Anna Wondering what to pack for Banff National Park? Whether you’re visiting in summer for legendary alpine hikes and turquoise lakes or for the winter wonderland and world class skiing, knowing what to pack can make or break your adventure. The Canadian Rockies are one of my favorite places, and a true bucket list destination— but it’s a rugged landscape and the weather is notoriously unpredictable. Forgetting the essentials can wreak havoc on your dream vacation.
This Banff packing list is here to help you feel prepared for anything the mountains throw your way. From trail must-haves and layered clothing to travel gear that’ll keep you comfy and organized, here’s everything you need to pack for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable trip to Banff.
Planning a trip to Banff? Check out these helpful posts:
- Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- Banff Travel Tips for First-Timers: Secrets to Planning the Perfect Trip
- Travel guide for Lake Moraine and Lake Louise
- Visiting Johnston Canyon for the coolest waterfall hike
- What to do in the Town of Banff
This post contains affiliate links for products that I really like. If you buy from them, I may get a small commission, but at no cost to you. Thanks for reading :).
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Copy of your passport— it’s always a good idea to bring a photocopy in case you lose your passport.
- Park Pass: if you want to buy online and print it in advance. This will save you time, and is one of the many tips and tricks for visiting Banff.
- ATM card: Credit cards are widely used. Even USD is widely accepted, but if you’ll get change back in Canadian Dollars. Therefore, you’ll be paying more, because of the exchange rate.
- Drivers license- especially if you’re renting a car
- Address of your hotel
- Download hiking trail maps, and directions for driving because cell service can be spotty outside of the Town of Banff and deeper into the mountains.
Clothes
Pack comfy, warm layers for outdoor activities: hiking, walking around the towns, and exploring the lakes. Your best bet is to wear versatile clothes, so your comfortable in different temperatures, long stretches in the car and inside restaurants. Don’t underestimate how quickly the weather can change. You’ll need to be prepared for rain, sun, snow on a given day. even if you’re traveling in the summer.
The overall vibe around Banff is casual, but there are plenty of upper scale restaurants. If you’re planning nice dinners and evenings out you can pack a nice outfit. I wouldn’t consider this necessary—Banff is very accommodating to the outdoorsy and casual attire.
- Socks x days + a few extra. I suggest wool socks for cooler months, especially if you’re hiking around puddles or snow, because it will keep your feet so dry and cozy.
- Underwear x days + a few extra (to allow for outfit changes after hot tubs, or extra showers)
- Bras should compatible with your tops or dresses
- Sports bras for hiking days. I LOVE this sports bra, I have 5. They’re versatile, can wear as a cropped tank, and they’re good quality. I’ve washed mine countless times, and they’re good as new.
- Swimsuit
- Pjs
- T-shirts: plan coordinating tops for your outfits in advance
- Pants: Leggings or hiking pants for outdoor days, jeans or dresses for nice evenings out
- Shorts: July and August are the warmest months
- Cardigan/sweater
Outerwear
What jackets you bring will be highly dependent on the season. Most of the spring and fall you’ll want a lightweight but warm all weather jacket. Even if you’re going to Banff in the summer I highly recommend being prepared for rain and snow— the weather can turn cold fast in the Rockies (those mountains are tall!!).
- Light jacket for layering: like a flannel or athletic zip-up
- Warmer, weatherproof jacket
- scarves, mittens, hat
- Winter: Parka, or wool jacket
Accessories:
- Jewelry to match your outfits. This can be minimal. Personally, I don’t pack valuables, although Banff is very safe, I just don’t want to lose them.
- Belts
- Sunglasses I love these polarized sunglasses from Goodr brand. I have 8 pairs.
- Hat- to shield your eyes from the sun and/or keep warm
- Purse or belt bag
- Backpack for hikes
- Extra tote or duffle bag: If you think you’re going to buy a lot of stuff during your trip, pack a collapsable fabric bag that you can use to carry your gifts home.
Banff Packing List: Shoes
Whatever footwear you bring, it must be comfortable walking a lot, there are so many things you need to see in Banff! Even if you’re just staying around the Town of Banff, you’ll be on the go. Many trails are great for beginners and you can simply wear sneakers. If you’re planning on hiking a lot, you may want sturdier hiking boots. Personally, I pack an extra pair. They may get wet in the rain, show, or riverbanks.
I don’t think nice shoes are necessary, but if you’re planning on nice dinners and evenings out, you’ll want footwear to match your outfits.
- Sneakers
- Hiking boots
- Slip on walking shoes (what I wear at the airport)
- Boots/heels (if bringing nice outfits)
- Slippers for the airbnb
- Flip flops for pool, hot tub or hot springs
Toiletries for your Banff Packing List
What you bring for your toiletries mostly depends on you, and what you like. I largely borrowed these items from my standard international trip packing list. The most important things to consider is your time spent outside: you’ll need sunscreen and probably some extra moisturizer for Banff, since you’ll be exposed to the elements. I like to pack light, so I usually bring product samples and throw them out when they’re empty.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash could be supplied by accommodations
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss
- Hairbrush, hair ties or clips
- Other hair care products
- Facial cleanser, moisturizer, other stuff for your own skin care routine
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen- you’ll need a good face sunscreen and this one is perfect.
- Makeup, makeup brushes, individually wrapped make up remover sheets
- Lip balm, consider some with SPF (I think this is mandatory for a Banff Packing list!)
- Contact solution
- I always pack these miscellaneous items to avoid travel mishaps. I learned the hard way that items like baby wipes, drink mixes (like liquid IV) and certain medicines are not worth being caught without 🫠.
Personal medications
- Prescriptions
- Medical devices
- Pain relievers for sore feet and muscles
- Tums
- Allergy medicine in case the local plants don’t agree with you
- Band aids for blisters and scrapes
- Anti-itch for bug bites
Electronics and Gadgets
- Chargers: Lightning cables, USB-C, and wall plugs with multiple ports. Pack enough cables to charge all of your devices:
- Phones
- Ipad/kindle
- Headphones
- Powerbanks
- Booklight
- Smartwatches
- Power adapter (Canada and US use the same outlet types)
Banff Packing List: Hiking Essentials
Here are some items to consider packing if you plan on hiking around the park.
- Layers to ward off the rain and cold
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreens- for lips, face, arms
- Water
- Mosquito repellent. I wore these bracelets for hiking in the Maine woods, and was impressed. This way you can avoid packing liquids.
- Hand sanitizer for outhouses
- Offline trail maps
- Cash for Teahouses (sometimes the credit card machines are down)
- Snacks
- Bear spray (you will need this. You can’t bring it on an airplane, but I want to draw attention to it here so that you’re aware)
- Shuttle reservations: This is necessary for visiting Lake Moraine and for Lake Louise in the near future. There are a few shuttle operators around Banff, just be sure to book in advance!
I hope this helps you prepare for your trip to Banff. It’s such an awesome destination and I love it there. I’d love to hear about your trip experiences. Drop a comment to share some of your trip highlights, I’d love to hear about it 🙂 Thank you so much for reading!
