Things to Do in Banff
50 curated spots from Banff itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soak in outdoor mineral pools ringed by forested hillsides and rocky peaks; lockers and towel rentals are available, and it’s a short walk from the gondola base or a quick local bus ride.
1h 30m · $18-25
Banff Gondola
Ride to 360-degree views, walk cosmic boardwalk; photography heaven.[2]
2h · $60
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
Wheelchair path to thundering falls viewpoint; wildlife spotting (elk common); flat terrain, benches (step-free).
1h · Free
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Explore Canada's first national park birthplace with thermal caves.
1h 30m · $8/adult
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
Take the 8‑minute gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks, then walk the wooden boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak through stunted, wind‑twisted trees that give a wild, high‑alpine feel.
2h 30m · $60-75 per adult, $35-45 per child (gondola ticket)
Johnston Canyon
Walk the canyon catwalks to the lower falls for a classic Banff-area nature outing that feels active but manageable. Stay on the main path for the best balance of scenery and simplicity.
2h 30m · Free
Johnston Canyon Hike
5km to lower/upper falls; catwalks behind ice flows (moderate fitness).[2]
3h · $11 Park Pass
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
1-hour boat tour on glacial lake with shoreline wildlife spotting.
1h 30m · $60
Banff Park Museum
Historic wildlife exhibits and taxidermy; quick indoor culture with nature focus.
1h · $10
Bow Falls Viewpoint & Riverside Walk
Walk from downtown along the Bow River to Bow Falls; admire the rushing water and surrounding forest, with optional short detours on wooded paths.
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)
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Moderate 4km hike to panorama views; **photography spots**.
2h · Free
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Art and history exhibits on park pioneers; indoor photography.
1h 30m · $12
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 7486ft for 360° views, boardwalk trail, and summit dining; 2hrs total.
2h · $56-70 per adult
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
Small heritage log building near the Bow River bridge with historic wildlife displays and local natural history exhibits.
1h · $5-10 per person
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
Easy 2km riverside path; spot wildlife, relax pre-nightlife.[1]
1h · Free
Fairview Lookout Hike
Moderate 4km trail to overlooks; layers for wind, book if guided.
2h · Free
Fenland Trail
Easy 2 km loop through quiet forest and wetlands just outside town; flat and stroller-friendly if you go slowly.
1h · Free (with park pass)
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
Stroll the lakeshore trail, rent a canoe, or simply admire the iconic turquoise waters and Victoria Glacier.
2h · $0 or $145 canoe rental
Lake Louise Lakeshore & Fairview Lookout
Walk the flat lakeshore trail through thick forest edges and, if you’re up for a short uphill, take the Fairview Lookout trail for a different angle over the lake and chateau.
2h 30m · Free (plus parking or shuttle)
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Continue beyond the main viewpoint along the 4 km return lakeshore path for quieter views and fewer crowds.
1h 30m · Free (with park pass)
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
Short uphill walk from the parking area to a renowned viewpoint overlooking a bright blue, wolf-shaped glacial lake.
1h · Free (with park pass)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Nourish Bistro
Plant-forward bowls, meats; healthy adventure fuel.
1h 15m · $35-45 per person
The Bison Restaurant
Cozy fine-dining in historic log building; try Alberta steak or wild mushroom risotto.
1h 30m · $35-50 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
Wild Flour Bakery
Local bakery-café with a wood-and-stone interior; choose vegetarian pastries (no meat or gelatin), avocado toast, granola, or egg dishes and pair with coffee/tea—avoid any items with alcohol flavors.
45m · $10-18 per person
Bear Street Tavern
Primarily a pizza and gastropub spot, but on some days may offer earlier hours; if not, swap with Wild Flour nearby for a quick breakfast.
45m · $15-25 per person
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Nachos breakfast, tacos; fun fusion energy.
45m · $20-30 per person
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
Indian restaurant with clearly labeled halal chicken options; order the halal butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and vegetarian dal tadka with naan (avoid non-halal meat items).
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Whitebark Cafe
Artisan baked goods, smoothies; trailhead adjacent.
45m · $20-25 per person
Bill Peyto's Cafe
Mountain-view pizzas and salads with local brews.
1h · $20-35 per person
Lake Louise Station Restaurant
Burgers, salads, historic rail car dining; shellfish-free.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
The Maple Leaf
Order the seafood dishes, vegetarian pastas, or salads; avoid non-halal meats and use the clearly labeled seafood/veg selections.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Sky Bistro
Elevated Canadian dishes and cocktails at the top of the Banff Gondola with floor-to-ceiling mountain views.
1h 15m · $45-70 per person
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
Grab fresh baked goods, coffee, and pastries to fuel morning hikes.
45m · $15-25 per person
The Bison
Wild game burgers and local brews; try bison patty.
1h · $25-40 per person
Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
Elegant dining room at the Banff Centre with panoramic windows over the valley and refined Canadian dishes.
1h 30m · $50-80 per person
Trailhead Cafe
Pick vegetarian soups, sandwiches, or baked goods; halal-safe through meat-free ordering only.
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 Ave Brewing Co.
Pub-style brewery with burgers, salads, and house beers; sit by the windows for people-watching over Banff Ave.
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Banff Brewing Co.
Pub fare like burgers, pizzas; shellfish-free brewery menu.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Banff Tea Co.
Artisan loose-leaf teas and light bites like scones and sandwiches in a cozy historic spot.
1h · $30-60 per person