Things to Do in Banff
50 curated spots from Banff itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Historic hot spring pool with mountain views; soak in warm mineral water to relax after days of hiking and driving.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person (including tax and possible locker/towel rental)
Banff Gondola
Ride to Sulphur Mountain summit for 360-degree views, boardwalk trail, and summit restaurant.
2h · $60-80/adult, $30-50/child
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Spend time on the lakeshore path, take photos, and enjoy the alpine water and glacier views without committing to a major hike. This is the classic romance stop and works beautifully at an easy pace.
2h · Free
Bow Falls
Easy walk to thundering falls with dramatic canyon views and photo opportunities.
45m · Free
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Explore the historic springs, boardwalks, and accessible exhibits about Banff's origins.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
Banff Avenue Stroll
Wander the main street for shops, galleries, and mountain-town atmosphere after dinner. Keep it loose and just browse the blocks around central Banff.
45m · Free
Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
Ride the gondola up through the forest to a mountaintop station; walk the wooden boardwalk along the ridge for panoramic, sea-of-trees views.
2h 30m · $60-75 per person (varies by season/time)
Johnston Canyon
Easy 2.7km trail to lower falls bridges; misty **nature** gorges.
2h · Free
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
1-hour boat tour spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep; relaxed wildlife adventure.
1h 30m · $60
Banff Park Museum
Historic wildlife exhibits; indoor photography alternative.
1h · $5
Bow Falls Viewpoint & Riverside Walk
Walk a short, mostly flat trail along the Bow River to a roaring waterfall backed by thick forest and the Fairmont Banff Springs; kids can explore the riverbank (stay back from fast water) and look for birds and chipmunks.
1h · Free
Cascade of Time Garden
Manicured terraced gardens near the Parks Canada Administration Building with mountain views and walking paths.
45m · Free (with park pass)
Johnston Canyon Hike
5.2km to Lower+Upper Falls via catwalks; misty canyon photography.
3h · Free
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Easy 4km roundtrip to town panorama (buffer for views).
2h · Free
Banff Avenue & Bow River Walk
Start from Banff Avenue, then walk down to the Bow River and follow the riverside trail through spruce and pine forests with mountain views and occasional bridges.
1h 30m · Free
Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain)
Ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, then wander the boardwalks and lookout decks through stunted trees and rocky outcrops with panoramic views of Banff, the Bow River, and surrounding peaks.
2h · $60-75
Banff Gondola to Sulphur Summit
8-min ride to 7,486ft views of six ranges; boardwalk trail, wildlife spotting.
2h · $70
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Short walk or drive from town to a broad waterfall with viewpoints and access to the surrounding trails.
45m · Free (with park pass)
Bow River Trail Stroll
Flat 4km riverside path with wildlife spotting and reflections; photography from riverbanks.
1h 30m · Free
Fairview Lookout Hike
2km steep trail to overlook; intermediate climb reward.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Fenland Trail
An easy forest walk with boardwalk sections and a quieter feel than the main town trails.
1h · Free
Johnston Canyon Trail
Easy 2.4km round-trip to Lower Falls via catwalks; spot bridges, waterfalls, and ice climbs in winter.
2h · Free
Lake Louise
Walk along the shoreline trail, photograph the iconic turquoise waters backed by glaciated peaks, and enjoy the serene lakeside atmosphere
2h · Free (parking $11.50 CAD per vehicle)
Lake Louise Lakeshore & Fairview Lookout
Walk the flat lakeshore trail, then take the short Fairview Lookout path through dense forest to a balcony view over the lake.
2h 30m · Free
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Easy 2km flat walk along the turquoise lake; rent canoes for immersion.
2h · $140/hour canoe
Lake Louise Lakeshore Walk
Take the shuttle to Lake Louise and follow the flat lakeshore trail through dense forest and lakeside views, stopping at benches and photo viewpoints along the way.
2h 30m · $15-25 (shuttle) + Park entry (usually included with pass)
Moraine Lake
Explore the stunning glacier-fed lake with its signature emerald-blue waters, walk the scenic shoreline trail, and photograph the peaks reflected in the pristine water
2h · Free (parking $11.50 CAD per vehicle)
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
A short walk from the parking area reveals a breathtaking turquoise-blue glacial lake surrounded by mountain peaks
45m · Free
Sunshine Meadows Hike
Chairlift-access alpine meadows; wildflowers, lakes (summer; book shuttle).[9]
3h · $50 lift
Tunnel Mountain Hike
2.6km roundtrip moderate trail to summit views; 1-1.5hr ascent.[1]
1h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Nourish Bistro
Creative vegetarian and vegan bistro; try the nachos, power bowls, and veggie curries, all fully meat-free and alcohol-free upon request.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Park Distillery Restaurant
Rustic-chic spot with house-distilled spirits; order Alberta beef poutine or bison burger.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
The Bison Restaurant
Hearty Canadian breakfasts like elk sausage benny; mountain views.
1h · $20-35 per person
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
Casual Indian spot a block off Banff Avenue. For halal: they offer clearly labelled vegetarian dishes (dal, chana masala, mixed veg curries), plus seafood; confirm with staff which meats (if any) are halal and avoid any non-halal items—vegetarian options are a safe bet.
1h · $20-30 per person
Wild Flour Bakery
Bright, wood-heavy bakery café with big windows and a cozy, natural feel. For halal: stick to vegetarian pastries, breads, oatmeal, and coffee/tea—avoid any meat items and confirm ingredients if unsure.
45m · $10-18 per person
Bear Street Tavern
Tapas and local wines; cozy ambiance.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Whitebark Cafe
Artisan baked goods, smoothies; trailhead adjacent.
45m · $20-25 per person
Bill Peyto's Cafe
Choose clearly halal-compatible vegetarian options such as soups, salads, fries, or meat-free sandwiches if available; ask staff to confirm no non-halal meat is used in your selected dish. The casual lodge setting fits the lake day perfectly.
1h · CAD $18-$35 per person
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Casual sit-down spot with hearty breakfasts; share big plates like pancakes or breakfast burritos and water instead of drinks to keep costs down.
1h · $12-15 per person
Lake Louise Station Restaurant
Historic rail station with poutine and trout tacos; local flavors.
1h · $30-45 per person
The Maple Leaf
Canadian comfort: poutine with local beef.
1h 30m · $28-45 per person
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
Local coffee shop with wood accents and a relaxed vibe. For halal: order vegetarian baked goods, bagels with cheese or spreads, and coffee or tea; avoid any meat-based sandwiches.
30m · $8-15 per person
Sky Bistro
Enjoy contemporary fusion cuisine like seafood chowder and bison with gondola views.
1h 15m · $70-130 per person
The Bison
Rustic chalet with Alberta beef/bison; pasta options; wheelchair accessible entry/elevator.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Trailhead Cafe
Fresh smoothies and breakfast sandwiches for trail energy.
45m · $15-25 per person
Aardvark Pizza & Sub
Take-out focused pizza and subs joint; order large pizzas and share to keep the per-person cost low.
30m · $10-14 per person (sharing large pizzas)
Banff Brewing Co.
Pub fare like burgers, pizzas; shellfish-free brewery menu.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Banff Tea Co.
Teas, scones, quiche; light, allergy-safe.
1h · $15-25 per person
Bill Peyto's Café
Mountain-view soups and sandwiches; try poutine.
45m · $20-35 per person
Eden
Fine French-inspired tasting menus at Rimrock Resort Hotel with white-tablecloth service and sweeping valley views.
2h 30m · $120-180 per person