Banff Travel Podcast
Celine Brewer is a local Banff travel expert who helps visitors plan unforgettable trips to Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. She specializes in creating stress-free itineraries and sharing insider tips for exploring Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore/Kananaskis and other nearby national parks like Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park.This show will deliver practical travel advice about how to plan, experience, and make the most of your Canadian Rockies vacation. If you are looking for Banff travel tips from a local expert who lives in the Canadian Rockies, then you are in the right...
82: How I Fix a Banff Itinerary That Doesn’t Quite Work
After more than 200 one-on-one Banff Travel Consultations, Celine Brewer has noticed that most travellers don’t have a bad itinerary. They’ve done the research and know what they want to see. The problem is that the itinerary doesn’t always fit the people taking the trip.
In this episode, Celine shares real examples from her consultations and the changes she makes most often, from moving activities to better days and cutting overloaded plans to choosing hikes, transportation and experiences that better match the traveller.
You’ll learn:
Why a Banff itinerary can work on paper...81: Calgary to Banff - What's Worth Stopping For
Flying into Calgary for a Banff trip and trying to figure out the best way to get into the mountains? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares how she would decide between renting a car and taking an airport shuttle, plus the few places she actually recommends stopping between Calgary and Banff.
Celine covers when a rental car makes sense, when you may be better off going car-free, and why this decision can look very different in winter.
And if you’re wondering whether you need to fill your drive with sightseeing stops between Calgary and Ban...
80: Planning a Trip to Banff? Do THIS first!
Planning a Banff trip and not sure where to start? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares the exact order she would use to plan a Banff and Jasper trip from scratch, beginning with the things you absolutely do not want to miss.
If you are starting to plan a Canadian Rockies trip, this episode will help you create a realistic framework before you get caught up in shuttle reservations, activity bookings and all the smaller details.
Are you starting to plan your Banff or Jasper trip? Come and join Celine inside the Banff and...
79: What Makes a Banff Hike Worth It?
What makes a Banff hike worth doing? In this more personal episode, Celine Brewer shares how she thinks about hiking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies, and why her idea of a worthwhile hike may be different from someone who only wants huge mountain views.
Using recent hikes to Emerald Basin and the Ink Pots, plus thoughts on Taylor Lake, Celine talks about enjoying the entire hiking experience, from quiet forest trails and creeks to alpine lakes and mountain views. She also explains how she still distinguishes between a nice hike, a great hike and one that...
78: The Best Banff Viewpoints - Without a Big Hike!
Looking for the best Banff viewpoints without doing a big hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of her favourite viewpoints around Banff National Park, starting with places that require little or no hiking and then moving into a few where the extra effort is absolutely worth it.
You’ll hear about viewpoints around the Town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Banff Gondola and more. Celine also shares a few short hikes and viewpoints where a little climbing gives you an even better vi...
77: Where to see Fall Colours around Banff Without The Hiking
You don’t need to hike deep into the mountains to enjoy fall colours around Banff. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of the easiest places to enjoy fall colours around Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis, with a focus on beautiful aspen scenery that doesn’t require a big hike.
She also covers a few easier ways to experience larch season if you want those classic golden mountain views without committing to one of the bigger hikes.
Kananaskis Fall Hikes
Best Larch Hikes
Come join the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub!
S...
76: Do You Need to Get Up Early in Banff? The Best Times to Visit Popular Banff Places
Wondering what time of day is best to visit Banff’s most popular places? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares practical advice for planning around crowds in Banff, including when it’s worth getting an early start, when later in the day can work better, and when you may simply need to accept that a popular place will be busy.
Celine covers timing for places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola, the Icefields Parkway and the Town of Banff. .
Planning a Banff or Jasper trip for...
75: 18 Beautiful Walks in Banff When You Don’t Want a Long Hike
Looking for the best walks in Banff National Park that still deliver incredible mountain scenery? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares 18 beautiful walks in Banff National Park for travellers who don’t want to tackle a long hike, including lakeshore walks, townsite trails, viewpoints, boardwalks and easy stops along the Icefields Parkway.
You’ll also hear practical information on distances, stairs and terrain so you can choose the best Banff walks for your trip. These are not all accessible trails, and some include uneven terrain or short climbs.
**Blog post coming soon**
Pl...
74: Banff in September - 5 Questions I Get Asked All the Time
Coming to Banff in September? Will it snow? Are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake still turquoise? Is it really less crowded? And when exactly do the larches turn yellow?
In this episode, Celine Brewer (your Banff Travel Planning expert), answers five of the questions she gets all the time about visiting Banff in September. You’ll learn what September weather can actually look like, what to expect at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and why September isn’t necessarily the quiet shoulder season you might be expecting.
Celine also shares what you need to k...
73: Wildfire Smoke in Banff – Should You Cancel Your Trip?
In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer talks about wildfire smoke in Banff National Park and one of the biggest questions travellers have during summer: should you cancel your trip if the forecast looks smoky? She shares what it’s really like dealing with wildfire smoke while living in the Canadian Rockies, why conditions can change quickly with the wind, and why smoke or rain forecasts several weeks out aren’t worth stressing over.
You’ll also hear how to check current air quality and smoke forecasts, how to adjust your Banff itinerary when visibi...
72: Best Water Activities Around Banff (Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Rafting & More)
Looking to get out on the water during your Banff vacation?
In this episode, Celine Brewer shares some of the best water activities around Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho, Kananaskis, and the Canadian Rockies. From iconic canoe rentals at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to paddleboarding, river floats, whitewater rafting, canyoning, and more, Celine helps you decide which activities are worth adding to your itinerary.
She also explains the current Parks Canada regulations for bringing your own paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft into Banff National Park and where personal watercraft are no longer permitted.<...
71: Exploring Banff by E-Bike with Bikescape
Looking for a fun and unique way to experience Banff beyond the usual sightseeing stops?
In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Clare, founder and owner of Bikescape, to talk about why exploring Banff by e-bike is one of the best ways to see more, escape the crowds, and discover hidden gems throughout Banff National Park.
Whether you've never ridden an e-bike before or you're an experienced cyclist, Clare explains what to expect on a guided e-bike tour, the difference between renting an e-bike and riding with a local guide, and why e-bikes make...
70: Moraine Lake Shuttles Explained - How to Choose the Best Option
Trying to figure out how to get to Moraine Lake? You're not alone.
This is a refreshed and updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast.
Instead of comparing every shuttle company and departure time, this episode takes a different approach. We'll start by figuring out what kind of day you want at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, then narrow down the transportation options that make the most sense for your Banff itinerary.
How to Get to Moraine Lake
I have discount codes for several M...
69: Forest Bathing in Banff - A Different Way to Experience the Canadian Rockies
When planning a trip to Banff and Canmore, it's easy to get caught up trying to see everything. But what if one of the best experiences wasn't about seeing more, but slowing down and connecting with nature?
In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Scott from Among the Trees to talk about forest bathing (also known as forest therapy), a guided experience that helps visitors unplug, slow down, and experience the Canadian Rockies in a completely different way.
About Among the Trees
Among the Trees offers guided forest bathing experiences...
68: How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Louise & Moraine Lake?
One of the most common questions I hear from travellers planning a trip to Banff National Park is:
"How much time do I actually need at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?"
This is a fully updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast. Celine Brewer helps listeners with how much time to spend at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with the latest transportation information, current pricing, and updated planning advice to help you decide how much time to spend at each lake and whether visiting both in...
67: Canmore Cave Tours - Inside Canmore's Hidden Underground World
Did you know one of the most unique adventure experiences in the Canadian Rockies happens entirely underground?
In this episode, Celine Brewer chats with Adam Walker, owner of Canmore Cave Tours, about exploring Rat's Nest Cave, one of Canada's longest caves. They talk about what it's really like to go caving, who it's best suited for, common misconceptions, and why so many visitors call it the highlight of their trip.
Whether you're looking for a rainy-day activity, a year-round adventure, or something completely different from the usual Banff sightseeing, this episode will give you an...
66: Another Banff Travel Consultation
In this real Banff travel consultation, Celine Brewer helps first-time visitors sort through their Banff itinerary and make their trip feel more realistic. They discuss how to balance Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Lake Minnewanka, and some easier hiking options without trying to cram too much into each day.
You’ll hear how small itinerary changes can make a big difference, including when to visit Yoho, whether the Icefields Parkway can fit into a shorter trip, what to do at Moraine Lake, and why sunrise at Moraine Lake isn’t always worth...
65: Banff Food Tour - You Shouldn't Miss!
Banff is known for its incredible mountain scenery, but it also has a thriving food scene that many visitors overlook.
In this episode, I sit down with Joanna from Nibble Tours to talk about Banff's restaurants, food tours, and how visitors can experience the town through its local food and drink offerings.
Find out how food tours can help visitors discover Banff beyond the main tourist attractions! Plus, some of Joanna's favourite local recommendations.
About Nibble Tours
Nibble Tours offers guided food tours in Banff that combine local stories, h...
64: Best Waterfalls Near Banff National Park
Banff may be best known for turquoise lakes and mountain views, but there are still some excellent waterfalls worth adding to your itinerary.
In this episode, Celine Brewer shares waterfalls near Banff that are either easy to add to a trip or worth the extra effort if you really love waterfalls. We’ll talk about easy stops like Bow Falls and Tangle Falls, classic walks like Johnston Canyon, big Yoho waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls and Wapta Falls, and a few worthwhile waterfall hikes in Kananaskis and along the Icefields Parkway.
Helpful links
Johnston Canyon Hi...63: Listen in on a Banff Travel Consultation
In this episode, Celine Brewer shares another real Banff itinerary review from a 30-minute travel consultation.
This traveller already had a thoughtful plan for a relaxed Banff trip with easy walks, scenic viewpoints, good meals, drinks, and time to enjoy each day without rushing.
We talk through Moraine Lake timing, whether Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise is worth adding, when to book the Banff Gondola or boat cruise, and how to think through logistics like parking, shuttles, Lake Louise transportation, and flexible add-on options around Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, and Kananaskis.
<...62: Big Beehive vs Little Beehive
Trying to decide whether to add Big Beehive or Little Beehive to your Lake Agnes Tea House hike?
In this episode, Celine Brewer compares both options so you can choose the best fit for your Lake Louise hiking day. Little Beehive is the shorter, easier add-on from Lake Agnes, with big mountain views and less extra climbing. Big Beehive is more effort, but it gives you a stunning view from Lake Agnes plus looking down over Lake Louise.
I also cover when each hike makes sense, what to consider if you’re short on time or...
61: Banff & Jasper with Kids: From Toddlers to Teens
Planning a family trip to Banff or Jasper and trying to figure out what is actually worth doing with kids? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares how to plan the right Canadian Rockies trip for your family, whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, school-aged kids, adventurous teens, or a mix of ages and abilities. We’ll talk about easy wins like playgrounds, gondolas, boat cruises, stroller-friendly stops and hotel pools, plus bigger adventures like Johnston Canyon, rafting, canyoning, via ferrata, biking, Golden Skybridge, Jasper, and a realistic 7-day family itinerary for Banff and Jasper.
I also shar...
60: Visiting Banff & Jasper with a Dog
In this episode, I’m sharing what you need to know before bringing your dog to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Canmore and the surrounding area. Banff is a very dog-friendly place in many ways, but there are important rules, trail restrictions, shuttle limitations and hotel policies to understand before you arrive.
I’ll cover the most important dog rules in Banff, including leash requirements, wildlife safety, where dogs are and aren’t allowed, off-leash dog parks in Banff and Canmore, and how to plan your days when your dog can’t come everywhere.
Links Me...
59: Lake Agnes vs Plain of Six Glaciers - Which Lake Louise Tea House Hike Should You Choose?
Trying to choose between the Lake Agnes Tea House hike and the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House hike at Lake Louise?
In this episode, Celine Brewer compares these two classic Lake Louise hikes from a local perspective, including distance, elevation gain, hiking time, scenery, difficulty, crowds, Beehive add-ons, shuttle logistics, and whether you can still add Moraine Lake on the same day.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Lake Agnes Tea House hikePlain of Six Glaciers hikeLittle Beehive hikeBig Beehive hikeBanff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub
<...
58: Real Banff Travel Questions Answered
Planning a trip to Banff can get overwhelming fast. You start with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, then suddenly you’re trying to figure out shuttles, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, hikes, restaurants, weather, crowds, and whether you’re trying to fit in too much.
In this episode, Celine Brewer answers listener questions from the recent podcast giveaway and groups them into the big themes that come up again and again when planning a Banff and Canadian Rockies trip.
Links Mentioned
Banff & Jasper Planning Hub
Banff Travel Consultations
Suppor...
57: Kananaskis - Why You Should Visit This Area!
In this episode, I’m sharing what Kananaskis actually is, why it’s worth a full day of your trip, the best hikes for different ability levels, biking options, and an easy one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time there. We also cover important practical tips like the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, seasonal road closures, wildlife safety, and why having a backup plan always matters in the mountains.
Easy Kananaskis HikesBest Kananaskis HikesKid-Friendly Bike Trails in Banff and Kananaskis
Hikes mentioned in this episode:
Troll Falls HikeRawson Lake Hike / Sarrail Ridge HikeChe...56: Didn’t Get the Moraine Lake Shuttle You Wanted? Here’s What to Do
Didn’t get the Moraine Lake shuttle you wanted? In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer walks you through exactly what to do next.
She covers the best backup options if you missed out on Parks Canada, what to do if you missed Alpine Start, and answers a few of the most common Lake Louise and Moraine Lake questions.
If your original plan didn’t work out, don’t panic. You still have options.
Helpful Resources
How to Get to Moraine LakeSign up here for Banff Discounts here.55: A Real Banff Travel Consultation: 3-Day Banff Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
What does a Banff itinerary look like when you only have 2.5 to 3 days and you want to see the highlights without overplanning? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares a real Banff travel consultation with an American couple in their 60s planning their first trip to Banff.
You’ll hear how Celine builds a realistic plan around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake logistics, scenic viewpoints, easy walks, and decisions that keep a short Banff trip enjoyable. This episode is perfect if you’re planning a first-time Banff visit and you want to hear how a local expert turns a wis...
54: Lake Minnewanka Cruise vs Maligne Lake Cruise: Which Boat Tour Should You Do?
Two iconic boat cruises, one in Banff and one in Jasper. In this episode, Celine Brewer compares the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and the Maligne Lake Cruise so you can choose the best fit for your Banff itinerary or Jasper itinerary.
You’ll learn what each cruise feels like, how the scenery differs, the driving tradeoffs, which one is easier to add to a Banff trip, and why Maligne often wins for pure mountain scenery while Minnewanka shines for storytelling and variety.
Book your cruise
Maligne Lake Cruise (Jasper) - Opens May 29, 2026Lake...
53: Banff for Non-Hikers
Not a hiker? Banff is still an incredible trip. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares the best ways to experience Banff National Park without big hikes, including easy walks with great views, gondolas and chairlifts, scenic drives, and simple “pick one and go” activities that still feel like a full Banff day.
Links mentioned in this episode
Banff for Non-Hikers guideEasy walks and hikes in the Banff townsiteCanmore walking trails Banff discountsSend a question or feedback for the podcast
Support the Podcast
Send in your questions here!
...52: Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
Lake O’Hara is one of the most spectacular places in the Canadian Rockies, and it stays that way because it is intentionally hard to access. In this episode, Celine Brewer breaks down what makes Lake O’Hara so specia and how to decide if it deserves a spot in a Banff itinerary.
She also explains every realistic way to get there, including the shuttle lottery, and what it actually means to hike the access road in and out.
Everything you need to know about Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park:
How to get to L...51: A Real Banff Travel Consultation: Building a Banff Itinerary on a Live Call
What if, instead of a list of travel tips for Banff, you could listen in on a real Banff travel planning conversation?
In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer shares an actual Banff travel consultation with a client planning a September trip to Banff National Park.
You’ll hear how Celine refines a rough Banff itinerary into something more realistic, including where it makes sense to use a shuttle vs. pay for a more scheduled option, how to think about timing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and how to build in flexible options.
50: Is Banff Too Crowded? What to Expect, How to Avoid the Worst of It, and How to Still Have a Great Trip
Banff is busy. That’s not exactly news. But does that mean it’s too crowded to enjoy?
In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine shares her honest local take on what crowds in Banff are really like, where they tend to feel the most intense, and how to avoid the worst of them so you can still have an incredible trip.
In this episode:
whether Banff is actually too crowdedwhere and when crowds tend to be the biggest issuehow I avoid crowds as a localhow to set realistic expectations so c...49: Multi-Generational Banff Trip Planning (Itineraries, Accessibility, Kids, and Grandparents)
Planning Banff for a big family group is a totally different kind of trip. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer shares a simple framework for building a multi-generational itinerary that works for kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. You’ll learn how to choose the right home base, avoid the common group-travel mistakes, and plan days that include “together time” without forcing everyone into the same pace.
Need help with your family trip? Book one of my Banff travel consultations
Links mentioned
Banff vs Canmore: where should you stay?Where to stay in...
48: Banff Trip Planning Q&A (Part 2)
You’ve booked your Banff trip, and now the real questions start. In Part 2 of this Q&A series, local Banff trip planner Celine Brewer tackles the nitty-gritty logistics that come up once you’re finalizing your itinerary. Think gondolas and chairlifts, biking vs driving the Bow Valley Parkway, how Lake Louise and Moraine Lake transit works, what to pack for hiking, and the practical details people miss like bear spray and park passes.
Links mentioned
What to bring hiking in Banff (packing breakdown + gear list)Banff hiking tips (includes bear spray guidance)Top apps for visi...47: Banff Trip Planning Q&A (Part 1)
Planning a Banff trip can feel like a spiral of browser tabs and conflicting advice. In this episode, local Banff trip planner Celine Brewer kicks off a two-part Q&A series answering the big-picture questions she hears most often in her Live Banff Trip Planning Workshops. You’ll learn what actually needs to be booked ahead, what does not, and how to make the key decisions that shape your itinerary before you get lost in the details.
Links mentioned
Live Banff Trip Planning Workshop recording (instant access)Where to Stay in BanffMoraine Lake shuttle options and ho...46: Is March a Good Time to Visit Banff? A Local’s Guide
March in Banff is still winter, and that’s what makes it such a fun time to visit. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer explains what Banff in March really looks like, how to plan your days with longer daylight, what to expect from crowds during spring break, and the best winter activities if you ski or if you don’t.
Book a Banff Travel Consultation Here
Links mentioned
Banff in March guideSunshine Meadows snowshoeing tour (affiliate): Snow tubing in BanffGrotto Canyon Ice WalkEasy Winter HikesCheck out these ...
45: Visiting Yoho National Park - Everything You Need to Know
Yoho National Park is one of the best day trips from Banff, and it often ends up being the surprise favourite of an entire Rockies itinerary. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through exactly how to plan a smooth Yoho day, including the must-see stops at Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls, plus a few extra stops that are worth it if you have time.
Links mentioned in this episode
How to Visit Lake O’Hara Lake O'Hara Hiking TrailsLake O'Hara CampingTakakkaw Falls guide Wapta Falls hike guideMi...
44: When Do Banff Lakes Thaw? Timeline for Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Minnewanka, and Peyto
Wondering when the lakes thaw in Banff National Park and whether Lake Louise and Moraine Lake will actually be blue when you visit? In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down the typical spring thaw timeline for the most popular lakes and what you can realistically expect in late April, May, and June.
You’ll also hear real examples from spring conditions around Banff, plus quick tips for checking current lake conditions before your trip so you can plan your day visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Support the Podcast
...43: Driving in Banff for First Timers: Road Conditions, Mountain Highways, and Where Cell Service Drops
Worried about driving in Banff or the Canadian Rockies, especially if you are travelling solo? You are not alone. The good news is that most routes around Banff are on well-maintained paved highways, but there are a few key things to know about mountain driving, weather, wildlife, and cell service.
In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer explains what the roads are really like including the Trans-Canada Highway, the drive to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and other common scenic routes. You will learn what feels “easy,” what feels more remote, where you should plan to b...
