Best Dog Friendly Mountain Towns – Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is an awe-inspiring sight and one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Soaring peaks, crystal clear lakes and lush forests are the backdrop to this picturesque destination. It’s no wonder Banff has captured the hearts of countless travelers seeking solace in the great outdoors. It definitely occupied us. But it feels even more special to experience this beautiful place with Ruby. From exploring Banff’s trails and breathing in the fresh mountain air to exploring downtown and spending time on terraces, we’ve been able to create unforgettable memories together thanks to dog-friendly Banff. I think Banff should be on everyone’s bucket list. So I’m sharing everything we did on our trip to inspire you to visit and plan a great vacation.
Banff National Park is renowned for its dog-friendly nature and welcomes visitors to bring their furry friends for unforgettable explorations. From leisurely walks in downtown Banff to exciting hikes on steep mountain trails with spectacular views, the possibilities for outdoor adventures in Banff are endless. But it’s not just a hike. Banff has many dog-friendly attractions, including scenic drives along Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway. Here you can admire the wildlife theater (we even saw grizzly bears and mountain goats!), stop at the observation deck for panoramic photos, and see some of the bluest lakes in the world. Enjoy a delicious meal or relax with a cup of coffee when you visit downtown Banff, where many cafes and restaurants with dog-friendly patios welcome you.
Best Dog Friendly Mountain Towns
So get your hiking boots ready, grab your furry best friend, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Banff National Park.
Dog Friendly Breckenridge
Banff National Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is a natural wonderland that attracts visitors from all over the world. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this spectacular national park boasts 2,564 square miles of awe-inspiring scenery.
Banff National Park is no ordinary destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canada’s oldest national park, established in 1885. Boasting an incredible collection of glacial lakes, towering peaks and diverse ecosystems, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Even city lovers can’t deny the incredible beauty of this national park.
With over 1,000 miles to explore, Banff offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, so it is important to follow guidelines for safe and responsible interactions. Banff also experiences different seasons. Summer is peak tourist season and winter turns into a snowy wonderland, so you’ll need to pack appropriately and be prepared for changes in weather. Shoulder season.
There are two main options to get to Banff: drive or fly. If you’re planning a road trip, Banff is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway, with spectacular views along the way. If you prefer to fly, the closest major airport is Calgary International Airport, about a 90-minute drive away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Banff.
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Whichever way you travel, make sure you have a dog rabies certificate from your veterinarian. This is a requirement for your dog to enter the country.
When planning a visit to Banff National Park, choosing appropriate accommodation is important to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Fortunately, Banff offers a variety of options to suit every traveler’s preferences. For those seeking luxury, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers world-class amenities and breathtaking views. If you prefer a cozy, rustic atmosphere, consider staying in one of the charming lodges or lodges scattered throughout the park. This property offers peaceful relaxation while immersing yourself in Banff’s natural beauty. For budget-conscious travelers, there are several campgrounds where you can experience the park’s pristine wildlife firsthand. The town of Banff also has a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rental accommodations, providing convenient and easy access to amenities, shopping, and dining options.
We chose a vacation rental in downtown Banff and loved it. The property was within walking distance of the city center so we were able to walk to all the restaurants, shops and cafes and explore the city’s many attractions and walking trails. After a day out, it’s nice to be able to walk to dinner without the extra driving time. Accommodation reservations fill up quickly, especially during the summer months, so we recommend booking accommodation at least three months in advance of your visit to ensure you have options.
If you can’t find a place to stay in Banff, it’s common for visitors to stay in Canmore, about 20 minutes south of Banff. No matter where you stay, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning scenery that is iconic to Banff National. A true beauty park worth visiting.
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When preparing to visit Banff National Park, packing accordingly is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. When we visited in late May, temperatures ranged from 35 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and it rained three of the five days we stayed. These two factors did not affect our trip. Because we packed everything we needed to be comfortable in these conditions (or shopped at Patagonia 🙂).
Here are some key points to consider: First, dress in layers to accommodate the ever-changing mountain weather. For active activities, pack waterproof and windproof outer layers and lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. Don’t forget to bring sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes, as well as extra socks. Banff is famous for its beautiful scenery, so be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture these breathtaking moments. Also, pack a waterproof backpack with essentials such as a water bottle, snacks, sunglasses/hat, and a map or guidebook. Other items to consider include sunscreen, insect repellent, and walking sticks.
This charming mountain town offers a variety of activities for you and your dog to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll down Banff Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare, which has several pedestrian-only blocks and plenty of dog-friendly shops and outdoor patios. There are also many outdoor stores, including Patagonia, Columbia, SmartWool, and Lululemon, as well as the Banff Doghouse dog store. We ate out for most of our meals and really enjoyed the nice restaurants with dog-friendly terraces. Don’t miss Good Earth Coffeehouse and Whitebark Cafe for coffee, pastries and light breakfasts. Nourish Bistro is our favorite meal that we wish we had discovered sooner. It’s vegan/vegetarian so don’t skip it. They have something delicious for everyone and the cocktails are top notch. Be sure to try Canada’s staple food, beaver tail. COWS Banff ice cream is my favorite dessert.
Scenic adventures can be enjoyed within walking distance of downtown Banff. Climb Tunnel Mountain, stroll downtown, pass Fairmont Springs Banff and follow Bow Falls on the Bow River. Banff has a small central park in the city center where you can enjoy a nice walk or picnic, as well as Surprise Corner, which offers amazing views. Don’t miss the Banff Welcome sign at the center entrance.
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Watching the sunrise over Lake Louise is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. When the first rays of the morning sun kiss the surface of the lake, the entire landscape is warm and golden, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
After witnessing this magical moment, put on your hiking boots and begin your journey to Lake Agnes. The trail to Lake Agnes is a moderate hike that offers stunning views and a tranquil alpine lake nestled between towering peaks. On the way, you will pass Mirror Lake, which reflects the surrounding mountains like a sparkling mirror, adding to the beauty of the hike. Before Mirror Lake, the hike started off a little rough with all the switchbacks and inclines, but Mirror Lake rejuvenated me and after this point on the trail the scenery started to change more. .
Once you arrive at Lake Agnes, relax on a bench around the lake or enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate at the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, a charming log cabin that has been serving guests since 1905. The tea house opens at 9am. From the first week of June to early October. Cash only, no wifi/electricity. Unfortunately, I missed the opening by a few days. It took about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Lake Agnes.
