The closest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC).
The Banff Airporter shuttle from Calgary Airport has provided us a 15% discount if you book online (use promo code HOVDESTAD).
The town of Banff is 125km from Calgary Airport, or about 90 minutes by car.
Banff is located inside Banff National Park, which requires a valid pass (day or annual) for the full time you stay in the park. You can purchase passes at the Banff/Lake Louise Tourism website, or as you enter the park for those driving in.
Mention the Boyd/Hovdestad wedding at these hotels for group rates:
Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge
Book online or call 800-661-1379
Charltons Resort Banff
Call 800-661-1225
Banff's town center is very walkable, with many restaurants and shops located right on Banff Avenue. The ROAM bus Route 1 offers local service in and around Banff, and Banff Taxi is available 24/7 at 403-762-4444. For longer trips, a rental car may come in handy.
The Fairmont (our wedding venue) is a historic building and well worth the time to visit the beautiful grounds and interior!
Banff's famous hot springs are also worth a visit. Take a tour or walking trails around the Cave and Basin underground hot spring that started Canada's National Park system, or soak in the pools at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Next door is the Banff Gondola, which offers amazing views of Banff from the summit of Sulphur Mountain (and reopens on Jan. 18).
After you've done your civic duty and consumed a double-double at Timmy's, grab a local coffee from Whitebark Cafe, or start the day with breakfast at Melissa's Missteak. For lunch, check out The Block or Eddie's.
If some of Alberta's famous beef or bison is on your list for dinner, try a steak at The Fairmont's 1888 Chop House or splash out at The Eden. For beers and lighter fare, swing by the St. James' Gate Irish pub. Finally, the Three Ravens, Juniper Bistro, and the Sky Bistro (at the top of the Banff Gondola) all offer fine dining with an even finer view of Banff and the Bow Valley.
7 Most Scenic Restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise
Banff's Best Hole-in-the-Wall Eats - Ski Big 3
There's a number of fantastic skiing/snowboarding experiences close to Banff. Sunshine is the largest and most popular; Lake Louise Ski Resort features fewer (but more challenging) runs; and Norquay is just a 10 minute drive from town. All three hills offer bus service from Banff.