
Nestled throughout the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s majestic mountains and beautiful glacial lakes make it a spectacular vacation spot. Even higher, it’s extremely pet pleasant! You’ll have no downside discovering resorts, eating places, and hikes to take pleasure in along with your furry journey buddy in Banff!
Finest Occasions To Go to Banff
One of the best time to your pet pleasant journey to Banff will rely on what you and your pet love to do collectively. For snow-free trails and water actions, plan your Banff summer season trip between mid-July and early September. Perched at 4,800 ft, the one Canadian metropolis that surpasses Banff’s elevation is Lake Louise. And meaning it takes Banff a very long time to thaw out and heat up!
If you happen to and your canine like to play within the snow, then Banff turns into a paradise for you from late November by means of February. A spotlight of a Banff winter trip is skating, snowshoeing, and extra on the frozen lakes.
Banff professional tip: Being in such a mountainous space the climate is chaotic right here. We skilled sudden intervals of heavy rain all through the day adopted by sunshine! Time and again. Retaining an umbrella and your canine’s rain jacket useful is just about a should!
READ MORE ⇒ Suggestions For Crossing The Border To Canada From The U.S. With Pets
Hitting The Pet Pleasant Trails In Banff
In fact, the most important draw to this space is the unbelievable surroundings. And one of the simplest ways to expertise that’s it get your self proper out in it!
Banff Nationwide Park has greater than 1,500 km of mountaineering trails – greater than another mountain park on this planet. And leashed pets are welcome on practically all of them!
Some trails will be closed to canine in late summer season and early fall resulting from excessive bear exercise, so test with the rangers when you enter the park gates. That is simply performed while you’re buying your nationwide park cross, that are required, and begin at $10.50CAD per day.
Mountain climbing is so accessible in Banff that you simply don’t even should get in your automotive to hit among the hottest trails within the space. There’s an in depth community of paths round city on either side of the river, and indicators alongside the best way that present your location.
Bow Falls
One stroll you gained’t need to overlook is the path to Bow Falls. Cross the pedestrian bridge south of downtown and observe the trail south alongside the river. Earlier than lengthy you’ll be capable to hear the sound of the falls. And simply over a mile down the best way you’ll discover the turquoise waters tumbling over the rocks.
This pet pleasant Banff path is 2.7km round-trip, and it’s rated as straightforward with a picket staircase on the finish. You may as well drive to the Bow Falls parking zone for quick entry.
Be ready for crowds at Bow Falls, as it’s a very talked-about vacation spot. You may reduce this by heading there earlier or later within the day.
Historic reality: Traditional Hollywood movies from the Fifties usually depicted film stars, resembling Marilyn Monroe, being swept away by Bow Falls. It’s enjoyable to think about movie crews working right here whereas taking in the fantastic thing about this mountain backdropped waterfall!
Leashes are strictly required on all trails inside Banff, and all nationwide parks in Canada. For off-leash working, go to the canine park within the industrial space of city on the south aspect of Hawk Avenue.
Shock Nook
You will note one of the recognizable resorts on this planet, the Fairmont Banff Springs, on the path to Shock Nook. It’s fairly the construction, showing in its lush forest setting.
Now a Nationwide Historic Website, it’s not a reasonable place to remain – however the Fairmont Banff Springs is pet pleasant! You may cease in to gaze on the spectacular halls and decor along with your furry good friend, even in the event you’re not spending the evening. Or benefit from the Bavarian fare as you dine along with your pup on the canine pleasant patio on the Waldhaus Fairmont.
The stroll from downtown Banff to Shock Nook is lower than a kilometer. For an prolonged hike you’ll be able to proceed from there to the Banff Hoodoos.
If you wish to drive to Shock Nook, be warned that the parking zone could be very small in the event you drive.
Banff Hoodoos
Hoodoos are an sudden sight once you consider visiting Banff, however Banff has them! So add this easy-to-access viewpoint to your itinerary or add it to your hike to Shock Nook.
If you happen to’re strolling, choose up the path within the Shock Nook parking space. Search for the path signal at the back of the parking space. The path is rated “straightforward,” gives nice mountain and river views, and is 4.8km one-way to the hoodoos.
If you happen to’re driving, enter “Hoodoos Viewpoint” in your mapping app to search out the parking zone with direct entry to this view.
You’ll have an excellent photograph alternative with Parks Canada’s signature purple chairs right here. And you may proceed alongside the trail from the perspective parking space for a brief stroll with a lot extra scenic vantage factors.
We didn’t have time to discover past the perspective, however I nonetheless discovered it very rewarding for views. And I undoubtedly want we may have performed the entire hike after seeing the images!
The World Famend Lakes Of Banff Nationwide Park With Canine
Strung like jewels, the lakes in pet pleasant Banff Nationwide Park are to not be missed.
Lake Louise
No journey to Banff could be full and not using a cease on the iconic Lake Louise! And as it’s a world-renowned vacation spot, count on to see many different guests right here as properly.
It’s a good suggestion to reach at your parking spot by late morning. The lot tends to refill relatively shortly. Parking as of June 2021 is $12.75CAD plus your nationwide park cross displayed in your windshield.
Two pet pleasant methods to expertise Lake Louise in additional solitude are to go mountaineering or take a canoe out on the lake.
For a dawn paddle, reserve a canoe by 10pm the prior night on the Lake Louise Boathouse. Throughout the day the long-lasting purple canoes are first come first serve, however at all times canine pleasant!
Banff professional tip: If you happen to plan to canoe along with your canine, carry a life vest for him. Human life preservers are offered, however most locations to not have canine security gear.
If you happen to choose to remain on strong floor, mountaineering the path from Lake Louise to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is without doubt one of the most memorable adventures Amy and Rod did with Ty and Buster. Her publish about it makes me want we had time as properly. It’s additionally humorous to learn what occurred throughout their doggie photograph shoot.
READ MORE ⇒ A Canine Pleasant Hike From Lake Louise To The Lake Agnes Tea Home
If you happen to’re into tea home hikes, another choice from Lake Louise is the Plain of Six Glaciers. In reality, there are such a lot of path choices round Lake Louise it’s a very simple place to spend a spectacular day. And all the paths are open to canine on leash!
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one other widespread and famend lake in Banff. And with the breathtaking view of ten sharp peaks lining the backdrop, it’s no surprise.
Parking is free at this stunning lake. Nonetheless, parking areas are very restricted. And it’s a trending spot for dawn images, so that you and your pup might want to arrive early to safe a spot in the summertime!
Sure … you actually do have to arrive by 6am. As soon as the lot is full, the highway is closed. And it’s a whole gamble if it can open once more earlier than nightfall.
The excellent news is, Moraine Lake just about has all of it! When you snag one of many coveted parking spots, you may make a day of it right here.
Select from the pet pleasant day hike choices together with, Comfort Lakes (5.8km round-trip), Eiffel Lake Path (11.7km round-trip), and Sentinel Cross by way of Larch Valley (10.9km round-trip). Or take one of many shorter, simpler trails. Then end your day with a delicate float on the lake. You may carry your personal SUP, kayak, or canoe, or lease a canoe throughout your go to.
Lake Minnewanka And The Scenic Drive Loop
The Lake Minnewanka scenic loop begins inside a 5 minute drive from downtown Banff. Although the loop is just 24km, there are quite a few locations to simply entry the lake and a lot to do alongside the best way!
This lake itself is about midway round Loop Drive. It’s a huge lake that shines an icy glacial blue when the solar is out, which is so fairly!
Alongside the best way to the primary parking zone look ahead to a lakeside parking. You would make a tailgate picnic, or have a nap like Riley!
You may lease a canoe or boat to go fishing, or take a ship tour and let another person do the driving. This may even be an epic location to launch your paddle board. And in the event you go to Banff within the winter this lake turns into a large skating rink to play on!
On land you’ll be able to benefit from the shoreline or take a lakeside stroll to Steward Canyon (6.6km or 4.1m round-trip). This is without doubt one of the few locations the place you gained’t be capable to lengthen your hike with canine resulting from bear habitat. Bear spray is required to hike right here, and really helpful for all Banff hikes.
Spray Lake
Typically it’s enjoyable to get off the overwhelmed path, and you are able to do simply that at Spray Lake. Positioned south of Canmore on Hwy 742, that is beautiful spot in the event you’re in search of just a little peace and quiet.
The highway is paved for a brief distance out of city, and switches to a well-maintained gravel highway till you get close to Kananaskis.
There’s a campground and several other picnic areas on the lakeshore, so discovering a spot to admire the view ought to be no downside.
Cascade Ponds
For a picnic in a lovely setting beneath Cascade Mountain, head over to Cascade Ponds. Right here hearth pits and tables are offered simply steps from the parking zone.
After some lunch, you and your furry good friend will love the two.4km loop path over the ponds which might be related with charming picket bridges. Cascade Ponds can also be a pleasant, calm place to launch your SUP on the water.
Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake in Banff Nationwide Park is a good area whether or not you want to stroll, picnic, swim, float or paddle away on the beautiful blue-green water surrounded by mountains. And all of those actions can be found to you a really quick stroll from the parking space.
You may be instantly greeted with an open grassy space and picnic tables from the parking zone. Lake and mountain views included!
There’s additionally a small sandy seaside the place you and your pup are in a position to cool off throughout a summer season go to. You would additionally launch a paddle board or inflatable boat from the seaside.
Banff professional tip: Remembering that canine should at all times stay on leash in Banff, in case your pup likes to swim, pack an extended leash that dries shortly.
For an opportunity to stretch your legs, choose up the pretty straightforward 3.2km path across the lake. You’ll encounter a couple of quick steeper sections, and the path is unmarked so downloading a path map is really helpful.
Two Jack Lake
Most of the essential lake points of interest round Banff are fed by glaciers, however not Two Jack! Which means the lake is hotter and rather more fascinating for swimming and different water actions.
Two Jack lake has direct quick access to a small, sandy seaside space. You gained’t be capable to lease watercraft right here, however you are able to do that in Banff. (Or take a look at the leases in Canmore for a fraction of the fee).
For an opportunity at a sunny seaside location all to your self, take a hike alongside the west aspect of the lake (4.7km round-trip). Right here additionally, you will discover picnic tables and a grassy hill to take pleasure in your lunch after a swim with incredible views of Mount Rundle.
Bonus! Listed below are a few pictures of Mount Rundle from the Trans Canada Freeway.
Extra Pet Pleasant Issues To Do Close to Banff
Bankhead
Bankhead isn’t a lake surrounded by mountains however a ghost city, positioned a brief distance from Lake Minnewanka. That is an sudden and distinctive Banff cease!
Begin on the Decrease Bankhead parking zone for the roughly 1km interpretive path lined with previous mining gear and buildings.
From Higher Bankhead there’s an 8.8km hike resulting in a cirque, which is a bowl formed despair left behind by a glacier. You may survey the ruins of a mine on this path, however the decrease lot is the place you’ll discover nearly all of the ghost city.
Throughout our journey we discovered each of those heaps close to empty. It appears Bankhead is a hidden gem, and the picnic space within the higher lot is a beautiful place for a peaceable forested lunch.
Take a look at these fascinating photographs captured within the 1900s when Bankhead was thriving.
The Ice Discipline Parkway
The highway connecting Jasper Nationwide Park and Banff, often called the Ice Discipline Parkway, is an excellent drive. Alongside the best way you’ll see epic views of monstrous mountains, cross glacial lakes, and see glaciers, too!
Finishing the whole drive isn’t essential to get a really feel for this space. However it’s undoubtedly price an tour from Banff to absorb a few of it! You may cease at pullouts for views, take quick hikes or lengthy ones, go tenting or keep at a beautiful lodge. And that’s all inside 45km of Banff! Your entire distance between Jasper and Banff is 288km.
Mistaya Canyon Path Head
Mistaya Canyon Path results in a limestone river canyon. And, at simply 1km roundtrip, is a wonderful place for everybody to stretch their legs. Accessed from the Ice Discipline Parkway, this can be a rewarding cease to make!
Bow Lake
Solely half-hour north of Banff on the Ice Fields Parkway you can find Bow Lake. That is a simple place to plan a picnic, lakeside stroll, or longer hike.
Look ahead to the roadside pullout in the event you simply wish to take a fast have a look at the lake. For the picnic space and strolling activate ‘The Lodge at Bow Lake’ highway. In case you are a dawn or sundown images chaser, that is an distinctive location!
Bonus: View Crowfoot Glacier from the roadside pullout simply earlier than Bow Lake!
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake (pronounced pea-toe) is an impossibly blue lake dropped amongst layers and layers of mountains. After I caught the primary glimpses of this lake I used to be shocked that the images I had seen actually weren’t edited — the lake actually is that blue!
After Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake is subsequent in line for being a famend Banff lake. Which suggests throughout peak daytime hours in the summertime that is going to be a busy cease.
The primary viewing platform right here is minutes away from the parking space. That is the place most individuals full their go to and return.
If you happen to go to throughout a busy time you’ll be able to proceed to hike uphill from the platform for extra views with much less crowds. Inside about 15-20 minutes of uphill mountaineering you’ll uncover two extra viewing areas.
We visited Peyto Lake round sundown and acquired to stroll out on the sky deck all by ourselves. The stillness and sweetness was so pretty.
Though Peyto Lake is a watch popping view any time of day, in the event you can arrive for dawn or sundown the colours and lightweight enjoying on the mountains will make it an additional memorable expertise.
My final favorite factor about Peyto Lake is it’s form. It appears to be like like a fox head!
Banff professional tip: There was nonetheless snow right here in mid-June, and chilly climate can shock you any time of 12 months on this space. It’s at all times good concept to have an additional layer available!
The Bow Valley Parkway
A few of the space’s finest wildlife viewing will be discovered alongside the Bow Valley Parkway. This winding highway will get you off the Trans-Canada Freeway because it meanders alongside the Bow River towards Lake Louise. Grizzly and black bears, elk, wolves, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are sometimes seen alongside this route.
The feminine Bighorn sheep come all the way down to the valleys to boost their younger through the summer season and usually are not afraid of individuals in any respect! You’ll want to hold your distance and don’t let your pets disturb them.
Johnson Canyon/Ink Pots
If you happen to’re searching for a cool hike in your journey alongside the Bow Valley Parkway, Johnson Canyon won’t disappoint! This distinctive stroll takes you thru a deep canyon with boardwalks connected to the limestone cliffs suspended above the water.
This does imply there is no such thing as a the place to maneuver off the ‘path’ with canine. Subsequently it won’t be finest for canine that don’t like crowds or shut proximity to different canine. And since this can be a widespread location, it may be tough to keep away from crowds. For extra solitude, a super-early begin could be finest!
If you happen to take this stroll you’ll come alongside two plunging waterfalls, one at 1.2km and one other at 2.4km. From the higher falls you’ll be able to proceed to a different location referred to as the Ink Pots.
The Ink Pots are 5 pure blue-green spring swimming pools nestled within the mountains. On a relaxed day you’ll be able to view the bizarre rings within the ponds the place the contemporary water is effervescent up. To view the Ink Pots and keep away from Johnson Canyon you could begin from Moose Meadows as properly. Each hikes are roughly 11.7km round-trip.
Pet Pleasant Picture Spots Round Banff
Mount Norquay Lookout
At this straightforward to entry lookout you’re going to get to see Banff from above and all of the mountains surrounding it. It’s a view that can depart you in awe of the place you’re!
From this vantage level you’ll be able to see Tunnel Mountain to the south (left), Vermillion Lakes to the north (proper), the town of Banff nestled in between, and the blue-green Bow River winding by means of.
It’s the right spot to get a photograph of your favourite journey companions!
READ MORE ⇒ 6 Easy Steps To Get Your Canine Posing For Photographs
Vermillion Lakes
Vermillion Lakes, a dense marshland space, is a brief drive from downtown Banff. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in time basking on the shoreline, get out for some paddling, take a stroll on the Fenland Path, or fill your digital camera with unbelievable dawn or sundown photographs.
Morant’s Curve
Morant’s Curve is a well-known location to catch trains passing by means of the extremely scenic Rocky Mountains. A totally traditional and iconic Canadian scene to see. It’s location is a marked pull out alongside the Bow Valley Parkway.
Longer Pet Pleasant Day Hikes In Banff
For these of you searching for longer pet pleasant hikes that can take you away from the hustle and bustle and actually immerse you in nature, there are a lot close to Banff to select from. All the ones I’ve listed beneath finish with the required dreamy lake and mountain views.
The problem ranges fluctuate, and at all times analysis the path circumstances to make certain the hike is acceptable for you. Many hikes in Banff are more likely to have snow into July, so waterproof footwear can also be really helpful.
- Helen Lake Path – Rated as reasonably difficult, 11.6km out and again.
- Bow Glacier Falls Path – Rated as reasonably difficult, 8.9km out and again.
- Chephren Lake Path – Rated as reasonably difficult, 8.0km out and again.
- Cirque Lake Path – Rated as reasonably difficult, 9.0km out and again.
- Bourgough Lake – Rated as tough, 18.0km out and again.
READ MORE ⇒ Suggestions for Mountain climbing With Canine
Pet Pleasant Motels In Banff
Campgrounds and resorts in Banff are sometimes full, so e book your lodging earlier than you head out. Ready till you arrive may have you ever spending all of your time searching for someplace to sleep.
Although Banff is a reasonably small city, it has a incredible number of pet pleasant resorts! (All greenback quantities are in CAD.)
- Moose Resort & Suites – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take house toy and particular treats. Excessive season from $649.
- Finest Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge – Very pet pleasant, can keep in any room kind. Pet price of $10 per pet per day. From $410.
- Hidden Ridge Resort – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take house toy and particular treats. From $500.
- Pink Carpet Inn – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take house toy and particular treats. From $349.
- Fox Resort & Suites – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. From $469.
- Tunnel Mountain Resort – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. From $500.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – Pet price of $50 per pet per day. From $1,355.
- The Dorothy Motel – Pet price of $25 per pet per day. From $349.
- Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – Pet price $25 per pet per evening. From $449.
- Canalta Lodge – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. From $595.
- Elk & Avenue – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. From $449.
- Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa – Pet price of $25 per pet per evening. From $429.
- Irwin’s Mountain Inn – Pet price of $25 pet pet per evening. From $399.
READ MORE ⇒ Automobile Tenting With Pets: Prep The Automobile, What to Pack, and Extra
Pet Pleasant Eating places In Banff
With all of the mountaineering, paddling, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing, you and your pup could have a wholesome urge for food for Banff’s pet pleasant eating places!
- The Maclab Bistro – Wholesome inventive consolation meals with native substances. Vegan pleasant. Largest canine pleasant out of doors space with garden.
- Bear Road Tavern – Beer & pizza. Canine pleasant courtyard. Vegan choices.
- Banff Brewing Firm Taproom – Native brewery and pub meals with a canine pleasant patio.
- Wild Flour Banff – Native artisan bakery with contemporary baked canine treats. Pet pleasant sidewalk seating.
- The Maple Leaf – Canadian steak and seafood with a canine pleasant patio.
- Park Distillery – Campfire impressed delicacies and glacier water spirits distilled in home. Vegan choices. Canine pleasant patio.
- Magpie and Stump – Taco eatery and tequila drinkery. Mexico within the mountains. Canine pleasant avenue aspect patio. Vegan choices.
- Grizzly Home Restaurant – Fondues and scorching scorching rock. Canine pleasant avenue aspect patio.
- Pacini on the Moose Resort & Suites – For pasta lovers. Canine welcome on the shady, fenced off-patio deck.
- Waldhaus at The Fairmont – Bavarian fare on the canine pleasant patio.
- Three Bears Brewery – Native brewery in a forest setting. Full restaurant menu. Consists of burgers and pizzas to be paired with beer. Lovely canine pleasant patio.
- Juniper Bistro – Handcrafted meals from regional producers and a top-rated out of doors patio when canine are welcome. Vegan pleasant.
Day Journey To Close by Canmore
Canmore, simply 24km south of Banff, was initially depending on the native coal mining trade. The city acquired a makeover within the Eighties when neighboring Calgary hosted the winter Olympics. Now the town’s essential avenue bustles with vacationers and out of doors lovers from all over the world, right here to benefit from the climbing, kayaking, biking, and mountaineering alternatives. It’s one other nice pet pleasant vacation spot close to Banff!
You gained’t want your nationwide park cross to stroll round downtown Canmore, so it makes a wonderful add-on after your cross has expired. This city is quaint and charming, like Banff, and tucked amongst mountains, too.
Cease on the customer middle and choose up a strolling tour map to study a bit in regards to the native historical past as you stroll round city.
Riley was completely satisfied to see that they haven’t forgotten their canine guests on the Mutt Hut simply off the primary drag! They carry a wide range of equipment, toys, and freshly baked pet treats for native and visiting pups.
If you happen to’re searching for a spot to let the canine run, there are three off-leash canine parks in Canmore. North of Quarry Lake, Elk Run Park, and Cougar Creek (between Hwy 1 and Bow Valley Path) for a sniffin’ good time.
Banff is so pet pleasant, it makes an excellent vacation spot for you and your finest furends. And it’s versatile sufficient to accommodate no matter model of journey you want — from relaxed to vigorous. I notably liked that, even with a senior canine, a lot wonderful surroundings and incredible trails had been accessible to us. And it’s really easy to search out pet pleasant actions throughout Banff. You may be eating, enjoying, and mountaineering to your coronary heart’s content material!
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