Banff Packing List | The Ultimate Packing Guide For Banff, Canada
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
- Banff – A 48 Hour Or 2 Day Itinerary
- Calgary In 2 Days- A Destination Guide
- Read reviews for the best accommodations in Banff on Tripadvisor
TRIP PLANNING STARTS HERE
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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
Table of Contents
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!
- Fjallraven Jacket – I recommend something that can withstand some rain and has a hood
- Patagonia Plaid Flannel (I have one by Uniqlo Men’s)
- Nike sweatpants
- Nike Running Tights
- White T-Shirt
- Black T-Shirt
- Black Leggings
- H&M Loose Jersey Pants
- Summer weight sweater – I brought one by T by Alexander Wang
- Trail running or hiking shoes
- Sandals – I brought my Birkenstocks
- Sunglasses
- Uniqlo military jacket – for sunny weather
- Vans checkered shoes
- Beth Richards Swimsuit – especially if you’re going to Hot Springs!
- Underwear
- Socks – sports socks and chunky wool socks
- Sleep mask to shade eyes
- Nike circle scarf
- Soxxy Nighthawk compression socks (for the plane ride)
- Champion sports bra (for hiking)
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
- Somme Institute Travel Kit
- Tweezer Mini
- Dove deodorant
- Diptyque solid perfume
- Sonicare toothbrush
- DSPTCH men’s Dopp kit
- Bare Minerals foundation powder
- Sephora multi-tasker brush
- Bobbi Brown cream blush
- Benefit mini mascara
- Shu Uemura eyelash curler
- Makeup remover wipes
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 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 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.
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 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)
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!
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:
Capturing Moraine Lake’s beauty
I couldn’t help but take a selfie – everyone left after the rain started
Soaking in Lake Louise
Sometimes I make you selfie with me at the Banff Gondola
Don’t forget to save this to Pinterest!
Let me know what is on your Banff Packing List in the comments!
**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.**