Best 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 haven for those looking to explore scenic views and discover hiking trails.

Some of the best things to do in Banff include visiting Banff National Park, riding the Banff Gondola cable car, browsing the stores and stalls along Banff Avenue, and discovering the exhibits at the Banff Park Museum, which offers a tour of the area's biodiversity and natural heritage.

Booking an excursion to Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a must-do 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.

Within the park you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, whose waters reflect the valley of the Ten Peaks. These sites are perfect for hiking, kayaking or just relaxing and unwinding at the inns. In winter, Banff is also a great place for skiing and snowboarding, with resorts such as Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay.

The park is also home to moose, 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, which displays the biodiversity of the region.

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

The ride begins at the base of the mountain, just a few kilometers from downtown Banff, and ascends to an altitude of more than 2,200 meters for an eight-minute ride through the alpine landscape.

Upon reaching the summit, you'll find an observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. From there, you will be able to make out the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle and the expanse of snow-capped mountains, especially if you plan to visit Banff during the winter.

Also, at the top of Sulphur you can visit the interactive interpretive center that offers information about the geology, flora and fauna of Banff National Park. You'll also find 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 looking to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic properties of natural hot springs. Located some 1,585 meters above sea level, these mineral-rich thermal pools combine nature and health care.

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

The facilities at the Banff Upper Hot Springs are designed to complement the relaxation experience with all the necessary amenities, as the site features changing rooms, showers, bathing suit and towel rental services and a gift store.

You can also visit a deck with chairs and relax out of the water, enjoying the fresh mountain air and cafe and bar services.

At 21 kilometers 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 participate in boat rides and kayaking activities, allowing you to take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests from the water. You can also participate in hiking activities and in winter it is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and ice skating.

The lake, however, is also known for its underwater history, as in the 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 natural park, you can also discover other popular rivers in the region. Among them, you can book a tour of the Louise and the Moraine from Banff, to discover these sites that are part of the mountaineering circuit of the region. You can even get there if you decide to buy tickets for the Banff National Park tour 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 Indian word meaning "wonder," an apt description for this landscape of mountains, water gorges and crystal clear lakes.

Despite being less crowded than neighboring parks like Banff National Park, Yoho offers some of the most interesting sights in the region, attracting adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Also, on the way between downtown Banff and the Yoho entrance, you can book an ice walk in Johnston Canyon, which is one of the region's most popular activities.

Among its attractions you will find Emerald Lake, whose waters are surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests. This lake is a perfect destination for canoeing or for quiet walks around its shore, where you can enjoy the views and the silence of nature. Another highlight of the Rocky Mountain wilderness is Takakkaw Falls, a waterfall with a drop of 373 meters that impresses with its strength.

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

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

The name comes from the unexpected impression visitors have upon arriving here, where the road turns and suddenly the view unfolds to the castle-hotel amidst the mountain scenery. This is why it is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of Banff.

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

Access to Surprise Corner is easy and convenient, making it a must-see stop for those touring Banff by car. Although the main overlook is just off 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 exhibits and is a must-see stop 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 as a National Historic Site, making it a key piece of the park's heritage.

The exhibit 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'll see stuffed animals such as grizzly bears, moose, eagles and wolves. If you are a fan of wild animals, you can also book an excursion to a grizzly bear refuge in the Banff area.

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

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful places around Banff, you can't miss the Vermilion Lakes, which are a series of small lakes and wetlands that offer some of the most tranquil 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 in the Vermilion Lakes is watching the local wildlife. These wetlands harbor a rich biodiversity and are home to numerous species of waterfowl, including herons, ducks and eagles. During the early morning hours you may see beavers working on their dams or moose grazing on the shores, and during clear days you can make out the lakeshore from Canada Scenic Byway 1A

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

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

While natural scenery dominates Banff's landscape, you'll also find the Banff Avenue shopping promenade, a main street that combines alpine charm with a diverse and attractive retail offering.

This avenue is the meeting point for tourists and locals alike and is where the city's most popular stores, restaurants and cafes congregate. Nearby, you can also book a ghost tour of Banff, a spooky experience that will give you an alternative (and terrifying) profile of this destination.

Along Banff Avenue you will be able to distinguish the rustic architecture of the buildings that intermingle with the natural surroundings, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Also, in this commercial artery you can buy local handicrafts, mountain clothing and handmade products made by indigenous communities.

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

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is one of the most thrilling experiences you can enjoy in Jasper National Park, near the Banff border. This glass walkway suspended more than 280 meters above the Sunwapta Glacier Valley will put a view of glaciers and the vast landscape of the Canadian Rockies at your fingertips.

Opened in 2014, the Skywalk has been designed to provide a unique connection to nature, allowing visitors to literally walk above 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 proceed, you'll learn about the formation of glaciers and the crucial role they play in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem.

Arriving at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, you'll walk along the glass walkway, which juts out from the cliff, and take in the scenery below you, giving you a dizzying perspective of the valley and the Sunwapta River, which flows hundreds of feet below.