10 Things to Do in Banff

Banff is a town nestled in the Canadian Rockies and is popular for its scenic landscapes and alpine atmosphere. With a balanced offering of outdoor activities and relaxing attractions, it is a paradise for those seeking to explore panoramic views and discover hiking trails.

Among the best activities you can do in Banff are visiting the National Park, riding the Banff Gondola, browsing the shops and stalls on Banff Avenue, and discovering the exhibits at the Banff Park Museum, which offers a tour of the area's biodiversity and natural heritage.

Booking a trip to Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is an unmissable experience for nature lovers. This park, which is the oldest in Canada and one of the first in the world, is home to hot springs and landscapes that include mountains, crystal-clear lakes and dense forests.

Inside the park, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, whose waters reflect the Valley of the Ten Peaks. These sites are perfect for hiking, kayaking or simply relaxing and unwinding at the rest stops. In addition, in winter Banff becomes a perfect place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with resorts such as Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay.

The park is also home to elk, grizzly bears, wolves and mountain goats, so you may be able to spot some of these animals in their natural habitat during your visit. Inside the complex, you will also find the Banff Park Museum, whose exhibits reflect the biodiversity of the region.

If you decide to buy tickets for the Banff Gondola, you will discover one of the most beautiful panoramic experiences this destination has to offer. The ride will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding valleys.

The journey begins at the base of the mountain, a few kilometres from downtown Banff, and ascends to an altitude of over 2,200 metres in an eight-minute trip through the alpine landscape.

At the top, you will find an observation deck offering a 360-degree view of the surroundings. From there, you can see Bow Valley, Mount Rundle and the expanse of snow-capped mountains, especially if you plan to visit Banff during the winter.

At the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can also visit the interactive interpretation centre, which offers information on the geology, flora and fauna of Banff National Park. There are also dining options, such as the Sky Bistro restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with panoramic views.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of the most relaxing and iconic destinations in Banff National Park, offering a unique experience for those seeking to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic properties of natural hot springs. Located about 1,585 metres above sea level, these mineral-rich thermal pools combine nature and wellness.

At Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can immerse yourself in waters that are kept at an ideal temperature of between 37°C and 40°C, making it a perfect place to visit on both cold winter days and cool summer nights.

The facilities at Banff Upper Hot Springs are designed to complement the relaxation experience with all the necessary amenities, including changing rooms, showers, swimwear and towel rental services, and a gift shop.

You can also visit a terrace with chairs and relax outside the water, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the café and bar services.

At 21 kilometres long, Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest and longest lakes in the Canadian Rockies and an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities.

On this lake, you can go boating and kayaking, allowing you to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests from the water . You can also go hiking, and in winter it is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and ice skating.

However, the lake is also known for its underwater history, as in its depths lies an ancient village that was flooded during the construction of a dam in the mid-20th century. This archaeological site attracts divers from all over the world who seek to explore the remains of this community that once stood on the shore of the lake.

Near the nature park, you can also discover other popular rivers in the region. Among them, you can book a tour of Louise and Moraine from Banff to discover these sites that are part of the region's mountaineering circuit. You can even get there if you decide to buy tickets for the Banff National Park sightseeing bus.

Yoho National Park is one of the most beautiful and least explored corners of the Banff area. Founded in 1886, Yoho was one of Canada's first national parks and its name comes from a Cree word meaning "wonder", an apt description for this landscape of mountains, water gorges and crystal-clear lakes.

Although less crowded than other neighbouring parks such as Banff National Park, Yoho offers some of the most interesting views in the region, attracting adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world. On the way between downtown Banff and the entrance to Yoho, you can book an ice walk in Johnston Canyon, one of the most popular activities in the region.

Among its attractions is Emerald Lake, whose waters are surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests. This lake is a perfect destination for canoeing or peaceful walks around its shores, where you can enjoy the views and the silence of nature. Another highlight of the wild Rocky Mountains is Takakkaw Falls, a waterfall with a drop of 373 metres that impresses with its power.

Yoho National Park is also famous for its geology. One of the most important sites is the Burgess Shale fossil site, which contains exceptionally well-preserved fossils dating back more than 500 million years. One of the best ways to visit Yoho is to combine your trip with a visit to Banff National Park, which is located next door.

If you want to focus your trip on scenic drives, don't miss Surprise Corner Viewpoint, one of the most iconic in the Banff National Park area and known for offering a view of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, nestled between a pine forest and the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

The name comes from the unexpected impression visitors get when they arrive at this spot, where the road curves and suddenly the view of the castle-hotel in the middle of the mountainous landscape unfolds. This is why it is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of Banff.

However, keep in mind that from the viewpoint you can not only see the hotel, but also the Bow River, which winds through the valley, creating a perfect contrast with the green of the forests and the rock formations that surround it. If you decide to walk to this spot, you can also book a horseback riding experience along the banks of the Bow River.

Access to Surprise Corner is easy and convenient, making it a must-see stop for those touring Banff by car. Although the main viewpoint is right next to the road, visitors can also explore some nearby trails that offer different perspectives of the area.

The Banff Park Museum houses one of Canada's oldest natural history collections and is a must-see for those who want to learn more about the biodiversity and history of Banff National Park. Opened in 1895, this historic museum is a cultural gem that has preserved its original Victorian charm, both in its wooden architecture and in the layout of its exhibits.

The building itself is an example of the rustic architecture that defines the region and is designated a National Historic Site, making it a key part of the park's heritage.

The exhibition features a collection of more than 5,000 specimens representing the flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains. As you walk through the exhibits, you will see stuffed animals such as grizzly bears, moose, eagles and wolves. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can also book an excursion to a grizzly bear refuge in the Banff area.

The Banff Park Museum's collection also includes insects, fossils and minerals, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse ecosystems that make up this Canadian mountain region. Respecting its original design, the exhibits are arranged in the traditional style of a Victorian museum, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time.

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful sites in the Banff area, don't miss Vermilion Lakes, a series of small lakes and wetlands that offer some of the most peaceful and picturesque scenery in the region. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and Mount Rundle, these lakes are especially popular at sunrise and sunset.

One of the most common activities at Vermilion Lakes is observing the local wildlife. These wetlands are home to a rich biodiversity and numerous species of water birds, such as herons, ducks and eagles. In the early morning hours, you can see beavers working on their dams or moose grazing on the shores, and on clear days you can see the lake shore from Canada's scenic Highway 1A.

Nature photography enthusiasts will find these lakes an exceptional place to capture images of wildlife, and nearby trails allow for walks along the shore or through the forest.

If you are looking for a place to practise water and mountain sports, the Vermilion Lakes are also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. Paddling on the calm waters surrounded by mountains and forests is a perfect way to get a different perspective of the region compared to the more touristy sites in Banff.

While natural scenery dominates the landscape in Banff, you'll also find Banff Avenue, a main street that combines alpine charm with a diverse and attractive range of shops.

This avenue is a meeting point for tourists and locals alike, and is home to the town's most popular shops, restaurants and cafés. Nearby, you can also book a ghost tour of Banff, a spine-tingling experience that will allow you to discover an alternative (and terrifying) side to this destination.

Along Banff Avenue, you can admire the rustic architecture of the buildings, which blends in with the natural surroundings, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. You can also buy local crafts, mountain clothing and handmade products from indigenous communities in this shopping district.

Banff Avenue is also famous for its gastronomic offerings. There you will find everything from cafés to sophisticated bistros and steakhouses. You can enjoy a gourmet meal at places like Park Distillery, which offers local cuisine, or try Italian, Japanese or Indian cuisine at other restaurants in the area.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is one of the most exciting experiences you can enjoy in Jasper National Park, near the border with Banff. This glass walkway suspended more than 280 metres above the Sunwapta Glacier valley offers views of the glaciers and the vast landscape of the Canadian Rockies.

Opened in 2014, the Skywalk has been designed to provide a unique connection with nature, allowing visitors to literally walk over the void and enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the glacial and alpine environment.

The tour of this site begins with a walk along an interpretive trail that will take you through a series of exhibits on the geology, ecology and history of the region. As you progress, you will learn about the formation of glaciers and the crucial role they play in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem.

Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, you can walk along the glass walkway, which juts out from the cliff, and see the landscape below your feet, offering a dizzying perspective of the valley and the Sunwapta River, which flows hundreds of metres below.