The Banff Travel Podcast is your go-to resource for planning a stress-free trip to Banff National Park. Hosted by local expert Celine Brewer, each episode delivers practical advice, local insights, and answers to your biggest Banff questions.
The Bow Valley Parkway isn’t just a scenic drive. In this episode, Celine shares everything you need to know about exploring this iconic stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise, including tips for visiting Johnston Canyon, cycling the parkway, and where to stop along the way. You’ll get a local’s insight on: What the Bow Valley Parkway is and why it’s worth visiting Seasonal closures: what they mean and how to plan around them How to bike the parkway while it’s closed to vehicles What to e...
In this episode, Celine shares what you really need to know about travelling to Banff in June, from changing trail conditions to which lakes have thawed, and what’s open (or still snow-covered). You’ll get a local’s take on: What’s typically open and accessible in early, mid, and late June Which lakes are thawed and canoe-ready Trail conditions, avalanche risks, and what footwear to pack Seasonal road and shuttle openings, including Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise gondola What to expect from we...
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 ...
Do you really need to rent a car to visit Banff National Park? The answer isn’t so simple. In this episode, Celine breaks down when a car is worth it, when it’s not, and how to make the most of Banff without one. In this episode, you’ll get a local breakdown of: When renting a car is the right decision How to get around using Roam Transit and shuttles The best hikes and activities you can do without a vehicle The real downsides of going car-free (and how to work around them) Mentioned in this ep...
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...
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 (restaurant...
Celine Brewer discusses visiting Banff in May, highlighting the pros and cons of this shoulder season. She covers which attractions are open, suggests itinerary ideas, advises on packing for unpredictable weather, and answers a listener question about park passes. This episode helps travelers decide if Banff in May suits their travel style.
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 bes...
Celine Brewer discusses the best time to visit Banff National Park, detailing the pros and cons of each season. She covers winter activities like skiing and skating, the thawing landscapes of spring, the turquoise lakes and hiking in summer, and the golden larches of fall. The episode offers tips for avoiding crowds and setting expectations for different times of the year.
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...
Celine Brewer discusses the pros and cons of visiting Banff in April, highlighting the beautiful scenery, spring skiing, and fewer crowds. She also covers potential limitations such as frozen lakes and avalanche danger, along with essential packing tips and recommendations for splurge-worthy activities. The episode aims to help listeners plan an informed and enjoyable trip during this unique shoulder season.
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 tr...
Apr 07, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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