What to Pack for a Trip to Banff

Banff Sign Photo

If you’re following me on Instagram then you know I just got back from a very magical trip to Banff, Canada. I feel like I literally experienced all 4 seasons there even though it was the end of June. I thought it might be handy to give a list of what to wear in Banff.

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🥾 Hiking shoes that are waterproof and slip proof

I borrowed these Timberland Hiking Boots from my sister and was so happy I had them vs. just tennis shoes! The grips at the bottom were amazing especially in the mud and snow because it got very slippery! They were also super comfy and I wore them the day I explored Vancouver and did over 25,000 steps.

wearing layers at Moraine Lake in Banff, Canada in the summertime
At Moraine Lake in Banff, Canada

🧦 Hiking/ski socks (more padded and dry quickly)

I brought 2 pairs of the Darn Tough Vermont Women’s Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion Socks which are pricy, but get the job done and help prevent blisters. They dry quickly and don’t get super smelly so you can rewear them. I first bought these for my ski trip to Mt. Hood Oregon.

👚🧥layers – T Shirt, Sweater, Jacket, Waterproof Layer

I did a T-shirt, Patagonia Better Sweater, Patagonia Nano Puff Water Resistant Jacket, and the outer shell of my Northface ski jacket as a rain coat- my friend that planned the trip recommended the North Face Venture 2 Waterproof Jacket

Lake Peyto white out- so much snow that you can't see the lake even though it's June! It can be super cold in Banff even in the summertime so it's important to layer up!
At Peyto Lake in Banff wearing my Patagonia Better Sweater, Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, and the outer shell of my North Face ski jacket as a waterproof layer along with a beanie to keep me warm. This was summer- 6/20/19!

👖I did just leggings but you can double up on pants too

🕶🧢🙅‍♀️🔅sunglasses/hat/spf

I also had to borrow a beanie when we were up higher it was cold!

snow at Peyto Lake in Banff Canada in June- it still snows in the summer in Banff!
There was so much snow at Peyto Lake in Banff even though it was the end of June! Layers are key!

Daypack/mini backpack

I have used my Longchamp Le Pliage Mini Backpack everywhere from Paris to Hollywood. It’s super versatile and looks chic. Plus it folds down to be more compact for travel.

at a waterfall on the Lake Agnes Tea House hike in Banff Canada near Lake Louise
At a waterfall on the Lake Agnes Tea House hike in Banff Canada near Lake Louise. Wearing my Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, leggings, and my Longchamp backpack for hiking

Refillable Water Bottle

I literally don’t go around the corner without my 32 oz. Hydroflask with wide mouth and straw lid. I have used this every single day since I bought it. It’s an investment, but totally worth it.

Liquid IV

I also brought Liquid IV hydration multiplier packets with me. They contain electrolytes and help you stay hydrated. They also taste delicious. My favorite flavors are lemon lime and passion fruit. You can use my code “blushinginhollywood” for 20% off and free shipping.

Bandana

This is optional, but an avid hiker recommended wearing a bright colored bandana to be easier to spot out in the woods. That’s why you can see me rocking the pink one above.

Snacks

I brought mini Kind Bars, “Just a Handful” bags of Trader Joe’s trail mix, Trader Joe’s Truffle Marcona Almonds, and Trader Joe’s Candied Ginger in case I got car sick (I did not!). Check out my Trader Joe’s Favorites Post for more snack ideas.

Things I Did Not Bring or Use

🦟I didn’t use bug spray or 🐻 bear spray

If you get bit by bugs a lot bug spray might be a good idea. Bears don’t like loud noises and I was traveling in a large group on popular trails so we felt ok being without Bear spray.

Money

Canadian Cash

I did not get any Canadian cash out. Everywhere took credit cards except for the Lake Agnes Tea House and the Old School Bus Ice Cream places. For those I borrowed money from friends and Venmo’d them back. I love that in Canada they’re REALLY good at separate checks even for big groups. It makes things way easier!

Credit Card

I used my Chase Freedom Visa which is my favorite credit card, but I forgot that it’s actually my Chase Amazon Rewards Visa that has no foreign transaction fees. The Chase Freedom Visa has 3% foreign transaction fees, but you do get cash back on purchases.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

What to pack for a trip to Banff Canada

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Author: Lindsay

Lindsay is the creator of Blushing in Hollywood a beauty, dating, travel and lifestyle blog based in Los Angeles, California.

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