
Your Peak Season Banff Adventure Starts Here
- July 30, 2025

The allure of Banff National Park, with its majestic peaks and shimmering lakes, is undeniable throughout the year. While summer (June-September) and winter holidays bring a vibrant buzz, they also attract larger crowds. We understand you want to experience Banff fully, without feeling overwhelmed. That's why, here at Charltons Banff Hotel, we've curated this essential guide. It's designed to help you navigate peak times seamlessly, ensuring your stay with us feels as serene as the mountain air.
Why visit during peak season? It's popular for a reason. These are the moments when the park's iconic beauty and diverse activities are at their absolute best!
To ensure a seamless peak season visit, savvy planning is key. Here are our top tips for a truly unforgettable mountain getaway:
- Plan Ahead, Book Early, and Be Flexible: Accommodation is paramount, so secure your stay at Charltons Banff well in advance. Many popular attractions now require shuttle reservations via the Parks Canada Reservation Service – book these early! Also, make reservations for any specific tours, activities, or restaurants you have your heart set on.
- Embrace Public Transit and Shuttles: Leave your car with us! Banff's excellent Roam Public Transit connects you to key attractions, and PARKS CANADA SHUTTLES are your best friend for accessing iconic spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Ask our front desk about any shuttle services Charltons Banff might offer during your stay.
- Be an Early Bird (or a Night Owl!): The early morning hours are often the quietest for hikes and sightseeing before 9 AM. Alternatively, many attractions, especially within the town site, can be enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening when day-trippers have departed, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
- Explore Beyond the Busiest Hotspots: While Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are undeniably stunning, BANFF NATIONAL PARK offers a wealth of other incredible places with fewer crowds. Consider Peyto Lake or Bow Lake along the ICEFIELDS PARKWAY, or closer to town, the tranquil Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, Herbert Lake, or the picturesque Vermilion Lakes. If you venture up Johnston Canyon, continue past the Upper Falls to the vibrant INK POTS for a unique escape. Don't forget the panoramic views from the Mount Norquay Scenic Drive.
- Pack Smart and Stay Informed: Mountain weather changes rapidly, so pack layers. Stay hydrated and bring snacks for your adventures. Before heading out, always check the BanffNow website for real-time updates on parking, traffic, and trail conditions.
By following these tips, your peak season visit to Banff will be less about navigating crowds and more about creating unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of the CANADIAN ROCKIES. Plus, our friendly team is always on hand to offer personalized recommendations!
Charltons Banff is just a stone's throw from vibrant dining and shopping. When you stay with us, you have a distinct advantage, our boutique, alpine-style lodge, complete with an indoor mineral pool, hot tub, and steam room, is the perfect sanctuary after a day of exploration. See you soon!

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“My first impression of The Charltons Banff was a very good one. We had arrived hours before check in and knew we'd never find a parking space in town. The staff let me park at the hotel long before check in time. Later, they let us borrow a can of bear spray for all our hikes so we didn't have to buy it. They were super friendly, and we really enjoyed our stay. Our room on the first floor was nice with a comfortable queen bed and a large bathroom with separate tub and shower. We had plenty of space and were very comfortable. The location is a bit out from the main tourist area of town, so keep that in mind if you don't like walking. We do, and the 12 to 15 minute walk into the shopping district of Banff Avenue was no problem at all. If you”
-A nice place in the heart of Banff, Greg S.“This was our first visit to Banff and the Charlton’s Banff Hotel exceeded our expectations. The room was clean and comfortable and the location of the hotel was excellent. The front desk personnel were very friendly and accommodating. We would definitely recommend this hotel and would stay there again the next time we visit the area. ”
-Cathy B,“Good location and amenities! Rooms were modern, spacious and had a view! The pool was awesome!”
-Excellent, Steven J. - Alberta Canada“This is the second time we have stayed at Charltons and with good reason. The rooms are more than spacious for the two of us and had everything we needed on our stay. We arrived late due to a delayed flight and we were greeted graciously by the reception who said they were expecting us and offered food options in the area at such a late hour on a Sunday, having been travelling for nearly 24 hours at that point. The location is also pretty good, it takes about 10 minutes to walk into the centre, with an IGA supermarket nearby too”
-Been here twice now for a reason, Fortune T.“Don't hesitate to stay here, we had a loft room and it was great. Very comfortable bed, good shower pressure, well kept and clean room. We were able to also book ourselves into the pool for the 30 min time-slot, and we also enjoyed that. Very friendly front desk staff. Overall we were very pleased and definitely recommend this hotel! ”
-Sharon S,