6 Things To Do In Banff That You Cannot Miss

There are so many things to do in Banff that making a list is nearly impossible. A trip to the Canadian Rockies is not complete without seeing the iconic Moraine Lake, going for a hike in the park’s resplendent nature, or driving up the world famous Icefields Parkway.

The highlights are instantly recognizable and even the most seasoned locals have enjoyed these experiences at one point or another. It’s what we consider must do for any visitor in the summer, no matter how long the trip.

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Visit Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

There are hardly two spots more emblematic of the Canadian Rockies than Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Anyone who has stood along their shores understands why they are widely regarded as the most beautiful lakes in the world.

The lakes stunning blue waters are set against a backdrop of towering craggy peaks while tranquil forest and wildlife line their shores. It is the primary draw for any visitor to Banff and we cannot imagine a trip to the Canadian Rockies without visiting one of the lakes.

The two lakes are in close proximity to one another so a trip to one often includes the other, especially given their difficulty to access in the summer. Granted that is also the best time to visit as the lakes are locked away in ice for over half of the year, October to June.

To reach the lakes we suggest booking a shuttle to reach Moraine Lake as access is limited to private vehicles. While, Lake Louise has a small parking lot that is next to impossible to secure parking spot during daytime hours. At the lakes visitors can hike along their shores or up to historic a teahouse, rent a canoe, go for a horseback ride, or have afternoon tea.

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Walk Down Banff Ave.

Even the towns are a real draw in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park owes its name to the town of Banff and there’s a lot to offer visitors for a little mountain town. However, nothing is more iconic than a walk down Banff Ave. which offers a stunning mountain view of Cascade Mountain.

Pop into a shop, grab something to eat, coffee, or even a local craft beer in town before heading out to Cascade Gardens. The gardens are set around the park’s historic administrative building right at the end of Banff Ave. From the front steps grab the iconic photo looking right back down the main street.

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Drive The Icefields Parkway

Set amongst glaciers, sparkling lakes, untouched wilderness, and staggering peaks, the Icefields Parkway is a drive that is tough to match. Almost every visitor to Banff should drive a section of the scenic road. The scenic highway links the parks of Banff and Jasper and features some of the most dramatic landscapes in the both parks.

The hiking, lakes, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain summits offer ample opportunity for exploration. Every moment we’ve spent along the parkway offers something new. Of all the incredible sites along the Parkway, the most notable is the Athabasca Glacier, which marks the border between Banff and Jasper National Park.

Other route highlights include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Mistya Canyon. The Icefields Parkway is a must-visit for any summer traveler when the lakes are thawed and driving conditions reliable. To enjoy the route we love to recommend downloading the Guide Along App which acts as your private tour guide with audio narration.

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Find A Quiet Hike In Nature

No trip to Banff is complete without a little bit of time on the hiking trail. With an incredible amount of natural space and hiking trails any visitor can find a quiet spot in Banff with a little bit of effort. While many like to argue that the park has lost its allure and that it’s too crowded we’d have to disagree and often find ourselves alone in these mountains.

The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are larger than many nations and there is no shortage of areas without people. All it takes is a little bit of timing and exploration even on Banff’s most popular easy hiking trails. However, those willing to put in the effort are sure to be rewarded with stunning mountain landscapes and uncrowded trails.

Here are some of our recommendations a for a hike in Banff. You can find everything from a challenging pass loop to an easy alpine meadow hike and even a short forested walk along a quiet creek known for bird life. The Rockies are best experienced in nature away from the towns, roads, and crowds.

• Helen Lake
• Sunshine Meadows
• Stewart Canyon
• Parker Ridge
• Boom Lake
• Fenlands Trail
• Cory Pass

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Take To The Water

With all the lakes, rivers, and stunning water it would be amiss to not enjoy it. Paddle a canoe across the turquoise water of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake for a unique perspective of the lakes. Or you can take a float trip down the Bow River from Banff and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Banff’s largest body of water, Lake Minnewanka, offers a scenic cruise out to the mountain’s edge at Devil’s Gap. It’s a great family friendly activity and a wonderful way to see the full extent of the lake.

If you’re really feeling brave you can always take a chilly plunge in any of the park’s lakes, which rarely reach more than a few degrees above freezing. We can’t think of anything more refreshing than a dip after a hike on a hot summer day.

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Hop On A Scenic Gondola Ride

You don’t have to climb up a mountain to take in views over mountains as the park has four scenic gondola rides to enjoy the alpine scenery. Most notable is the historic Banff Gondola which carries visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes.

At the top of the Gondola are two restaurants, a cafe, gallery, gift shop, interactive exhibits, theatre, and 1.4 km long boardwalk across the mountain’s ridge. For many visitors it’s a highlight of their trip to Banff and the Sky Bistro is a remarkable dining experience for a nice evening.

It’s not just the Banff Gondola either as the Sunshine Meadows Gondola takes visitors up to a lovely alpine area that is perfect for hiking. While the Lake Louise Summer Gondola offers sweeping views over the Bow Valley and bears frequent its slopes.

Even the Mt. Norquay’s Sighseeing Chairlift provides a thrilling new experience to Banff with assisted rock climbing along their Via Feratta—perfect for beginners.

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