20 Best Things to do in Banff | Canada Train Vacations (2023)

Banff is one of the most incredible destinations to visit in Canada, especially for those who enjoy nature, heritage, and a chilly climate. However, it is not an easy task to plan a thorough trip to Banff. From booking the right accommodation to figuring out the best things to do in Banff, it can be a process.

We at Canadian Train Vacations can take care of the itinerary for you. Our packages cover the top attractions in Banff — and set you up for an unforgettable experience.

Banff is a beautiful resort town in Alberta province of Canada, famous for stunning lakes, alpine mountain trails, and a vibrant urban scene. Located in Banff National Park amid the Canadian Rockies, the city is a skiing paradise for tourists during the winter season from September to March. If you'd rather explore Banff in the warmer months, May to August is the ideal time to visit.
A world-famous destination, Banff attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year!

Let's take a look at the top things to do in Banff.

1. Banff National Park

Nestled amid Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park covers an area of 2,564 sq miles. Established in 1885, it is Canada's oldest national park. It was home to several indigenous settlements before the settlement of British Columbia. Previously known as the Rocky Mountains Park, this picturesque destination offers sights of glacial plains, alpine forests, and towering peaks.

Nearby attractions include Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway to the north. Also, Yoho National Park's lush green forests are to the west, Kootenay National Park to the south, and Kananaskis Country on the southeastern side.

The subarctic climate of the Banff National Park means Lodgepole pine trees grow at the lower elevation. This creates an ideal wilderness for hiking. You may see wildlife, such as grizzly bears, cougars, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. The park is home to several migratory birds as well; keep binoculars handy!

Banff National Park can be easily reached from other parts of Canada via railway or highway. The closest airport is Calgary International. The Rocky Mountaineer is the luxury train service between Vancouver and Banff. The journey takes you through the curves of the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Canadian Train Vacations help you pick the best itinerary.

2. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka prides itself as the largest body of water in Banff, Canada. It's situated about 5km to the northeastern side of Banff town. It is a glacial lake flowing from the Cascade River with a depth of 142m throughout the 21km length it covers. The massive size of Lake Minnewanka makes it the second-longest lake in the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Minnewanka has a lot more to offer than just scenic beauty. It's a fun spot to indulge in some fishing. The alpine freshwater is home to species like the mountain whitefish — a popular salmonid of North American province — and the big-mouthed Lake Trout fish, also known as the freshwater char. Fishing gear and bait are available for rent near the lake.

Other family-friendly activities include cruising in the lake, enjoying a relaxing picnic by the waterside, floating along the lake in a canoe, or engaging in watersport adventure on a motorboat.

Parking is available at the Minnewanka Park & Ride area. We suggest you arrive two hours before the gate opens to find a convenient place to park. The Banff train station parking is also open for visitors. Banff's Roam Transit also goes to the lake.

Take a guided boat tour to learn about the local legends and folklore. Minnewanka translates to 'Lake of the Spirits,' which stems from the mystical stories that are told about the place. The Indigenous people who lived here believe in the presence of a grotesque merman in the water and other similar fantastical creatures.

3. The Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola takes you to the highest point on Mount Sulphur, and it takes eight minutes to reach the summit. The journey will take you to 7,486 ft elevation as you take in the stunning panorama of the surrounding area. It's especially beautiful when covered in snow during winter. At the summit, the award-winning Sky Bistro Restaurant offers an eclectic fine-dining experience.

The gondola starting point is at a 2.5-km distance from Banff town. You can drive to the location by taking the Cascade Gardens route from Banff Avenue. Once you reach the Cascade Gardens, take a smooth turn to the left towards Spray Avenue, then a right turn to Mountain Avenue. You will find the Banff Gondola Parking Area after driving past the Rimrock Hotel.

Parking can be very busy if you visit during summer. To avoid the hassle, take the Roam Route 1 shuttle service from downtown Banff. The round-trip ride costs around $2 in total.

The tickets at Banff Gondola are priced from $55 to $62 per adult. Meanwhile, kids up to 5 years old can enjoy the rides for free.

4. Upper Hot Springs

The Upper Hot Springs has been operating since 1883. This public pool was carefully designed and constructed to protect the natural source of the original hot sulphur spring. Visitors can enjoy the striking beauty of the surrounding Rundle Mountains while soaking in its waters.

This spring is one of the nine naturally occurring hot springs in the Banff region. It flows from a rock crack in the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault. The average temperature of the Upper Hot Springs water is 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees F), making it the hottest spring in Banff.

Visitors can enjoy it here from 10 am to 10 pm. The last entry is at 9:30 pm. It is open for all Canadian holidays as well.

The Upper Hot Springs ticket price starts from $16.50 for each adult. Senior citizens and youths have to pay $14.25, while children can enjoy the Upper Hot Springs for free. The family package costs $53.00.

5. Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Exploring the Cave and Basin National Historic Site is one of the unique things to do in Banff. It showcases the naturally occurring thermal mineral springs from the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

An entrance fee of $7 will get you access to the historical museum's displays, including botanical and zoological specimens and the mineral foundry.

6. Mount Norquay

Mount Norquay is the smallest ski resort in Banff, and is perfect for families. With 60 runs in total, there is a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

In summertime, climb the Via Ferrata (iron road), with a certified guide, who will lead you up the mountain's cliffs by a system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge in the summertime.

7. Lake Louise

One of the Canadian Rocky's most photographed locations, Lake Louise is a must-do while you are in Banff.

The summer, the lake is a popular spot for hiking and paddling. In winter, the lake becomes an ideal frozen land for skating and snow-shoeing. A park pass includes access to the trails and lakefront at Lake Louise.

Drop into the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for high tea. In the winter, you can get a hot chocolate after your skate.

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a fascinating 1,475-ft-long walkway in Jasper National Park, a scenic drive from Banff. The interpretive walk bends and curves along the landscape of the Canadian Rockies, overlooking the Sunwapta Valley.

The structure takes you over the Athabasca Glacier right above the glacial ice field, straddling the Continental Divide. This is where the North American watersheds break into the Pacific, the Arctic, and the Atlantic Oceans.

9. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Do you wish to experience some luxury while visiting the skier's paradise that Lake Louise is? Then, book a stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can indulge in exquisite services all week long.

The hotel provides many activities — both relaxing as well as adventurous, based on your preference!

10. Whyte Museum

Founded and initially endowed by Peter and Catharine Whyte in 1968, the museum is a place for cultural heritage in Banff. The collection includes artifacts related to the indigenous population, a massive art collection, and heritage homes that reflect the true Banffite lifestyle.

Admission into the Whyte Museum is $10 for adults, while children under 12 are free.

11. Downtown Banff

There are many fun things to do in Downtown Banff. The downtown is lined with retail outlets, cafes, bars, pubs, eateries, bakeries, and restaurants. Check out an art gallery for local and Indigenous paintings and scultptures.

Banff has a thriving club culture as well. So, there are many fun things to do at night in Banff.

12. Bow Falls

A scenic outlook near the Fairmont Banff Springs gives a great look at Bow Falls. For a nice hike, meander along the southern bank of Bow River — the trail runs from from Row River Bridge to Bow Falls. It takes 25 to 30 minutes to hike and even less to bike, although cycles are not allowed at the summit.

It's recommended you have a bear bell in summer and that you and check avalanche forecasts in winter.

13. Sunshine Meadows

This scenic hike past the Rock, Larix, and Grizzly Lakes will take you to a land of green meadows, wildflowers, and butterflies.

A total of five hours will be enough to cover Sunshine Meadow's round trip of 10.3 km.

14. Tunnel Mountain Trail

Tunnel Mountain Trail, with its 300-m ascent, is one of the shortest treks in Banff. It starts in Downtown Banff and offers fascinating views of Banff Springs Golf Course and Mount Rundle.

It is one of the fun things to do in Banff without breaking too much of a sweat!

15. Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic yet leisurely driving route from Banff to Lake Louise. It is a quieter and more beautiful alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway.

Johnston Canyon is a great attraction on the route, which is a thundering waterfall in summer and a frozen wonder in winter.

16. Banff Avenue

Banff Avenue is the bustling heart of Banff Town, Alberta. It is a commercial street where you can shop, grab a drink, and enjoy a wholesome meal. Many of the town's hotels are located on Banff Avenue.

17. Parker Ridge Trail

This 5.4-km in-and-out trail is along the Icefields Parkway, which connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The trail (in Banff National Park) offers breathtaking views. You can opt for snowshoeing in winter.

It takes around 2.5 hours to do the hike.

18. Columbia Icefield

At Columbia Icefield, you get to step and walk on 10,000-year-old ice sheets of the Athabasca Glacier. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Banff, Canada. Visitors love the stories of the ancient terrain.

19. Wildlife Tour

Banff wildlife tours are lovely for kids and adutls to learn more about wildlife, animals, and natural vegetation. Deer, elk, tiny chipmunks, and big-horned sheep are some of the animals you can expect to see on these tours.

20. Fairmont Banff Springs

Spend a relaxed afternoon availing of the spa service at Fairmont Banff Springs before returning home. They have luxury packages for families and couples to ensure you have a great time.