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28 Epic Things to Do in Banff National Park
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Summer | Winter | How to Get There | How to Get Around | Where to Stay
Any outdoor enthusiast will tell you there are tons of things to do in Banff National Park.
Canada’s first national park, Banff is one of the prettiest places in Canada and has enough activities to keep you occupied for weeks on end.
How do I know? Because I lived in Alberta for an entire year! Living in Alberta, not too far from Banff, gave me the opportunity to scour the land and find the best this region has to offer.
In this article, we’re not only going to cover the best things to do in Banff National Park, but I’ll also give you my insider tips on where to stay, how to get to Banff, and so much more! Oh, and before we start, be sure to bookmark my perfect Alberta road trip itinerary to help plan your visit.
Best Things to Do in Banff National Park
Fairmont Banff Springs
Visit the iconic hotel.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 2211 | Website | 👉 Book The Fairmont Banff Springs on Booking
I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in Canada, but I have to say: the Fairmont Banff Springs is definitely the most memorable.
The (arguably) most historic hotel in all of Canada, The Fairmont Banff Springs was built between 1911 and 1928 and is located at the foot of Sulphur Mountain. Known as “Canada’s Castle in the Rockies”, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is great for a history lesson and a day of luxury.
While I absolutely recommend staying at least one night, if you choose to have other accommodations then I’d still suggest visiting the spa, the golf course, the art galleries, or one of the award-winning restaurants. Also, having afternoon tea in the hotel’s Rundle Bar is an absolute highlight and the perfect day to warm up after a day spent outside.
🚗 Wondering how to get around Banff National Park? Discover Cars is my go-to car rental service. It’s awesome for comparing options and getting the best rate.
Icefields Parkway
Drive one of Canada’s most famous routes.
A 230km road that connects Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway is often regarded as one of the most beautiful highways in the world.
To experience Icefields Parkway in all its glory, I recommend grabbing your camera and making stops at Peyto Lake, The Columbia Icefield (visit the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center, the Glacier Skywalk, and the Athabasca Glacier), Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls.
Be sure to set aside at least a full day for this drive!
👉 Unsure about when to plan your trip? Our guide to the Best Time to Visit Canada dishes all the details you should factor in!
Lake Minnewanka
A gorgeous location to swim, hike, or scuba dive.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Lake Minnewanka is the second-largest lake in all of the Canadian Rockies’ National Parks. A true gem, you’ll see photos of this lake plastered across every Banff article, but did you know that there is more to Lake Minnewanka than meets the eye?
Back in the day, Lake Minnewanka was home to a resort town that drew tons of visitors but, due to the construction of a new dam in 1941, that resort town is now well beneath the lake’s surface.
It’s still fairly well preserved though so if you’re into Scuba diving, then rent some gear and visit this amazing underwater ghost town. Around 8,000 divers make the plunge annually!
Lake Louise
Canada’s most famous lake.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park, then Lake Louise is high on your must-see list.
What is perhaps the most famous lake in all of Canada, Banff Lake Louise is a glacier-fed turquoise lake that’s an absolute dream to kayak, canoe, swim, skate, or snowshoe.
Nestled on the shore of Lake Louise you’ll find the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise, another Fairmont Hotel. If you plan to stay close, then this is an easy accommodation spot.
Moraine Lake
A mesmerizing glacier-fed lake.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Another one of the most photographed and popular lakes in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake isn’t too far from Lake Louise and is great for all the usual lake activities. This lake is also glacier-fed and has that bright turquoise color we all love.
However, while Moraine is truly beautiful, it’s also very popular.
In order to get a parking spot and not have crowds of people in your photos, I recommend coming here at the crack of dawn or in the shoulder season. The road to Moraine Lake is closed in the wintertime, and can only be accessed by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing when there’s snow on the ground.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Learn about Banff National Park’s history at this epic National Historic Site.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 1566 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Thu-Mon
A Cave and Basin National Historic Site Discovery Tour is awesome to learn more about local First Nations history, the area’s natural wonders, and the origins of the Canada Park system.
This tour will teach you all about natural hot springs, the history of the area’s indigenous people, and how Banff National Park became developed in the nineteenth century.
That said, if tours aren’t quite your thing then you can absolutely explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site without a guide.
👉 Note: Banff is located on Treaty 7 territory — the traditional land of Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Bearspaw, and Chinink; the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people; and three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Pikani, Kainai, and Siksika. Banff is also shared with the Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Take a soak in these geothermally-heated springs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 800 767 1611 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily (last entry 9:30 pm)
Located near the top of Sulphur Mountain, the geothermally-heated Banff Upper Hot Springs is a completely natural mineral water spring. This is the highest elevation hot spring in all of Canada, and the only spring open to public bathing in the park.
Nice and toasty all year round, the temperature of the hot springs depends on the season, yet generally stays between 27°and 47°C (80° – 116°F)
A tourism staple of Banff, the springs offer amenities such as a cafe, lockers for your things, and towels.
Banff Upper Hot Springs is located at 1 Mountain Ave. There isn’t a ton of parking here, so I recommend taking the ROAM bus Route 1.
Sulfur Mountain Trail
Get an incredible birds-eye view of downtown Banff.
📍 Google Maps | Difficulty: Challenging | Parking: Banff Gondola Parking lot
If you’re looking for a downtown Banff hike that will lead you to one of the best bird’s eye views in the entire park, then I have to suggest the Sulfur Mountain Trail. The trailhead is just a stone’s throw from the Banff Gondola (see the next item), and is a 6.8 mile (10.9km) out-and-back route.
The hike will lead you to the Sanson Peak Boardwalk, which is where the Gondola will also take you. However, when I did this hike, I hiked up and then took the Gondola down. Given that it’s an out-and-back trail, you won’t really miss anything by doing it this way. In fact, I’d have to say that this combo is one of the best Banff things to do.
Not up for a big hike? Then take the…
Banff Gondola
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 866 756 1904 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily; last ride up 7:30 pm
The most famous of the Gondolas, The Banff Gondola is a glass-enclosed 8-minute ride that will take you up Sulphur Mountain and drop you off at one of the best viewpoints in the whole park. At the top, you’ll find an Interpretive Centre, restaurants, and a scenic boardwalk.
The Banff Gondola is located in Banff at the end of Mountain Avenue. If you don’t have a car, then you can easily get to it by taking the Bow Valley ROAM Transit bus, on Route 1. This gondola is easily one of the most famous things to do in Banff!
Lake Louise Gondola
See Canada’s most famous lake from above.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (403) 522-3555 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily (one ride only)
Another best in Banff gondola experience, the Lake Louise Gondola is a 14-minute ride beginning at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
This gondola gives you two riding options: a classic enclosed gondola experience, or an open-air chairlift ride. When you get to the top (2088m / 6850 ft), there are restaurants, coffee bars, and views to soak up.
Banff Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
Get an entirely new perspective of downtown Banff.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 4421 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
Another awesome way to see Banff from above, the Banff Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift is a 15-minute ride that will give you an entirely new perspective of the area.
From the chairlift, you’ll get incredible views of the Town of Banff, Bow River, and the towering cliffs of Mt. Rundle. When the chairlift gets to the top, you’ll find the Cliff House Bistro where you can have a meal or a drink and take in the magnificent views.
Town of Banff
Explore the park’s urban center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 1200 | Website
If you’re looking for a nature break and want a relatively more urban experience for a day, then consider all that downtown Banff has to offer.
No matter your budget, there are plenty of attractions in Banff including shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. In particular, if you want to learn a little bit more about the Rocky Mountains then check out the Banff Park Museum, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum.
As for Banff art galleries, The Carter – Ryan gallery is not to be missed. Showcasing the art of indigenous artist Jason Carter, this art gallery is a staple in Canmore and the town of Banff.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little different, I recommend paying a visit to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity where you’ll find art, festivals, concerts, and workshops.
👉 Looking for more things to do in Alberta? Then check out our comprehensive Alberta Travel Guide!
Johnston Canyon
Hike some of Banff’s most popular trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 1550 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | 👉 Johnston Canyon Icewalk tour
Featuring waterfalls, ink pots, and stunning rock crevices formed by thousands of years of erosion, Johnson Canyon is one of the most popular locations in Banff to go hiking.
The hikes at Johnston Canyon are relatively easy, with the most popular trails being Lower Falls (1.1 km/0.68mi), Upper Falls (2.7km/1.67mi), and the Ink Pots (11.7km/7.27mi).
Bow Falls
A waterfall very close to the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Located on the Bow River (but very close to the Spray River intersection) Bow Falls is a gorgeous waterfall very close to the Fairmont Banff Springs and golf course.
Though you can see the falls without much difficulty, if you’re up for more of a challenge then take the Bow Falls Trail (1.2km/ 0.75miles) to the viewpoint. Or, go the extra mile (or few), and hike the Bow River Trail (7.8km/ 4.9 miles, out and back)
Tunnel Mountain Trail
A moderate-level hike with great views.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open 24 hours
For a hike that’s a little bit more moderate (and with fewer people), check out Tunnel Mountain.
This 2-hour hike is easily accessible from downtown Banff and features trail switchbacks. You’ll get great views of Bow Valley and Mt. Rundle from this trail.
👉 First time traveling to Canada? Check out these 16 Canada Travel Tips (By a Local!)
Rock Isle Lake via Sunshine Meadows Trail
The Rock Isle Lake via Sunshine Meadows Trail is located along the British Columbia/Alberta border and is rated as easy-moderate.
It’s an 8-km (4.97mi) loop trail along the continental divide and Kootenay National Park. This trek will take you past rolling hills, lakes, valleys, and mountains at Simpson viewpoint.
Helicopter Tour
View the national park from above.
👉 Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour on GYG
Want to experience the best views that Banff has to offer? Then book a helicopter tour! A ride unlike any other, a Banff helicopter tour is a great way to get jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks, towns, lakes, valleys, and so much more.
While the launch point is just outside the park, this Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Helicopter Tour is highly rated and will give you great views of the area.
Peyto Lake
Accessible via Icefields Parkway.
Another stunning glacier-fed lake, Peyto Lake is accessible from the Icefields Parkway followed by a 20-minute hike. Again, this lake is turquoise in color and is one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Plan a Wellness Weekend
Organize self-care activities.
An area well known for its rejuvenating qualities, planning a wellness retreat is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park.
While nature is a natural rejuvenator, Banff is also home to spa treatments, yoga festivals, saunas, massages, meditation retreats, the aforementioned hot springs, and so much more.
Whether you plan one day of pampering, a weekend, or longer, you won’t run out of relaxation in Banff, Alberta.
👉 Want some more Canada travel inspo? Check out these 15 Best Places to Visit in Canada (By a Local!)
Summer Activities
Horseback Riding
Explore the Rockies on horseback.
👉 1-hour Banff Horseback Riding Tour on GetYourGuide
Horse lovers unite! Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to the experience, horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies is not an activity you’ll soon forget.
There are plenty of riding experiences to choose from — from just a couple of hours to week-long adventures — and this is an activity that can be tailored to your taste and budget.
Rafting
Get your adrenaline flowing with some rapids.
👉 Whitewater Rafting in Horseshoe Canyon Tour on GetYourGuide
Ever dreamt about sailing down some rapids in Banff, Alberta? Then you’re in luck — with rivers and streams galore, there are tons of options for rafting in the park.
If raging rivers are your thing and you want to go for the craziest rapids, then definitely go to Banff in the spring when the snow is melting in the mountains. That said, if you’re a first-timer or looking for something a little tamer, then there are options for that too.
Either way, I highly recommend booking a tour as the guides will take you to the best spots and help you avoid falling snow (a real hazard in these parts).
Canoeing & Kayaking
Explore the lakes and get some exercise.
As you’ve just read, part of the outdoorsy charm of Banff National Park is the amazing glacier-fed lakes. However, they’re more than just picture backdrops.
If you visit in the summer, then one of the best things to do in Banff is to get out on the water via canoe, kayak, or even a paddleboard.
Simply rent some gear and head out on the water!
Mount Norquay Via Ferrata
A hike to spike your adrenaline.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +1 403 762 4421 | Via Ferrata Website
While any Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart, if you’re looking to get your adrenaline flowing in Banff then the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata is for you.
A hike you can only experience with the assistance of a trained guide, this trail will take you along Mount Norquay and you can expect suspension bridges, ladders, and being fastened in a harness while attached to the side of a mountain.
Winter Activities
Dog Sledding
Spend the day around energetic animals.
📍 Dog Sledding in Banff Website
First used as a means of transport by the Inuit people in Northern Canada, dog sledding is one of the most popular things to do in Banff.
Of course, to go dog sledding, you’ll have to take a tour. Though most dogsledding companies in Banff are highly vetted and are held to the highest ethical standards, absolutely do your due diligence when picking a dog sledding company to go with.
I’d list some options here but quite frankly, personally researching is the best way to go. Ask questions and only spend your money where you feel comfortable.
Sleigh Ride
Take a horse-drawn tour through Banff.
👉 Banff Family Friendly Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride on GetYourGuide
Looking for some winter magic on your trip to Banff? Then take a Winter Wonderland sleigh ride!
Every winter, Banff and Lake Louise become blanketed in snow, and many companies in the area offer up public and private sleigh rides. Each experience includes a visit to the stables to meet the horses and the staff, an entertaining guide, and intriguing points of interest along the way.
Tubing and Tobogganing
Zoom down the mountains in style.
Barreling down a snowy mountain with just a flimsy tube or toboggan under your body may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely one of the most unforgettable things to do in Banff.
While any hill can technically be used for tobogganing (you can rent toboggans in downtown Banff) if you’re looking for more of a thrill I highly recommend tubing.
With facilities running at both Mount Norquay and Lake Louise, tubing experiences in Banff feature inflatable tubes, towing systems (yay for not having to trudge up the hill after you’ve slid down), and organized slides.
No matter your age, I guarantee you’ll have a blast tubing down the mountain.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Hit Banff’s most famous slopes.
Looking to hit the slopes? Then Banff has got a treat for you.
The Rocky Mountains are one of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding in the world, and Banff itself is home to three big ski resorts: Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay.
What’s cool about these resorts is that if you buy a lift ticket at one, you’ll have access to all three. The best in Banff all in one fell swoop.
If you plan on traveling to Banff to shred some powder then plan your visit during high ski season; November through May.
📚 Related Reading: British Columbia Road Trip Guide [Epic 7 Day Itinerary]
Skating
Rent some skates and hit the ice.
If skating on frozen Lake Louise isn’t on your winter Banff bucket list, then it absolutely should be.
One of the most popular things to do in Banff, you can easily rent some skates at Lake Louise and hit the ice. Just keep in mind that the ice needs to have a certain level of thickness for it to be safe.
Ask someone at your accommodation how to find out if the ice is fit to skate on, or pay attention to any signage in the area.
How to Get to Banff
Located just 127 km / 78.9mi west of Calgary, Banff is located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and is the highest town in Canada at 1383m / 4537ft.
To get here, I recommend flying into Calgary, renting a car, and then driving to the park. Discover Cars is the best place to compare rates. And bookmark Cat’s guide to staying in Calgary if you plan on spending a night or two before driving to Banff.
This is the easiest way to get around.
However, if you plan to travel to Banff from Calgary by bus or shuttle then you have a few options: the Brewster Express, Sundog Tours, the Banff Airporter, or the On-It Transit Service.
This private shuttle from Banff to the Calgary Airport is also a great option.
Further, if you plan on traveling Canada more extensively, then an experience I highly recommend is to travel from Vancouver to Banff by train: The Rocky Mountaineer being the most famous option to choose from.
Note that there is no train route between Banff and Calgary.
📚 Related Reading: Best Things to Do In Vancouver Island
How to Get Around Banff
If you plan on going the rental car route, then you’ll find sourcing parking spots is a breeze. The town of Banff itself has a ton of street parking and parking lots and many of the hikes and attractions have parking as well.
But if you don’t want to rent a car for your entire stay, then Banff National Park does have shuttles that will take you to and from the most popular attractions.
If you plan on taking local transit, then ROAM Transit is your friend — you’ll be able to find transit routes online or at any of the visitor centers. ROAM will get you around Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise.
Also, note that there are fees to get into Banff National Park. Check out the Banff Tourism Site for the most updated info.
Where to Stay in Banff
I mentioned a couple of accommodation options above, but here is a comprehensive rundown of where to stay in Banff National Park:
- Luxury – For excellent luxury accommodations, check out the Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel.
- Mid-Range – For highly-rated mid-range hotel options, check out the Banff Park Lodge, the Elk + Avenue Hotel, and the Banff Inn.
- Budget – For great budget-friendly options, check out the Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, and the Banff Voyager Inn.
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That’s it for the best things to do in Banff National Park! I hope this gave you a ton of great activity ideas for your next visit. Up next, check out my list of travel tips for Canada.
Have fun in Banff!
Loved reading this! Thank you
Inspired.