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Things to Do in Banff, Canada
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Banff, Canada
At the heart of the Best Things to Do in Banff page are Canada's stunning national parks. Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, offers 6,641 square kilometers of breathtaking landscapes. The trip to charming Lake Louise is only 58 kilometers from the village of Banff, and its turquoise water captivates every visitor. Also, Moraine Lake, 14 kilometers away, is an unforgettable experience.
1. Banff National Park
Here you will encounter some of North America's most stunning lake landscapes and wildlife. You will hear, feel, and smell the untouched nature on every hiking trail.
Quick facts: Canada's first national park was established in 1885 when railway workers discovered hot springs on the site. The park's 6,641 square kilometer area is home to over 280 bird species and 50 mammal species, including bears, moose, and mountain sheep.
Highlights: Unique is the turquoise Lake Louise, whose color comes from glacial rock flour in the water. The water's color changes in different shades of blue and green depending on the sunlight, and it is the one among the park's numerous stunning lakes that people come to see from around the world.
2. Lake Louise
This turquoise gem, part of the world's most famous lake views, offers breathtaking scenery and activities for everyone. Whether you arrive by canoe, hiking, or just to admire, prepare to face nature's own painting.
Quick facts: The lake is named after Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. Its turquoise color is created when fine-grained rock flour from meltwater reflects light through the surface of the water.
Highlights: The color of the lake changes noticeably throughout the day: in the morning sun it is bright turquoise, in the evening deep emerald green. Lake Maligne is known as the world's longest disk-shaped lake, and during the summer months the movement of canoes with countless signage indicators is a spectacle of its own.
3. Moraine Lake
The color of the lake is like nature's own artwork, which you won't believe until you see it with your own eyes. Stroll along the lake shore or get into a canoe in the middle of this surreal landscape.
Quick facts: The lake is known for its exceptionally clear turquoise color, which is caused by glacial rock flour. The water's color changes according to the season and is at its most intense in June and July.
Highlights: Rock flour particles are so fine that they float in the water for months before settling to the bottom. Sunlight refracts through these microscopic particles, creating the lake's characteristic fluorescent turquoise that you won't see anywhere else in the world in the same way.
4. Banff Upper Hot Springs
Mineral water at 1500 meters altitude and magnificent mountain views. You will experience complete relaxation in a hot pool at the foot of Mount Rundle.
Quick facts: Mineral-rich water bubbles up from the earth at 38-40 degrees directly into three pools, where the water is completely replaced three times a day. The minerals contained in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, make skin silky smooth and relax muscles.
Highlights: When you swim in 37-degree water and look around, the majestic Mount Rundle opens up before you, and the cold mountain air caresses your face while the water warms your body. During evening visits, the sky glows orange and the pool offers a direct view of the starry sky without any city light pollution.
5. Bow Falls
A waterfall right near the center of Banff offers an easy waterfall experience without hiking. Stand right by the water and feel the ground shaking beneath your feet.
Quick facts: A thirty-meter-high waterfall drops over a 10-meter stretch and sends 60,000 liters of water plunging per second. The water comes from melting snow on Sulphur Mountain, making the falls especially powerful in spring.
Highlights: You can walk right at the edge of the falls, feeling the mist on your face, which is rare for such a mighty waterfall. The roar coming from behind the rock wall tells you that the waterfall has been carving deeper into the stone for 10,000 years.
6. Sulphur Mountain
Open yourself to the mountain landscape spreading before you, which no camera can fully capture. Breathe the fresh air and feel small in the midst of nature.
Quick facts: At the top there is a 360-degree view that covers six different mountain ranges. Climbing to the top requires a 2.2-kilometer walk and 700 steps.
Highlights: As the sun slowly sets behind the mountains, untouched wilderness spreads endlessly at your feet. The silence is broken only by the rustle of the wind and the roar of distant rapids.
7. Banff Gondola
You can get 700 meters higher than the town of Banff without breaking a sweat. While zooming up in a glass elevator, you see the pine forest turn into rugged rock and snowy peaks appear on the horizon.
Quick facts: An eight-minute journey takes you to an altitude of 2,281 meters, and along the way the landscape changes from coniferous forest to barren mountain tundra. At the top, a three-story building awaits, offering a view of six different mountain ranges.
Highlights: A glass-walled restaurant slowly rotates on its axis, so every diner gets to enjoy the full 360-degree panorama without having to get up from their chair. At sunset, the lights of the Banff Springs Hotel come on and the river turns into liquid gold at the bottom of the valley.
8. Lake Minnewanka
Here you can drive a boat over a ghost town lying beneath the water. The clear turquoise water and steep rock walls create a landscape that feels both rugged and magical.
Quick facts: A 23-kilometer-long lake, it is the largest in the Canadian Rockies, and its steep underwater canyons reach depths of 142 meters. The clear turquoise water is completely replaced every 20-30 years, which is rare for mountain lakes.
Highlights: A perfectly preserved ghost town lies beneath the water: a 19th-century holiday village and an entire residential area that was submerged during the construction of the dam. In the clear water, divers can still see the foundations of houses, roads, and even the remains of an old bridge at a depth of 30 meters.
9. Banff Avenue
Walk along the main street of Canada's most beautiful mountain town, where the Wild West meets modern wilderness spirit. You will smell roasted chestnuts, hear street musicians whistling, and notice how distant mountain peaks peek over the rooftops of the shops.
Quick facts: This three-kilometer-long main street is the heart of Banff National Park, lined with buildings over a hundred years old. Visitors are drawn by over 200 shops and restaurants, and more than 15 different festivals are held on the street annually.
Highlights: Most tourists do not notice the old cattle gates at the eastern end of the street, through which farmers used to drive their cattle through the village back in the day. In the middle of winter, the street is lit up with thousands of blue LED lights, making the snow cover glow like in a fairy tale tunnel.
10. Johnston Canyon
Here you can walk along the bottom of a canyon right next to the waterfalls. The route takes you to two waterfalls, the lower one reachable with just a 1.1 kilometer walk.
Quick facts: A narrow limestone canyon has been shaped by flowing water for over 8,000 years. Along the route there are no fewer than seven bridges and two magnificent waterfalls.
Highlights: When you walk across a wooden suspension bridge over the canyon, you can see rock formations shimmering in the emerald green water directly below your feet. In winter, the frozen waterfalls turn into a world-class ice climbing destination, with hundreds of icicles hanging and colorful climbers clinging to the vertical walls.
Where to Stay in Banff, Canada
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Banff Caramel Corn
This crunchy caramel-coated popcorn is a beloved Banff tradition, often sold in the town's iconic candy shops along Banff Avenue since the early 1900s.
Maple Butter Tart
A Canadian classic elevated with local maple syrup, this gooey pastry filled with butter and maple is a sweet staple found in Banff's bakeries and ski lodges.
Nanaimo Bar
This no-bake layered dessert features a coconut crumb base, custard filling, and chocolate topping, and is a Canadian icon frequently served in Banff's mountain cafes.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Alberta Prime Rib
Sourced from Alberta's renowned cattle ranches, this perfectly roasted prime rib is a Rocky Mountain dining highlight, often served with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish.
Bison Burger
Leaner than beef but rich in flavor, the bison burger is a Banff staple that pays homage to the wild plains bison that once roamed the Canadian Rockies.
Poutine with Alberta Beef Gravy
This Canadian comfort dish features crispy fries, cheese curds, and rich Alberta beef gravy, and Banff's version often adds local ingredients like wild mushrooms.
Traditional Beverages
Ceasars (Canadian Bloody Mary)
Invented in Alberta in 1969, this savory cocktail made with clamato juice, vodka, and spices is Canada's most popular brunch drink and a Banff apres-ski favorite.
Hot Apple Cider with Canadian Whisky
A warming mountain tradition, this spiced hot apple cider spiked with Canadian rye whisky is the go-to beverage for skiers thawing out after a day on Banff's slopes.
Banff Springs Water (Glacier Fed)
Sourced directly from the pure glacial runoff of the Rocky Mountains, Banff's tap water is considered some of the freshest and cleanest in the world.
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Most popular day trips
Lake Louise
Iconic turquoise lake with glacier views and hiking trails.
Icefields Parkway
Scenic drive past glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Rocky Mountaineer scenic rail service (seasonal)
VIA Rail connections from major Canadian cities
From Calgary Airport (YYC), rent a car or take the Banff Airporter shuttle. The drive west on Highway 1 takes about 1.5 hours.
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Comments (6)
Skip the Banff Ave restaurants, walk to Bear Street instead. The ramen spot there is cheap and legit. Also buy park passes online before you arrive.
Food is expensive and pretty mediocre. Bring snacks from home. The hot springs were nice but way smaller than I expected.
Was expecting more tbh. Lake Louise is gorgeous but the whole town feels like one giant gift shop. Stayed 3 days, that was enough.
Banff blew me away honestly. Even with the crowds it's just stunning. The valley views on the drive in made me tear up.
Came in July and it rained half the time. Still beautiful but pack layers and waterproof shoes. The mountain air hits different.