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Banff Facts
Population: 7,000 but during the peak season its population swells to over 50,000 people.
Elevation: 1,383 m (4,537 feet)
Location: Located in the southwestern part of Canada, approximately 80 miles west of Calgary on Trans-Canada Highway #1
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is in effect from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.
Weather:
Average Temperatures:
High Low
January -5.3 C 23 F -14.9 C 5 F
February 0.1 C 30 F -11.3 C 12 F
March 3.8 C 38 F -7.9 C 16 F
April 9.0 C 48 F -2.8 C 27 F
May 14.2 C 55 F 1.5 C 34 F
June 18.7 C 66 F 5.4 C 41 F
July 22.1 C 71 F 7.4 C 45 F
August 21.6 C 70 F 6.8 C 44 F
September 16.1 C 60 F 2.7 C 38 F
October 10.1 C 50 F -1.1 C 31 F
November 0.5 C 30 F -8.2 C 16 F
December -5.3 C 23 F -13.8 C 5 F
Average Snowfall:
10 Year Average 240 cm
94 inches
20 Year Average 235 cm
92.5 inches
Local Seasons:
Daytime highs on average range from -7C (19F) in January to +9C (49F) in April providing generally favourable ski conditions throughout the ski season. Keep in mind the warm Chinook winds can often bring spring-like temperatures, even in mid-winter. The climate is relatively dry and is responsible for the unbeatable Rocky Mountain powder snow.
What to Wear:
Casual dress is the norm in Banff. In summer, bring a raincoat, warm sweater, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses. In spring, summer and fall, a light coat or warm jacket may be required, particularly at higher altitudes. In winter, a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, gloves or mittens and warm clothing are essential.
Currency:
Visitors to Banff/Lake Louise are advised to use Canadian currency. For best rates, exchange money at Canadian Chartered Banks, Credit Unions, or currency exchange outlets situated throughout Banff and Lake Louise. Cash machines (ATM) are available for direct withdrawal of funds from your bank account. Major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted by most establishments.
Getting There:
By Air:
Calgary International Airport
2000 Calgary Airport Road NE
Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6W5
403-735-1200
Located approximately 125km/75 miles from Banff
The airport is served by most of the major airlines as well as certain regional and charter services.
By Car:
Banff town site is 120 km (75 mi.) west of Calgary city limits and 16 km (10 mi.) west of Banff Park gate. To reach Banff follow the, all-weather, four lane Trans-Canada Highway 1 from Calgary to Banff. Driving time is under 90 minutes. Lake Louise is 58 km (35 mi.) west of Banff.
Airport Shuttles and Charters
Scheduled and charter van and motorcoach services connect Banff and Lake Louise with Calgary Airport and downtown Calgary throughout the day.
Contact:
Banff Airporter
403-762-3330
Brewster Airport Service
403-762-6767
Rocky Mountain Sky Shuttle
403-762-5200
Rental cars are available within Calgary, at the airport and other locations. The following car rental companies are located in Banff.
Getting Around:
Many activities and attractions in Banff are within easy walking distance (within 20 minutes) from the centre of town. The following public transportation is also available:
Traveling Between Banff and Lake Louise
The most direct route between Banff and Lake Louise is the Trans-Canada Highway 1, a distance of 54 km (32 miles). Visitors also have the option of traveling between Banff and Lake Louise via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway Highway 1A, the Highway 1A turn-off is approximately ten minutes west of Banff on Hwy 1.
Banff Transit (a/k/a the Happy Bus):
Daily bus service between the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, town centre, Tunnel Mountain hotels (to the campground in summer) and along Banff Avenue.
Hours: Vary seasonally
Fee Charged
During the summer (May 1 to September 30) visitors can avoid busy parking areas in the centre of Banff by leaving their vehicles at the RV parking at the north end of Banff Avenue and catching the Happy Bus into town.
Taxicabs:
A number of taxi companies service the Banff area 24 hours a day. Taxis may be found at numerous taxi stands along main avenues or hailed on the street.
Banff Gondola & Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Gondola and the Upper Hot Springs are approximately 4.2 km (2.5 miles) uphill from the center of town, about an hour's walk.
Ski Shuttles
Throughout the winter numerous ski shuttles are available for transportation between most Banff hotels and the three ski areas Ski Banff @ Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
National Holidays:
New Years Day January 1
Good Friday Varies
Easter Monday Varies
Victoria Day Monday proceeding May 25
Canada Day July 1 The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day
when July 1 is a Sunday.
Labour Day First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October
Remembrance Day November 11
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
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