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© 2026 Banff Travel Podcast
Description
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 place.
This podcast will provide valuable insights for first-time visitors, families, adventure travellers, photographers, and anyone planning a trip to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and the Canadian Rockies.
If you want to learn how to create the perfect Banff itinerary and discover the best of the Canadian Rockies, you are in the right place!
This show will provide answers to questions like:
- Which one is better, Banff or Jasper?
- Is it worth visiting Kootenay National Park?
- What is special about Yoho National Park?
- Is it worth going to Kananaskis?
- What is the best month to go to Banff?
- Is it better to stay at Banff or Lake Louise?
- Where to stay in Banff if you don't have a car?
- How many days are needed to visit Banff?
- What are the best hikes in Banff for different skill levels?
- How do I avoid crowds at popular Banff spots?
44 Episodes
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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 vi...
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 co...
Confused about which park pass you need for Banff? In this episode, Celine breaks down the different passes for Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, plus the Kananaskis Conservation Pass for Canmore and K-Country. You’ll learn when you need a daily Parks Canada pass vs a Discovery Pass, how the Kananaskis pass works, what’s covered (and what isn’t), and how upcoming free admission days fit into your Banff trip planning. Banff Park Pass Guide Buy Park Pass online here or here Buy ...
Wondering whether you should add Jasper National Park to your Banff itinerary? In this episode, Celine explains how Banff and Jasper are different, how many days to spend in Jasper, and what you can realistically see with 1, 2, or 3 days, including the Icefields Parkway, Maligne Lake, the Jasper SkyTram, and easy viewpoints. You’ll learn how to plan the Banff to Jasper drive, where Jasper fits in a 7–10 day Rockies itinerary, and when it’s worth the extra driving. Icefields Parkway guide (top...
Thinking about camping in Banff National Park? In this episode, your Banff travel planning expert Celine walks you through how Banff camping reservations work and how to plan ahead for getting camping reservations this summer. You’ll learn which Banff and Lake Louise campgrounds to consider, when to book for peak summer, and how to camp safely in bear country. Sign up for my email here 2026 Camping Reservation Dates Banff Campgrounds Jasper Campgrounds Yoho Campgrounds Kootenay Ca...
Banff in January and February are peak winter months and home to one of the best festivals of the season: SnowDays. In this episode, Celine shares what makes this time of year unique, including snow sculptures, Ice Magic at Lake Louise, skating, winter hikes, and what conditions are really like. If you're planning a winter trip to Banff National Park, this guide will help you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. Mentioned in this episode: Banff in January Banff Sn...
Not a skier? You are absolutely not alone and Banff is one of the best winter destinations in the world even if you never touch a chairlift. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the most memorable winter activities for non-skiers: ice walks, winter hikes, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, snowshoe tours, the Banff Gondola, and so much more. You’ll learn what’s realistic in winter conditions, how to choose between activities, what to book a...
Winter transforms Banff National Park into a completely different place. The waterfalls freeze, the crowds disappear, and even familiar trails feel brand new under fresh snow. In this episode, local Banff travel expert Celine Brewer walks you through the best easy winter hikes in Banff. These hikes are scenic and perfect for first-time winter hikers or anyone looking for shorter adventures. ✔ Easy Winter Hikes in Banff ✔ Banff Winter Travel Guide Support the Podcast Send in your qu...
Planning a trip to Banff National Park isn’t like planning a regular vacation. Dates, hotels, shuttles, and even what’s open can vary dramatically depending on the month and the choices you make early on will shape your entire trip. In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the five essential decisions every traveller needs to make before they build an itinerary, followed by a 12-month Banff planning timeline for 2026 so you know exactly what to book and wh...
December is when winter really begins in Banff National Park. If you’re wondering what conditions are actually like, what’s open, what you can realistically do, and how cold it truly feels, local Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re visiting for skiing, skating on Lake Louise, winter hikes, or the holiday events around town, this episode will help you arrive informed and prepared. Links mentioned in this episode Winter & ...
You do not have to spend every day chasing the big-name lakes to have an amazing Banff trip. In this episode, Celine walks you through the best things to do right in and around the town of Banff, including easy walks, canoe and kayak options, bike routes, viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and fun rainy-day activities. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, use this episode to anchor your itinerary with a couple of slower, close-to-town days that balance out your big driving and...
How many days do you really need to experience Banff National Park? In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down what you can realistically see and do with 3 days, 5–7 days, or a full 10-day Banff adventure. You’ll learn how to plan the perfect length trip based on your travel style, priorities, and pace, whether you’re a first-time visitor, avid hiker, or just want to soak in the mountain scenery. In this episode: What to expect with 3–4 days, 5–7 days, and 7–10+ d...
Every time I host one of my Banff Trip Planning Workshops, people bring incredible questions and this episode is packed with real ones from my October sessions! In this episode, Banff Travel Expert Celine Brewer is answering your top Banff trip questions for 2026, including how to see a glacier without paying for a tour, the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, whether you can visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day, when to start booking hotels, and how to plan your trip if you’re d...
Canmore may sit just outside the Banff National Park gates, but it’s a destination all its own. In this episode, local host Celine Brewer shares what makes Canmore such a great base for exploring the Rockies year-round: from summer hikes, biking trails, and cave tours to winter adventures like dog-sledding, ice walks, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also hear insider tips for parking, passes, getting around, and the best time to visit. In this episode: Why Canmore makes a perfect Banff base&...
Choosing where to stay in Banff National Park can be confusing. Should you split your stay between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper? In this episode, Celine shares how to decide based on your travel style, budget, and plans. You’ll hear the pros and cons of each area, which makes the best base for first-time visitors, and when it’s worth splitting your stay. In this episode: Banff vs. Canmore + how to choose your baseWhat to expect in Lake Louise and JasperTips for ski season and winter...
Banff in November (and late October) is the in-between season when the crowds are gone, prices drop, and you can experience the mountains at a slower pace. But it also comes with a few surprises: road closures, icy trails, and early winter conditions that can change fast. In this episode, I share what’s really open in November, how to plan around closures, what to pack, and how to make the most of shoulder season. Banff Travel Consultations Need a personalized plan for your fall or early-win...
Banff is packed with scenic drives, but some routes stand above the rest. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer takes you through the must-do drives: the Icefields Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Minnewanka Loop, Tunnel Mountain Road, Vermilion Lakes, Mount Norquay, and beyond. You’ll learn the best stops, insider tips for wildlife spotting, when to drive for the best light, and how to avoid common mistakes. Celine also shares advice on planning, fuel stops,...
October is Banff’s transition month, when autumn’s last colours meet the first signs of winter. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning Expert Celine Brewer shares what makes October so special, from fall colours to snow-dusted peaks. You’ll hear about the weather, seasonal closures, and what activities are still available plus what to pack for those unpredictable days. Celine highlights hikes, scenic drives, and cozy October experiences, while also giving a reality check on w...
September in Banff means one thing: larch season. In this episode, your local Banff Travel Planning expert, Celine Brewer, breaks down everything you need to know about larch hiking season in Banff National Park. From world-famous Larch Valley to lesser-known gems like Healy Pass, Saddleback Pass, and Taylor Lake, you’ll hear how to time your trip, which hikes are worth it, and what to expect on the trails. Celine explains what makes larches unique, shares practical logistics for Moraine Lake...
Dreaming of Banff’s famous alpine scenery without the grueling hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer (your local Banff Travel Expert) takes you to Sunshine Meadows, one of the most spectacular high-alpine areas in Banff National Park. You’ll hear what makes this spot so special, from wildflower meadows and crystal-clear lakes to panoramic viewpoints you can reach by gondola and chairlift. Celine shares insider tips on when to visit, what trails to choose, and how to avoid the crowds. Ful...
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awesome.. perfect options.