Banff Packing List | The Ultimate Packing Guide For Banff, Canada

Banff Packing List

Travelling to Banff? 

Last year (July 2015) I went to Banff for a few days after riding the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver. After the train trip, I spent a few days exploring the area. I wanted to share a Banff packing list with suggestions for what you need for your trip.

Please bear in mind that I went in the middle of July but also take note that the weather in the area varies greatly. I was actually not prepared for this weather so I want to make sure you are! 

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.

MORE TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOUR TRIP

TRIP PLANNING STARTS HERE

HELPFUL GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

  • Flights: I find cheap flight fares using Skyscanner or Momondo. I like these two booking sites/apps because they both search all websites and airlines around the globe including budget airlines.
  • Accommodations: I use Booking.com or Tripadvisor to find the best rates on hotels. Hotels.com offers a free night after booking 10 nights
  • Get up to $40 off your first Air Bnb stay by using this code!
  • Travel Insurance: Having gotten sick on my travels in the past, I never travel without being insured. You never know when something may happen. For my round the world trip and extended long-term travel, I use World Nomads. For other trips, I have used Roam Right and they cover activities like extreme sports.

Banff Packing List –  What To Pack

Suggested Clothing

When I was preparing for my trip to Banff the temperature in the area was quite hot, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. But of course, with my luck, the temperature dropped to 46 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius at a drop of a hat (in July). It also rained here and there. Not so summery!! I ended up layering a lot of my clothes and contemplating wearing a blanket out in public. Ha!

I packed for 2 days of sitting on a train. I wore my Nike Sweatpants my first day and then these turned into my pyjamas. The next day on the train I wore loose billowy pants by H&M. Feeling constricted while sitting for a long time didn’t sound like a good plan. Dressing in layers and wearing a scarf is something I always do when I travel because I never know what the temperatures will be like on a train/plane/etc.

I definitely recommend bringing at last 1 layering piece. Probably a thermal top. A drastic weather change of 50 degrees was not expected, so I was really cold while I was in Banff. I would bring one of my Uniqlo Heat Tech thermal layers. It’s not heavy duty but keeps me warm.

Toiletries & Makeup

Travel Insurance – A Must For Your Banff Packing List

With any vacation but especially ones where I am participating in outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking, I always book travel insurance. I can try to be careful but it’s still impossible to predict what could happen on any vacation. From past experiences, while travelling and having to go myself or take friends to a hospital, I’m a stickler for travel insurance.

Anything from flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage or injury is possible on a trip, so travellers going on a trip should consider purchasing some when it comes to travelling. For short trips, I have used Roam Right. Luckily I haven’t had to use it but just having the security puts me at ease. 

Click here to buy Roam Right Insurance

Helpful Gadgets To Pack 

(Click on image for more details or to purchase)

Sony RX100M3
 

Sony RX100 M3 – This is a really great small sized mirrorless camera. Small enough for my purse, not heavy on my shoulders, but a lens wide enough to take in all the glory of Banff. For the average shooter, it will give you amazing quality photos without having to tote all of the lenses. It also takes amazing HD videos and it’s what many YouTubers use to shoot video.

GoPro Hero4 Silver | www.rtwgirl.com

GoPro Hero – A GoPro is a must when you’re in and around water. It is what I used when I was canoeing in Moraine Lake. Bring it on the water, under the water, up in the air, you name it. GoPro is great for travel. The GoPro Hero 4 Silver edition is what I have. 

Read more here: The Best GoPro Accessories For Travel

Lexaar Micro SD card
 

Spare memory card – Depending on what you are shooting, it’s good to have spares. You can lose them or you could just need more room! Take a spare. But do remember to back up!

Lifeproof Case | www.rtwgirl.com

Lifeproof cases for your iPhone or iPad. You never know when you’ll drop your phone in a lake or hot tub (from someone who knows haha)

 

Monster Outlet 2 Go

Travel Power Strip – One of my favourite things for travel is a foldable power strip. For travel, I can’t stress it enough. If you are like me and carry a couple of cameras and a laptop, iPad, iPhone, etc, most hotels or guesthouses or even airports will not have enough outlets. This solves the problem! 

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack - Banff Packing List

Backpack – When you’re going hiking, exploring, kayaking, and such, I find it handy to have a backpack. I like backpacks by Swedish brand Fjallraven. I’ve used the Rucksack 21 and have a Kanken. They come in many sizes, colours, have handy pockets, and even a seat pad for those moments when you’re out in nature.

Look up rates with cancellation for your Banff accommodations here



Booking.com

Here are some photos from the trip:

Banff Packing List

Capturing Moraine Lake’s beauty

Moraine Lake

I couldn’t help but take a selfie – everyone left after the rain started

Lake Louise Alberta | rtwgirl

Soaking in Lake Louise

Banff Packing

Sometimes I make you selfie with me at the Banff Gondola

Don’t forget to save this to Pinterest!

Banff Packing List | rtwgirl

Let me know what is on your Banff Packing List in the comments!

signature

**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**

Related Posts