Frequently asked questions.
LAST UPDATED: 10/17/2025
Do I need a valid, unexpired passport and what’s up with customs?
Yes - please make sure your passport is valid and not expired or close (within 60 days of expiration for your return flight date)! If you want advanced customs documentation submission, you can use the ArriveCan app. Click here for more information. Otherwise, complete them on the plane like you normally would.
Where do I fly into?
All flights should be through Calgary International.
What airline should I fly?
Delta rarely has direct flights so you’ll have to plan connecting flights if you expect to fly via Delta. WestJet has direct flights to Calgary for pretty cheap, but expect no screens on flight, but they will have WIFI.
***FOR MY DELTA STATUS FLIERS, YOUR STATUS TRANSFERS TO WESTJET (THEY’RE A DELTA PARTNER) AND YOU CAN GET INTO THE LOUNGE VIA WESTJET BOARDING PASS AND CREDIT CARD (AMEX DELTA RESERVE OR AMEX PLATINUM).
***CALGARY DOES NOT HAVE A DELTA LOUNGE, BUT YOU CAN ACCESS THE LOUNGE WITH A PRIORITY PASS (YOUR TRAVEL CARDS MAY INCLUDE PRIORITY PASS AS A PERK LIKE CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE - MAKE SURE YOU ENROLL AND HAVE IT ACTIVE A WEEK IN ADVANCE OF YOUR FLIGHT)
Where should I stay?
Fairmont Banff Springs will be the host hotel and there will be a 30% discount when you go book. If you would like to explore different lodging, please visit the Accomodations link! We have several listed.
Do I need to rent a car?
You do NOT HAVE to rent a car. You can shuttle service to Banff. However, please note all the activities are generally driving distance away and having a vehicle in Banff is super convenient if you want to explore Jasper, Lake Louise and other trail heads.
Is the drive from Calgary to Banff difficult?
NO! It’s surprising how easy it was to get to Banff from Calgary. Rental car was easy to pick up and get on the road and go!
How long of a drive is it to Banff from Calgary?
It will take approximately 1.5 hours. Directions here! Enjoy the scenic drive and take it all in!!
Do I need tire chains?
Probably not. We have not needed them yet and it snowed 3-5” in our October 2025 trip. The highways are well manicured and salted.
What to do about cell service?
This will depend on international policies for your cell provider. Danielle has Verizon and I have GoogleFi and neither of us had to do anything and cell coverage is pretty solid. If you are hiking or going to the lakes, expect NO coverage. Plan accordingly.
Is the Wedding indoor or outdoor?
If the weather cooperates, we will be hosting an outdoor wedding at the Fairmont outdoor terrace.
What’s the dress code?
TBD: will provide updates as we get it!
What weather should I plan for?
This can vary wildly between 10 degrees and 70 degrees. Look at the weather forecast 1-2 days before departure. Plan accordingly for all outdoor activities! Weather link here
How do I get to Banff Springs if I’m at another hotel?
You can take the Roam bus to Banff Springs. Take the #2 Bus. You can also walk if you are so inclined; driving is also an option. The Fairmont will allow self parking or valet. The addresses are listed here
What is there to do?
Banff is an outdoor paradise for hiking, site seeing and golf. You’ll be in the Canadian Rockies nearby Banff National Park and Yoho National Park of Canada and about a 45 minute drive from Jasper National Park. You will have no shortage of outdoor activities dependent on weather and road closures due to ice/snow. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are top attractions within 45 minutes. There are several golf courses nearby as well!
What do I need to go hiking?
Plan for the hike you’re expecting. If you are doing a lakeshore walk around Lake Louise, you really need a water bottle and not much else and tennis shoes. If you plan on going up to Sentinel Pass at Moraine Lake, then you’re committed to a 4-6 hour round trip hike where you’ll need food, water, hiking boots and a back pack.
Do I need to buy a National Parks Pass?
It is recommended IF YOU ARE RENTING A VEHICLE. I saw them issuing tickets at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. The pass covers Yoho, Banff and Jasper National Parks. The link to purchase your pass is here. YOU MUST HAVE A PHYSICAL PASS ON YOUR DASH OF YOUR VEHICLE IF YOU’RE DRIVING.
Will Canada accept US Dollars?
Yes - no currency exchange required. Feel free to use credit cards as normal.
What is the exchange rate?
As of 10/2/2025, it is 1.40 CAD to every 1 USD. 40% discount basically. Please check here for up to date exchange rates. Not all credit cards will use this exchange rate so check with your credit card provider for further details.
Is there a grocery store/liquor store/cannabis store?
Yes! All are located in Banff square or near the host hotel. Please use Google Maps to locate exact address. FOR MY BOURON DRINKERS, CANADA IS BOYCOTTING AMERICAN LIQUOR SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
When does town start closing?
Most places close early so think around 9pm.