Planning a trip to Banff in May? In this episode, Celine dives into what it’s really like to visit Banff in May. May is a shoulder season month full of potential, unpredictability, and surprisingly great experiences (if you know what to expect).

While it’s not quite summer, the snow is melting, trails are drying out, wildlife is active, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. For travellers more into sightseeing than alpine hikes, it can be one of the best times to visit.

In this episode:

• What’s open, what’s still closed, and what starts to thaw in May
• The best things to do in Banff in May, from biking and gondolas to waterfalls and scenic drives
• What to include in your Banff itinerary in May
• Honest advice on packing, weather, and managing expectations
• A listener Q&A on which park passes are required for Banff and Kananaskis

Whether you’re planning a spring getaway or wondering if May is too early, this episode will help you decide if Banff in May is right for your style of travel and how to make the most of it if it is.

Guide to Banff in May

Other Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Cycling Bow Valley Parkway
• Cycling Legacy Trail
• Banff Red Chairs
• Banff Town Walks & Hikes
• Canmore Walking Trails
• Scenic Drives Around Banff

Hiking Trails:

• Tunnel Mountain
• Johnston Canyon
• Johnson Lake
• Grassi Lakes

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about one of Banff’s most iconic (and debated) experiences—catching sunrise at Moraine Lake. You’ll get an honest look at what sunrise is really like, how to decide if it’s worth the early wake-up call, and exactly how to plan for it now that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake.

Drawing from years of experience living in the Rockies and helping travelers plan their dream visits, Celine shares insider tips on the best way to get there for sunrise, what to pack for those chilly early mornings, and how to set realistic expectations (because not every sunrise is picture-perfect—and that’s okay!). You’ll also hear a listener Q&A on the best hikes around Banff National Park.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• What to expect at Moraine Lake at sunrise (the good and the reality)
• Whether sunrise is right for your travel style and schedule
• Bonus tips to make your sunrise experience smoother and more memorable

Mentioned in this podcast:

Moraine Lake at Sunrise

Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Hikes mentioned in this podcast:

• Lake Agnes Teahouse
• Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
• Big Beehive
• Little Beehive
• Tunnel Mountain
• Johnston Canyon

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

In this episode, Celine tackles one of the biggest questions travelers have when planning a Banff trip:

When is the best time to visit?

Spoiler: it depends on what you want from your trip—but by the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to pick the best season for you.

Drawing on years of experience exploring Banff year-round, Celine shares an honest month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect; from frozen lakes in spring, to turquoise waters in summer, golden larches in fall, and snow-covered peaks in winter. You’ll also hear personal insights on what makes each season special, local tips to avoid common mistakes, and real talk about what you’ll love (and what might surprise you) depending on when you visit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The pros and cons of visiting Banff in each season
• The best months for hiking, sightseeing, and avoiding crowds
• When the lakes thaw, when wildflowers bloom, and when ski season is at its best

Whether you're planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, this episode will help you match your visit to the Banff experience you’re dreaming of.

Safe Skating in Banff

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Webcam

Banff in September

Banff in October

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

In this episode, Celine dives into one of the most common planning questions she gets: How do you get to Moraine Lake now that personal vehicles are banned? With years of experience helping travelers figure out this exact thing—through blog posts, consultations, and live shuttle workshops—Celine breaks it all down simply and clearly.

You’ll get a complete overview of your options:

• Parks Canada shuttles (best for most travelers)
• Private sunrise shuttles
• Roam Transit combos for travelers without a car

Plus, she shares how to choose the right shuttle for your needs—whether you're visiting for sunrise, trying to see both lakes in one day, or want to keep things easy. You’ll also hear a smart question from a listener wondering whether they can wait for the weather forecast before booking shuttle tickets (and Celine’s honest take on what she’d do instead).

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly which shuttle to book, when to do it, and how to make the most of your time at Moraine Lake.

Moraine Lake Blog Post

Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Shuttles Workshop Recording

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Planning to visit Banff in April? Join host Celine Brewer, a Canmore local and co-founder of Banff Travel Planning and Travel Banff Canada, as she shares what it’s really like to experience the Canadian Rockies during this often-overlooked shoulder season.

April might not offer turquoise lakes or summer hikes, but what it does deliver is peace, spring sunshine, epic mountain views, and a surprisingly long list of things to do. In this episode, Celine breaks down what to expect from the weather, what’s open and what’s not, and why April just might be one of the best times to explore Banff, if you set your expectations accordingly.

As a local who spends spring biking and hiking with her kids one day and skiing the next, Celine blends expert insight with personal stories to help you plan a trip that feels intentional and stress-free. You’ll also hear why this is a great time of year for wildlife viewing, easy hikes, and soaking in a mountainside hot spring.

In this episode:

• What to expect from April weather in Banff (hint: be ready for anything!)
• Why this season is surprisingly perfect for spring skiing and scenic walks
• What hikes are doable (and which to avoid due to avalanche danger)
• Why the snow-covered peaks are actually better for photos this time of year
• What to pack so you're ready for both sun and snow
• And a listener Q&A about the top splurges people recommend while visiting Banff

Whether you're trying to decide if April is the right time for your visit or you've already booked your trip and want to know how to make the most of it, this episode is packed with real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes the Rockies all year long.

Guide to Banff in April

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!

Welcome to The Banff Travel Podcast, where host Celine Brewer, a local Canmore resident and co-founder of Banff Travel Planning and Travel Banff Canada, helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Banff National Park.

In this very first episode, Celine shares who she is, why she started this podcast, and how it will simplify your Banff planning experience. With decades of experience exploring the Canadian Rockies in every season (often with her two kids in tow!), Celine understands the questions travelers have, because she’s answered thousands of them in her private Facebook group and one-on-one trip consultations.

This podcast is your go-to guide for navigating everything from when to visit and where to stay, to how to get to Moraine Lake and what to pack for your trip. You'll hear local insights, seasonal updates, must-do experiences, and personal stories to help you feel confident about your travel plans...whether it’s your first visit to Banff or your fifth.

What you can expect from this podcast:

• Practical, real-time tips from someone who actually lives here
• Insider advice for seeing top sights around Banff
• Seasonal planning guides, activity suggestions, and weather prep
• Listener Q&As (submit yours at banfftravelplanning.com/podcast!)
• Candid conversations about what’s really worth your time and money

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options or simply don’t know where to start, this show will walk you through it—step by step. You don’t need to know everything to plan a great trip to Banff… you just need a local friend in your corner.

Subscribe now and get ready to plan the Banff adventure you’ve been dreaming of.

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Banff Itineraries

Banff Travel Guide

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Send in your questions here!