Our most recommended things to do in Banff

Banff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket

1. Banff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket

Climb aboard this iconic 4-person gondola cabin with large windows and relax. During the 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, take in the views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and six different mountain ranges. While on the mountain's peak, be amazed by 360-degree views. Explore the interactive Above Banff Interpretative Center to learn about the early explorers, wildlife, and local area. Hike across the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to explore the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Then stop at the coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops.

Banff: Lake Minnewanka Cruise

2. Banff: Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Admire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise on the largest lake in Banff National Park. Get the chance to see sheep, deer, and mountain goats along the shore, and learn about the culture of the indigenous people who used to live in the area from your expert guide. Meet your guide and captain on the boat dock at Lake Minnewanka and begin your adventure. Glide through the crystal clear water of this glacier lake and soak up the views of the mountains and blue sky above you. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the lakeshore, including big-horned sheep, deer, mountain goats, and even the occasional bear. During the cruise, learn interesting facts and stories about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit the Canadian Rockies from your guides. Dive into the culture of the indigenous people who used to call the area home and hear a lot of entertaining legends of the area.

From Banff: Shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

3. From Banff: Shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

Book a one-way shuttle between Banff, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise so you don't need to worry about driving, finding a taxi, or joining the crowds on big buses Ensure you easily visit Moraine Lake, which is closed to public vehicle access in 2023. With this shuttle service, you are guaranteed to visit Moraine Lake easily. Best of all, the voucher can also be used for a further transfer within the same day schedule if there are seats available. Below is the designed shuttle schedule: Morning Route Schedule: Banff (8:30am) -- Lake Louise visitor center (9:15am) -- Lake Louise Commercial parking lot (9:30am to 10:30am) -- Moraine Lake (11:00am to 12:00pm) -- Lake Louise visitor center (12:30pm) -- Banff (13:30pm) Afternoon Route Schedule: Banff (14:00) -- Lake Louise visitor center (14:45) -- Lake Louise Commercial parking lot (15:00 to 16:00) -- Moraine Lake (16:30 to 17:30) -- Lake Louise visitor center (18:00) -- Banff (19:00) Hope you'll enjoy our hassle free shuttle service. NOTE: the schedule above is a general guide, bus can be delayed by bad road condition, traffic jam, unexpected events, bad weather, etc. We do our best to follow the schedule. Also, the guardians are required to provide the car seats or boosters if you have any infants or young kids based on the transportation regulation and this tour won't provide any car seats or boosters.

Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

4. Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

Start the tour in Banff where you will meet a member of the riding office, who will check you in and provide you a helmet for your ride. From here, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse. Using a step, climb onto your horse under the direction of your guide, and learn some basic horseback riding techniques. Follow your guide along the tranquil Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin Hot springs - the original birthplace of Banff National Park. This area is home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows. Enjoy unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains along the way. After 1 hour of scenic horseback riding, return to the stables, where you'll disembark and say goodbye to your horse with some farewell pats.

Banff: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

5. Banff: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

Go on an evening wildlife safari tour and discover the animals of Banff. Led by your expert guide, experience twilight wildlife encounters.  As the sun sets behind the craggy peaks, the wildlife of Banff National Park become more active in the cool hours before dark. Get the chance to be up close with some of Banff’s wildest residents. Spot an elk sauntering across a clearing or a bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow. Sometimes, you may even see a grizzly bear snuffling through a berry bush.  Have your guide take you on a paved road bus tour where you are most likely to see Rocky Mountain creatures. Learn about how the park protects these animals and their natural habitat from many threats to the ecosystem.

Moraine Lake: Round-Trip Shared Transfer from Banff/Canmore

6. Moraine Lake: Round-Trip Shared Transfer from Banff/Canmore

Select your pick-up location in Banff or Canmore. Drive to the world-famous Lake Louise for free time to take in the best activities and viewpoints. Depart for Moraine Lake and enjoy the expedited access reserved only for commercial operators and our guests. Enjoy a nice walk along the lake’s edge, go canoeing, or take in the incredible view from atop the rockpile. During your journey, enjoy an included snack and water refills (byo bottle). We're always more than happy to chat with you and give you some inside knowledge on the locations you'll visit and recommend some things to do while you're there. Following your time at Moraine Lake, the return transfer will take you back to your pick-up point.

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Half Day Tour

7. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Half Day Tour

Visit the Canadian Rockies and be stunned by glistening glacial lakes. Depart from Calgary or Banff to Lake Louise and then gain access to Moraine Lake, which is now closed to public vehicles. Your tour begins in Calgary or Banff, depending on which pickup option you choose. Hop in your vehicle and relax on a road trip to Lake Louise. Step out and walk over to the lake for a better look and dip your fingers in the chilled water. Take a look around with your guide as they tell you about the attractions surrounding the lake. Lake Louise is a glacial lake within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is named after the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who was the Governor Be charmed by the neighboring chateau before making your way to Moraine Lake. As you pull into Moraine Lake, be impressed by the Rocky Mountains standing tall in the background. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and learn more about the national park from your guide. The waters of Moraine Lake seem like they have been poured straight from the heavens into the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The towering mountains encircle the deep blue surface of the lake in a formation so extraordinary, only Mother Nature could shape it. Piles of boulders have been seemingly dropped by the hands of giants, forming miniature mountains near the lakeshore. Let yourself be drawn to the trails that wind amongst the rocks and travel beyond to alpine meadows and sparkling lakes. After spending time at Moraine Lake, return to your original pickup point either in the afternoon or evening depending on your selection. Below is the designed tour schedule: Morning Tour Schedule: Banff (8:30am) -- Lake Louise visitor center (9:15am) -- Lake Louise Commercial parking lot (9:30am to 10:30am) -- Moraine Lake (11:00am to 12:00pm) -- Lake Louise visitor center (12:30pm) -- Banff (13:30pm) Afternoon Tour Schedule: Banff (14:00) -- Lake Louise visitor center (14:45) -- Lake Louise Commercial parking lot (15:00 to 16:00) -- Moraine Lake (16:30 to 17:30) -- Lake Louise visitor center (18:00) -- Banff (19:00) Please note: the schedule above is a general guide, bus can be delayed by bad road condition, traffic jam, unexpected events, bad weather, etc. We do our best to follow the schedule. Also, the guardians are required to provide the car seats or boosters if you have any infants or young kids based on the transportation regulation and this tour won't provide any car seats or boosters.

From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour

8. From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour

Experience Banff’s famous lakes on a guided tour of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.  Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, elk, and bears on your way, and admire views of Castle Mountain before arriving at the first lake of the day. Hear stories about Banff National Park, its history, and the local animals from your guide. Enjoy a 30-minute visit to Lake Louise. Wander the famous shoreline and take photos of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains and Victoria Glacier.  Admire the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel from the outside or inside. Explore Moraine Lake, set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks with waterfalls and rock piles. Enjoy a short guided walk to the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks viewpoint, or relax and take in the lake from the shoreline. Enjoy water and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops. After a 30-minute break at the viewpoint, return back to Banff and drop you off at your hotel.

Banff: Mount Norquay 2.5 or 4-Hour Guided Via Ferrata Climb

9. Banff: Mount Norquay 2.5 or 4-Hour Guided Via Ferrata Climb

Join this fun alpine climbing tour that's perfect for all abilities, including those with no previous experience. Experience the thrill of climbing a via ferrata with an expert guide and delight in bird’s-eye views of Banff National Park.  Choose between a 2.5-hour Explorer Route or a 4-hour Ridgewalker Route. Upon arrival to Mount Norquay, located just 10 minutes from Banff, check in and meet your guide. Get equipped with a harness, lanyards, and helmet, then ride the sightseeing chairlift to where your adventure begins.  After an equipment check and training is complete, take a short 5-minute walk to your first via ferrata buttress to climb. The 2.5-hour Explorer Route is a great choice for those who are slightly limited on time or looking for an introduction to via ferrata. Spend some time with your guide and get introduced to the equipment before heading up a few pitches and crossing the suspension bridge.  You will reach 2,235 meters (7,332 feet) above sea level. The tour lasts 2-2.5 hours, covers 1 kilometer (3,280 feet), and involves an elevation gain of 145 meters (475 feet). Select the 4-hour Ridgewalker Route to get a greater feel for heights and experience the via ferrata in full.  Get comfortable with the equipment on a practice wall, then continue on the Norquay cliffs, climbing the memorial, sunrise and vista buttresses — and, of course, traversing the suspension bridge. The route heads up to the Ridgewalker Summit, 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level. At the top, enjoy incredible views and snap some photos before descending back to the starting point.  The tour lasts 3.5-4 hours, covers 1.4 kilometers (4,593 feet), and involves an elevation gain of 260 meters (853 feet).

Banff National Park: 1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

10. Banff National Park: 1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

Embark on a horseback riding adventure as you breathe in the pine-spiced mountain air. Approach the Bow Falls and enjoy spectacular views. Pass by the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course known as one of the most immaculately manicured courses in Canada. Continue along the edge of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and cross through the waters once more. A partial climb up Sulphur Mountain brings you through a wooded residential area and back to the corrals. Enjoy a unique experience and cross the Spray River. On hotter days, your horse may even decide to cool itself off by splashing water onto its belly. Have an experience unlike anything else.

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Banff
Surround yourself with beautiful walking trails and glistening lakes in this protected Canadian Rockies' town.

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Frequently asked questions about Banff

What are the best day trips and excursions from Banff?

The best day trips and excursions from Banff are:

Columbia Icefield

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Insider tips: Planning a trip to Banff

Mayuri is the founder of ToSomePlaceNew, which covers European destinations and cultural travel. A history graduate and an MBA by qualification, she found her true calling in digging a city’s past and discovering their unique nuances. She is based in Canada, and travels with her husband. Find more on her blog about Banff.

What should I do on my first trip to Banff?

For your very first trip to Banff, consider booking a centrally located hotel - maybe a suite with mountain views. Do check out the town centre, and thereafter ride the Banff Sightseeing Gondola to soak the entire valley, and its iconic landmarks from an elevation of 2,281 m (7,486 feet) above sea level. From Banff, embark on hikes, or enjoy a canoe ride on Vermillion Lakes, or the picturesque Lake Louise. Don’t miss out on a sightseeing cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

What are some hidden gems to see in Banff?

Banff is all about the iconic views, but you can make it unique. Like you can soak in mountain views from Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel whilst enjoying an afternoon tea or castle food experience. Another favorite attraction in Banff town that often gets missed is the Cascade of Time Gardens. These beautifully manicured gardens are located just a few minutes away from the town centre, and it is a stunning place to admire the mountains and greenery (and it's all for free!)

How much time should I spend in Banff?

A weekend is perfect to enjoy the highlights of Banff National Park. Set aside a day to wander the town centre, cultural sites like museums and walking trails nearby. On the second day, go hiking. There are a lot of easy to challenging hikes near Banff to choose from. If you are not into hiking, enjoy a day of lakes and explore Minnewanka, Two Jack and Lake Louise on a quick day trip from Banff!

What food is Banff known for?

You must try a good steak or bison when you visit Banff National Park. You can easily order Alberta steak in any of the restaurants at the town centre. For drinks, try a local brewery such as Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar. There are a lot of cafes and bistros inside the national park to enjoy coffee, bagel and cakes.

What is the best way to get around Banff?

The best way to explore Banff is by car. Rental cars can be picked up at the Calgary International Airport (nearest airport), and then you can drive to Banff. There are transit buses (called ROAM buses) that you can use to get to various attractions inside the national park. One way tickets start at $2 CAD for adults.

What are the best months to visit Banff?

Summer and fall are the best times to visit Banff National Park. In the summer months, all the outdoorsy activities are open from camping, canoeing, hiking to easy road tripping. Only thing to be mindful of is that Banff gets super busy in the summers - so plan ahead to make reservations. Visiting Banff in the fall is also perfect as you can go on hikes and see all the fall foliage, minus the crowds and expensive accommodation!

What is Banff Avenue known for?

Banff Avenue is the central hub of the national park. This is where you will find restaurants, resorts and hotels, shops, and tour agencies. Many of the iconic photo spots are located in Banff town - you won’t have to try too hard to get a glimpse of the mountains!

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

The best place for food in Banff is in the Main Street neighbourhood. This area is home to local breweries, amazing bistros, restaurants and shops. For restaurants with mountain views, reserve a table at the Banff Gondola - Sky Bistro or the Juniper Bistro & Hotel. For those who love to check local produce and crafts, plan to visit the Banff Mountain Market, which is held in the summer months in the heart of Banff town.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Banff Avenue is the Main Street for all things souvenir and essential shopping. Banff Avenue is lined with athletics, fashion, local crafts, and souvenir shops.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Banff?

For quick access to amenities and sightseeing, staying at the main street of Banff is a good idea. During summers, it can be a little expensive to find accommodation inside the National Park. In that case choose to stay in Canmore, which is located 20 minutes outside of Banff or in Calgary - situated 1 hour’s drive away.

Other Sightseeing Options in Banff

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What people are saying about Banff

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,300 reviews

The whole trip was very smooth - we had a really small group of 5 so it was perfect. The pace was just right too and the hot chocolate was delicious! Our guide Chris was really kind, friendly and knowledgeable and he really took the time to make sure everyone was ok.

My boyfriend and I loved it. The guide was great and the tour was super nice. It takes you to the main natural attractions in Banff and the lake part was a true adventure

The guide Annika was very informative, had lots of photos to hand around and show different aspects of the tour, good stops for viewing

Such an awesome little ride! friendly staff and informative, great family experience! Definitely coming back in the summer!

The guid was super nice and viewing was also awesome.