Banff National Park Day Trip
For PETS 2026, we will be offering a full-day excursion to Banff National Park. Buses will depart from the University of Calgary and travel to the Town of Banff, located in the heart of the park.
The town of Banff features has several trailheads with options ranging from gentle walks to intermediate-level hikes, as well as a wide selection of shops, cafés, bars, breweries, and restaurants.
Local volunteers will lead a few hikes departing from town thoughout the day; participants can opt-in to whichever ones they prefer. Participants are also welcome to relax in town and explore independently.
Schedule
- Pickup: 8:30 AM, in front of the Taylor Institute (main conference location)
- Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes each way
- Drop-off in Calgary: Around 5:00 PM
Important Details
You're welcome to explore Banff on your own if you like, but we'll also have volunteers leading several optional hikes throughout the day.
With more than 200 attendees joining us, we'll split into smaller groups rather than trying to move everyone together. To join a hike, simply show up at the meeting point at the scheduled departure time and follow the leader. No registration is required (except for the Gondola, see below).
Hike leaders are familiar with their routes and will carry bear spray, as well as enough bug spray and sunscreen to share.
Please plan to arrive back at the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site for the busses by 3:30pm. The first bus will depart promptly at 3:45pm and the busses cannot wait for late arrivals. If you miss the bus, you'll need to make your own way back to Calgary. Fortunately, Banff has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and frequent transportation back to Calgary, so you're unlikely to be stranded. We will be taking full-size coaches with room for luggage in the undercarriage, for those of you who will intentionally stay in Banff.
All hikes depart from the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site.
Morning hikes
All morning hikes depart at 10:30ish. (More precisely, we'll depart about 10 minutes after the last bus arrives.)
- Bow River & Main Street (Very Easy) (~45 min, ~2.7 km): A relaxed stroll through downtown Banff and along the Bow River. Ideal if you'd rather sightsee than hike, and it's easy to leave the group if a shop or cafe catches your eye.
- Surprise Corner & the Hoodoos (Easy, though long) (~3 hr, ~10 km): A longer riverside walk past Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos viewpoint before returning to town. Little elevation gain, but a longer distance than the other morning options.
- Tunnel Mountain (Moderate) (~3.25 hr, ~4.8 km): This is Banff's classic summit hike, featuring a steady climb that rewards you with panoramic views over the Bow Valley.
Afternoon hikes
Departing at 1:30ish:
- Cave & Basin (Easy) (~2 hours, ~3.5 km): Visit the birthplace of Canada's national parks on a relaxed walk to and around the Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
Departing at 2:00ish:
- Bow River & Main Street (Very Easy) (~45 min, ~2.7 km): A relaxed stroll through downtown Banff and along the Bow River. Ideal if you'd rather sightsee than hike, and it's easy to leave the group if a shop or cafe catches your eye.
- Repeat of Bow Falls & Banff Springs (Easy) (~75 min, ~3.8 km): A scenic walk to Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel via riverside trails. Mostly flat with beautiful views.
A map of all hikes, meeting points, and routes is available here:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1mThv3EVYqqQ757dcogThKOXin6tdpcE&ll=51.16888487728996%2C-115.55615125&z=14
Banff Gondola
As an alternative to an afternoon hike, it may be possible to take the Banff Gondola. The gondola is not free and requires pre-booking. The Banff Gondola takes you to the peak of Sulphur Mountain, one of the most accessible mountain summits in Banff. At the top of the gondola, there is a panoramic 360-degree view of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff.
To take the Gondola, you will need to purchase tickets on your own -- if you do please be mindful of time, because the busses cannot wait for you!!. You should allot at least 2.5 hours, including travel time, if you plan to take the gondola.
You can learn more about the Banff Gondola here:
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
What to Bring
- Appropriate footwear for walking or hiking
- Suitable outdoor clothing (mountain weather can change quickly)
- A reusable water bottle (recommended)
A boxed lunch will be provided to all registered participants. Food and beverages are also readily available for purchase in Banff (albeit at tourist-destination prices).
Visitor Information & Resources
