Celine Brewer is a local Banff travel expert who helps visitors plan unforgettable trips to Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. She specializes in creating stress-free itineraries and sharing insider tips for exploring Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore/Kananaskis and other nearby national parks like Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kootenay National Park. This show will deliver practical travel advice about how to plan, experience, and make the most of your Canadian Rockies vacation. If you are looking for Banff travel tips from a local expert who lives in the Canadian Rockies, then you are in the right place. This podcast will provide valuable insights for first-time visitors, families, adventure travellers, photographers, and anyone planning a trip to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and the Canadian Rockies. If you want to learn how to create the perfect Banff itinerary and discover the best of the Canadian Rockies, you are in the right place! This show will provide answers to questions like: - Which one is better, Banff or Jasper? - Is it worth visiting Kootenay National Park? - What is special about Yoho National Park? - Is it worth going to Kananaskis? - What is the best month to go to Banff? - Is it better to stay at Banff or Lake Louise? - Where to stay in Banff if you don't have a car? - How many days are needed to visit Banff? - What are the best hikes in Banff for different skill levels? - How do I avoid crowds at popular Banff spots?
Looking for a fun and unique way to experience Banff beyond the usual sightseeing stops? In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Clare, founder and owner of Bikescape, to talk about why exploring Banff by e-bike is one of the best ways to see more, escape the crowds, and discover hidden gems throughout Banff National Park. Whether you've never ridden an e-bike before or you're an experienced cyclist, Clare explains what to expect on a guided e-bike tour, the difference between renting an e-bike and riding with a local guide, and why e-bikes make Banff accessible for almost everyone. They also discuss mountain biking experiences, family-friendly options, and how a bike tour can be the perfect way to start your Banff vacation. About Bikescape Bikescape is Banff National Park's first and only certified bicycle guide company permitted to guide on the park's trail network. They offer guided e-bike tours, mountain biking experiences, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and custom outdoor adventures for visitors of all experience levels. Website: https://bikescape.ca/ Follow Bikescape: Instagram @bikescapeskibanff Facebook: @bikescapeskibanff Resources Mentioned Travel Banff Canada: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/ Banff Discounts : Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
70: Moraine Lake Shuttles Explained - How to Choose the Best Option
Trying to figure out how to get to Moraine Lake? You're not alone. This is a refreshed and updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast. Instead of comparing every shuttle company and departure time, this episode takes a different approach. We'll start by figuring out what kind of day you want at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, then narrow down the transportation options that make the most sense for your Banff itinerary. How to Get to Moraine Lake I have discount codes for several Moraine Lake shuttle operators. Sign up here to access the latest discounts: Banff Discounts Shuttle Operators Mentioned From Canmore or Banff Via Via Moraine – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options Canmore Travel – Daytime options From Lake Louise Moraine Lake Bus Company – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options Moraine Lake Big Bus Fairview Limo – Sunrise and daytime shuttle options. Fairview Limo is also the only shuttle that allows large dogs, making it a great option if you're travelling with your four-legged companion. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Banff Travel Podcast and Travel Banff Canada! Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
69: Forest Bathing in Banff - A Different Way to Experience the Canadian Rockies
When planning a trip to Banff and Canmore, it's easy to get caught up trying to see everything. But what if one of the best experiences wasn't about seeing more, but slowing down and connecting with nature? In this episode, Celine Brewer sits down with Scott from Among the Trees to talk about forest bathing (also known as forest therapy), a guided experience that helps visitors unplug, slow down, and experience the Canadian Rockies in a completely different way. About Among the Trees Among the Trees offers guided forest bathing experiences, hiking adventures, and wildlife talks in Banff, Canmore, and the Canadian Rockies. Scott combines his experience as a hiking guide and certified Forest Therapy Guide to help visitors experience the mountains at a slower pace while creating a deeper connection with nature. Website: https://www.amongthetreescanada.com Follow Among the Trees on Instagram: @amongthetreescanada Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
68: How Much Time Should You Spend at Lake Louise & Moraine Lake?
One of the most common questions I hear from travellers planning a trip to Banff National Park is: "How much time do I actually need at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?" This is a fully updated version of one of the most popular episodes of The Banff Travel Podcast. Celine Brewer helps listeners with how much time to spend at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with the latest transportation information, current pricing, and updated planning advice to help you decide how much time to spend at each lake and whether visiting both in one day makes sense for your trip. Helpful Resources Banff Discounts Page Hiking Guides Lake Louise Hikes Moraine Lake Hikes Getting to Moraine Lake Recommended Shuttle Companies From Canmore or Banff: Via Via Moraine for sunrise or daytime Canmore Travel for daytime shuttles From Lake Louise: Moraine Lake Bus Company for sunrise or daytime Moraine Lake Big Bus for daytime Fairview Limo for sunrise or daytime. Fairview Limo is also great if you are travelling with a large dog! They are the only shuttle that allows large dogs! *some of these links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
67: Canmore Cave Tours - Inside Canmore's Hidden Underground World
Did you know one of the most unique adventure experiences in the Canadian Rockies happens entirely underground? In this episode, Celine Brewer chats with Adam Walker, owner of Canmore Cave Tours, about exploring Rat's Nest Cave, one of Canada's longest caves. They talk about what it's really like to go caving, who it's best suited for, common misconceptions, and why so many visitors call it the highlight of their trip. Whether you're looking for a rainy-day activity, a year-round adventure, or something completely different from the usual Banff sightseeing, this episode will give you an inside look at one of the Rockies' most memorable experiences. It's always a great day to go caving! Learn more about Canmore Cave Tours: Website: https://www.canmorecavetours.com Follow Canmore Cave Tours: Instagram: @canmorecavetours Facebook: Canmore Cave Tours Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
66: Another Banff Travel Consultation
In this real Banff travel consultation, Celine Brewer helps first-time visitors sort through their Banff itinerary and make their trip feel more realistic. They discuss how to balance Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Lake Minnewanka, and some easier hiking options without trying to cram too much into each day. You’ll hear how small itinerary changes can make a big difference, including when to visit Yoho, whether the Icefields Parkway can fit into a shorter trip, what to do at Moraine Lake, and why sunrise at Moraine Lake isn’t always worth the very early wake-up. Email me at info@banfftravelplanning.com for a 15-minute itinerary review. New to planning? Join the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
65: Banff Food Tour - You Shouldn't Miss!
Banff is known for its incredible mountain scenery, but it also has a thriving food scene that many visitors overlook. In this episode, I sit down with Joanna from Nibble Tours to talk about Banff's restaurants, food tours, and how visitors can experience the town through its local food and drink offerings. Find out how food tours can help visitors discover Banff beyond the main tourist attractions! Plus, some of Joanna's favourite local recommendations. About Nibble Tours Nibble Tours offers guided food tours in Banff that combine local stories, hidden gems, and delicious food experiences. Website: https://www.nibbletours.com Follow Nibble Tours on Instagram: @nibbletours Book on Get Your Guide Book on Viator *some links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you if you book through these links. Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
64: Best Waterfalls Near Banff National Park
Banff may be best known for turquoise lakes and mountain views, but there are still some excellent waterfalls worth adding to your itinerary. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares waterfalls near Banff that are either easy to add to a trip or worth the extra effort if you really love waterfalls. We’ll talk about easy stops like Bow Falls and Tangle Falls, classic walks like Johnston Canyon, big Yoho waterfalls like Takakkaw Falls and Wapta Falls, and a few worthwhile waterfall hikes in Kananaskis and along the Icefields Parkway. Helpful links Johnston Canyon Hike Silverton Falls Hike Lake Agnes Tea House Hike Icefields Parkway Guide Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls Takakkaw Falls Wapta Falls Marble Canyon Troll Falls Grassi Lakes Karst Spring Need help planning your itinerary? If you’re struggling to turn your saved list of lakes, waterfalls, hikes, viewpoints, and scenic drives into an actual itinerary, that’s exactly what I help with inside the Banff and Jasper Travel Planning Hub . Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
63: Listen in on a Banff Travel Consultation
In this episode, Celine Brewer shares another real Banff itinerary review from a 30-minute travel consultation. This traveller already had a thoughtful plan for a relaxed Banff trip with easy walks, scenic viewpoints, good meals, drinks, and time to enjoy each day without rushing. We talk through Moraine Lake timing, whether Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise is worth adding, when to book the Banff Gondola or boat cruise, and how to think through logistics like parking, shuttles, Lake Louise transportation, and flexible add-on options around Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, and Kananaskis. Links Mentioned Book a Banff Travel Consultation Listener Feedback Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
62: Big Beehive vs Little Beehive
Trying to decide whether to add Big Beehive or Little Beehive to your Lake Agnes Tea House hike? In this episode, Celine Brewer compares both options so you can choose the best fit for your Lake Louise hiking day. Little Beehive is the shorter, easier add-on from Lake Agnes, with big mountain views and less extra climbing. Big Beehive is more effort, but it gives you a stunning view from Lake Agnes plus looking down over Lake Louise. I also cover when each hike makes sense, what to consider if you’re short on time or energy, and why your transportation, weather, and overall itinerary matter before adding more hiking to your day. Links mentioned: Big Beehive hike at Lake Louise Little Beehive hike at Lake Louise Banff and Jasper Planning Hub Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
61: Banff & Jasper with Kids: From Toddlers to Teens
Planning a family trip to Banff or Jasper and trying to figure out what is actually worth doing with kids? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares how to plan the right Canadian Rockies trip for your family, whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, school-aged kids, adventurous teens, or a mix of ages and abilities. We’ll talk about easy wins like playgrounds, gondolas, boat cruises, stroller-friendly stops and hotel pools, plus bigger adventures like Johnston Canyon, rafting, canyoning, via ferrata, biking, Golden Skybridge, Jasper, and a realistic 7-day family itinerary for Banff and Jasper. I also share practical local-parent advice on where to stay, how to build in breaks, what to book ahead, where to eat with kids, and how to choose activities that match your actual family instead of trying to do everything. Links Mentioned Banff with kids Canmore with kids Banff hikes with kids Family-friendly hotels in Banff Canmore hotels with a pool Check out our site all about Banff with Kids ! Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
60: Visiting Banff & Jasper with a Dog
In this episode, I’m sharing what you need to know before bringing your dog to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Canmore and the surrounding area. Banff is a very dog-friendly place in many ways, but there are important rules, trail restrictions, shuttle limitations and hotel policies to understand before you arrive. I’ll cover the most important dog rules in Banff, including leash requirements, wildlife safety, where dogs are and aren’t allowed, off-leash dog parks in Banff and Canmore, and how to plan your days when your dog can’t come everywhere. Links Mentioned in This Episode Pet-Friendly Hotels in Canmore Pet-Friendly Hotels in Banff Fairview Limo Moraine Lake Bus Company Jasper SkyTram Banff Canoe Club Parks Canada Banff trail conditions Parks Canada Jasper trail conditions Need help planning your trip? Check out my Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
59: Lake Agnes vs Plain of Six Glaciers - Which Lake Louise Tea House Hike Should You Choose?
Trying to choose between the Lake Agnes Tea House hike and the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House hike at Lake Louise? In this episode, Celine Brewer compares these two classic Lake Louise hikes from a local perspective, including distance, elevation gain, hiking time, scenery, difficulty, crowds, Beehive add-ons, shuttle logistics, and whether you can still add Moraine Lake on the same day. Links mentioned in this episode: Lake Agnes Tea House hike Plain of Six Glaciers hike Little Beehive hike Big Beehive hike Banff & Jasper Travel Planning Hub Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
58: Real Banff Travel Questions Answered
Planning a trip to Banff can get overwhelming fast. You start with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, then suddenly you’re trying to figure out shuttles, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, hikes, restaurants, weather, crowds, and whether you’re trying to fit in too much. In this episode, Celine Brewer answers listener questions from the recent podcast giveaway and groups them into the big themes that come up again and again when planning a Banff and Canadian Rockies trip. Links Mentioned Banff & Jasper Planning Hub Banff Travel Consultations Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
57: Kananaskis - Why You Should Visit This Area!
In this episode, I’m sharing what Kananaskis actually is, why it’s worth a full day of your trip, the best hikes for different ability levels, biking options, and an easy one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time there. We also cover important practical tips like the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, seasonal road closures, wildlife safety, and why having a backup plan always matters in the mountains. Easy Kananaskis Hikes Best Kananaskis Hikes Kid-Friendly Bike Trails in Banff and Kananaskis Hikes mentioned in this episode: Troll Falls Hike Rawson Lake Hike / Sarrail Ridge Hike Chester Lake Hike Wind Ridge Hike Wasootch Ridge Hike Many Springs Trail Grassi Lakes Hike West Wind Pass Hike Heart Creek Trail Kananaskis Conservation Pass Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
56: Didn’t Get the Moraine Lake Shuttle You Wanted? Here’s What to Do
Didn’t get the Moraine Lake shuttle you wanted? In this episode of The Banff Travel Podcast, Celine Brewer walks you through exactly what to do next. She covers the best backup options if you missed out on Parks Canada, what to do if you missed Alpine Start, and answers a few of the most common Lake Louise and Moraine Lake questions. If your original plan didn’t work out, don’t panic. You still have options. Helpful Resources How to Get to Moraine Lake Sign up here for Banff Discounts here. Moraine Lake Shuttle Options If you’re looking at commercial shuttle options, here are a few to compare. Make sure you check departure points, time at the lakes, and whether the option fits the kind of day you want. Via Via Moraine Lake Canmore Travel Explore Banff Tours Fairview Limo Moraine Lake Bus Company Radventures Moraine Lake Big Bus Banff Hop On Bus *some of these links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission if you book through this link Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
55: A Real Banff Travel Consultation: 3-Day Banff Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
What does a Banff itinerary look like when you only have 2.5 to 3 days and you want to see the highlights without overplanning? In this episode, Celine Brewer shares a real Banff travel consultation with an American couple in their 60s planning their first trip to Banff. You’ll hear how Celine builds a realistic plan around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake logistics, scenic viewpoints, easy walks, and decisions that keep a short Banff trip enjoyable. This episode is perfect if you’re planning a first-time Banff visit and you want to hear how a local expert turns a wish list into a Banff itinerary that actually works. Enter the giveaway and leave podcast feedback Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
54: Lake Minnewanka Cruise vs Maligne Lake Cruise: Which Boat Tour Should You Do?
Two iconic boat cruises, one in Banff and one in Jasper. In this episode, Celine Brewer compares the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and the Maligne Lake Cruise so you can choose the best fit for your Banff itinerary or Jasper itinerary. You’ll learn what each cruise feels like, how the scenery differs, the driving tradeoffs, which one is easier to add to a Banff trip, and why Maligne often wins for pure mountain scenery while Minnewanka shines for storytelling and variety. Book your cruise Maligne Lake Cruise (Jasper) - Opens May 29, 2026 Lake Minnewanka Cruise (Banff) - Opens May 8, 2026 Full review of each cruise Maligne Lake Cruise (Jasper) Lake Minnewanka Cruise (Banff) Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
53: Banff for Non-Hikers
Not a hiker? Banff is still an incredible trip. In this episode, Celine Brewer shares the best ways to experience Banff National Park without big hikes, including easy walks with great views, gondolas and chairlifts, scenic drives, and simple “pick one and go” activities that still feel like a full Banff day. Links mentioned in this episode Banff for Non-Hikers guide Easy walks and hikes in the Banff townsite Canmore walking trails Banff discounts Send a question or feedback for the podcast Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
52: Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
Lake O’Hara is one of the most spectacular places in the Canadian Rockies, and it stays that way because it is intentionally hard to access. In this episode, Celine Brewer breaks down what makes Lake O’Hara so specia and how to decide if it deserves a spot in a Banff itinerary. She also explains every realistic way to get there, including the shuttle lottery, and what it actually means to hike the access road in and out. Everything you need to know about Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park: How to get to Lake O’Hara Lake O’Hara hiking trails Camping at Lake O’Hara Save your seat for upcoming shuttle workshops for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise! Shuttles Workshop: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle options Support the Podcast Send in your questions here! Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com . Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
