Banff
Banff, Alberta is smack dab in the middle of the Canadian Rockies offering some of the most incredible scenery. The variety of lakes, rivers, and mountains set the scene for some pretty incredible activities and adventures throughout the town of Banff, and of course, Banff National Park.
Luckily after countless visits, I’ve found out about more than 50 different activities and experiences in Banff and Banff National Park! Many of these can be completed on a short visit to Banff. The list includes easy activities to do in town as well as epic road trips and tours through the Rocky Mountains near Banff!
Check out the incredibly comprehensive ideas set forth by Dan and Bailey from destinationlesstravel.com for 50 EPIC Things to do in Banff, Canada!
50 Things to do in Banff, Canada
1. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
2. Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
3. Check out the Bow Falls Lookout
4. Explore Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
5. Cave and Basin National Historic Site
6. Check out the Banff Hoodoos
7. Hit the slopes!
- Norquay
- Sunshine
- Lake Louise
8. Go on a sightseeing tour
9. Go partying on Banff Ave
10. Take a stroll on Banff Ave
11. Check out the new pedestrian-friendly street
12. Explore Sunshine Village/Sunshine Meadows
13. Spend a night at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
14. Go camping
15. Ride the chairlift up Mt Norquay
16. Go tubing at Mt Norquay
17. Visit the local breweries
18. Vermilion Lakes Scenic Drive
19. Ride on a Lake Minnewanka Cruise
20. Visit Two Jack Lake
21. Enjoy panoramic views on a helicopter ride
22. Visit Surprise Corner
23. Shop (and eat) at the Banff Farmers Market
24. Explore the mountains on horseback
25. Have an adventure Whitewater Rafting
26. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
27. Walk in Johnston Canyon
28. Go ice climbing
29. Visit the Lake Louise Lakefront
30. Check out Moraine Lake
31. Eat at the Train Station Restaurant in Lake Louise
32. Ride the Lake Louise Gondola
33. Go hiking in Lake Louise
34. Drive the Icefields Parkway
35. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier
36. Experience new heights on the Skywalk
37. Get tipsy at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
38. Eat at Juniper Bistro
39. Hike Tunnel Mountain
40. Tackle Via Ferrata or rock climbing
41. Go bicycling
42. Go snowshoeing
43. Go dog sledding
44. Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh
45. Spot wildlife
46. Try cross-country skiing
47. Hike to Upper Stoney Lookout
48. Wander the Cascade Gardens
49. Day trip to the Kananaskis
50. Check out Canmore
Where to Stay in Banff, Canada
Samesun Banff Hostel – Budget-backpacker Hostel
Banff Inn – Budget-friendly Hotel
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – Mid-range Hotel
Fairmont Banff Springs – Luxury Hotel