5 Budget Tips For Traveling In Banff!

Banff National Park. A paradise for nature enthusiasts.

It's likely on the bucket list of every adventurer, and you might have either visited already or are considering a trip after the semester. As a popular national park in Canada, Banff attracts a significant number of tourists, along with pricey stores catering to their needs.

Having explored the park firsthand, I've uncovered some insider tips on saving money in Banff. You can get a quick overview by watching the accompanying video, or delve into this article for a more detailed review below.

Tip 1: Cut down on fuel expenses by opting for Roam Transit in Banff.

Roam Transit serves eight different routes within Banff National Park, including downtown Banff and major attractions like Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and Sulphur Mountain. You don't necessarily need a car to explore Banff, and using public transportation helps save on gas costs. Bus tickets can be purchased through the Token Transit app (available on IOS and Android) at prices ranging from $5 to $20 for a 1-day pass. Additionally, consider taking advantage of free bus passes, such as those for Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain) and Route 2 (Downtown Banff), which may be available through your accommodation.

Roam Transit Map

Tip 2: Opt for hostels over hotels to save costs and enjoy added perks.

While staying at a luxurious hotel in one of the world's most beautiful places may sound appealing, hostels often offer more advantages.

I stayed at HiBanff Alpine Center, the best hostel I've ever been to!

801 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB T1L 1B3

Reasons to consider hostels include:

• Lower nightly costs, sometimes as low as $40, with additional discounts for longer stays.

• Free bus passes for Routes 1 and 2.

• Organized free group hiking tours to scenic spots like Tunnel Mountain, Surprise Corner, or Hoodoos.

• Complimentary rental of bear spray and hiking sticks from the front desk.

• A warm and cozy atmosphere for meeting new people.

• Even if the idea of sharing a room with strangers is discomforting, many hostels provide private rooms for individuals, friends, partners, or families. Staying at a hostel not only saves on costs but also provides opportunities to connect with wonderful people.

Tip 3: Purchase bear spray from Banff Convenience Store for a good deal.

Bear spray is a crucial item to have in Banff, and the Banff Convenience Store on 210 Buffalo Street in Downtown Banff offers a favorable deal. For $49, you can buy the spray, and if unused, return it to receive $25 (half the price) back. This is a more affordable option compared to renting bear spray from other gear stores, where daily costs can go up to $10.

Banff Convenience Store

210 Buffalo St, Banff, AB T1L 1G2

Tip 4: Invest in your ice spikes instead of renting them.

Link to my Crampons: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07XRD6TTM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ABN3AHIZ0WXL0&th=1&psc=1 (they were really good!)

For winter hikes, it's advisable to buy your ice spikes for better traction on slippery surfaces. Purchasing ice spikes on platforms like Amazon, where they cost around $20, is a cost-effective alternative to daily rentals, which can be as much as $5 per day at the cheapest stores. This is particularly beneficial for longer stays exceeding four days in Banff.

Tip 5: Save on winter activities by renting your gear.

Ultimate Stores & Rental

206 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8

If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding during the winter, renting gear offers the best prices. Many rental shops provide tiered pricing based on different experience levels, making it a budget-friendly option for enjoying winter activities in Banff.

Taken from: https://ultimatebanff.com/rentals/reservations/

That wraps up our guide to budget travel in Banff! We trust you found these tips helpful. Feel free to share your own insights in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!