PLAN YOUR VISIT
YOUR PRIDE GETAWAY
STARTS HERE
OCT 2–12, 2026
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
JUMP TO :
Where to Stay
Stay with a Banff Pride hotel partner and save!
Make a reservation with our hotel partners
between October 1 - 12 and save!
Turn the festival into a mountain getaway with exclusive offers from participating hotel partners across Banff. Choose from centrally located hotels, spacious suites and resort-style stays, with options for solo travellers, couples and groups.
Book an eligible stay between October 1 and 12, 2026, using promo code BANFFPRIDE to save 15–20%. Savings vary by hotel, room type and availability, so booking early is strongly recommended.
PROMO CODE: BANFFPRIDE
getting to banff
MEET US IN THE MOUNTAINS.
Banff sits in the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you arrive by air, road, shuttle, or rail, getting here is part of the adventure.
Banff is easily reached via the Trans-Canada Highway, with a scenic journey through the Canadian Rockies from either Calgary or Vancouver.
Approximate driving distances:
Calgary: 127 km
Edmonton: 524 km
Revelstoke: 283 km
Kelowna: 480 km
Vancouver: 848 km
October weather in the mountains can change quickly. Check current highway conditions before travelling and leave extra time for the journey.
BY CAR
BY AIR
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the primary gateway to Banff, with service from major Canadian and international airlines. From the airport, Banff is approximately 130 kilometres away, or about a 90-minute drive.
BY SHUTTLE
Travelling without a car? Several scheduled services connect Calgary and Banff, with departures from Calgary International Airport, downtown Calgary, and Crowfoot LRT Station. Advance booking is strongly recommended, and travellers should confirm current schedules and pickup locations directly with each provider.
From Calgary International Airport
Banff Airporter provides frequent, year-round service between YYC, Canmore, and Banff, including drop-off at Banff hotels. Brewster Express also offers multiple daily departures, with its 2026 summer schedule operating through October 31. Additional shared shuttle options include Discover Banff Tours, ABestX, The Fairy Bus, and Vivo Green.
From Calgary
Brewster Express offers service from select downtown Calgary hotels, while FlixBus provides scheduled coach service between Calgary and Banff. Vivo Green also operates departures from Crowfoot LRT Station, providing a convenient option for travellers connecting through Calgary Transit.
Banff’s walkable townsite and local transit make it easy to move between hotels, festival venues, restaurants, and attractions. Arrive by shuttle and let someone else watch the road.
getting around banff
no car? no problem!
Banff is one of Canada’s most walkable mountain towns, and exploring without a car is not only easy, it’s part of the experience.
Roam Transit runs year-round, connecting visitors to major attractions, trailheads, and nearby communities like Lake Louise and Canmore. Heading to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise? Parks Canada shuttles make it simple to explore some of the Rockies’ most iconic spots without the stress of parking or driving.
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Roam Public Transit provide multiple bus routes to popular locations including Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and more.
Roam Transit's core routes operate year round and additional seasonal routes are added in the summer months.
Visit the Roam Public Transit website for fares and route schedules.
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Multiple shuttle services make it easy to get around Banff National Park year-round, with seasonal routes connecting key attractions, ski areas, and trailheads.
Summer
In summer, Parks Canada shuttles connect Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from the Park & Ride, with additional private shuttle options from Lake Louise and surrounding operators offering flexible departures. Book your shuttle tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.Free seasonal shuttles also run to the Banff Gondola, Mt. Norquay, and Sunshine Meadows, making it simple to access major sightseeing and hiking areas without a car.
Winter
Ski shuttles run daily between Banff, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay, and Sunshine Village, with free access for lift ticket holders or tri-area passes. -
There’s no better way to experience Banff than getting out of the car and onto the trails. From easy, scenic walks right in downtown to longer hikes, there are plenty of options for all levels.
Cycling is just as rewarding, with paved roads and off-road routes that let you explore the park’s mountains, rivers, and valleys at your own pace.
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Parking is limited in the downtown core, and visitors are encouraged to use long-stay parking options and transit whenever possible.
Train Station Public Parking Lot
Free parking for up to 9 hours
Less than a 10‑minute walk to downtown Banff
Ideal for day visitors and cyclists accessing the Bow Valley Parkway
What to pack
PACK FOR EVERY
VERSION OF OCTOBER.
October in the Rockies can bring crisp sunshine, rain, wind, or snow, sometimes in the same day. Pack flexible layers so you can move comfortably from outdoor adventures to evening events.
Warm layers
Bring a warm jacket, sweaters, and base layers you can add or remove as conditions change. A toque, gloves, and scarf are worth the suitcase space.
Weather-ready footwear
Choose comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction for walking around town. Waterproof footwear is recommended for trails, rain, or early-season snow.
Day-to-night essentials
Festival days can move quickly from mountain air to packed venues. Bring an outfit that works in layers, plus anything you need to feel fully yourself after dark.
Sun and hydration
Higher elevations can mean stronger sun and drier air, even in cooler weather. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a reusable water bottle.
Helpful reminder: Check the forecast before you leave, but do not pack for only one version of it. Banff likes options.
Plan with confidence
Your Banff Pride
questions, answered.
Find quick answers about the 2026 Banff Pride Festival, including travel, accommodation, tickets, accessibility, weather, and visiting Banff National Park from October 2–12.
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The 2026 Banff Pride Festival takes place from October 2 to 12, 2026, in Banff National Park. The festival features live entertainment, community events, outdoor experiences, dining activations, speakers, and nightlife.
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Banff Pride events take place at venues throughout the Town of Banff and across Banff National Park. Event locations, times, age restrictions, and accessibility details are listed in the festival schedule.
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Banff can be reached from Calgary International Airport and Calgary by scheduled shuttle, coach, or private transfer. Once you arrive, Banff’s walkable townsite and local transit make it easy to explore without a vehicle.
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Banff Pride has partnered with a variety of hotels across Banff, offering festival guests 15–20% off eligible stays with promo code BANFFPRIDE.
Staying in the Town of Banff provides convenient access to festival venues, restaurants, shops and local transit.
Offers vary by hotel and are subject to availability, so early booking is recommended.
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October weather in Banff can include sunshine, rain, wind, and early-season snow. Pack warm layers, weather-resistant footwear, a jacket, gloves, and a toque, and check the forecast before travelling.
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Banff Pride includes both free and ticketed events. Review the full festival schedule for pricing, registration requirements, availability, and age restrictions.
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Accessibility varies by venue and activity. Each event listing will include available accessibility information, and attendees can contact Banff Pride with specific questions before booking.
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Yes. Visitors entering Banff National Park require a valid Parks Canada park pass.
