plan your queer getaway in the rocky mountains.
welcome to banff
a world class destination for queer-friendly adventures.
Banff is more than a postcard-perfect mountain town, it’s a vibrant, inclusive destination where 2SLGBTQIA+ visitors can feel welcomed, safe, and celebrated. Whether you’re here for Banff Pride or just exploring solo, with friends, or chosen family, there’s something magical waiting for you in every direction.
get active in banff
whatever floats your boat.
Banff has lots of options for active outings. [add more stuff here]
Insider Tip: Most trails and attractions are accessible via public transit or by foot from downtown.
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hiking trails
Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trailblazer, Banff offers scenic routes for every level. Here are some of out favourites in the area:
Fenland Loop
2 km (approx. 1.2 miles)
This forested, flat trail winds along Forty Mile Creek through old-growth spruce and marshland, making it ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and a quick, peaceful 30-60 minute walk or hike.Spray River Trail
12km (approx. 7.5 miles)
Following the turquoise Spray River through peaceful forest and open valley views, this trail delivers stunning mountain scenery.Bow River Loop
2.1 km (approx. 1.3 miles)
A peaceful, easygoing trail in Lake Louise that winds through quiet forest, along the rushing Bow River, and across scenic wooden bridges . -
Biking
Exploring the Bow Valley by bike is a great way to take in the panoramic mountain views.
Legacy Trail
26.8km (16.6 miles) one way
The Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore is a local favourite. The paved pathway that’s perfect for riders of all levels.Mountain Biking
For those looking for more adventure, Banff also offers incredible mountain biking trails, with rugged singletrack, forested routes, and alpine terrain .No Bike? No Problem! You can rent bikes from local shops like SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Snowtips, or Bear Street Outfitters.
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Paddle & SUP
Banff’s stunning turquoise lakes and glacial rivers offer endless ways to experience the Rockies from the water.
Paddle Vermillion Lakes
Paddle the iconic Vermilion Lakes, just minutes from downtown Banff, where calm, marsh-lined waters reflect Mount Rundle in every direction.Guided Big Canoe Tour
Paddle in a 12-person canoe along the Bow River, framed by dramatic mountain peaks and forested valley walls. With chances to spot eagles, elk, and beavers while learning about the history and ecology of the Bow Valley.SUP Two Jack Lake
Stand-up paddleboarding offers a peaceful yet active way to explore Banff’s crystal-clear lakes. Two Jack Lakes is one of our favouties! -
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain for some of the best sunset views in the Rockies, with sweeping panoramas over the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks.
At the summit, Sky Bistro serves elevated Canadian cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views that make dinner feel like part of the experience.
For a more active option, the hike up Sulphur Mountain follows a steady switchback trail through forest to the same incredible summit views, where you can ride the gondola down after.
food, drinks
& queer nightlife
Banff’s food scene punches above its weight for a small mountain town, with everything from casual comfort food and après-ski bites to elevated dining and locally inspired menus. You’ll find craft cocktails, solid breweries, and cozy patios that make it easy to settle in after a day outside.
Queer nightlife in Banff is smaller and more low-key, but there’s a welcoming, inclusive community vibe, especially during events, festivals, and Pride celebrations, where local bars and spaces come alive.
some of our favourites:
Bluebird is one of our favourite brunch spots, known for its cozy seating and reliably great start to the day.
PARK Distillery s a go-to for cocktails, serving up camp-inspired drinks in a lively space right in the heart of Banff.
getting around banff
no car? no problem!
Banff is one of the most walkable towns in Canada, and exploring without a vehicle is not only easy, it’s encouraged.
Roam Transit buses run year-round and connect you to major attractions, trailheads, and the nearby communities of Lake Louise and Canmore. Want to visit Moraine Lake or Lake Louise? Parks Canada shuttles will get you there stress-free.
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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
getting to banff
find your home base for adventure.
Banff townsite is nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, with quick access to neighbouring Kootenaym Yogo and Jasper National Parks.
Come out for a weekend in Banff or escape for the week and take it all in.
Driving times to Banff
Calgary: 127km | 70 min
Edmonton: 524km | 5.5hr
Radium Hot Springs: 136km | 1.5hr
Golden: 139km | 1.5hr
Revelstoke: 283km | 3.5hr
Kelowna: 480km | 5.5hr
Kamloops: 495km | 5.5hr
Vancouver: 848km | 9hr
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hiking trails
Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trailblazer, Banff offers scenic routes for every level. Here are some of out favourites in the area:
Fenland Loop
2 km (approx. 1.2 miles)
This forested, flat trail winds along Forty Mile Creek through old-growth spruce and marshland, making it ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and a quick, peaceful 30-60 minute walk or hike.Spray River Trail
12km (approx. 7.5 miles)
Following the turquoise Spray River through peaceful forest and open valley views, this trail delivers stunning mountain scenery.Bow River Loop
2.1 km (approx. 1.3 miles)
A peaceful, easygoing trail in Lake Louise that winds through quiet forest, along the rushing Bow River, and across scenic wooden bridges . -
Biking
Exploring the Bow Valley by bike is a great way to take in the panoramic mountain views.
Legacy Trail
26.8km (16.6 miles) one way
The Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore is a local favourite. The paved pathway that’s perfect for riders of all levels.Mountain Biking
For those looking for more adventure, Banff also offers incredible mountain biking trails, with rugged singletrack, forested routes, and alpine terrain .No Bike? No Problem! You can rent bikes from local shops like SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Snowtips, or Bear Street Outfitters.
-
Paddle & SUP
Banff’s stunning turquoise lakes and glacial rivers offer endless ways to experience the Rockies from the water.
Paddle Vermillion Lakes
Paddle the iconic Vermilion Lakes, just minutes from downtown Banff, where calm, marsh-lined waters reflect Mount Rundle in every direction.Guided Big Canoe Tour
Paddle in a 12-person canoe along the Bow River, framed by dramatic mountain peaks and forested valley walls. With chances to spot eagles, elk, and beavers while learning about the history and ecology of the Bow Valley.SUP Two Jack Lake
Stand-up paddleboarding offers a peaceful yet active way to explore Banff’s crystal-clear lakes. Two Jack Lakes is one of our favouties! -
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain for some of the best sunset views in the Rockies, with sweeping panoramas over the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks.
At the summit, Sky Bistro serves elevated Canadian cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views that make dinner feel like part of the experience.
For a more active option, the hike up Sulphur Mountain follows a steady switchback trail through forest to the same incredible summit views, where you can ride the gondola down after.
Meet the Team
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Monet Goode
FOUNDER
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
They set the tone for everything we do. -
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Emmett Marsh
SALES MANAGER
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care. -
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Eleanor Parks
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience. -
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Karl Holland
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.
