The Banff Travel Podcast – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

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

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Episode 2: Visiting Banff in April? Here's what to expect!

Season 1 · Episode 2

lundi 7 avril 2025 • Duration 12:22

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.

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Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Episode 1: Welcome to The Banff Travel Podcast

Season 1 · Episode 1

lundi 7 avril 2025 • Duration 04:08

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Webcam

Episode 4: When Is the Best Time to Visit Banff National Park?

Season 1 · Episode 4

jeudi 17 avril 2025 • Duration 13:48

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

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Episode 5: Should You Visit Moraine Lake at Sunrise?

Season 1 · Episode 5

jeudi 24 avril 2025 • Duration 11:10

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

Hikes mentioned in this podcast:

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Episode 7: Which Banff Gondola is Right For You?

Season 1 · Episode 7

jeudi 8 mai 2025 • Duration 13:38

In this episode, Celine breaks down one of the most scenic and effortless ways to soak in Banff’s epic mountain views: gondolas and chairlifts. Whether you’re hoping to ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, spot bears from above at Lake Louise, or wander through wildflower meadows at Sunshine Village, you’ll learn which lift offers the best experience for your travel style.

You’ll get a local guide to:

The pros and cons of each gondola and chairlift in Banff
What to expect at the top (restaurants, trails, viewpoints & more)
Which gondola is best for each season

Whether you’re planning your first trip or narrowing down your bucket list, this episode will help you pick the best lift for those high-alpine views

Prefer to hike up Sulphur Mountain? Read this post on what to expect when hiking up Sulphur Mountain in Banff.

Want to know more about hiking at the Sunshine Gondola? Read more on Hiking at Sunshine Meadows

Read more about all 4 Banff Gondolas and Chairlifts here.

Also mentioned: Lake Louise Shuttle Combo & Mt Norquay Via Ferrata

Want to see a video on each? Watch my Banff Gondolas Reel on Instagram here.

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Episode 6: Visiting Banff in May? Here's what to expect!

Season 1 · Episode 6

jeudi 1 mai 2025 • Duration 13:44

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:

Hiking Trails:

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Episode 8: How to Pack for Banff (What You Really Need)

Season 1 · Episode 8

jeudi 15 mai 2025 • Duration 14:04

In this episode, Celine shares exactly what to pack for your trip to Banff, whether you're coming in spring, summer, fall, or winter. From unpredictable mountain weather to trail conditions and wildlife safety, this is the practical, local advice you need to feel confident and prepared.

You’ll get a local guide to:

What to wear for Banff’s wild temperature swings
The non-negotiables you’ll regret forgetting
Footwear, gear, and layering tips by season
What to skip (so you have room for bear spray and snacks!)
The one item that everyone underestimates

Whether you're planning your first Banff adventure or want to double-check your packing list before heading to the Rockies, this episode will help you show up ready for whatever the mountains throw at you.

Planning to hike? Don’t miss my day hiking essentials checklist and here's what to wear hiking in Banff.

Coming in the winter? Here's my full winter packing list

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

Instagram: @travelbanffcanada

Free Guide to Getting to Moraine Lake

Episode 10: How Much Time Do You Need at Lake Louise & Moraine Lake?

Season 1 · Episode 10

jeudi 29 mai 2025 • Duration 14:46

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most iconic (and most visited) places in Banff National Park. But once you've figured out how to get there, the next big question is: how long do you actually need at each lake?

In this episode, local expert Celine Brewer breaks down what there is to do at both lakes, how long each activity takes, which experiences need to be booked in advance, and how to make the most of your time. Whether you’re hoping to hike to a tea house, paddle across turquoise waters, or just enjoy the classic Rockpile view, this episode will help you plan your perfect day.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The top things to do at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (and how long each one takes)
Which experiences require advance booking
Sample time plans for short visits vs full-day adventure
Whether you can (or should) visit both lakes in one day
A helpful tip for Fairmont guests wondering about shuttle access

Hiking at Lake Louise & Moraine Lake:

Shuttles with ~1.5 hours at each lake (from Canmore & Banff):

Shuttles with extended hiking time (from Canmore & Banff):

Other great shuttle options from Lake Louise

Blog Post: How to Get to Moraine Lake

*affiliate links

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