Amazing Things to Do in Banff, Canada You Can't Miss

Banff, Canada - Photo by jr_jurassic from Pixabay

Banff along with Banff National Park is truly a little slice of heaven.

With vibrant wildlife, towering mountains, fantastic hiking, breathtaking sites, and a lovely little village, there’s something for everyone here.

Don’t forget to visit beautiful lakes in Banff National Park.

Take a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to the stunning lakes and enjoy the views!

You will absolutely leave your heart here after visiting incredible attractions in Banff.

SHARE

ONE DAY TRIP IDEA

If you only have a day to explore Banff Canada, you don’t need to worry. You still can have an ultimate travelling experience here. How about starting the journey at Johnston Canyon? From 8:30 AM to 10.30 AM, enjoy the deep canyon as well as its waterfalls. Hike to lower falls and upper falls.
You can plan 2 hours at Johnston Canyon. When it comes to breakfast or brunch, you can go to Blackswift Bistro. Grab some great foods alongside drinks you like here.
After that, travel back to Banff through Bow Valley Parkway. Spend an hour to see interesting viewpoints such as ‘Hole in the wall’, and Black swamp view points to savor the view. From 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, enjoy breathtaking views of Vermilion Lakes by canoeing. Until 3:00 PM, park your car at Bow Falls lot and enjoy walking along the trail to the falls.
On flowering season, you can go to Cascade of Time Garden and Surprise Corner Viewpoint (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM). After that, do the Lake Minnewanka scenic drive and stop to admire the views for 1 hour until 6:00 PM.

Bow Falls

Bow Falls have amazing trails with many scenic views.

Go down from the falls a bit for an amazing view of the snow capped mountains.

It is lovely that raging falls become a gentle stream so quickly.

Address : Bow Falls, Banff, AB T0L, Canada

Want to know more ?

Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway

This 50 km scenic route runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway.

It offers a great alternative drive to connect Banff and Lake Louise.

Address : Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Want to know more ?

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon

National park with hiking trails & bridges to waterfalls, ridges & blue 'ink pot' spring pools.

Address : Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Want to know more ?

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes

Get the peace away from people with an amazing photo opportunity for sunsets at Vermillion Lakes.

Address : Vermilion Lakes, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada

Want to know more ?

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

A must visit place. One of most favorite places in Blanff.

Address : Lake Minnewanka, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada

Want to know more ?

Blackswift Bistro

Blackswift Bistro

Family-owned restaurant offering delicious meals with excellent service.

Address : Hwy 1A Johnston Canyon, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada

Want to know more ?

Cascade of Time Garden

Cascade of Time Garden

Tranquil, terraced gardens featuring landscaped paths & sitting areas amid diverse trees & flowers.

Address : Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Want to know more ?

SIGHTSEEING

Have a pleasant gondola ride up at Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site. There are very good facilities up top alongside interpretive tours. Enjoy the balcony view of the mountain ranges that is absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Get an enjoyable easy stroll in the planked walkways heading to Sanson peak as you enjoy the beautiful views. Be sure to go on a cloudless day to get maximum views. Dress accordingly since it is probably slightly windy at the peak.

Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site

Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site

Remains of a high-altitude geophysical laboratory built in 1957, with interpretive panels & views.

Address : Sulfur Mountain Trail, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 0C0, Canada

Want to know more ?

CULTURE

Immerse yourself at the culture of Banff at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. It’s the biggest arts institution in Western Canada. Every year, this place presents more than 400 public concerts, festivals, performing arts events, and gallery exhibits each year. Most of them are free!

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

This place offering the finest gathering place with beautiful view being so high up on the mountain.

There are a few restaurants that overlook more beauty.

Address : 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff, AB T1L 1H5, Canada

Want to know more ?

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best times to visit Banff are June to August and December to March. Nature enthusiasts will want to get to the park when the weather is warm and welcoming (as well as when the hotel rates in town are at a reasonable level). However, the skiers will want to vacation in the height of winter.

LANDMARKS

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Banff National Park. It has several enjoyable hikes to choose from. You can enjoy the 2.8 kilometers Marsh Trail that shows exotic and beautiful flowers. Meanwhile, the Sundance Trail / Sundance Canyon Trail offers marvelous views across the Bow River valley.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.

Address : 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

Want to know more ?

BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS

Looking for a AAA Diamond Hotel to stay? Rimrock Resort Hotel can be your best choice. Located in the heart of Banff National Park and Canadian Rockies, this hotel offers outstanding views of Canadian Rockies, a luxury spa, best dining alongside special accommodation.
Meanwhile, Mount Royal Hotel is located in the heart of the famed Banff Avenue offers effortless access to famous attractions of Banff. They will help you improve your adventure experience at Canadian Rockies and Banff as well.

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Upscale rooms & suites, most with scenic views, plus elegant dining, 2 cocktail lounges & a spa.

Address : 300 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J2, Canada

Want to know more ?

Mount Royal Hotel

Mount Royal Hotel

Warm quarters in a redbrick hotel with mountain views, plus dining, a fireplace lounge & a hot tub.

Address : 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7, Canada

Want to know more ?

BEST RESTAURANTS

Get the best coffee at Banff National Park at Blackswift Bistro. Need a cup of latte or cappuccino to kick start your day? Also, there is an array of freshly baked goods, yogurt parfaits, in-house made healthy sandwiches, and many more! This place is a must visited restaurant while you are in Johnston Canyon.
Another best restaurant that deserves a visit is 1888 Chop House. Pamper your taste buds with excellent steaks that are made from high quality ingredients and perfectly cooked inside an out. Come today and have an incredible dining experience here!

1888 Chop House

1888 Chop House

Great Atmosphere!! We made a reservation at this restaurant during our recent stay in the Banff Springs Hotel, the restaurant is lovely and our server was great. We started with a few cocktails, my husband had a Caesar and I had...

Wonderful meal and exceptional service We have stayed at the Banff Springs numerous times but last night was the first time we ate at this restaurant (crazy, I know). We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. The service from...

Very good From the beginning I want to say it was very good, everything I expected from a Fairmont hotel as they are my preferred chain. The wagyu striploin was very good but not exceptional The mashed potatoes and the mushrooms...

Address : 405 Spray Avenue Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1J4 Canada

Want to know more ?

Blackswift Bistro

Blackswift Bistro

Family-owned restaurant offering delicious meals with excellent service.

Address : Hwy 1A Johnston Canyon, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada

Want to know more ?

BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS

Find your favorite gifts at Banff Gifts and Souvenirs. You will find a nice selection with relatively cheap prices. Enjoy your shopping as you mingle with their friendly staff. Also, you can discover cool and unique souvenirs at Banff Western Outfitters. You will absolutely love to shop here!

Banff Gifts and Souvenirs

Banff Gifts and Souvenirs

Great store to find extensive range of Canadian Souvenirs and Banff Gift ideas.

Address : 215 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L, Canada

Want to know more ?

Banff Western Outfitters

Banff Western Outfitters

Tourist favorite store providing various gift items from shirt to accessories with affordable prices.

Address : 103 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C9, Canada

Want to know more ?