Best Banff Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Banff Travel Guides offer a comprehensive and informative way to explore the stunning beauty of Banff National Park. These guides provide visitors with detailed information on the best hiking trails, scenic drives, and must-see attractions in the area. They also include insider tips and recommendations on local restaurants, accommodations, and outdoor activities. With Banff Travel Guides, visitors can plan their itinerary with ease and make the most of their time in this breathtaking destination. Whether it's a day trip or a longer stay, these guides are an essential resource for anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of Banff.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Cover #TOP 3
Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Banff Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)

Clark, Gregor
Grosberg, Michael
McLachlan, Craig
Feb 8, 2022
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is an essential travel guide for exploring the Canadian national parks. With up-to-date information, insider tips, and user-friendly itineraries, this guidebook helps travelers tailor their trips to their personal interests and needs. The book covers various topics, including history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, and provides honest reviews for all budgets. With over 52 full-color trail and park maps and images throughout, it is a comprehensive guide for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Travel Guides
Apr 26, 2022
Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Canadian Rockies: with Calgary, Banff, and Jasper National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that simplifies your trip-planning process and helps you make the most of your time in the Canadian Rockies. The book is packed with detailed maps, curated recommendations, and beautiful color photos. It includes an illustrated ultimate experiences guide, multiple itineraries, and honest recommendations from locals on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more. The historical and cultural insights provide rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more. Overall, the book is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)

National Geographic Maps
Natl Geographic Society Maps
Jan 1, 2019
Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) Cover
Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)

The Banff National Park [Map Pack Bundle] is a must-have for anyone planning to explore Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. This Map Pack combines two topographic maps, covering the rugged areas of North America with mountain glaciers and breathtaking lakes. The maps are printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper, and a full UTM grid is provided on the map to aid with GPS navigation. The book is a perfect guide for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the region. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Frommer's Banff & the Canadian Rockies day by day

Pashby, Christie
FrommerMedia
May 26, 2020
Frommer's Banff & the Canadian Rockies day by day Cover
Frommer's Banff & the Canadian Rockies day by day

Frommer's Banff & the Canadian Rockies day by day is a comprehensive travel guide that offers itineraries highlighting the best of Banff and the Canadian Rockies. The guide is packed with color photos, dozens of maps, and expert recommendations for dining, lodging, shopping, and practical matters. It also includes tear-resistant fold-out maps and helpful planning tips. What sets this guide apart is its journalistic integrity and impartial reviews. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies.

Lonely Planet Canada 15 (Travel Guide)

Sainsbury, Brendan
Bartlett, Ray
Berry, Oliver
Clark, Gregor
Duthie, Shawn
Fallon, Steve
Heller, Carolyn B
Kaminski, Anna
Karlin, Adam
Lee, John
McLachlan, Craig
Miller, Korina
Prado, Liza
St Louis, Regis
Tang, Phillip
Mar 1, 2022
Lonely Planet Canada 15 (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Canada 15 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Canada 15 is a comprehensive travel guide that offers up-to-date information on what to see and skip, and what hidden gems to explore. This guide covers all of Canada's provinces and territories, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the cultural hub of Quebec City. It provides insider tips to save time and money and highlights itineraries that can be tailored to individual interests and needs. The book also includes planning tools for family travelers, color maps, and images throughout. Overall, Lonely Planet Canada 15 is a must-have guide for anyone planning a trip to Canada, offering a unique and rewarding travel experience.

Moon Canadian Rockies: With Banff & Jasper National Parks: Scenic Drives, Wildlife, Hiking & Skiing (Travel Guide)

Hempstead, Andrew
Nov 1, 2022
Moon Canadian Rockies: With Banff & Jasper National Parks: Scenic Drives, Wildlife, Hiking & Skiing (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Canadian Rockies: With Banff & Jasper National Parks: Scenic Drives, Wildlife, Hiking & Skiing (Travel Guide)

Moon Canadian Rockies: With Banff & Jasper National Parks is a comprehensive travel guide that offers strategic itineraries, hiking trails, and outdoor experiences for exploring the Canadian Rockies. Readers can find details on length, elevation gains, difficulty levels, and trailheads for the best hikes in the area. The book provides expert insight from a Banff local on where to eat, stay, and when to go. Full-color photos, detailed maps, and directions make it easy to navigate. Overall, this guidebook is an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper: Make the Most of One to Three Days in the Parks (Travel Guide)

Hempstead, Andrew
Lomax, Becky
Moon Travel
Aug 3, 2021
Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper: Make the Most of One to Three Days in the Parks (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper: Make the Most of One to Three Days in the Parks (Travel Guide)

Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper is a comprehensive travel guide for those seeking to explore the beauty of these national parks. The book offers easy-to-follow itineraries for one to three days, top hikes, essential planning tips, and can't-miss experiences. With stunning full-color photos and maps throughout, it's a great resource for anyone planning a trip to these parks. Author Andrew Hempstead, a professional travel writer, shares his expertise and knowledge, making this guide a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Overall, Moon Best of Glacier, Banff & Jasper is an excellent resource for planning a memorable trip to these national parks.

2023 Rocky Mountain Guide to Exploring Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper (Color Edition)

Ehrenholz, Karen
Mar 30, 2023
2023 Rocky Mountain Guide to Exploring Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper (Color Edition) Cover
2023 Rocky Mountain Guide to Exploring Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper (Color Edition)

The 2023 Rocky Mountain Guide to Exploring Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper is a comprehensive travel guide for those planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies. It provides a list of must-see sights, things to do in each town, and tips on where and when to spot Canadian wildlife. The guide also includes top-rated picks for accommodations and restaurants, as well as park and wildlife trivia questions. What makes this guide unique is that it is based solely on customer experience, with no paid advertising. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make the most of their time in the Alberta side of the Canadian Rockies.

#TOP 9

Icefields Parkway Map (Banff and Jasper National Parks) | Gem Trek Maps

Gem Trek Maps
Gem Trek Maps
Jul 31, 2020
Icefields Parkway Map (Banff and Jasper National Parks) | Gem Trek Maps Cover
Icefields Parkway Map (Banff and Jasper National Parks) | Gem Trek Maps

The Icefields Parkway Map by Gem Trek Maps is a waterproof and tear-resistant hiking and recreation map for the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper National Parks. It features detailed cartography, all viewpoints, picnic areas, trailheads, campgrounds, hostels, lodges, and other services along the Icefields Parkway. The guide also includes short descriptions of the ten best walks and day hikes along the route, making it easier to plan your day. The map covers the entire length of the Icefields Parkway, a 232-kilometre (144-mile) route between the village of Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. The book is an ideal guide for anyone planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Adventures from the Coast to the Mountains, with Victoria and the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Travel Guide)

Heller, Carolyn B.
Mar 7, 2023
Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Adventures from the Coast to the Mountains, with Victoria and the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Adventures from the Coast to the Mountains, with Victoria and the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Travel Guide)

Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip is a comprehensive travel guide that takes readers on a journey through Western Canada, from the coast to the mountains. With flexible itineraries, detailed maps, and expert local knowledge, this book offers practical tips for planning and executing a memorable road trip. From hiking in the Rocky Mountains to wine-tasting in the Okanagan, Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip has something for every type of traveler. Overall, this is an excellent guidebook that is well-researched and easy to follow, making it a must-have for anyone planning a road trip through this beautiful region.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many days in Banff is enough?

It is good, if you can allocate, at least two days to spend in Banff & Lake Louise. You need to spend 5 days, to SEE & DO the real Banff : like hiking and canoeing in summer & Skiing and Snowboarding in winter.

2. What month is best for Banff?

The best times to visit Banff are June to August and December to March. Nature lovers will want to get to the park when the weather is warm and welcoming (and while the hotel rates in town are at a reasonable level). The skiers, however, will want to vacation in the height of winter.

3. How do I plan a trip to Banff?

The best ways to keep your budget down is to plan your trip to Banff outside the high season months, split car rental prices, purchase a Parks Canada Pass if you are here for more than three days, cook your own food, and do more hiking and free things in Banff – less touristy attractions.

Editor's Notes

During our banff travel guide research, we found 224 banff travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,012 customer reviews through our big data system to write the banff travel guides list. We found that most customers choose banff travel guides with an average price of $16.21.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.