Index:

Practical FAQs (Booking, Travel & Logistics)

General Canadian Rockies Travel FAQs

Banff FAQs (Town & National Park)

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake FAQs

Jasper & Maligne Lake FAQs

Columbia Icefield & Skywalk FAQs

Drumheller & Badlands FAQs

Waterton National Park FAQs

Practical FAQs (Booking, Travel, & Logistics)

How far is Banff from Calgary International Airport (YYC)?

Banff is about 125 km (78 miles) west of Calgary International Airport, a drive of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes along the Trans-Canada Highway. Many visitors choose guided tours or shuttles to avoid parking and enjoy the scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies.

Do Westar tours include hotel pickup in Calgary, Banff, or Canmore?

Yes, our tours include pickup from select hotels in downtown Calgary, Banff, and Canmore. When booking, you’ll see a list of available pickup locations and times.

Do Westar tours include hotel pickup?

Yes, Westar tours includes complimentary airport pickup service at Calgary International Airport (YYC) at 10:00/12:00/14:00/16:00/18:00/20:00/22:00. Upon arrival, please proceed to the Westar Travel Desk located at Gate 5 on the Arrivals Level to confirm your pick-up information.

How do I book a last-minute Canadian Rockies tour?

You can book instantly through our website or GetYourGuide. Many of our tours accept reservations up to the night before, depending on availability. For Moraine Lake and other seasonal highlights, booking early is strongly recommended as space fills quickly.

Are meals included on Banff, Jasper, or Drumheller day tours?

Most day tours do not include meals, but add-ons are available and there are stops where you can purchase lunch or snacks. Details are listed in each tour description.

What should I pack for a Canadian Rockies tour in summer vs. winter?

Summer (June–September): Comfortable layers, sunscreen, water bottle, light rain jacket, sturdy shoes.
Winter (November–March): Warm layers, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, boots with traction.

The weather in the Rockies changes quickly, so always pack a layer for wind or rain.

Do I need to bring hiking boots or special equipment for these tours?

No hiking boots are required for most tours. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are fine. If you’re joining an active hiking tour, we’ll let you know in advance what gear to bring.

Do I need to tip my tour guide in Canada, and how much is customary?

Tipping tour guides in Canada is customary and appreciated on English-only tours.
Chinese bilingual tours have a built-in service fee of $15/person/day.

Can I bring luggage or strollers on the bus tours?

Yes. There is space for both luggage and strollers on Westar tour buses.

Are tours safe for seniors, young children, and first-time visitors to the Rockies?

Yes! Westar tours are designed to be easy and comfortable for all ages, with light walking and plenty of rest breaks. Families, seniors, and international visitors are all welcome.
Some tours do have more activity than others so please call for further information.

Do I need a passport or ID for tours within Alberta and British Columbia?

No. You do not need a passport or ID to travel between Alberta and British Columbia if you are already in Canada. If you are visiting from another country and traveling within Canada, please bring valid identification and keep your travel documents with you.

Can I reschedule or cancel my Canadian Rockies tour booking?

Yes, many of our tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Please check the cancellation policy listed with your specific tour.

What is included in the tour price (admissions, activities, park passes)?

Westar tours include transportation, professional guides, and Parks Canada passes when required. Meals and personal expenses are not included unless noted and most activities are considered add-ons.

General Canadian Rockies FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit the Canadian Rockies?

The Canadian Rockies are stunning year-round. Summer (June-September) offers warm weather, open lakes like Moraine Lake and Maligne Lake, and long daylight hours. Winter (November-March) is perfect for skiing, snoe, and winter festivals. Fall brings golden larches, while spring offers fewer crowds and wildlife sightings.

Which Canadian Rockies tours include Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise?

Westar's 6 Day Ultimate Canadian Rockies Experience, 5 Day Wonders of the Canadian Rockies Getaway, and 5 Day National Parks of the Canadian Rockies Getaway tours all include Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.

Do I need a park pass for Banff National Park or Jasper National Park tours?

Westar tours include all National Parks park passes.

Are Canadian Rockies tours family-friendly and good for kids?

Yes! All Westar tours are designed with families in mind. Children love seeing wildlife, glaciers, and lakes, and many tours include easy walks rather than long hikes.

How many days should I spend in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper?

For a full Rockies experience, plan at least 4–7 days. A shorter trip of 2–3 days lets you see highlights like Banff, Lake Louise, and the Columbia Icefield.

What’s the difference between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park?

Banff is more accessible with famous attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Jasper is larger, quieter, and known for its wildlife and wide-open landscapes. Both are connected by the Icefields Parkway aka one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

What are the top must-see attractions in the Canadian Rockies?

Some of the most popular Canadian Rockies attractions are: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, Columbia Icedield, Maligne Lake & Spirit Island, Banff Gondola, and Athabasca Falls.

Banff FAQs (Town & National Park)

What is there to do in Banff town besides sightseeing?

Banff town offers boutique shopping, art galleries, great restaurants, hot springs, and cultural attractions like the Banff Park Museum. It’s a lively base for exploring the Rockies. It has a wide variety of restaurants, Canadian favourite treats like Beaver Tails and Cows Ice cream, and fun shops like the Rocks and Gems store.

What are the top attractions in Banff National Park?

Top attractions include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, and Sulphur Mountain. Wildlife viewing is also a major highlight.

Is Banff worth visiting in winter as well as summer?

Absolutely! Banff is a world-class ski destination in winter, with snow-covered peaks, ice walks, and cozy mountain lodges. Summer offers turquoise lakes and hiking trails.

How do I get around Banff without a car?

Banff has shuttles, Roam public transit, and Westar Travel guided tours. Many attractions are accessible without driving, making it easy to explore car-free.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Banff National Park?

You may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions like bobcats, lynxes, and cougars, and even wolves. Always observe wildlife safely from a distance.

Are there hot springs or spas in Banff?

Yes! The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round. Banff also has luxury spas in town and nearby hotels.

What are the best easy hikes near Banff?

Great short hikes include Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, and Bow Falls Trail. All easy, scenic, and family-friendly.

What is the Banff Gondola and is it included in tours?

The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain with panoramic views and is a highlight of many Westar tours.

Where can I find the best restaurants in Banff town?

Most Banff restaurants reside on the towns main Banff Avenue. However, you will find some scattered throughout the western part of the town as well.

Do you need a Parks Canada pass for Banff, and is it included in tours?

Parks Canada passes are required for Banff National Park but are included in all Westar Travel tours.

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake FAQs

When does Moraine Lake close for the season?

Moraine Lake is open only from late May until mid-October (usually closing on October 14th). After this date, the road is closed due to avalanche risk.

Why is Moraine Lake only open from late May to mid-October?

Because of heavy snowfall and avalanche danger in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Parks Canada closes the Moraine Lake access road from mid-October until late May. This protects visitors and keeps the area safe.

Can you drive to Moraine Lake or do you need a shuttle?

As of 2023, private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive to Moraine Lake. You must take a Westar Travel tour, Parks Canada shuttle, or private shuttle.

What’s the best time of day to visit Lake Louise to avoid crowds?

Early morning (before 8:00 a.m.) and late evening (after 7:00 p.m.) are the quietest times at Lake Louise. Guided tours also help secure access without the stress of parking or shuttle transportation.

Are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake included on the same tour?

Yes, many Westar Travel tours combine Lake Louise and Moraine Lake into one unforgettable trip, making it easy to see both world-famous lakes in one day.

Jasper & Maligne Lake FAQs

Is the Maligne Lake Cruise open year-round?

No, the Maligne Lake Cruise operates only from late May through early October. In winter, the lake is frozen and not accessible for cruises.

When is the last day to take the Maligne Lake Cruise?

The cruise typically closes around October 14th, the same date many summer attractions shut down in Jasper National Park.

What wildlife can you see on tours to Jasper National Park?

Jasper is home to elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, and bald eagles. Wildlife sightings are common along the Maligne Valley and Icefields Parkway.

How do I get from Banff to Jasper and is the Icefields Parkway worth it?

The drive from Banff to Jasper takes about 3.5 hours along the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. It passes glaciers, waterfalls, and viewpoints you won’t want to miss.

What is Spirit Island on Maligne Lake and can I visit it?

Spirit Island is a sacred place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies. While the Maligne Lake cruise brings visitors close for an unforgettable view, landing on the island is strictly prohibited to honour its spiritual significance and preserve its delicate ecosystem.

Columbia Icefield & Skywalk FAQs

What is the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer tour?

The Ice Explorer is a massive, all-terrain vehicle that takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll step out and walk on 10,000-year-old ice in the heart of the Rockies.

Is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk open in winter?

No, the Skywalk is open seasonally from May to October. In winter, the attraction closes due to icy conditions.

What should I wear on Columbia Icefield tours?

Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes. Even in summer, temperatures on the glacier can be close to freezing, and the wind is strong. A jacket and sunglasses are highly recommended. If you are participating in the Ice Explorer adventure, water-proof shoes are recommended.

Can you walk on Athabasca Glacier without a tour?

No, walking on the glacier without a guide is unsafe due to hidden crevasses. Joining the Ice Explorer or a guided tour is the only safe way to experience the glacier up close.

Are the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours suitable for seniors and kids?

Yes, both attractions are accessible for most ages and fitness levels. The Ice Explorer is a comfortable ride, and the Skywalk is a short, flat walk with railings.

Drumheller & Badlands FAQs

What makes Drumheller the dinosaur capital of the world?

Drumheller is home to one of the richest deposits of dinosaur fossils on Earth. The area is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World” and is where many world-famous fossils were discovered.

How far is Drumheller from Calgary?

Drumheller is about 135 km (84 miles) northeast of Calgary, or roughly a 1.5-hour drive. It’s a perfect day trip from Calgary.

What can you see at the Royal Tyrrell Museum?

The Royal Tyrrell Museum has one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, and research labs. It’s a must-see for families and anyone interested in prehistoric life.

Are Drumheller Badlands tours available year-round?

Yes, Drumheller tours are offered year-round by Westar Travel. Summer and fall are the most popular times to explore the Hoodoos, canyons, and museum. Whereas, in winter, attractions remain open and Westar Travel offers a cozy Badlands experience.

Waterton Lakes National Park FAQs

What is Waterton Lakes National Park known for?

Waterton is famous for its dramatic mountain-meets-prairie scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. It’s part of the UNESCO-listed Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, shared with Montana’s Glacier National Park.

How far is Waterton from Calgary?

Waterton is about 270 km (168 miles) south of Calgary, or roughly a 3-hour drive. Many visitors combine it with trips to Banff and Jasper for a complete Rockies experience.

When is the best time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park?

The best time is June through September, when hiking trails, boat cruises, and scenic drives are open. Fall brings brilliant colors, while spring offers quieter visits and good wildlife viewing.

Can you take a boat cruise on Waterton Lake?

Yes, the Waterton Shoreline Cruise offers boat tours that even cross into the U.S. side of Glacier National Park (valid ID or passport required).

What wildlife can be seen in Waterton?

Waterton is home to bears, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and over 250 bird species. It’s one of the best places in the Rockies to spot wildlife.

Is Waterton open year-round?

Yes, but many services close in winter. Summer and fall are the most popular times, while winter is quiet and best for snowshoeing or peaceful getaways.

Do I need a Parks Canada pass for Waterton?

Yes, all visitors need a Parks Canada pass to enter Waterton Lakes National Park. This is included when you join a Westar Travel tour.