
Nestled inside the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s majestic mountains and gorgeous glacial lakes make it a spectacular vacation spot. Even higher, it’s extremely pet pleasant! You should have no drawback discovering inns, eating places, and hikes to take pleasure in together with your furry journey buddy in Banff!
Greatest Occasions To Go to Banff
The perfect time on your pet pleasant journey to Banff will rely upon what you and your pet love to do collectively. For snow-free trails and water actions, plan your Banff summer time 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 which means it takes Banff a very long time to thaw out and heat up!
Should you 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 durations of heavy rain all through the day adopted by sunshine! Again and again. Conserving an umbrella and your canine’s rain jacket helpful is just about a should!
READ MORE ⇒ Tips 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 climbing trails – greater than some other mountain park on the earth. And leashed pets are welcome on almost all of them!
Some trails could be closed to canine in late summer time and early fall resulting from excessive bear exercise, so verify with the rangers when you enter the park gates. That is simply executed when you are buying your nationwide park cross, that are required, and begin at $10.50CAD per day.
Mountaineering is so accessible in Banff that you simply don’t even must get in your automotive to hit a number of the hottest trails within the space. There’s an intensive community of paths round city on either side of the river, and indicators alongside the way in which 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 comply with the trail south alongside the river. Earlier than lengthy you’ll have the ability to hear the sound of the falls. And simply over a mile down the way in which 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 can too drive to the Bow Falls car parking zone for instant entry.
Be ready for crowds at Bow Falls, as it’s a very talked-about vacation spot. You’ll be able to decrease this by heading there earlier or later within the day.
Historic reality: Traditional Hollywood movies from the Nineteen Fifties typically depicted film stars, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, being swept away by Bow Falls. It’s enjoyable to think about movie crews working right here whereas taking in the great thing about this mountain backdropped waterfall!
Leashes are strictly required on all trails inside Banff, and all nationwide parks in Canada. For off-leash operating, go to the canine park within the industrial space of city on the south facet of Hawk Avenue.
Shock Nook
You will notice some of the recognizable inns on the earth, 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 cheap place to remain – however the Fairmont Banff Springs is pet pleasant! You’ll be able to cease in to gaze on the spectacular halls and decor together with your furry buddy, even when you’re not spending the night time. Or benefit from the Bavarian fare as you dine together 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 may proceed from there to the Banff Hoodoos.
If you wish to drive to Shock Nook, be warned that the car parking zone could be very small when you drive.
Banff Hoodoos
Hoodoos are an surprising sight while 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.
Should you’re strolling, decide up the path within the Shock Nook parking space. Search for the path signal behind the parking space. The path is rated “straightforward,” presents nice mountain and river views, and is 4.8km one-way to the hoodoos.
Should you’re driving, enter “Hoodoos Viewpoint” in your mapping app to seek out the car parking zone with direct entry to this view.
You’ll have an important photograph alternative with Parks Canada’s signature crimson chairs right here. And you may proceed alongside the trail from the point of view parking space for a brief stroll with lots extra scenic vantage factors.
We didn’t have time to discover past the point of view, however I nonetheless discovered it very rewarding for views. And I positively want we may have executed the entire hike after seeing the images!
The World Famend Lakes Of Banff Nationwide Park With Canines
Strung like jewels, the lakes in pet pleasant Banff Nationwide Park are to not be neglected.
Lake Louise
No journey to Banff could be full with no cease on the iconic Lake Louise! And as it’s a world-renowned vacation spot, anticipate to see many different guests right here as effectively.
It’s a good suggestion to reach at your parking spot by late morning. The lot tends to replenish slightly rapidly. 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 climbing 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. In the course of the day the long-lasting crimson canoes are first come first serve, however at all times canine pleasant!
Banff professional tip: Should you plan to canoe together with your canine, deliver a life vest for him. Human life preservers are offered, however most locations to not have canine security gear.
Should you choose to remain on stable floor, climbing the path from Lake Louise to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is likely one of the most memorable adventures Amy and Rod did with Ty and Buster. Her put up about it makes me want we had time as effectively. It’s additionally humorous to learn what occurred throughout their doggie photograph shoot.
READ MORE ⇒ A Dog Friendly Hike From Lake Louise To The Lake Agnes Tea House
Should you’re into tea home hikes, an alternative choice from Lake Louise is the Plain of Six Glaciers. In truth, there are such a lot of path choices round Lake Louise it’s an easy place to spend a spectacular day. And all the paths are open to canine on leash!
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one other standard and famend lake in Banff. And with the breathtaking view of ten sharp peaks lining the backdrop, it’s no marvel.
Parking is free at this stunning lake. Nevertheless, 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 an entire gamble if it would 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 can also 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 Move 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’ll be able to deliver your personal SUP, kayak, or canoe, or hire 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 barely 24km, there are quite a few locations to simply entry the lake and a lot to do alongside the way in which!
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 way in which to the primary car parking zone look ahead to a lakeside parking. You would make a tailgate picnic, or have a nap like Riley!
You’ll be able to hire a canoe or boat to go fishing, or take a ship tour and let another person do the driving. This could even be an epic location to launch your paddle board. And when you go to Banff within the winter this lake turns into a large skating rink to play on!
On land you may benefit from the shoreline or take a lakeside stroll to Steward Canyon (6.6km or 4.1m round-trip). This is likely one of the few locations the place you gained’t have the ability 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
Generally it’s enjoyable to get off the crushed path, and you are able to do simply that at Spray Lake. Situated south of Canmore on Hwy 742, that is attractive spot when you’re in search of a bit of 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 a number of other picnic areas on the lakeshore, so discovering a spot to admire the view needs to be no drawback.
Cascade Ponds
For a picnic in a lovely setting under Cascade Mountain, head over to Cascade Ponds. Right here fireplace pits and tables are offered simply steps from the car parking zone.
After some lunch, you and your furry buddy will love the two.4km loop path over the ponds which are 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 superb area whether or not you need to stroll, picnic, swim, float or paddle away on the stunning 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 car parking zone. Lake and mountain views included!
There’s additionally a small sandy seashore the place you and your pup are capable of cool off throughout a summer time go to. You would additionally launch a paddle board or inflatable boat from the seashore.
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 rapidly.
For an opportunity to stretch your legs, decide up the pretty straightforward 3.2km path across the lake. You’ll encounter just a few quick steeper sections, and the path is unmarked so downloading a path map is really helpful.
Two Jack Lake
Lots of the foremost lake sights round Banff are fed by glaciers, however not Two Jack! Meaning 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 seashore space. You gained’t have the ability to hire watercraft right here, however you are able to do that in Banff. (Or try the leases in Canmore for a fraction of the associated fee).
For an opportunity at a sunny seashore location all to your self, take a hike alongside the west facet 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 implausible views of Mount Rundle.
Bonus! Listed here are a few photographs of Mount Rundle from the Trans Canada Freeway.
Extra Pet Pleasant Issues To Do Close to Banff
Bankhead
Bankhead just isn’t a lake surrounded by mountains however a ghost city, situated a brief distance from Lake Minnewanka. That is an surprising and distinctive Banff cease!
Begin on the Decrease Bankhead car 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 melancholy left behind by a glacier. You’ll be able to survey the ruins of a mine on this path, however the decrease lot is the place you’ll discover the vast majority 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 stunning place for a peaceable forested lunch.
Try these interesting photos 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 impressive drive. Alongside the way in which 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 positively price an tour from Banff to soak up a few of it! You’ll be able to cease at pullouts for views, take quick hikes or lengthy ones, go tenting or keep at a stunning lodge. And that’s all inside 45km of Banff! The complete 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, it is a rewarding cease to make!
Bow Lake
Solely half-hour north of Banff on the Ice Fields Parkway one can find Bow Lake. That is a straightforward place to plan a picnic, lakeside stroll, or longer hike.
Look ahead to the roadside pullout when you simply need to take a fast take a look at the lake. For the picnic space and strolling activate ‘The Lodge at Bow Lake’ highway. If you’re 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.
Should you go to throughout a busy time you may proceed to hike uphill from the platform for extra views with much less crowds. Inside about 15-20 minutes of uphill climbing you’ll uncover two extra viewing areas.
We visited Peyto Lake round sundown and bought to stroll out on the sky deck all by ourselves. The stillness and wonder was so pretty.
Though Peyto Lake is an eye fixed popping view any time of day, when you can arrive for dawn or sundown the colours and light-weight taking part in on the mountains will make it an additional memorable expertise.
My final favorite factor about Peyto Lake is it’s form. It appears 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 yr on this space. It’s at all times good thought to have an additional layer readily available!
The Bow Valley Parkway
A number of the space’s finest wildlife viewing could 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 right down to the valleys to boost their younger through the summer time and will not be afraid of individuals in any respect! You should definitely preserve your distance and don’t let your pets disturb them.
Johnson Canyon/Ink Pots
Should you’re on the lookout 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 hooked up to the limestone cliffs suspended above the water.
This does imply there isn’t any the place to maneuver off the ‘path’ with canine. Due to this fact it may not be finest for canine that don’t like crowds or shut proximity to different canine. And since it is a standard location, it may be tough to keep away from crowds. For extra solitude, a super-early begin could be finest!
Should you 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 may proceed to a different location known as the Ink Pots.
The Ink Pots are 5 pure blue-green spring swimming pools nestled within the mountains. On a relaxed day you may 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 it’s possible you’ll begin from Moose Meadows as effectively. Each hikes are roughly 11.7km round-trip.
Pet Pleasant Photograph Spots Round Banff
Mount Norquay Lookout
At this straightforward to entry lookout you’ll get to see Banff from above and all of the mountains surrounding it. It’s a view that can go away you in awe of the place you might be!
From this vantage level you may see Tunnel Mountain to the south (left), Vermillion Lakes to the north (proper), 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 Simple Steps To Get Your Dog Posing For Photos
Vermillion Lakes
Vermillion Lakes, a dense marshland space, is a brief drive from downtown Banff. Right here you may 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 pictures.
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 on the lookout for longer pet pleasant hikes that can take you away from the hustle and bustle and actually immerse you in nature, there are lots close to Banff to select from. The entire ones I’ve listed under finish with the required dreamy lake and mountain views.
The problem ranges range, and at all times analysis the path circumstances to make sure the hike is acceptable for you. Many hikes in Banff are prone 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 ⇒ Tips for Hiking With Dogs
Pet Pleasant Inns In Banff
Campgrounds and inns in Banff are sometimes full, so guide your lodging earlier than you head out. Ready till you arrive may have you ever spending all of your time on the lookout for someplace to sleep.
Although Banff is a reasonably small city, it has a implausible choice of pet pleasant inns! (All greenback quantities are in CAD.)
- Moose Resort & Suites – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take residence toy and particular treats. Excessive season from $649.
- Greatest Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge – Very pet pleasant, can keep in any room sort. Pet charge of $10 per pet per day. From $410.
- Hidden Ridge Resort – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take residence toy and particular treats. From $500.
- Pink Carpet Inn – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. Offers a pet mattress, water and meals bowls, take residence toy and particular treats. From $349.
- Fox Resort & Suites – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. From $469.
- Tunnel Mountain Resort – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. From $500.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – Pet charge of $50 per pet per day. From $1,355.
- The Dorothy Motel – Pet charge of $25 per pet per day. From $349.
- Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – Pet charge $25 per pet per night time. From $449.
- Canalta Lodge – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. From $595.
- Elk & Avenue – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. From $449.
- Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa – Pet charge of $25 per pet per night time. From $429.
- Irwin’s Mountain Inn – Pet charge of $25 pet pet per night time. From $399.
READ MORE ⇒ Car Camping With Pets: Prep The Car, What to Pack, and More
Pet Pleasant Eating places In Banff
With all of the climbing, paddling, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing, you and your pup may have a wholesome urge for food for Banff’s pet pleasant eating places!
- The Maclab Bistro – Wholesome artistic consolation meals with native elements. Vegan pleasant. Largest canine pleasant outside space with garden.
- Bear Avenue 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 facet patio. Vegan choices.
- Grizzly Home Restaurant – Fondues and scorching scorching rock. Canine pleasant avenue facet patio.
- Pacini on the Moose Resort & Suites – For pasta lovers. Canines 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 outside 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 Nineteen Eighties when neighboring Calgary hosted the winter Olympics. Now town’s foremost avenue bustles with vacationers and outside lovers from all over the world, right here to make the most of the climbing, kayaking, biking, and climbing 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 superb 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 decide up a strolling tour map to study a bit concerning 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.
Should you’re on the lookout 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 important vacation spot for you and your finest furends. And it’s versatile sufficient to accommodate no matter type of journey you want — from relaxed to vigorous. I significantly beloved that, even with a senior canine, a lot superb surroundings and implausible trails have been accessible to us. And it’s really easy to seek out pet pleasant actions throughout Banff. You may be eating, taking part in, and climbing to your coronary heart’s content material!
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