has an actual indoor water park and indoor play zone, ideal if children are also part of your group. It is not for nothing that this hotel is known as an excellent family hotel.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets
Address: 525 Tunnel Mountain Road
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5591
Website: douglasfir.com
E-mail: info@douglasfir.com
Tunnel Mountain Resort
Tunnel Mountain Resort is an excellent location for large groups. This hotel offers accommodation for up to ten people. The hotel is situated on Tunnel Mountain at 1.7 kilometers (1.05 mi) from Banff town center. It has cabins with their own kitchen, living room and separate bedrooms. There is also an indoor swimming pool and a small gym.
Tunnel Mountain Resort
Address: 502 Tunnel Mountain Road
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4515
Website: tunnelmountain.com
E-mail: reservations@bestofbanff.com
Hidden Ridge
This resort is also situated on the flanks of Tunnel Mountain. It consists of several separate cottages, some of which accommodate up to ten people. This makes this resort very suitable for groups. The Hidden Resort is 2.5 km (1.55 mi) from the town of Banff. This can be walked, but a car is convenient.
Hidden Ridge
Address: 901 Hidden Ridge Way
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3544
Website: banffhiddenridge.com
E-mail: reservations@bestofbanff.com
Charlton’s Banff
Charlton’s Banff is located on bustling Banff Avenue, just 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the town of Banff’s shopping district. This boutique hotel has rooms for four adults. This may not make it ideal for larger groups, but you can still accommodate eight people by booking two rooms.
Charlton’s Banff
Address: 513 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4485
Website: charltonsbanff.com
E-mail: fom@charltonresorts.com
Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel
The Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel is just steps away from the Bow River and borders Banff’s shopping district. In terms of location, this is an excellent place to be. This hotel accepts 12 persons for one booking and is suitable for larger groups. The location mentioned above and this hotel might be your best option if you visit Banff with a group.
Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel
Address: 222 Lynx Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4433
Website: banffparklodge.com
E-mail: info@banffparklodge.com
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the fourth hotel in this list built on the flanks of Tunnel Mountain. The hotel is only 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the town of Banff, yet you are in the middle of nature. If you want to walk to the shopping district of Banff, it takes about 18 minutes. This beautiful lodge accommodates up to six adults per booking.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Address: 700 Tunnel Mountain Road
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2400
Website: crmr.com
E-mail: bmlguestservices@crmr.com
LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise Inn
The Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suite at the Lake Louise Inn can accommodate eight adults. This accommodation comes complete with a kitchen and two bedrooms. The hotel is located in the middle of Lake Louise Village and close to several restaurants and the Samson Mall, where you will find shops. Everything you need is within walking distance.
Lake Louise Inn
Address: 210 Village Road
Phone: +1 403 – 522 3791
Website: lakelouisinn.com
E-mail: info@lakelouiseinn.com
BACKCOUNTRY LODGES
Baker Creek Chalets
Baker Creek Mountain Resort has cozy log cabins, including one with two bedrooms and room for six adults. The accommodation is between the town of Banff and Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1a). Perhaps not an ideal location, but Banff (38 minutes) and Lake Louise (18 minutes) are not far away. The atmosphere at Baker Creek Mountain Resort makes up for a lot, so it is definitely worth considering.
Baker Creek Chalets
Address: Bow Valley Parkway, AB T0L 1E0
Phone: +1 403 522 3761
Website: bakercreek.com
E-mail: frontdesk@bakercreek.com
Castle Mountain Chalets
Castle Mountain Chalets also offers cozy log cabins for a maximum group size of six people per cabin. Located at the foot of the impressive Castle Mountain, this accommodation is halfway between Banff (24 minutes) and Lake Louise (22 minutes). With Castle Mountain Junction close by, Castle Mountain Chalets make an excellent base for exploring the park.
Castle Mountain Chalets
Address: Banff-Windermere Hwy, Alberta T1L 1B5
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3868
Website: castlemountain.com
E-mail: info@castlemountain.com
Otentik
If you’re into camping and want lovely group accommodation at a campsite, renting an oTENTik is a good idea. These luxurious tents with a wooden A-shaped frame border on glamping and sleep up to six people per OTENTIK. They are available in the park at the Johnston Lake and Tunnel Mountain II Campground.
If you want to read more about oTENTik, I highly recommend reading the post that explains all the ins and outs of oTENTik camping.
Restaurants
If you’re dining out with a large group, your biggest challenge will be finding a place that caters to everyone. Making reservations in time is always helpful, but in Banff, it can still prove challenging for a group, especially in high season.
Fortunately, there are so many restaurants in Banff that you can always find a place where you can go well with groups. Below are ten good restaurants for groups. This does not mean that there are no other restaurants you can visit.
If you want an overview of all restaurants in Banff National Park, read the post The Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Banff.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory – Italian
- Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar – Miscellaneous
- The Maple Leaf – Miscellaneous
- The Bison Restaurant – Miscellaneous
- Block Kitchen + Bar – Miscellaneous
- Banff Ave Brewing Co – Cafe/Pub
- Pacini Banff – Italian
- La Terrazza – Italian
- El Toro Restaurant – Miscellaneous
- Melissa’s MissSteak – Steaks
Banff Attractions
With Banff as your destination, I’m quite sure you want to see some of the park’s natural beauty. The attractions listed below are ideally suited to do just that with groups. They’re easily accessible as well. Hence, most of them you can even reach by public transport. If that’s not the case, I have mentioned it.
Case and Basin National Historic Site
Learn about the mountains’ history at the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. You can join a tour to learn about this historic site or do it independently. This is more than just walking through a cave to view mineral springs. The area also has beautiful hiking trails, interactive exhibits and seasonal events.
Johnston Canyon
A visit to Johnston Canyon is a must. This easy hike takes you through Johnston Canyon to the impressive Upper and Lower Falls. Reaching the Upper Falls requires a little more effort, but you can choose to visit only the Lower Falls. The entire return route to the Upper Falls is 5.4 km (3.34 mi) or 2.2 km (1.36 mi) to the Lower Falls.
Banff Gondola
Another opportunity to see Banff from a different perspective is to take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The gondola offers more than just a ride to the mountain top. There, you can enjoy the beautiful roof terrace views. Inside, you can dine in the Sky Bistro.
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes is located just outside the town of Banff. This beautiful location is the perfect place to experience a sunrise in the Rockies. The iconic Mount Rundle on the horizon makes for an incredible view.
While you’re there, hike the Fenland Trail that starts at the front, off Mt Norquay Road. It only takes half an hour to complete this loop, which is only a modest 1.8 km (1.12 mi) long.
Vermilion Lakes is also an excellent place for a canoe trip or stand-up paddle. The Banff Canoe Club is the place to go.
The Banff Canoe Club
Address: Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5005
Website: banffcanoeclub.com
E-mail: info@banffcanoeclub.com
The Vermilion Lakes are an easy to reach destination that you don’t want to miss while you visit Banff National Park. Read the extensive post The Ultimate Guide to Vermilion Lakes to learn more about this gem.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a long day of hiking, relaxing your muscles with a dip in the mineral-rich waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs is a great idea. Relax while enjoying the spectacular views of Rundle Mountain. In the heritage building, you can learn about the history of these hot springs and why they have been crucial to Banff National Park.
If you want to know about hot springs in the Rockies, read the post Guide to Hot Springs in the Banff Region.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
These two iconic lakes in Banff National Park should be on everyone’s list. In the summer, these lakes get very crowded. If you want to ensure you can park your car or van close to the lake, make sure you arrive on time, meaning well before 8am.
In high season you will have parking problems at the second lake you visit anyway. One solution is the shuttle bus. They leave all day from the car park at the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and at Lake Louise. If you want to know how that works, read the posts The Ultimate Guide to Lake Louise and The Ultimate Guide to Moraine Lake.
Group Activities in Banff
Banff National Park is excellent for various group activities. Of course, these are mainly outdoors and the possibilities are diverse. You can go horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking and much more.
I have listed several excellent possibilities below. I have clustered the activities. The first is about the summer season, and the last three are about the winter. Many more activities are suitable for groups, but these are probably the most appealing and easiest to arrange.
Hike to the top of Tunnel Mountain
Hiking to the top of Tunnel Mountain is popular with visitors and locals alike. This 4.3 km (2.66 mi) hike is not too challenging. It offers panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountains. And the best part is: you can start this hike from the center of Banff. From there, it’s only a one-kilometer (0.62 mi) walk to the trailhead on St Julien Road. The start of the trail is marked by a sign.
Rafting
When visiting Banff National Park, rafting may not be the first activity you think of. Still, it is a serious option if you want to do something fun and memorable with your group. This type of whitewater rafting guarantees the necessary spectacle and adrenaline. It is an excellent way to experience the wilderness of the Rockies from the inside.
Rocky Mountain Raft Tours offers a tour suitable for large groups, including seniors and children. This scenic trip down the Bow River is a fun way to see the mountain scenery and, who knows, wildlife from a different perspective.
You’ll find the rafts at the bottom of Bow Falls, just past the bend in the Bow River. You can even take a bus to the site. ROAM Transit line 2 will take you there. Check roamtransit.com for more information. This bus line operates from June 21 through September 21.
Rocky Mountain Raft Tours
Address: 51.164444 | -115.556944 (coordinates – no official address)
Phone: +1 403 763 36 32
Website: banffrafttours.com
E-mail: info@banffrafttours.com
Lake Minnewanka boat tour
Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in Banff National Park on which motorized boats are allowed. Here you can take your group on a relaxing boat trip. Because Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in the park, there is a lot to see. A visit to Lake Minnewanka is also worthwhile without the boat cruise.
Motorboats cannot be booked online. All rentals are done on-site based on availability. If you want to rent a kayak, you can do so in a single or double kayak. You can go to Banff Jasper Collection and Murphy’s Boat Rentals.
Read more about boat trips on Lake Minnewanka or about the extraordinary history of the lake itself elsewhere on this website.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is an excellent activity to do in a group. Experience the wilderness of the Rockies from the back of a horse. There are many providers of horseback riding tours and you don’t necessarily need riding experience to participate. You will receive instructions and materials in advance. Make sure to inquire beforehand if there are enough places (horses) available for your group.
In the post Explore the Rockies on Horseback, you can read everything you need to know about this kind of trip.
Snowshoeing
Put on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy the serenity of the Rockies in its winter coat with your group. It’s the ideal but also a particular way to hike in the Rockies in winter. Thanks to your snowshoes, you can hike specific trails that otherwise would have been impassable due to the thick layer of snow.
Usually, you don’t have snowshoes with you, and certainly not for a group. Don’t worry, you can rent them in the park and just outside.
Ice skating
Ice skating in the Rocky Mountains is perhaps the ultimate group activity in the Rockies. Fun, easy to organize and a guaranteed top view that is good for hours of entertainment. Although all parks’ lakes are frozen solid in winter, a few locations stand out for skating fun. Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Two Jack Lakes and Lake Louise are popular locations for skating. And all places, without exception, offer fantastic views.
Usually, you do not have skates with you, especially not for a group. Fortunately, you can rent skates in the park and just outside it.
Hiring Skates and Snowshoes
You can rent skates and snowshoes in several places and just outside the park. In the overview below, you will find the shops where you can rent these articles. Each shop indicates whether you can rent skates, snowshoes, or both. The overview includes Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore (just outside the park boundaries).
BANFF
Banff Adventures*
Snowshoes & Skates
Address: 211 Bear Street
Phone: +1 800 – 644 8888
Website: banffadventures.com
E-mail: info@banffadventures.com
* Banff Adventures is not a rental shop. You can book snowshoe tours here, including snowshoes.
Snowtips Bactrax
Snowboots & Skates
Address: 225 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 762 8177
Website: snowtips-bactrax.com
E-mail: snowtips@telusplanet.net
Ultimate Banff
Snowshoes & Skates
Address: 206 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 762 0547
Website: ultimatebanff.com
E-mail: retail@ultimatebanff.com
White Mountain Adventures
Snowshoes
Address: 137 Eagle Crescent
Phone: +1 403 – 760 4403 Ext 21
Website: whitemountainadventures.com
E-mail: info@whitemountainadventures.com
CANMORE
Gear Up
Snowshoes & Skates
Address: 1302 Bow Valley Trail
Phone: + 1 403 678 1636
Website: gearupsport.com
E-mail: info@gearupsport.com
Trail gear
Snowshoes
Address: 2003 Olympic Way (Canmore Nordic Centre)
Phone: +1 403 – 678 6764
Website: trailsports.com
E-mail: helen@trailsports.ab.ca
LAKE LOUISE
Wilson Mountain Sports
Snowshoes & Skates
Address: Building A, Samson Mall, 101 Lake Louise Drive
Phone: +1 403 522 3636
Website: wmsll.com
E-mail: info@wmsll.com
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
Great winter activity for groups is the Johnston Canyon Icewalk, complete with frozen waterfalls. In summer, this place is one of the most crowded attractions in the park; in winter, it’s like having Johnston Canyon to yourself.
You do need to book a tour for this. Accompanied by a guide, you will hear all the ins and outs. You are guaranteed an exceptional experience. You can book the tour at Banff Tours.
Museums in Banff
A visit to a museum is an exciting experience for a group. The town of Banff has several museums and can all be reached on foot. Also, the Lake Louise Ski Resort has a museum. Below is a short museum overview.
Banff Park Museum
The Banff Park Museum is housed in a 1903 log cabin. The property is a National Historic Site and houses Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum. The museum has a lot of information about the history of flora and animals in Banff National Park. The building’s design is reminiscent of the park’s early federal structures.
Admission fees:
Adults: CAD 4.25
Seniors (65+): CAD 3.75
Youth: free
Commercial group, per person: CAD 3.75
Address: 91 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 1558
Website: pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/banff
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum displays the history of the First Nations people who have lived in the area for hundreds of years. You’ll learn about their way of life through a variety of art, weapons, utensils, clothing, and ceremonial items on display.
Admission fees:
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Youth (7-17): CAD 5.00
Children up to 7 years: free
Address: 1 Birch Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2388
Website: buffalonationsmuseum.com
Historic Luxton Home
The Historic Luxton Home tells the story of Norman Luxton, Georgina McDougall Luxton and their daughter Eleanor. They established a pioneering family in Banff that lasted ninety years and spanned several generations.
You get a glimpse of this family’s life at the museum. Because many of Norman, Georgina, and Eleanor’s belongings are displayed, you can get a good sense of life in Banff’s early days. The neighboring Luxton Garden has 120-year-old lilac trees and was created and laid out in the Arts and Crafts Style around 1910.
Admission fees:
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Youth (7-17): CAD 5.00
Children up to 7 years: free
Address: 206 Beaver Street
Phone: + 1 403 – 762 2105
Website: –
Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies aims to make the history and culture of the Rocky Mountains more accessible to the general public. The pair Peter and Catharine Whyte founded the museum. You’ll find art shows and an extensive collection of unique artwork and pictures, among other things.
Admission fees:
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Students and locals (from Lake Louise to Morley): CAD 5.00
Children under 12: free
Museum members: free
Address: 111 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2291
Website: whyte.org
Length of Your stay
Of course the number of attractions you can visit and/or activities you can do depends on the length of your stay in Banff. On a long weekend, you can do less than in a week. Therefore, I have put together an itinerary with options for groups that stay a long weekend (three days) in Banff and an itinerary for groups that stay a week in the park.
Long weekend in Banff
During a long weekend, your time is scarce, so it’s essential that you at least visit the park’s highlights. A visit to Lake Louise and the nearby Moraine Lake is more or less inevitable.
Lake Louise is less than a forty-five-minute drive from Banff. You can hike beautifully around the lake or hire a canoe to view the lake from the water. Afterward, you can easily combine your visit to Lake Louise with a visit to Moraine Lake, which is 14 km (8.64 mi) away. There, too, you can enjoy hiking and canoeing, and taking some beautiful snapshots of course.
Make sure you book the shuttle bus to these lakes well in advance because parking is a problem. If you want to park close by, be early (no later than 7am). If you arrive later, you may have to use the Park and Ride car park along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hop on the so-called Lake Connector shuttle bus to Moraine Lake after visiting Lake Louise. Reservations are required for both destinations. Book in time as you’re visiting with a group. It’s not necessary to provide a specific time. The ride to Lake Louise will cost you money; using the Lake Connector bus is free.
Keep in mind that you will need a whole day to visit these two lakes.
Shuttle bus fares (including return trip)
Adult (18 – 64 years): CAD 8
Seniors (65+): CAD 4
Youth (6 – 17 years): CAD 2
Children (under 6 years): Free
Another must-see for you and your party is the town of Banff itself. Don’t make the mistake thinking you only need to visit it in the evening for shopping or a meal. You can do plenty of activities with your group within walking distance of the center.
Hike to the top of Tunnel Mountain, for example. This relatively easy hike offers you a beautiful view of the town of Banff and the surrounding area. Another possibility is a visit to the Bow Falls. From Banff Avenue, it is just across the bridge over the Bow River on the left.
You can also visit Vermilion Lakes. This enchanting location provides you with a beautiful view of Rundle Mountain. The perfect scene for some gorgeous pictures.
Probably you will not be able to do everything in one day. So it might be a good idea to decide in advance what you want to do in the town of Banff itself. Fortunately, the HopOnBanff bus takes you to all highlights in town which saves you a lot of time. For more information, visit hoponbanff.com.
On the third day, visit the (very) famous Johnston Canyon and enjoy the hike, waterfalls and ink pots along the way. At the end of the day, a trip with the Banff Gondola is the perfect way to end the trip. It takes your group to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a beautiful view over the Rockies, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff.
A Week in Banff
After the above activities, add a visit to Two Jack Lake and a boat ride on neighboring Lake Minnewanka. You can easily spend a day visiting these two lakes. Not only can you swim in Two Jack Lake, but there are also several hikes near these lakes.
Visiting Bow Lake and Peyto Lake is highly recommended if you have your own transport. They are both situated on the Icefields Parkway and they are both beautiful lakes. Peyto Lake in particular is famous. From this viewpoint, you have a beautiful view of the lake and the valley.
If you have enough time, driving the entire Icefields Parkway is an absolute must. This road between Lake Louise Village and Jasper is 230 km (143 mi) long and is – without exaggeration – one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Take a whole day for this road because there are significant attractions and viewpoints along the way.
If you want to know more about what there is to do and see along the Icefields Parkway, read the post The Ultimate Guide to the Icefields Parkway.