Great trips to Banff start here.

Plan your ideal Banff trip with unique travel guides and personalized planning services by local experts.
geo-intro
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Banff trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Banff trip
What foods do Banff locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Banff
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Banff
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Banff

Find a local Banff expert
to plan your trip

profile-img
Emily Gladys Toll
Lives in Banff, AB, Canada
As I begin this journey into travel "influencing", I asked myself: What makes me a great travel content creator/ “influencer”? This was my answer... Travel is my OBSESSION. It begins with the foundation of my education. I studied Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant management in college. I also have my WSET Level One, which is sommelier studies or the beginning of the process of becoming a sommelier. I studied in Niagara on the Lake which is in the Niagara region of Ontario. Niagara Falls isn’t but 20 minutes away. It’s like the Las Vegas of Canada. So tourism and travel to that area is off the charts. From there my heart got called to the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Which is arguably one of the most desired destination spot in North America, never mind the world. Over the span of 5 years I have worked in two world renowned Hotels and a Ski Resort; Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Banff Springs and Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort. This period in my life is where I truly discovered my passion and obsession with traveling internationally. In 2014 I discovered my love for Backpacking and seeing all parts of what a country has to offer. This journey started with a month long trek in the incredible country of Panama. Traveling as the only female, with a group of male colleagues, to around 5 different regions of the country, learning the culture, the language, and the depth Panama holds. The next country I spent a month in was Belize. Again, roaming the different regions, food and activities you can find in one of the most beautiful Caribbean countries. Other countries I visited during this period of my life were Costa Rica and Jamaica. Then came the beginning of a new chapter and adventure; Bali Indonesia and then Australia for two years. Australia is where I met my man. My visa expired the end of 2018, he got his and we moved back to Banff where we have lived for the last 5 years. During covid, we did a lot of exploring the west coast of Canada. Uculet, Tofino, Vancouver, and the Okanagan. After covid, we then did a two week trek exploring Baja California Surr in Mexico and the world class beaches that state has to offer. We rented a car and drove literally all around the province. And recently we just got back from exploring the insanely beautiful country of Portugal. Again where we rented a car and drove all around the country side. All the way from Nazare to the Algarve Coastline and everything in between. I’ve stayed in countless hostels, hotels and resorts. Worked and dined in dive bars and 5 star restaurants and everything in between. Spent 2 years living and working abroad in a country on the other side of the planet from everything familiar to me. Having visited 9+ Countries in the last 10 years, my twenties were truly dedicated to exploring as much of the world as I could with what I had. And because of these experiences, I completely understand the value and quality of a whole range of travel experiences; from camping in Tofino, too dining at the Shangri La in Sydney Australia. Now that I have stepped into my thirties, I am completely ready for more, to see more and experience more of this incredible planet. My passion and excitement for capturing and experiencing beautiful moments in time that only happen once in a lifetime, is truly what I live for. I believe and wish for everyone to have the opportunity to experience breathless moments in captivating unfamiliar places around the world. Stuart and I are currently working on Vlogs about our latest trips to Mexico and Portugal and also have very big plans of overlanding the west coast of Canada, the USA and into Mexico. So keep an eye out for these coming adventures💕
Adventure • Backpacker • Overlanding • Budget • Beach Holidays/ Surf • Romantic • Slow Travel

DIY your trip to Banff with guides
and itineraries by local experts

Welcome to the pristine wilderness of Canada's most iconic national parks – Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Jasper. Embark on an unforgettable journey through these breathtaking landscapes, where towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and verdant forests await your exploration. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and let our guide lead you through a tapestry of natural wonders, immersing you in the untamed beauty and rich biodiversity of these remarkable wilderness areas. Your next unforgettable adventure begins here. *** WHAT YOU GET IN THIS GUIDE *** - 70 curated spots. Way more than any traditional guide! - A FREE 7 day itinerary - Discount suggestions where possible - A collection of EASY, MEDIUM and HARD trails for day hiking. - Beautiful pictures of Canada's rocky mountains - A collection of good cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. - A collection of outdoor stores for mountain gear. - Fun trips for beginner and seasoned adventurers. - A packing list for outdoor adventures. - A list of important, must-know information such as a wildlife, seasonal information and useful tips from someone who has hiked the Rockies. *** WHO YOU SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR PURCHASE *** Meet Rachelle, a fervent outdoor enthusiast hailing from Maastricht, whose very essence thrives amidst the beauty of the natural world. With an unyielding passion for outdoor travel and a profound love for hiking, Rachelle has become a modern-day explorer, traversing untamed paths and scaling peaks in pursuit of exhilarating adventures. In sharing her outdoor odysseys, she kindles a spark within others to embrace the allure of the great outdoors. Their adventurous narrative beckons fellow wanderers to heed the call of the wild, lace up their boots, and set forth on the trail of discovery. As we embark on this journey alongside her, their story becomes an anthem to the joys of hiking, reminding us that the path less traveled is often the most rewarding.
Adventure • Budget • Luxury • Foodie • Nature • People & Culture • Sustainable/Eco • Road Trip • Mountain • Camping • Van Life • Slow Travel
Free
8
Reasons to visit
Banff
Discover the Best of Banff: Must-Visit Areas
Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife, Banff offers an unforgettable experience. Here's a look at the top areas you shouldn't miss when visiting this iconic destination.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the crown jewel of Banff, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and imposing mountainous backdrop. The lake is perfect for canoeing in the summer, while winter transforms it into a picturesque ice skating rink. The area offers numerous hiking trails, including the popular Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, where hikers are rewarded with spectacular views. The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an excellent place to stay and dine, providing luxury accommodations that match the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is another must-visit location in Banff, often considered even more beautiful than Lake Louise. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake dazzles visitors with its vibrant blue waters and rugged mountain scenery. The Rockpile Trail offers the best vantage point for photographers, providing a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks. Cano

Thatch can help you with
any trip to Banff

Explore curated travel guides, itineraries and custom travel planning services for Banff. Whether you are spending 4 days in Banff or 2 weeks in Banff, Thatch guides and itineraries can help you make the most of your trip with curated Banff recommendations by locals and travel experts. Explore what to eat in Banff, the best things to do in Banff and the must sees in Banff. From a long weekend in Banff to a trip of a lifetime, let Thatch local experts help you plan the perfect vacation.
Banff
Breathtaking mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, ideal for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT