The BEST Things To Do In Banff
If you are looking for the best things to do in Banff, we have you covered! We visited this little mountain town a few years back and fell in love so much that we decided to settle in the Canadian Rockies and eventually start this website.
There’s really nowhere quite as remarkable as Banff National Park. Whether it’s winter or summer in Banff, there is so much to do that it’s impossible to get bored. We could spend a lifetime exploring these spectacular mountains.
The mountains provide an endless playground, so there is little mystery as to why millions choose to visit each year. Hopefully, this guide will give you the information to choose the best things to do in Banff for you and your travel companions.
Best Things To Do In Banff National Park
Head Up the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is there for you if you want to get those amazing mountain range views from the top of Sulphur Mountain. The gondola runs year-round and provides the chance to relax and hang over the trees.
It’s easily the most popular thing to do in Banff, and every family member and friend that we bring up it raves about their time. We have now been up the Banff Gondola close to 10 times in every season. It’s not a cheap experience at over $60, but most find it’s well worth it. In my opinion, the gondola is great for those that are not physically able to do the hike. This may mean people with disabilities, the elderly, or large families.
If you are able and want to save some money, I highly recommend hiking up Sulphur Mountain. It’s not a hard climb and is doable all year round. The beautiful view will feel much more rewarding! Either way, you can’t travel to Banff and not take in the views from Sulphur Mountain!
Stroll Through the Cascade of Time Garden
The Cascade of Time Garden is one of the best places to visit in Banff when you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you stroll through the beautiful garden. It’s located behind Park Canada’s building right at the end of Banff Ave. From the garden, you get great views of Mt. Rundle and Cascade Mountain. This should go without saying, but please don’t pick the flowers.
Snap a Pic at the Banff Sign
You can’t really miss the iconic Banff Sign as you drive into Banff. Not only is it massive, but visit on a summer day, and there will, without a doubt, be a line of people waiting to grab their photo on the BANFF letters. It took me a few years to finally grab a photo with it – I just had to wait for a rainy day when no one was around! Because the lines can disrupt traffic, the Town of Banff is looking to move the sign for pedestrian safety- we’ll update here if that happens!
Update! After years of congestion caused by the Banff sign, the famous 5 letters have been moved. It’s now located at 331 Mountain Goat Lane, across from the Banff Train Station.
Soak in the Banff Hot Springs
Enjoying hot water in the cool air is one of the top activities in Banff. Don’t let the frigid Canadian temperatures detract you; there are plenty of ways to warm up around Banff. Just outside of Banff town lies the Banff Upper Hot Springs, easily one of the best places to visit in Banff and among the best hot springs in Alberta.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs water is geothermal, coming from the earth’s crust 3 km down and makes for one of the best places to relax those stiff muscles after a ski day. Just be warned, afternoons can draw a crowd in the summer, so head there in the morning or late evening for a quieter experience, otherwise you might feel like you’re in a giant adult bathtub. How much are the Banff Hot Springs? Don’t worry – it won’t break the bank at just over $16.
Open Top Touring
One of the newest experiences in Banff is to take a vintage tour! Pursuit Collection is now booking their Open Top Touring tour which allows visitors to roam the streets of Banff in style. During this tour a 1930s vintage automobile will take visitors to sights like Surprise Corner, Vermilion Viewpoint, Tunnel Mountain and Mount Norquay Viewpoint.
The vehicle is open glass and has a great canvas top roof, so you get to enjoy the views with storyteller guides in period costume the whole time, telling stories from 1938 to today. It’s great for small groups, special occasions, and wedding parties!
Enjoy a Beer at Banff Ave Brewery
If you’re not much a gin person, then walk down the street to Banff Ave Brewery. This Banff brewery was opened by the same crew who opened the Jasper Brewing Co (Canada’s first National Park Brewery) after great success.
Located on Banff Avenue, this two-story restaurant and bar serve up delicious food and great beer. It’s well worth a stop for anyone visiting Banff. Try to get a seat outside in the summer and watch life on Banff Avenue go by! Warning, the deck space is pretty limited, so you’re lucky if you snag a seat on the weekend.
Another great brewery in Banff is Three Bears Brewery on Bear Street, and if you find yourself in Canmore check out Grizzly Paw Brewery, Sheepdog Brewing, or Canmore Brewing Company.
Enjoy the Town of Banff
If you want a day of shopping, cappuccinos, and breweries, stay in the Banff downtown area and venture right out from your hotel to stroll Banff Avenue for a few hours. Banff Ave has tons of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and even cheesy souvenir stores to entertain all. We recommend carving at least a half day on your vacation to wander about.
Check Out Bow Falls
Bow Falls is a must-see waterfall when in Banff. It is only a short walk away from the town and takes you into magnificent nature. Although it is fantastic in the summer, I personally love visiting in the winter.
Depending on when you go to see them in the winter, they may be frozen, but we’ve been lucky and have seen their beauty half in ice and half in water. There are nice walkways for visitors so everyone can view safely.
Be warned: It’s one of the most popular things to do near Banff downtown, so there can be quite a crowd. Regardless, it’s a fantastic family activity to enjoy!
Eat The Castle Food Tour
If you want a bit of an indoor time and are a historian/foodie then embark on a culinary journey and explore the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with a small-group tasting tour. With four locations within the sprawling complex to visit, indulge in “fork and knife” tastings and beverage pairings at the Vermillion Room and 1888 Chop House.
During this personalized experience, your knowledgeable guide will also provide insights into the hotel’s history, art, and architecture. It’s also a fantastic way to see inside the famous hotel without actually being a hotel guest.
Lake Experiences
Cruise Along Lake Minnewanka
One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is to stroll along the shoreline or take a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is an awe-inspiring lake just ten minutes from the town of Banff. It has a long history and people have hunted and camped along its shores for a hundred centuries. Its waters and natural beauty are revered, and the Indigenous Stoney people named it Minn-waki, which means Lake of the Spirits, because they respected and feared the lake for its resident spirits.
In “recent” years, it’s grown in size as a dam was built in the 1940s to supply additional power supply for the region. This grew the lake to 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helped power Banff with hydroelectric power. At the lake’s start lies Devil’s Gap, where the lake opens up to foothills and is flanked by Rockies. One of the best ways to take in the lake is on a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise that runs during the summer months.
In the summer, it’s a great destination for hiking, picnicking, and canoeing. In the winter, it’s a great spot for ice skating, snowshoeing, or just taking in the views. It’s one of our favorite spots in Banff, and we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve visited.
See it from the water and book a cruise on Lake Minnewanka!
Take Photos at Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is just a five-minute drive from Lake Minnewanka. It’s another fantastic lake with sweeping views of Mount Rundle. Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies due to its proximity to Banff and the amazing landscape. It’s also a popular spot for visitors and locals to go kayaking or swimming.
The lake always makes for a great photograph, especially when the evening light hits Mt. Rundle. In the winter, it’s even possible to arrive here with a tripod and be all by yourself. There’s also a campsite adjacent to the lake, which is one of the most popular in the summer.
Catch Sunset at Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes are a fantastic series of lakes in any season. It’s one of our favorite spots in Banff for sunrise and sunset. Mount Rundle, arguably the most famous mountain in the park, towers over the lake, creating an epic backdrop at any time of the year. It’s the perfect place to come early in the morning and enjoy your coffee or catch the day’s end at sunset.
You can also take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard out here and enjoy the water. The lakes are pretty calm even on a windy day, and they are home to a plethora of birdlife. If we’re ever in town in the evening, this is where we’ll head to catch the sunset.
Morning Walk at Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is one of our favorite lakes to enjoy because it’s often overlooked by the more popular Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka and, therefore, fairly quiet.
Take a nice stroll around Johnson Lake and enjoy the mountain scenery. It’s a straightforward hike that is an even elevation and makes for a great evening or morning walk. The Johnson Lake Loop is near Banff town and close to Two Jack Lake campsite, and you can catch public transit here with Roam.
The trail works its way through the forest and offers some astounding views out over the lake back to Cascade Mountain looming high above. The lake is tranquil and a great place to go stand up paddleboarding or even take a swim if you’re brave enough. Keep an eye out for a rope swing!
Have a BBQ at Cascade Ponds
Cascade Ponds are one of my favorite places to head to in Banff when I just want to chill and enjoy my surroundings. Located right off the Trans-Canada, well before you reach Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka, you’ll come across Cascade Ponds. They are easily seen from the highway, but you could miss them if you don’t know what you are looking for.
Cascade Ponds are a series of ponds that lie right under Cascade Mountain. There are plenty of picnic benches and firepits here to enjoy a picnic. I like coming here on a sunny day and having a BBQ with the provided BBQ pits.
Just bring your beer and snacks, and you’re good to go (please remember to pick up after yourself and leave no trace). If you visit in the summer, you can see Cascade Waterfall coming from Cascade Mountain too!
See Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine. The reason is its unique “fox head” shape and absolutely mind-blowingly blue water.
Peyto Lake is also easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. To get a great view, park and hike up an easy 10-minute well-maintained path to the viewpoint. There’s even an accessible path for those in wheelchairs.
Relax at Bow Lake
Right before you get to Peyto Lake, you’ll spot Bow Lake on your left (if driving from Lake Louise). Bow Lake is one of the larger lakes on the Icefields Parkway and lies south of the Bow Summit. It’s a beautiful lake to stop by and take in the surroundings, but it’s even better when you can get out on the water. We love to take our inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards around Banff so that we can pull over and take them out for a paddle.
Go for a Swim in Herbert Lake
Herbert Lake is a small lake just off the Icefields Parkway that you’ll see not long after you pass the park gates leaving Lake Louise and the TransCanada Highway.
Its location and the fact that it’s not considered a major highlight in Banff means the lake remains relatively quiet throughout the summer. I love heading here in the morning to watch the sun rise over Mount Temple. It’s a small lake to paddle on, and there’s even a hidden diving board if you want to take a dip and can handle the cold temps!
Stand Up Paddleboard
Once the lakes around Banff National Park thaw in the spring and summer, they are a prime place to go for a SUP or stand-up paddleboard in the summer months. It’s one of our favorite ways to relax in the park, and we often find ourselves alone on the water. What’s great is you don’t have to own one yourself as you can rent them from several locations in town.
Banff Canoe Club and Bow Valley SUP are our preferred places to rent paddleboards, but if you plan on doing a lot of stand-up paddleboarding, you may want to even consider purchasing one. We bought ours off Amazon for $500 and it was a great investment. We use them more than we care to admit!
Tour Option: An Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding in Banff
Lake Louise Area
Canoe on Lake Louise
Lake Louise is an iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see and is likely already on your bucket list. It is certainly a highlight of any trip to Canada. While not as scenic as the famous Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is still pretty darn mesmerizing. It is glacial-fed and sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun. The mountains rising up around it provide the perfect backdrop to any photo.
Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June, but you can take a canoe out in the summer and enjoy the fresh air. During the winter, you can walk out on the lake, go for sleigh rides, and even go ice skating.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Trek
The Lake Agnes Teahouse trek is a popular thing to do in Banff for visitors to Lake Louise. This is an easy-to-moderate hike that goes from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes and is suitable for most Banff visitors. Getting to Lake Agnes requires climbing nearly 400 meters across 4 km on a heavily trafficked trail, though once at the top, you’ll find a historic teahouse and stunning Lake Agnes.
This easy hike can be done in under two hours. However, be warned: It is a busy one! To escape the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Little Beehive, Big Beehive, Mt. St. Piran, or Devil’s Thumb. If you’re an experienced scrambler, you can keep going past to summit Mount Niblock (moderate scramble) or Mount Whyte (extremely difficult!).
Complete the Beehive Circuit
One of my favorite hikes in all of Banff involves two epic viewpoints. The whole Beehive Circuit refers to the Little Beehive and Big Beehive in the Lake Louise area and are extensions of the Lake Agnes trail mentioned above. Both are moderate hikes that provide a different viewpoint over Lake Louise.
The Little Beehive hike is 9km in distance with 535 meters of elevation gain from Lake Louise Lakeshore, while the Big Beehive is slightly more difficult. To hike the Big Beehive will involve hiking 10.3 km and 647 meters of gain. We highly recommend hiking both after reaching Lake Agnes for different vantage points. If you are a strong hiker and want more, try scrambling up Devil’s Thumb, or connect the Big Beehive to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail via the Highland Trail.
Moraine Lake Area
Enjoy Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of the most popular things to do in Banff and arguably the most popular sight to see in all of Canada. This iconic lake is a picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image “Canada” and see what comes up). With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters, Lake Moraine is certainly one of the most amazing Banff attractions.
Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from Banff town and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. Being the most popular destination in the park, Parks Canada has even introduced new measures on how to access the famous lake. Parking is no longer allowed for personal vehicles, and visitors must make an advanced plan for reaching Moraine Lake. We recommend taking the Parks Canada Park & Ride shuttle, which must be reserved in advance. We break down all the details for getting to Moraine Lake here.
If you think you’re going to make your visit to Moraine Lake quiet and easier by visiting in the off-season, you may want to think again. Moraine Lake Road is the only road to Moraine Lake and closes between (approximately) October 10 to late May/early June. During the winter the road gets covered in snow, and the avalanche risk is high making travel there unsafe.
All About Moraine Lake
Canoe on Moraine Lake
Canoeing on Moraine Lake is on many visitors’ bucket lists. It is something you can do between mid-June and mid-September. Moraine Lake Lodge operates the Boathouse and rents our canoes on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s an expensive experience, at nearly $150 for an hour-long rental, but it’s well worth it to canoe on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Hike Around Moraine Lake
I’d say 90% of the people who head to Moraine Lake stay for an hour or so, take photos, and leave. But there is so much more to do at Moraine Lake than this. If you want an easy activity, you can rent a canoe, but the more adventurous should consider a few of the hikes around Moraine Lake.
The easiest one is the Consolation Lakes. This follows the path up the Rockpile Trail and into the valley. This hike is only 6km roundtrip and has about 160 meters of elevation gain.
However, the classic hike is Sentinel Pass, a 12 km moderate hike (732m elevation) that guarantees tremendous views (pictured above). The Tower of Babel scramble, and Eiffel Peak scrambles are much harder and should be reserved for experienced hikers, but they provide epic views over Moraine Lake.
Athabasca Glacier Experiences
Ice Explorer Experience
The Columbia Icefield Discovery Center sits on the border of Banff and Jasper and makes for a tremendous stop when driving the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Here you can get close to a glacier with the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. When visiting you’ll learn about the history of the beautiful Athabasca Glacier and experience the fun without much physical effort.
The Columbia Icefields Adventure Tour is offered here, and you can take massive vehicles with wheels taller than a person onto the Athabasca Glacier. If you want to experience a glacier, it is a great way to get close to it if you have never seen one.
It’s a hit with kids, and all Icefield Explorer tickets include admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk!
Walk On The Columbia Icefield Skywalk
If you’re already at Athabasca Glacier, you may as well continue a couple of kilometers down the road to the Glacier Skywalk; even though it’s technically in Jasper, it can be a fun thing to add to your itinerary. Here you can step out on a cliff edge walk, see the glaciers around you, and have views of the Sunwapta Valley.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk has views of wildlife, waterfalls, and fossils. It’s a fun, family-friendly thing to do in Banff. It’s worth noting that all Icefield Explorer tickets include admission to the Skywalk.
Some visitors are mixed on the Skywalk experience, including ourselves as I think you can get the same experience for free by going on a beautiful hike in Banff National Park. Nevertheless, if you want to face your fears and walk over the Sunwapta Valley with nothing but glass between you it can be a thrilling experience!
Athabasca Glacier IceWalk
You don’t have to take the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to walk on the Glacier. Instead, you can book an Ice walk tour if you are fit and able. An Ice Walk tour is a much more personal experience, with a certified guide that will safely take you on the glacier and provide insights and explanations of what you are looking at.
We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not trying to walk on the glacier yourself, which can be very unsafe. If you want to actually repel into a crevasse on your glacier experience, Rockaboo is the only guiding company certified to do that.
Athabasca Glacier Tours To Book
- Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip: Leave from Banff
- Guided Glacier Hike: On Athabasca with IceWalks
- Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer Experience & Skywalk
Hike to the Toe of the Glacier
The best free option to experience Athabasca Glacier is to hike to its Toe, which can be reached easily from the parking area. This short hike is less than a 2km round trip and has less than 100 meters of elevation gain from the parking area. There are roped-off sections and signs so you don’t accidentally walk in unsafe areas.
Hike Ideas
Hike Through Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the top attractions in Banff year-round and can attract a crowd, though it’s still a sight that nearly every visitor to the park wants to experience. Personally, we love to hike it in the winter more due to the summer crowds, but there is good reason to visit in the summer. A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest.
As a hiker, you get up close and personal with the canyon thanks to a series of suspended walkways. Hikers catch scenic glimpses of the mountains, multiple waterfalls, and a chance to spot wildlife along the way.
In the winter, the waterfalls are locked away in a huge swath of ice. If you’ve never seen a frozen waterfall, hiking Johnston Canyon is a wonderful opportunity to do so. The trail along Johnston Canyon is open year-round unless noted by Parks Canada.
We suggest renting or buying microspikes in town if you visit Banff in the winter or early spring. Although the trail is well managed, it can get icy between November and May, and having them is better than slipping everywhere on the trail – ours always come in very handy! No matter the season, it’s an easy hike along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. For an extended hike, continue on to the Ink Pots.
Summer Tour Option: eBike and Hike To Johnston Canyon
Climb Sulphur Mountain
Remember the Banff Gondola that I mentioned above? Well, if you want to reach the top without paying $60, you can actually hike up the mountain instead. Sulphur Mountain is easily one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. It’s a beautiful hike up that offers visitors astonishing views over the Bow Valley.
Due to its proximity to town and the fact that you can take the Banff Gondola up to the peak instead of sweating it out on the trail, Sulphur Mountain becomes very busy at the top! However, the trail is enjoyable and will leave you with a sense of reward once you get to the boardwalk. If hiking in the winter, a pair of microspikes and some hiking poles will help you tackle the trail up in no time.
Hike Healy Pass (+ Extension to Egypt Lakes)
One of the best hikes in Banff is Healy Pass. It has two peak hiking seasons: mid-summer, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and late September, when the larch trees have turned a golden hue (photo above).
At 20.9 km and 890 meters of gain, the Healy Pass hike is not a short one, and you should expect it to take you a full day. It’s also often done as an overnight trip, but it’s well worth the effort, I promise. If you have the extra energy, keep hiking to Egypt Lake for an extra long but epic day.
Hike to Helen Lake
Helen Lake is a beautiful lake along the Icefields Parkway. While it’s far less popular than nearby Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, its water is just as beautiful and the area is much quieter. To reach Helen Lake, you must hike in on a moderate trail for 6km (one way). The trail is well-maintained and absolutely stunning, with views of mountains and blooming wildflowers everywhere! Bring lunch here and enjoy the views.
Hike C-Level Cirque
A short but rewarding hike near Banff is C Level Cirque. C Level Cirque starts near Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake; it’s a steady incline to the amphitheater, which should only take about 45 minutes.
You can stop here, but the views over Lake Minnewanka start when you climb higher. Follow the trail around the amphitheater and up for about 45 more minutes until you reach the rock wall.
I love doing this hike when I am short on time, as you can get it done in under three hours. This is a 9 km out-and-back trail with over 750 meters of gain, and it can get very busy on weekends in the summer so plan to hit the trail early or after the crowds have died down in the evening.
Climb Mount Bourgeau
Mount Bourgeau is a 2,931-metre (9,616 ft) tall mountain in the heart of Banff National Park. It’s easily accessible from the Town of Banff and just a short 10-15 minute drive to the parking area from Downtown Banff.
Mount Bourgeau is a fairly easy hike with no scrambling involved and provides amazing views over Banff. The only issue is that it requires 21 km of hiking with nearly 1700 meters of elevation gain to reach the top, so prepare for a full day out if you want to summit Bourgeau.
Nevertheless, if you want a full-on fulfilling hike in Banff, and to say you’ve summited a mountain in the Canadian Rockies, summiting Bourgeau is easily attainable for the reasonably fit. Even if you don’t want to summit Bourgeau, you can still hike to Harvey Pass for stellar views.
Climb Cascade Mountain
If you’ve walked down Banff Avenue, you have seen Cascade Mountain ahead of you. Cascade Mountain towers over the town of Banff and has been on every postcard of Banff National Park for years. It’s beautiful to look at, but you don’t just have to stop there! Did you know you can actually climb Cascade Mountain?
It will require serious work and a long 20km day with over 1600 meters of gain, but the rewards are fantastic views over Lake Minnewanka and the glory of saying you summited Cascade! It’s not the most exciting hike you can do in Banff, but it is easily accessible from the town if you don’t want to venture far and want a big day out. If you put Cascade Mountain on your list know that it will take you all day, and has a few scrambling sections. It’s certainly not for first-time hikers and should only be summitted during the summer months of July, August, and early September.
Scenic Drives
Lake Minnewanka Loop Rd
I’ve mentioned Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Cascade Ponds throughout this list of things to do in Banff. You can visit them all at different times, but it’s best to plan for a half day out driving the Lake Minnewanka Loop Rd and checking them out one after the other. You can drive the road, take the Roam Route 6 bus, or cycle the loop if you are up for a bit of uphill biking!
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the entire world and has many Banff must-sees. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) connects Lake Louise with Jasper in Jasper National Park.
The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Herbert Lake are just to name a few. This drive is amazing both in the winter and summer, but be warned if you do it in the winter to allow extra time and know how to drive in the winter- roads can be icy! To make the most of driving the Icefields Parkway, I would start early (6 am) before the crowds and allocate at least two days to tackle everything.
Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway, or the 1A, is a road that every visitor to Banff National Park should drive on at least once. Its history predates the TransCanada, as the Bow Valley Parkway was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise in the early 1900s. The park’s first guest to arrive by vehicle drove the scenic route.
Now, it’s a road primarily used for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. It’s a great alternative to the TransCanada for those driving from Banff to Lake Louise. The scenic byway is all about taking in the sights, meaning it’s much slower than the highway. Some of the best sights are Morant’s Curve, Jonhston Canyon, and Storm Mountain Lookout!
Banff Viewpoints
Enjoy Castle Mountain Views
Castle Mountain is like a shining star that rules over the park, standing tall for everyone to see as they drive down the Trans Canada. It’s worth stopping off at Castle Junction to admire the views by the Bow River and hang out for a few. There’s also a small Airbnb in Banff (Castle Mountain Chalets) if you want to stay overnight here and enjoy the views longer.
Head Up a Sightseeing Chairlift/Gondola
There are a few sightseeing chairlifts and gondolas in Banff. The Banff Gondola already mentioned, The Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift, the Sunshine Gondola, and the Lake Louise Summer Gondola.
They are similar experiences but provide different views. Mount Norquay, for example, looks over Mount Rundle and Downtown Banff, while the Lake Louise Gondola brings you to the top of one of the most epic vistas in the park and out to Victoria Glacier. You can also easily see Lake Louise, Mount Temple, and if you look hard, the Ten Peaks.
Take in the Views from the Red Parks Canada Chairs
There are over 200 red Adirondack chairs that Parks Canada has placed in peaceful and always breathtaking locations across Canada. Some are easy to spot, while others require a bit of an adventure. There are plenty of red chairs around Banff National Park (especially on Lake Minnewanka Road).
Mount Norquay Lookout
Mount Rundle is one of the most famous mountains in all of Canada and a top sight to see in Banff year-round. It’s an icon of Banff and will make you feel incredibly small at any time of day. As mentioned before, Mount Rundle is best seen at sunrise and sunset. Besides Vermilion Lakes, my most favorite spot to see Mountain Rundle is the Mount Norquay Lookout, which is one of the best Banff viewpoints that requires no hiking at all.
Surprise Corner
The surprise corner viewpoint is right off Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff. Along the Bow River and easily reached by car. It’s called Surprise Corner because of its amazing view of the Banff Springs Hotel, a castle in the heart of the mountains.
Morant’s Curve
If you’re driving the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll pass a spot just before you get to Lake Louise that overlooks the train tracks down an epic valley. This is called Morant’s Curve and is one of the best Banff picture spots.
It particularly looks ideal in the winter when the mountains and trees are blanketed in snow. It looks great without a train, but to really nab the shot, you’ll need to hang out in the cold waiting for the Canadian Pacific train to pass by (there is no train schedule). It requires patience and warm clothes, but it can be done.
Tours
Enjoy the Town of Banff Via Horseback
If you don’t have time for an overnight trip, Banff Trail Riders also offer visitors the chance to see Banff on horseback for just a few hours. It’s a shorter alternative to the overnight trip I mentioned above and will give you the desire to return. Seriously give it a go!
Mt Norquay Via Ferrata
Want to get into the mountains, but have the safety of harnesses and a mountain guide? Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata is the perfect thing to do for those looking for a real adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
So, what is a Via Ferrata? It’s a hiking trail that combines the elements of hiking and climbing along a path with safety features that allow hikers to get around otherwise inaccessible sections with the help of secured ladders, ramps and cables. Essentially, you are secured to a steel cable via your harness so you can move safely on the trail that is more likened to an obstacle course.
The Mount Norquay Via Ferrata is the only one in Banff National Park. Four different routes vary in length, price, and difficulty. Perfect for any visitor in Banff, with many different options for families too.
Spot the Banff Wildlife
The animals of Banff are active all the time. Apart from bears, you’ll find moose, elk, deer, owls, foxes, wolves, and coyotes here all year round. In the summer, you may catch a glance of a black or brown bear (hike with bear spray always).
I love spotting these animals all around the Bow Valley. Please remember, if you want to take photos of wildlife, to do so safely, stay out of the way of traffic, stay in your car, and never get too close to any wildlife.
The general rule is that if you make them move, you are too close. For almost guaranteed wildlife sightings, I recommend heading up the Spray Valley Road just outside Banff in Kananaskis Country. However, if you are really adamant about seeing wildlife, we recommend booking a guided wildlife tour so you can see the animals safely and responsibly.
Cross Into Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is the much less heard about sister to Banff National Park. Less than an hour’s drive from the Town of Banff will bring you to this beautiful park in British Columbia.
Home to sites like the magnificent Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls, and Emerald Lake, Yoho definitely deserves a few days of exploration. This might not technically be one of the best things to do in Banff National Park, but given it’s so close, you should put it on your list! If you are looking for an epic hike in Yoho, don’t miss the Iceline Trail!
Our Favorite Tours and Excursions in Banff
- Banff Gondola: Get up on top on Sulphur Mountain!
- Banff Hop on Hop Off: Explore the park at your own pace.
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Enjoy a guided tour on the largest lake in Banff.
- Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks: Because when else can you walk on a glacier?
- From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour
- Radventures Earlybird Explorer: Sunrise at Moraine Lake with treats!
- Moraine Lake Bus Company: An alternative option to the Parks Canada shuttle, this tour provides early access to Moraine Lake with shuttles starting as early as 4am.
- Mt Norquay Via Ferrata: Conquer your fear of heights
What can you do in Banff when it rains (or there is Smoke)
First, I would not let the rain deter you from doing things in Banff. You are in the mountains and should prepare for all types of weather. If it’s just drizzling or sprinkling, you can probably expect it to not last forever. You can experience four seasons in Banff in just one day.
Also, the weatherman never quite gets it right here in the mountains, so if that Apple Weather app shows you it’s going to rain the entire time on your trip, don’t fret too much, as it’s often not very accurate. We like to use Mountain Forecast and Windy.com for more precise weather, and do not rely on Apple Weather here.
However, if it’s absolutely pouring in Banff, I understand not wanting to be outside! If there have been wildfires in the area, it’s understandable not to want to adventure too much outside either, as the smoke will affect your trip. So these things are great if you’re looking for things to do in Banff when there is smoke or rain:
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- High Rollers Bowling Alley
- High Tea at the Chateau Lake Louise
- Movie at Lux Cinema Banff
- Pottery & Painting at Crock A Doodle Canmore
- Eat the Castle Food Tour at the Banff Springs
Best Things to Do in Banff Map
It’s important to note that both Banff and Lake Louise are located on the traditional lands of Treaty 7 Territory. This land is comprised of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Chiniki, and Bearspaw; three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Pikani, Kainai, and Siksika; and the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- We now have an interactive map! With over 450 stops and pre built itineraries around the Canadian Rockies, our personal map and guide is your one stop shop to an epic trip here.
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is to go up the Banff Gondola – a must do experience. Other great summer experiences are the Maligne Lake Cruise (book in advance!) and the Icewalk tour on the Athabasca Glacier.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Book early to Moraine Lake: Get to Moraine Lake in 2026 hassle free! Book with Moraine Lake Bus Company, or consider the Hop On Hop Off which will take you to multiple stops!
- Get to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, or Emerald Lake: Book with Via Via to get you to the best spots! Use code BANFFBLOG20 for 20% off.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Discover Car. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy. Don’t forget the Guide Along Audio App for driving the Icefields Parkway (Use our link for 25% off!)
- We can help you plan your 2026 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, and PERSONALLY go over your plans and itinerary (or help you craft an itinerary), and will save you time and money with our personal recommendations. Calls are followed up with detailed trip notes afterward that I write myself. See our services here.
To tell the truth, I am so glad that I came across your article about the best things to do in Banff, because I fall in love with travelling and I always try to find new places to visit. Banff has conquered my heart for a long time ago, but before this time I hadn’t been aware of all the nuances and details connected with this place. It is so cool that you enlightened people about Banff to a huge extent and covered all points because after reading this, I feel so savvy regarding this incredible place. I can say that Two Jack Lake is a true nature’s miracle which has incredible distinctive features. I was able to feel the atmosphere of this lake through the screen because I hadn’t seen such aesthetics which would arouse such emotions for a long time. It is so cool that there is such a range of alternatives to explore Banff because it will make staying here more comfortable and pleasant which is really important.
Fake News
None of the pictures show the 30000 cars that clog up everything daily All summer. Or the 4500000 visitors. Canoe rental at Lake Louise ( if you can get there ) is $135 an hour with an hour wait. The cave at Johnston canyon is an hour wait. Just to name a few.
If you want long lines. Traffic gridlock. Over charging. Ya come on down. We love to milk you
He doesn’t even live in Banff
Sorry you are frustrated with Banff and the crowds Paul, but it’s a tourist town, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. We typically hike further and longer (you have put in a bit of legwork, but it’s worth it) to escape the crowds in the summer – Banff National Park is massive, and most of it is unexplored.
Most people are aware that Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise are the busiest attractions in the park and it’s quite easy to be inventive and away from it… And you are right we live in Canmore, like it says all over this website 😉
Hi, I am Roland
I am so glad that I came across your Blog
I live in Europe and I am planning to go for the first time from Europe to Canada in summer 2023 for about 21 days with my partner. I read a lot of useful tips in this blog.
Your goal is to ensure you make the most out of our time in one of the most magnificent parts of the world. That is a very nice thought
Thank you for all the help provided by your blog.
Hi Roland,
We are so happy it has helped you plan your travels! Enjoy you time in Banff 🙂
Hi Natasha and Cameron,
Thank you so much for sharing these tips and places in this area.
My sis and I will be visiting Banff next week. To be honest, I felt so overwhelmed by the search results online and kinda lost, therefore, kept procrastinating to create an itinerary for our trip. Stumbled upon your blog by chance (thank God!) and things become much more manageable 🙂 Super helpful information and tips that helped me easily narrow down and picked the top 5 places/activities for my trip. I’m so excited to experience some of the places you’ve mentioned.
Can’t thank you enough!!! I’m gonna tell all my friends about it.
Cheers,
Thu
Hi Thu,
We are so happy this blog has helped! Hope you have a great time in Banff!
Your site is wonderful, thanks for all the insight! I’m heading to Waterton and Banff in a month and your posts have been incredibly helpful as I plan where to hike and eat and drink! Cheers!
Felt so lucky I found your blog, so many mind blowing blogs travelers and hikers can dig deeper with, thank you guys so much! God bless you couple!
I wanted to thank you for your blog! It is the best one I found and even followed it faithfully on our vacation we just returned from! I printed this whole blog out and took notes to plan our trip to Banff National Park and used many of the links for planning where to eat and even for the different bus options available. I saw the comment above about long lines and traffic, etc. but interestingly enough, I never felt like that when we were there just 2 weeks ago in the height of travel season! We stayed in Canmore for the week and rented a car. Bought the park pass ahead of time so we did not have to wait in line at the park entrance. We drove the Icefields Parkway starting at 11 AM on a Monday and felt like it was very quiet everywhere. I mean there were people at all stops, however, I am sure much less than a weekend day so you can do this trip without all the crowds, if you plan properly. We visited Peyto Lake like you suggested, and then hiked along the Bow River to Mistaya Canyon for a picnic lunch, and continued to Columbia Icefield, where we turned around and headed back. There was quite a bit of traffic going the opposite direction when we were headed to Columbia Icefields so it was much quieter on the way back for us because we started later in the day. Someone suggested to me to visit these places later in the day when everyone is going back to their hotels for dinner so that is what we did, and it was great advice! There was barely anyone at the Columbia Icefields when we arrived around 4 PM because they were all leaving. We booked the Hop On Hop Off bus on a Tuesday to take us to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and once again, a little quieter day so there was no traffic back up or crowds. Did an e-bike tour through Canmore which was a highlight of our trip! Thank you for all of your fabulous suggestions and for making my family vacation memorable!!
Sounds like an epic trip! I’m so happy you had a memorable time in the Rockies and hope to see you back someday!
Excellent information. We will be using this as our guide while in Banff.
Thank you.
Hi Jerry,
Glad it has been helpful!
Absolutely loved this list! Banff is such a breathtaking place, and your recommendations really highlight its beauty. Can’t wait to try out the hot springs and take that scenic drive! Thank you for sharing!
Excellent breakdown! Great mix of information and simplicity.