If you’re planning your first trip to Banff and aren’t sure where to start, welcome to The Banff Travel Podcast. I’m Celine Brewer, a Canmore local, and my goal is to help you turn a long list of places you want to see into a trip that actually works.
Between choosing when to visit, finding somewhere to stay, figuring out Moraine Lake shuttles and picking the right hikes, Banff trip planning can get complicated. This podcast is where I’ll share the practical information and local advice that make those decisions easier.
Listen to Episode 1 of The Banff Travel Podcast
A Little About Me
I live in Canmore with my husband, Dan, and our two kids. We spend as much time as we can exploring Banff National Park and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. In summer we’re hiking, mountain biking and paddling; in winter you’ll find us skiing, snowshoeing or skating on frozen lakes.
We also love travelling as a family. After years of organizing detailed, activity-filled trips around the world, I know how much difference good planning makes. When friends and family started asking for help with Banff, I realized that the challenge wasn’t finding beautiful places to visit. It was knowing which experiences to choose and how to make everything fit together.
That’s what led us to create Travel Banff Canada and Banff Travel Planning, and eventually this podcast.
What You’ll Learn on The Banff Travel Podcast
Every episode is meant to help you make better decisions about your time in the mountains. We’ll cover topics such as:
- When to visit Banff: What each season is actually like, from frozen lakes and spring skiing to summer hiking and fall colours.
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: How to visit, which shuttles make sense and how much time to allow.
- Where to stay: The differences between Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise, and how your accommodation affects your itinerary.
- Hikes and activities: Great options for families, first-time visitors and travellers with different abilities or interests.
- Wildlife and trail safety: How to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and arrive prepared.
- Crowds and logistics: Practical ways to make the most of busy attractions without overcomplicating your trip.
I’ll also talk about seasonal changes, including weather, trail access and events, because visiting in April is a very different experience from visiting in August.
Why Local Advice Helps
We live here year-round and regularly return to the trails, lakes and mountain viewpoints I’m talking about. I also hear from travellers planning all kinds of trips, so I know which questions keep coming up.
That doesn’t mean there’s only one right way to visit Banff. A family with young kids, a couple planning long hikes and someone coming for a winter ski trip will all need different itineraries. I want to help you work out what matters most to you.
Where to Start Planning Your Trip
If you’re still at the beginning, think about when you’re coming, how long you have and the experiences you really don’t want to miss. Those three things will guide many of the other decisions.
For more detailed research, you can use our Banff Trip Planning – Start Here page and browse the guides on Travel Banff Canada. The podcast will help you sort through the options, and the episode articles give you a place to return for the recommendations and links without having to take notes while listening.
I’m glad you’re here. I hope these episodes help you plan a trip that suits you, and I’ll see you out on the trails.
Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Need Help Planning Your Banff Trip?
If you are just starting to plan your Banff trip and want a practical way to turn your wish list into an itinerary, my Banff & Jasper Planning Hub includes ready-made itineraries, guides and planning resources to help you get started. Learn more about the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub.
