From hikings trails and nationwide parks, to the world well-known Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, let our record of the very best issues to do in Banff, Canada aid you plan your subsequent go to.
The city of Banff, in addition to the encompassing Banff Nationwide Park, is among the most treasured jewels in all of Canada, and North America for that matter.
The jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies stand up in all instructions, creating an awe-inspiring scene that beckons all who go to to get open air.
With Cascade Mountain rising above the city at one finish, Mount Rundle drawing all eyes that land on it, and quite a lot of quaint timber shops lining the streets, Banff is as near a dwelling fairy story vacation spot that you will discover.
READ MORE: We’ve simply printed our full Banff itinerary so you understand which order to do issues in. Ensure you test it out!
Yearly lots of of 1000’s of vacationers from the US and Canada flock to Banff to take pleasure in its pure magnificence and to deal with the massive variety of actions and points of interest which have grown over time.
Positioned proper within the Banff Nationwide Park, its landscapes are phenomenal. The close by Lake Louise is an iconic sight, the ski resorts are top-notch, and it’s little surprise Banff is now considered one of Canada’s greatest journey locations.
The Finest Issues to Do in Banff
There are plenty of issues to do in Banff, because the pure landscapes are very accommodating for all kinds of actions, starting from climbing to canoeing to snowboarding, and a lot extra.
Whereas the city of Banff is sort of small and might be explored in simply a few days, the encompassing area is far more vibrant, and Banff Nationwide Park is the place a lot of the magic occurs.
Among the sights in Banff Nationwide Park are world-famous, together with the sapphire Lake Louise and different peaks within the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
READ MORE – Don’t miss out on our full information to the greatest Banff hikes.
Right here is our record of the very best issues to do in Banff, which can hopefully aid you begin exploring this glorious area.
1) Trip the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
There’s a really distinctive and scenic magnificence to be discovered on this a part of the Rocky Mountains, and that gorgeousness is most accessible when taking a look at it from excessive atop the mountains.
The close by Sulphur Mountain gives actually epic views from its summit. The gondola is an effective way to get to the highest the place these vistas change into accessible to nearly anyone.
No surprise it’s change into one of many prime issues to do in Banff!
Using the gondola isn’t nearly attending to the highest of Sulphur Mountain. The views alongside the way in which present a really distinctive perspective of the dimensions of Banff and its surrounding area.
Its 7,500-foot tall peak of Sulphur Mountain contains interactive displays, a present store, locations to eat, and even a 360-degree observational deck with views of Banff and the Bow River Valley beneath.
Mountain climbing out towards the summit of Sulphur Mountain has you comply with a well-built boardwalk, that may get icy, so be sure to carry correct footwear.
The brief stroll is effectively value it although, and on a transparent day, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the Bow Valley punctuated with hovering peaks.
Whereas the gondola journey to the highest of Sulphur Mountain is a bit on the expensive aspect (CA$62 for adults 16 and up), it’s probably the most standard locations to go to in Banff for good cause.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash you too can hike to the highest of Sulphur Mountain. Permit 2 hours to climb when you have an inexpensive stage of health.
In case you’re , the Bow Valley can be one of many prime spot for horseback using in Banff Nationwide Park. Go to one of many tourism workplaces in Banff city for excursions and data.
2) Go Snowboarding or Mountain climbing at Sunshine Village
Irrespective of the season there’s all the time one thing unimaginable to do round Sunshine Village.
Only a 30-minute drive from the city of Banff, Sunshine Village is primarily a ski resort, and it’s typically the primary resort to open up in Canada each winter, and one of many final to shut. The season lasts from November till Could!
Sunshine Village boasts 3000 skiable acres and 12 chair lifts making it world-class. There’s terrain to go well with skiers and snowboarders of all ranges.
Households can have a good time, and the ski college is among the greatest within the nation.
Whereas Sunshine Village will not be a budget-friendly vacation spot, doing a little wonderful snowboarding all day and stress-free within the lodge with a scorching drink within the night makes Sunshine Village one of many coolest points of interest in Banff.
However as soon as the ski season is over, and June rolls round, the snow melts and the terrain reveals splendid climbing trails round Sunshine Village.
The Sunshine Meadows pop into life, and are thought-about a few of the greatest climbing trails in the complete wider area. There are additionally some nice mountain biking trails.
Mountain climbing is totally free, and the surroundings is beautiful, which is why Sunshine Meadows is among the greatest issues to see in Banff.
READ MORE: Going elsewhere within the Rockies? Take a look at this record of the greatest issues to do in Jasper!
3) Head to Moraine Lake for Dawn
One of the vital photographed locations in all of Canada is the well-known Moraine Lake, with its 10 peaks reflecting on the glistening, mirror-like water.
Moraine Lake is so well-known that it was pictured on the outdated twenty greenback invoice! So it’s little shock that nearly everybody visiting Banff makes an effort to see Moraine Lake with their very own two eyes.
Moraine lake itself is just an hour drive from the city of Banff, and when you’re there you’ll discover a few of the best climbing trails within the area.
There are climbing trails of various issue, so even learners can have a straightforward time adjusting to the terrain that surrounds the lake.
Whereas the best hike is the flat Lakeshore Path, which lasts about 45 minutes spherical journey, a way more standard hike is Comfort Lakes trails, which is sort of lengthy at about 2 hours.
Irrespective of which approach you decide, nevertheless, you’ll witness the magnificent alpine fantastic thing about the Canadian Rocky Mountains and loads of well-marked trails.
Simply be certain that to reach earlier within the morning to catch a parking spot.
Ebook a Lake Moraine and Lake Louise sightseeing tour from Banff in the event you don’t have your individual automobile!
4) Go Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River
For these of you that like to do your sightseeing with adrenaline flowing by means of your veins, probably the most thrilling issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park is whitewater rafting!
The well-known Kicking Horse River is a brief distance from the city of Banff and is thought to have the very best rafting alternatives in the complete nation.
Charging by means of class 5 rapids, over waterfalls and between slim gorges is assured to get your blood pumping. But when this sounds a bit an excessive amount of for you there’s all the time an choice to take it sluggish and easily soak within the views.
There are quite a few excursions that function within the area, and a few of the extra mellow choices are the Kananaskis River, or the intermediate Horseshoe Canyon.
Whether or not you’re an skilled rafter or an entire beginner, you’re certain to fall in love with rafting which is arguably one of many greatest methods to expertise Banff’s beautiful nature.
5) Drive the Legendary Icefields Parkway
An expertise that no particular person visiting Banff will ever need to miss is driving the Icefields Parkway, referred to as among the best highway journeys on the planet.
Stretching 230km from simply exterior the Lake Louise space all the way in which to Jasper, Icefields Parkway is an iconic freeway that weaves its approach by means of the very best mountain surroundings in all of Canada.
Beginning within the south you traverse by means of Banff Nationwide Park, previous a few of the most picturesque landscapes possible, together with the impossibly blue Peyto Lake. Peyto Lake is unquestionably value a cease in itself.
Finally you hit Jasper Nationwide Park, with the wonderful Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier (extra on that beneath), and the insanely spectacular Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls.
Jagged peaks encompass you on all sides and also you’ll go by extra mirror-like lakes and rivers than you possibly can depend with loads of choices to cease alongside the way in which.
You might also have the pleasure of seeing a few of the Canadian Rockies’ most wonderful wildlife, corresponding to bears, moose, and caribou.
The drive alongside Icefields Parkway is critically mind-blowing and might be accomplished both with your individual rental automobile (which we suggest) or by becoming a member of a tour from Banff.
Although it’s solely 230km lengthy, you possibly can simply spend 5 (or extra) hours driving the Icefields Parkway, particularly in the event you cease off in any respect the highlights alongside the way in which or do any hikes.
In case you choose to benefit from your time, you possibly can ebook a one-way sightseeing tour of the Icefields Parkway, selecting you up in Banff Nationwide Park, taking you to all the primary spots alongside the drive, then dropping you off close to Jasper Nationwide Park.
6) Go Mountain climbing on the Athabasca Glacier
Essentially the most-visited glacier in all of North America, the Athabasca Glacier is part of the majestic Columbia Icefield, which is the most important physique of ice within the Canadian Rockies.
Positioned almost midway alongside the Icefields Parkway, this magnificent glacier might be explored in quite a lot of methods. The preferred approach is a tour on the Ice Explorer, a specifically designed expedition bus that drives straight on the glacier.
This journey lasts simply over an hour and might be an effective way to expertise the glacier in the event you’re brief on time or have some mobility points.
However if you wish to actually have an journey, then it is advisable to hike on the glacier itself!
Athabasca Glacier Icewalk has been main climbing journeys for years, and runs an epic tour known as the Ice Cubed the place you don crampons and stroll for 5km on the massive frozen river.
It lasts for 3 hours, begins in both the morning or afternoon and also you do want a normal quantity of health to participate.
Have some extra time? Take a look at their Icewalk Deluxe tour, which matches for five hours. Undoubtedly among the best issues to do close to Banff!
The easiest way to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the very best worth available on the market.
7) Go Ice Climbing with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures
In case you love adrenaline and making an attempt one thing new, then among the best issues to do in Banff in winter is to go on an mountain climbing tour with native consultants Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
When the temperatures drop within the Rocky Mountains, the waterfalls freeze, creating a brand new world of prospects for many who love being lively.
Summer season is for mountaineering in Banff, and winter is for mountain climbing, which is among the most enjoyable (and most badass) actions you are able to do.
Armed with ice axes and crampons, you climb vertically up frozen falls, hammering your ‘device’ into the ice and kicking the factors of your crampons in, that means with energy, approach and somewhat little bit of belief, you possibly can ascend to dizzying heights.
We had by no means accomplished this earlier than, so we signed up for an introductory course with Yamnuska. We met our information Jesse in Johnston Canyon, and he gave us all of our gear earlier than climbing out to the distant falls.
As soon as on the finish of the boardwalk we climbed down the approved-climbers-only part and obtained kitted up.
Jessee ran up a straightforward route, drilling anchors into the ice and connecting the rope earlier than heading again down and giving us some detailed directions on find out how to ice climb.
Then it was time to place the speculation into apply!
We climbed up and down the identical route 4 instances, getting higher and quicker every time, and Jesse would always monitor our approach and provides recommendation on find out how to enhance.
Slamming the device into the ice and feeling it seize maintain was immensely satisfying, and we rapidly fell in love with this sport. It was tiring although, and as soon as we’d burned all our energy up it was time to move again to the automobile park.
The blokes at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures run a bunch of various excursions, from small introductory ones for learners like us proper as much as intensive programs. In case you’re questioning what to do in Banff in winter, we extremely suggest this!
8) Soak within the Banff Higher Scorching Springs
The Banff Higher Scorching Springs was as soon as thought-about a spot of holy therapeutic waters by the First Nations. At this time it’s a place for resting and rest.
The distinctive properties of those pure scorching springs make them one of many best vacationer points of interest in Banff Nationwide Park, they usually’re an amazing spot to go to all 12 months spherical.
Every pure scorching spring is akin to a public swimming pool, in that they’re geared up with the entire newest trendy facilities corresponding to railings, ladders, lockers, and even a café.
What units them aside is that the swimming pools are fed by pure scorching springs, and that is the primary cause they’re so stress-free.
Coupled with the truth that the encompassing surroundings is beautiful, these scorching springs can simply calm down each the physique and the soul.
All of this makes the new springs considered one of greatest locations to go to in Banff.
9) Verify Out the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Web site
Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Web site is of essentially the most fascinating elements of Banff’s historical past.
There’s proof of people occupying the world of Banff for round 10,000 years, which matches to point out that there’s much more to this place than meets the attention.
Having the ability to work together inside a historic setting and context is all the time wonderful, which is strictly what the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic web site gives to guests.
That is the place that first put Banff on the fashionable map, and the rationale it was designated as Canada’s first nationwide park.
Contained in the cave is a pure thermal scorching spring, which is now closed to public swimming, and these days it’s an academic spot.
There are many interactive shows that train travellers in regards to the significance of this location, and there’s a Discovery Tour designed particularly that will help you immerse your self on this place.
The cavern is completely beautiful, and undoubtedly one of many coolest locations to go to in Banff.
In case you’re not within the temper to go trekking round Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic web site, you too can go on a 1-hour guided trip!
10) Take pleasure in S’Mores and Reside Music on the Alpenglow Competition
In the course of the winter months, the highest of the mountain comes alive with the enjoyable and vibrant Alpenglow Competition, and spending a couple of hours up right here is an excellent Banff winter exercise.
The alpenglow refers to when the tops of the mountains flip purple simply after the solar units, a phenomena that’s actually stunning (and makes for some superior photographs).
The Alpenglow Competition is a good occasion to take a look at within the late afternoon, as a wide range of native musicians take the stage, scrumptious meals is offered and guests are even given s’mores to cook dinner up on the outside fires.
We went up on a cloudy day and weren’t blessed with the well-known alpenglow, however that didn’t make the competition any much less superior. Undoubtedly strive some cocktails when you’re up there.
11) Hike Round Lake Louise and the Close by Teahouses
One of many true gems of the area, Lake Louise is sort of as iconic as Banff itself.
Positioned an hour east from the city in Banff Nationwide Park, Lake Louise is a fully spellbinding location, surrounded by surroundings that may barely be matched by some other place on the earth.
Lake Louise is a turquoise jewel surrounded by jagged peaks in Banff Nationwide Park. Whereas Lake Louise isn’t the very best for swimming, it’s ideally suited for canoeing!
Canoeing in Lake Louise whereas Mount Victoria majestically looms to the west is among the greatest issues to do in Banff Nationwide Park.
Mountain climbing and exploring are additionally wonderful choices, and one thing that shouldn’t be missed is strolling as much as the close by teahouses.
A preferred and pretty straightforward trek is to Lake Agnes, which solely takes round an hour and is effectively value it to admire the alpine surroundings and have a cup of espresso on the path.
You probably have extra time you possibly can head out to the teahouse on the finish of the Plain of the Six Glaciers path from Lake Louise. It might take as much as 7 hours, however the views are merely unreal.
There are additionally mountain biking trails round Lake Louise which you can hit while you go to Banff!
With a lot to see, you possibly can simply spend a few days unearthing the nooks and crannies round Lake Louise.
Need an expertise like no different? Think about staying a the Fairmont Lake Louise, probably the most well-known lodges in Banff Nationwide Park and the complete world!
12) Discover the Falls at Johnston Canyon
By far the most well-liked day hike in Banff Nationwide Park is thru the exceptional Johnston Canyon, solely half-hour from downtown Banff.
The straightforward 5km lengthy jaunt to the Higher Falls and again will take you alongside the slim gorge fashioned by Johnston Creek, a part of the well-known Bow River, and as much as a set of enormous cascades and swimming pools.
Alternating between well-groomed trails and a boardwalk, it’s accessible for folks of all ages and skills. Don’t let the excessive variety of guests put you off although – its magnificence is effectively value coping with the crowds.
In case you occur to search out your self on the town in the course of the colder months it’s best to undoubtedly contemplate taking a mission out to Johnston Canyon, as seeing the place lined in contemporary snow and ice is like stepping right into a winter wonderland.
Strapping ice cleats and happening a night icy hike to Johnston Canyon is a implausible exercise, as the complete area is among the most stunning issues to see in Banff in winter.
The frozen waterfalls create a selected kind of drama that makes them appear as in the event that they’re straight out of a fairy story.
13) Shred the Slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Towering mountains, excessive snowfall, lengthy winters and wonderful infrastructure makes Canada one of many world’s most well-known snowboarding and snowboarding locations.
Residence to a few of the greatest ski resorts on the planet, like Whistler Blackcomb and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, folks journey from far and huge to carve activates the legendary slopes.
Alberta has quite a lot of world-class ski resorts, and the top of all of them is Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff Nationwide Park.
With 4200 skiable acres and 10 chair lifts servicing 145 runs, there’s little surprise that folks flock to Lake Louise to shred the terrain.
The slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort cater to skiers of all talent ranges, and whether or not you’re studying on the bunny hill or hucking again 5’s off of cliffs, you’re assured to search out one thing to maintain you glad.
In case you’ve already fallen in love with Banff and need to prolong your keep and discover the area, be certain that to learn our Canada Journey Information.
14) Pattern the Liquor at Park Distillery
In case you love the style of a wonderful gin or tasty rye, then you definately merely can’t miss Park Distillery when questioning what to do in Banff!
Positioned in downtown Banff on Banff Avenue, this superior native distillery makes a few of the greatest liquor within the nation, they usually’re not afraid to experiment both!
Chilli vodka? Hell yea. Maple rye? After all! Desire a gin infused with Canadian spruce? Why not?
Park Distillery has been experimenting with varied liquors for the previous few years and has proudly change into among the best Banff points of interest round.
They’ve a superb restaurant and a fully-functioning bar (boasting delectable cocktails), however in the event you actually love their liquor be sure to join the free distillery tour.
15) Hire Some Ice Skates and Hit the Lakes
As soon as winter rolls round and the temperatures drop, a lot of Banff’s fantastic waters freeze over.
These in search of true journey amongst the mountain peaks won’t discover this favorite native previous time of curiosity, however in relation to Banff winter actions, ice-skating is difficult to beat.
Ice skating on the frozen lakes of Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, Bow Lake, Lake Minnewaka, and even the legendary Lake Louise, when you’re surrounded by majestic alpine peaks is nothing to scoff about.
Lake Louise itself is taken into account the most secure of the bunch to ice skate on, because it’s repeatedly maintained and cleared of snow.
You’ll be able to carry your individual gear with you, however in order for you you too can lease respectable tools from native outlets while you go to Banff.
16) Hold Out at Lake Minnewanka
It’s exhausting to put in writing an inventory of the very best Banff points of interest with out mentioning Lake Minnewanka, the 21km lengthy spectacle simply exterior of city.
That is the form of place the place you could possibly get misplaced for days. Individuals who love being lively will discover solace within the kayak and canoe leases down on the foremost pier, or you possibly can tackle any considered one of quite a lot of beautiful hikes within the space.
Somewhat calm down with family and friends? Lake Minnewanka is the right place to return down for a picnic, or you possibly can take a ship cruise, which is arguably among the best issues to do in Banff in summer time. There is no such thing as a higher place to soak within the Banff sunshine than on the shores of a lake.
The enjoyable doesn’t cease there. It’s additionally a well-liked fishing vacation spot, with giant trout and whitefish ready to be hooked by the eager angler.
One factor that few folks know is which you can really go scuba diving in Lake Minnewanka as effectively. Sure, the water is chilly, however the underwater flora is sort of wonderful.
17) Climb Cascade Mountain
The overwhelming majesty of Cascade Mountain looms over the city of Banff like a guardian angel, and its presence has been wowing guests for many years.
It’s exhausting to not cease and take 1000’s of images of the mountain from each angle of city, however in the event you’re feeling as much as a problem you possibly can even contemplate climbing to its summit!
The highest of Cascade Mountain sits at 2998m above sea stage, and the path to the highest is unquestionably no stroll within the park.
The 18km return hike to the summit climbs a complete of 1325m in elevation. And when you don’t want mountaineering abilities to overcome the height, there’s a truthful quantity of scrambling at instances, and the path might be sketchy.
The trailhead begins on the ski lodge on Mount Norquay. Begin early and permit your self a full day to achieve the highest and descend safely.
Don’t try this hike if circumstances are moist or snowy, and monitor the climate earlier than you begin and as you might be climbing.
A substitute for climbing is a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies, among the best Banff points of interest.
18) Maintain an Eye Out for Banff’s Epic Wildlife
Banff is house to much more than simply busloads of vacationers and a sizeable working vacation crowd. Essentially the most well-known residents of Banff are the wildlife!
Residence to animals of all sizes and styles, recognizing a critter is a spotlight of many individuals’s go to to city, and infrequently it isn’t that tough.
Deer are generally seen wandering across the village, and infrequently elk and caribou make an look.
In case you head into Banff Nationwide Park, Canada’s first nationwide park, your probability of seeing some wildlife goes up drastically. Right here you could have the prospect to solid your eyes on moose and even black bears.
Among the most elusive creatures are grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars, and it’s best to contemplate your self fortunate in the event you see one.
It’s essential to needless to say these are wild animals and might be extraordinarily harmful. In case you see one within the wild don’t strategy it, and in the event you come throughout one when driving don’t get out of your automobile.
Give them loads of area and chances are high they received’t be spooked, that means you possibly can observe them safely from a distance for fairly a very long time.
In case you’re a nature fanatic you too can contemplate reserving a wildlife safari tour while you go to Banff. Exploring with a educated information will improve your possibilities of seeing some animals!
In case you take pleasure in photographing wildlife, take a look at our record of the greatest journey cameras for all budgets.
19) Brush Up on Your First Nations Historical past at Buffalo Nation Luxton Museum
No journey to Canada is full with out studying about its fascinating First Nations tradition, and this wonderful museum in downtown Banff does an amazing job at it.
It’s been open for the reason that Fifties, and since then the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum has devoted itself to instructing everybody about the entire contributions of the native folks to the encompassing lands.
This museum is a good Banff attraction, particularly for these eager about historical past and tradition. It’s not a really giant museum and might be explored in about an hour.
The museum is open day by day of the week from 10 am to 7 pm, and the entry payment is CA$10.
Banff Journey Information
Now that you understand what to do in Banff and the encompassing Banff Nationwide Park, we want to aid you with one other essential planning side of your Canadian journey – discovering the right lodging!
The place to Keep in Banff
Being such a vacationer hotspot, the city of Banff has an enormous variety of nice lodging choices for all travellers.
As an entire disclaimer, lodges in downtown Banff are very costly, so earlier than you come be sure to have sufficient room in your funds to accommodate your keep right here.
Fortunately there’s a complete vary of free issues to do in Banff while you get right here to assist preserve the remainder of your prices down.
Finest Hostel in Banff – Samesun Hostel
The Samesun Hostel has change into a little bit of an establishment throughout western Canada, and in the event you’re trying to go to Banff on a funds then that is the spot to be.
Having moved to a brand new location nearer to downtown Banff a few years in the past, it has a few of the greatest amenities of any hostel within the area.
Clear dorm rooms with lockers, an incredible widespread space, quick wifi, the well-known Beaver Bar and reductions on every kind of Banff actions make it the very best low-cost lodging on the town. The employees are tremendous pleasant they usually’ll aid you make preparations for attending to the nationwide parks and hikes.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort in Banff – Moose Resort and Suites
You probably have the cash to splurge while you go to Banff we extremely suggest the Moose Resort and Suites.
We stayed right here on our final go to to Banff after taking the Rocky Mountaineer prepare journey from Vancouver, and beloved our keep.
This traditional-style lodge has an amazing bar and restaurant, and the rooms are spacious and trendy.
Finest Luxurious Resort in Banff – Fairmont Banff Springs Resort
The Fairmont Banff Springs is among the most iconic luxurious lodges in Canada, and in the event you can afford it, you received’t remorse staying on this world-famous lodging.
Positioned simply exterior of city close to Bow Falls, this towering advanced is over 125 years outdated and is a very stunning place to see.
The property can greatest be described as decadent, and the rooms are stately and tastefully embellished.
The bars and eating places are a few of the greatest within the nation too, so even in the event you can’t afford to remain right here, it’s value popping out for a drink or a chew to eat.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one other unimaginable luxurious lodge situated proper on the lake. It’s not as near downtown Banff as Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, however it’s a extra secluded possibility.
So there are good luxurious choices irrespective of the place you need to keep within the Banff and Lake Louise space.
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies in the event you ebook lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no further value to you. These commissions assist us preserve creating extra free journey content material to assist folks plan their holidays and adventures. We solely suggest the very best lodging, excursions and merchandise, and repeatedly assessment these. Thanks in your assist, form pal!
