Things to Do in Banff National Park
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Banff National Park

35 curated spots from Banff National Park itineraries

Activities & Attractions

19 curated experiences

Banff Upper Hot Springs
Do
afternoon

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 Avenue
Do
morning

Banff Avenue

Stroll the main street, pop into souvenir shops, check out the mountains framing town, and orient yourselves.

1h · Free (souvenirs extra)
Banff Avenue & Central Park
Do
morning

Banff Avenue & Central Park

Stroll along Banff Avenue for mountain views, boutiques, and galleries, then wander down to Central Park and the Bow River Bridge for photos.

1h · Free
Banff Gondola
Do
afternoon

Banff Gondola

Ride the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for 360° views, short boardwalks to Sanson’s Peak, interpretive exhibits, and panoramic viewing platforms.

2h 30m · $60-80 per person
Banff Legacy Trail (section near town)
Do
afternoon

Banff Legacy Trail (section near town)

Paved multi-use path connecting Banff and Canmore; you can walk or bike a short section near Banff for mountain views without traffic.

1h · Free (bike rentals extra if needed)
Banff Visitor Centre
Do
morning

Banff Visitor Centre

Stop first for free maps, trail updates, weather info, and to ask rangers for current family-friendly trail suggestions.

30m · Free
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Do
afternoon

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 Falls Viewpoint & Surprise Corner
Do
morning

Bow Falls Viewpoint & Surprise Corner

Visit the Bow Falls viewpoint near the Fairmont Banff Springs, then drive or walk to Surprise Corner for a classic view of the ‘castle in the Rockies’ and the river below.

1h 30m · Free
Bow River Trail (Banff)
Do
afternoon

Bow River Trail (Banff)

Walk the riverside path from town along the Bow River, with benches, calm water views, and easy access from Banff Avenue.

1h · Free (with park pass)
Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)
Do
late_morning

Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)

Scenic secondary road between Banff and Lake Louise with viewpoints, picnic areas, and high chances of seeing wildlife from the car.

1h · Free (with park pass; fuel extra)
Cascade of Time Garden
Do
late_afternoon

Cascade of Time Garden

Manicured terraced gardens near the Parks Canada Administration Building with mountain views and walking paths.

45m · Free (with park pass)
Fenland Trail
Do
late_morning

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
Do
morning

Johnston Canyon

Popular trail along catwalks and forest paths to Lower and Upper Falls; Lower Falls is about 1.2 km one-way and great for kids.

2h 30m · Free (with park pass)
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Do
afternoon

Lake Louise Lakeshore

Stroll the flat lakeshore trail for incredible turquoise lake and mountain views; benches and picnic spots along the way.

1h 30m · Free (with park pass; parking or shuttle may cost extra)
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Do
afternoon

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 Trail & Canoe
Do
morning

Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail & Canoe

Walk the flat shoreline trail along Lake Louise for classic glacier and chateau views, and rent a canoe from the boathouse to paddle the turquoise waters.

2h 30m · $0 for trail, $145-165 per canoe (shared)
Moraine Lake Rockpile & Shoreline
Do
afternoon

Moraine Lake Rockpile & Shoreline

Climb the short Rockpile Trail for the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks panorama and wander the shoreline for varied vantage points of the vivid blue lake.

2h · Free (plus shuttle/transport)
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Do
late_morning

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)
Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint
Do
evening

Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint

Short drive or bike ride from town to a chain of shallow lakes with wooden docks and stunning reflections of Mount Rundle, especially around sunset.

1h · Free (with park pass)

Restaurants & Food

16 local favorites

Aardvark Pizza & Sub
Eat
evening

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)
BeaverTails Banff West
Eat
afternoon

BeaverTails Banff West

Canadian pastry stand serving fried dough topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit—share a couple between the family.

20m · $5-8 per person (sharing encouraged)
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Eat
morning

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
Eden
Eat
evening

Eden

Fine French-inspired tasting menus at Rimrock Resort Hotel with white-tablecloth service and sweeping valley views.

2h 30m · $120-180 per person
Good Earth Coffeehouse - Banff
Eat
morning

Good Earth Coffeehouse - Banff

Local coffee chain offering pastries, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and good coffee; grab-and-go friendly.

30m · $8-12 per person
IGA Banff
Eat
afternoon

IGA Banff

Full-service supermarket where you can grab sandwich ingredients, rotisserie chicken, salads, fruit, and snacks for DIY picnics.

30m · $8-12 per person
Lakeview Lounge
Eat
afternoon

Lakeview Lounge

Casual-yet-upscale lounge inside Fairmont Château Lake Louise with large windows overlooking the lake, serving sandwiches, burgers, and alpine-inspired plates.

1h 15m · $40-60 per person
McDonald's
Eat
evening

McDonald's

Fast-food staple in nearby Canmore, often cheaper than many Banff town restaurants and convenient if you’re driving back to Calgary.

30m · $7-11 per person
Sky Bistro
Eat
afternoon

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
Subway
Eat
afternoon

Subway

Familiar sandwich chain located in the Lake Louise area, good for building simple, filling subs for picnics.

30m · $9-12 per person
The Maple Leaf
Eat
evening

The Maple Leaf

Refined Canadian cuisine featuring Alberta beef, seafood, and regional specialties in a warm, wood-accented dining room.

2h · $70-120 per person
Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
Eat
evening

Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar

Upscale dining with a focus on regional ingredients and an exceptional wine list, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bow Valley.

2h · $80-130 per person
Tim Hortons
Eat
morning

Tim Hortons

Iconic Canadian fast-food and coffee chain with cheap breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and doughnuts—useful if you’re staying or passing through Canmore.

25m · $5-9 per person
Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub
Eat
evening

Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub

Cozy basement pub with filling comfort food like burgers, fish and chips, and nachos; look for daily specials and share plates.

1h 15m · $13-18 per person (share plates to hit low end)
Tooloulou's
Eat
morning

Tooloulou's

Cozy Cajun-influenced breakfast spot famous for big portions, waffles, and creative omelettes; go for the eggs Benedict or sweet/ savoury combo plates.

1h · $20-30 per person
Wild Flour Bakery
Eat
morning

Wild Flour Bakery

Artisan bakery and café known for excellent coffee, fresh bread, pastries, and light breakfast plates.

45m · $15-25 per person

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