There are so many unimaginable issues to do in Banff National Park. Nestled within the coronary heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Banff is a spot of unmatched pure magnificence that captivates guests from world wide. With majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a wealthy range of wildlife, Banff is a wonderland of journey, the place guests can ski down snow-covered slopes, hike alongside winding trails, and soak in pure scorching springs.
Whether you’re searching for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life or an adrenaline-fueled journey within the nice outside, Banff has one thing to supply everybody. Are you prepared to find the magic of Banff and Lake Louise?
Best Things to do in Banff
Banff and Lake Louise are two communities inside the National Park and each make for an excellent base. With an space of 6,641 sq. kilometers (2,564 sq. miles), it’s a huge protected space and UNESCO World Heritage web site. Choosing the perfect issues to do in Banff is usually a problem, so these are our ideas of issues we predict you shouldn’t miss when visiting Banff, Alberta.
Banff Town itself is definitely fairly small and however the surrounding nationwide park, which is the oldest of Canada’s National Parks, is the place this area comes alive. A variety of the sights listed here are recognized world wide, like Moraine Lake, the world-famous Lake Louise, and the Columbia Icefield to call a couple of.
Be certain to buy your nationwide park go upfront. Rangers do ticket the parking tons and there aren’t any exceptions. You can buy it on the kiosks on Highway 1 as you enter the park, or order it upfront on-line.
1. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the preferred attraction in Banff National Park. Tourists flock right here in droves in the summertime months to paddle a canoe on the pristine emerald lake and soak up the great thing about the Victoria Glacier which feeds Lake Louise itself. Canoe Rentals value $145 for day guests. If you might have the price range keep on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise positioned straight on the lake.
We advocate the shoulder seasons right here to keep away from crowds. Mid-summer it could possibly get overwhelming with the entire individuals. The shoulder seasons provide fewer crowds and in case you are into mountaineering, make for a extra snug expertise across the lake. Read our full expertise at Canoe Lake Louise and Banff National Park, Alberta
Lake Louise in Winter
As with most sights in Banff National Park, the world-famous Lake Louise might be visited year-round. In the winter Lake Louise freezes over and you may lease skates to do some ice skating on the world’s most lovely skating rink.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rents skates and you may lease all of the gear you want from from downtown Lake Louise at Wilson Mountain Sports. Read all about our expertise at Pond Hockey on Lake Louise – Skating the Most Beautiful Rink within the World
3. Moraine Lake
You can not come to Banff National Park and never go to Moraine Lake. Canadians know this lake as Lake Moraine was made well-known because the picture on the again of our previous $20 invoice and let me let you know it’s a sight to behold.
It will not be removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The greatest time to go to Moraine Lake is unquestionably at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake you recognize why this is without doubt one of the most photographed places in North America.
Unfortunately, for the reason that change in guidelines for 2023 (see under) accessing Moraine Lake for dawn will not be doable by way of the Parks Canada Shuttle. You must discover a tour that has entry to do that. If you trip a motorbike or take an organized tour you may go to Lake Moraine for dawn.
After grabbing your dawn shot we do recommend hitting the mountaineering trails. There are so many nice trails on this space, however you must not less than do the Moraine Lake Shore Trail. It is simply 2.9km lengthy, simple, and affords a number of the most unimaginable views of the Canadian Rockies within the park. Most individuals stick with the Rockpile Trails, however you’ll usually discover this one much less busy. Read extra: 16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover
New Moraine Lake Rules
Please observe that as of Summer 2023, you may solely entry Moraine Lake by way of the shuttle service from the Lake Louise Area, with Roam Transit, or different industrial transportation. This will value $8 for adults, seniors $4, and youngsters aged six and beneath are free. It is beneficial to e-book upfront on the Parks Canada Website. Parking on the Lake Louise Lodge is beneficial or there are additionally shuttles accessible from the Lake Louise space.Â
No personal autos are allowed on the street to Moraine Lake or the Parking Lot except you might have a disabled tag. There are day by day shuttles from the Lake Louise Park-and-ride
4. Lake Agnus Tea House Trail
The Lake Agnus Tea House has been serving tea since 1905 and is without doubt one of the extra common hikes in Banff. The Lake Agnes Trail which begins on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on a paved path that takes you alongside the north shore of Lake Louise with gorgeous views of the Victoria Glacier to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
The Lake Agnes Tea House itself was constructed by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a spot the place hikers may cease and relaxation as they hiked to see the turquoise lakes of Lake Louise and Lake Agnus. In 1905 it began serving tea and hasn’t stopped since. Read extra about the perfect hikes in Banff
4. Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Hot Springs is probably the most well-known pure scorching springs in Banff, and you may even lease an old-timers bathing swimsuit to really feel like you’re in a bathhouse of the roaring twenties. This can be one of many cheaper issues to do in Banff at simply $10-15 CAD.
Not removed from the Banff Gondola, is the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located at an elevation of 1585 m the views of Mount Rundle and the encompassing valley are to die for. Couple that with soaking within the pure mineral water springs which are saved at a snug 98-104 F and you’ve got an ideal afternoon exercise.
5. Take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
One of the highest issues to do in Banff is to take the gondola as much as the highest of Sulphur Mountain. The views from right here actually make you recognize the placement and fantastic thing about Banff. There is a restaurant on the high and a enjoyable interactive museum. There are additionally viewing platforms to absorb totally different views of the Canadian Rockies and the Bow River Valley under.
Once on the high of the gondola, you may take a brief hike out towards the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the boardwalk. You can be rewarded with gorgeous views over the Bow River Valley in addition to the encompassing peaks. The gondola trip itself is fairly costly at $62 CAD per individual, however you may undoubtedly spend half a day up at Sulphur Mountain to get your cash’s price.
6. the Legendary Fairmont Hotels
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotels are the Grand Dames of Banff. The previous lodges have been initially constructed for CP Rail passengers connecting Canada and have reworked over time into luxurious properties. Even in case you are not staying in these lodges, they’re price stopping in for a glance.
Both lodges have been based by the Canadian Pacific Railway to draw vacationers to the West. They have been renovated over time and are an expensive expertise in Banff.
Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel will not be removed from Downtown Banff and makes for an excellent base. It can be near the Gondola, Upper Hot Springs, and Cave and Basin. From right here it’s simple to take a hike to the Bow Falls Lookout to view Bow Falls. Book a evening to remain right here for dinner or simply cease in for a espresso.
Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is positioned straight on Lake Louise and you may take pleasure in all its facilities like ice skating on the lake in winter or canoe leases in the summertime. We at all times choose up a espresso on the Fairmont Lake Louise to take with us on a hike across the lake. But we extremely advocate reserving an evening on this historic lodge.
7. Johnston Canyon
Walking the trail by Johnston Canyon is without doubt one of the most fun issues to do in Banff. You can do that year-round and it takes on a complete totally different feeling within the totally different seasons. We liked doing the Johnston Canyon Ice stroll within the wintertime.
The full stroll of Johnston Canyon within the winter will take you to 6 totally different frozen waterfalls and a deep pool of swirling water that’s reached by strolling by a stone arch. It is a winter wonderland such as you’ve by no means seen.
Johnston Canyon can be lovely in the summertime as properly. The path options iron walkways overhanging the canyon, which provide some nice views. There are two trails at Johnston Canyon and we recommend doing each.
The Upper Falls, the place on the finish of the path you’re rewarded with the magical scene of the falls plunging down right into a pool that’s surrounded by the canyon partitions. And the Lower Falls which places you proper down within the canyon itself, with magnificent partitions surrounding you in addition to the falls.
The hike itself is fairly average and is a couple of 5 km spherical journey. If you’re driving the Bow Valley Parkway, then make certain so as to add this to your itinerary.
8. Sunrise or Sunset at Vermillion Lakes
Vermillion Lakes is a collection of three small lakes positioned in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. These lakes are recognized for his or her gorgeous views of Mount Rundle and the encompassing mountains. This is a highly regarded vacation spot for watching dawn and sundown.
The greatest time to see the dawn or sundown is in the course of the summer season months when the times are the longest, and the solar rises early and units late. It can be essential to test the climate forecast, because the view might be obscured by clouds or fog. It can be a good suggestion to reach at Vermillion Lakes early, not less than half-hour earlier than dawn or sundown, to safe viewing spot and to absorb the peaceable ambiance of the world.
Vermillion Lakes has a number of scenic viewpoints and strolling paths that provide panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Some common spots embrace the Vermillion Lakes Drive, which affords views from the street, and the Vermillion Lakes Trail, which affords views from the shore of the lakes.
9. Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is positioned simply outdoors the city of Banff and makes for an excellent day tour. You can benefit from the mountaineering path across the lake, or get on the water. It is a comparatively giant lake at 27km lengthy making Lake Minnewanka the right place to take a cruise. It provides you an excellent perception into the historical past of the world and is the right solution to recognize the great thing about this lake.
For those that are a bit extra adventurous, we recommend hopping on one of many many mountaineering trails that encompass Lake Minnewanka. Some of our favorites are the Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap path and the hike to Stewart Canyon.
If you don’t have a whole lot of time right here you may take a drive alongside the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Derive, which takes you proper alongside the sting of the lake earlier than making its means again to the city of Banff. This is one space of Banff that you simply don’t wish to miss.
10. Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a extremely cool expertise in Banff. It was the unique Banff Hot Springs. This nationwide historic web site takes you on a tour by a cave in direction of an underwater scorching spring.
Unfortunately, you may’t swim within the spring anymore, however it’s superb to stroll on the trail to the unique scorching pool. Cave and Basin National Historic Site was the place the Canadian National Parks system was born. It was the invention of this authentic spring that result in Banff being a protected space.
of the birthplace of the Canadian National Parks system. You can study all about how and why Banff turned the primary Canadian National Park, which supplies you a whole lot of appreciation for those who found this space.
11. the Bow Valley Parkway
There are a few drives you shouldn’t miss when visiting Banff and the Bow Valley Parkway is one in all them. Located off the Trans-Canada Highway this two-lane scenic drive affords some spectacular viewpoints. There is the Castle Mountain Trail, Johnston Canyon, and the well-known Morant’s Curve.
Morant’s Curve
Morants Curve is a well-liked spot for photographers. If you time it proper, you’ll have a photograph of a prepare coming round this well-known curve. If you’re in search of another solution to discover Banff National Park which isn’t the standard freeway that everybody takes, the Bow Valley Parkway is the right street to take. This scenic drive is nice in each the summer season and winter
12. Downtown Banff
When in search of issues to do in Banff, there are many issues to do downtown. Cascade mountain towers over this lovely city making a picture-perfect scene that’s well-known world wide. This world-class vacation spot is exclusive in the truth that it sits contained in the nationwide park. Most individuals base themselves in downtown Banff to expertise all the nice issues to do in Banff Nationational Park and for good cause.
Downtown Banff has an excellent meals scene, terrific purchasing, and lodges that may be a bit simpler in your price range than staying at locations just like the Fairmont Lake Louise. Don’t miss taking in a number of the native cultures on the Whyte Museum and the Mount Royal Hotel which has a small museum inside and an excellent artwork show outside.
Things to do in Downtown Banff
- Stroll alongside Banff Avenue and discover the numerous outlets, eating places, and galleries.
- Visiting the Banff Park Museum, which options reveals on the historical past, geology, and wildlife of the world.
- Soaking within the pure waters on the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
- Enjoying a efficiency or occasion on the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
- Exploring the native artwork scene on the Whyte Museum
- Banff Park Museum
- Hiking or biking on the numerous trails that begin proper from the sting of downtown.
- Relaxing with a e-book in Central Park or watching the world go by from one of many many outside patios.
13. Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is without doubt one of the most lovely drives in Canada. It begins in Banff National Park and takes you to a number of the most unimaginable surroundings on earth. It ends in Jasper National Park with a cease on the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center on the mid means level. This drive connects the 2 nationwide parks and you need to make this a part of your bucket checklist when visiting Alberta. Read our full publish: Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta
You can drive The Icefields Parkway in sooner or later, however we recommend giving your self 2 and spending a while in Jasper as properly. On the drive you’ll see bighorn sheep, it’s possible you’ll spot grizzly bears and also you’ll have awe-inspiring views of glaciers. Check out all of the issues to do in Jasper right here.
Make certain to take time to take pleasure in its views and you should definitely cease on the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center to take pleasure in views of the Athabasca Glacier. There is a restaurant and you may e-book excursions to see the Glacier Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.
The drive itself begins in Lake Louise and heads north for 293 km. It passes turquoise lakes and excessive lookouts with well-known stops resembling Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the Glacier Skywalk simply to call a couple of.
You can lease a automotive in Banff and we extremely advocate it for having the freedome to see all the highest points of interest. Not solely will you be capable to expertise cool issues to do in Banff however additionally, you will finish your journey within the lovely Jasper National park the place you may discover the Sunwapta Falls, Lake Annette, and take a look at the unimaginable Jasper Park Lodge.
14. Bow Lake
Bow Lake might be one in all our favourite locations to go to once we are in Banff. Located alongside the Icefield’s parkway and fed by the Bow Glacier, Bow Lake is a picturesque cease you received’t wish to miss.
It is a good cease when driving as much as Jasper National Park from Banff and we recommend mountaineering alongside the shoreline, or taking the Bow Glacier Falls Trail in the summertime and getting your self some snowshoes within the winter. You can then drop into the Num-Ti-Ja Lodge to seize a drink or to absorb the historical past of the world.
We advocate spending a bit time right here in case you are actually into mountaineering. The hike as much as Bow Glacier Falls not solely takes you across the lake itself it affords spectacular views of the valley and you’re rewarded on the finish with the attractive scene of Bow Glacier falls. It is a comparatively simple hike and properly price it.
15. the Athabasca Glacier
The Athabasca Glacier, which is a part of the Columbia Icefield is the most-visited glacier in North America. Every 12 months hundreds of individuals flock right here to get an opportunity to stroll on the well-known glacier and witness the great thing about the encompassing mountains.
Located across the midway level of the Icefield’s parkway between Banff and Jasper, the Athabasca Glacier is a kind of issues to do in Banff which you could actually brag about.
But we recommend leaping on a tour that takes you out to stroll on the glacier, gaze into crevasses, and really feel the ability of mom nature beneath your ft. There are a few choices, a 3-hour tour, and a 5-hour tour, relying on how a lot time you might have and the way match you’re. It does take a mean health stage however it’s an expertise you’ll always remember.
16. Hit the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort
IOne of the perfect issues to do in Banff is to hit the slopes and go snowboarding or snowboarding. Banff has 3 ski resorts (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Norquay) which are comparatively shut collectively and the situations listed here are perfect.
The most well-known of all of the ski resorts in Banff is Lake Louise. This is the premier ski vacation spot in Alberta and if you see the views surrounding you on the slopes you recognize why. Lake Louise hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and its world-class slopes have terrain for everybody from newbie to professional.
Soaring mountain peaks encompass you as you benefit from the over 400 acres of skiable terrain on the ten chair lifts. The trails right here cater to all ranges and if hitting the slopes is what you like to do then we recommend including the Lake Louise Ski Resort to your checklist.
Lake Louise Gondola
In {the summertime} take the Lake Louise Summer Gondola is open for wildlife viewing. It is without doubt one of the greatest locations to securely view grizzly bears. But you might also see black bears, lynx, moose, elk, and mountain goats. You can e-book guided mountaineering excursions,
17. Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Sunshine Village is simply a 30-minute drive from downtown Banff and is normally the primary to get snow, so it naturally has the longest ski season. It has 12 Chairlifts and over 3000 acres of skiable terrain, making it excellent for each stage of skier or snowboarder.
When we snowboarded right here we stayed proper on the mountain at Sunshine Mountain Lodge which has Banff’s largest lodge scorching tub so, after a day on the boards, we may soothe your aching muscle tissues within the tub. Not an inexpensive possibility however undoubtedly price it if you wish to splurge.
In {the summertime}, Sunshine village transforms into one of many premier mountaineering locations within the park. There are so many hikes on this space, that it would be best to give your self a couple of days to discover a couple of for your self.
18. Norquay
If you’re in search of household ski resorts in Banff, Norquay is a superb alternative. Norquay is the closest ski hill to Banff Town and is nice for a day journey or for households.
If you wish to strive one thing totally different, head over to do some snow tubing. It’s the final word sofa potato thrill trip. You trip the magic carpet to the highest, allow them to put you on the tube, and push you down the hill. All you need to do is hoot and holler all the way in which down!
19. Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay
Besides snowboarding and snow tubing at Mount Norquay, strive your hand at its Via Ferrata. This thrilling and distinctive climbing expertise permits guests to scale the rugged cliffs of the Canadian Rockies whereas safely harnessed to metal cables and iron rungs. This guided climbing route is ideal for each novice and skilled climbers, providing a one-of-a-kind journey with gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains and valleys.
The Via Ferrata route at Mount Norquay is a multi-pitch climb and the route is split into a number of sections, with every part providing a distinct stage of problem and problem. Climbers are outfitted with a harness, helmet, and climbing gear, and are hooked up to the metal cables always, making certain most security.
As climbers ascend the mountain, they’re handled to breathtaking views of the encompassing panorama, together with the Banff Town, the Bow River Valley, and the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountains. The climbing route additionally consists of a number of suspension bridges and a heart-pumping freefall swing.
20. Helicopter Tour over Banff National Park
If there may be one helicopter tour that you simply do in your life, do it over the Rocky Mountains. It’s even higher to see them in winter. Dave and I’ve had the privilege of taking scenic flights on 6 continents, however our flight over Banff National Park provided probably the most breathtaking views of our lives.
Seeing Banff National Park in winter from above was probably the most hanging scene we’ve ever witnessed. The peaks lined in snow regarded like the right winter wonderland. Each go provided one magnificent view after one other. Rockies Heli makes use of are state-of-the-art helicopters with bubble home windows and loads of house to present everybody the very best views.
Regardless of whether or not you go to within the winter or the summer season that is one of the simplest ways to get an actual appreciation of the wonder and vastness that Banff National Park has to supply. Book your Heli expertise right here.
21. Snowshoe the Rocky Mountain Trails
We killed two birds with one stone throughout our helicopter flight with Rockies Heli, by reserving the Heli Snowshoe expertise. We landed on a mountain peak and hiked by the paths showcasing extraordinary mountain views.
We’ve executed a couple of snowshoeing experiences in Banff, and this one was by far the perfect because it began at altitude and we have been already excessive within the mountains. Nothing may examine to those views!
22. Take images of the Starry Nights in Banff
Winter in Banff is the perfect time for evening images. The days are brief so you will discover darkish skies as early as 6 pm.
The nights are clear revealing the milky means and the Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights). Banff is understood for its darkish skies and locations like Vermilion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Lake are just some locations to seize the imposing evening skies.
We advocate leaping on a tour because it will get you to the perfect locations on the proper time. This sundown and stars tour is nice because it runs year-round.
22. Mountain Biking
There are mountain biking trails for all talent ranges in Banff. Ride on every thing from single tracks to simple riverside rides. There are loads of locations to bike leases and equipment in each Banff and Lake Louise.
23. Dog Sled to British Columbia
There’s just one place you may go canine sledding in Banff National Park and that’s with KingMik Dog Sled Tours. Their workforce of canine is quick and crammed with pep and zip as they run by the Great Divide Trail all the way in which to the border of British Columbia.
As you’re snuggled up inside a heat sleeping bag and zipped into the windproof canvas, you glide by the forest in search of lynx tracks whereas your information tells you in regards to the space, the canine, and the surroundings. On the way in which again, it’s your flip to drive the sled and also you’ll really feel like a real explorer as you mush by the previous Trans Canada path.
Read all about Dogsledding in Banff: There are movies and footage too!
24. Stay in a Back Country Lodge
If you ever make it to the Rocky Mountains, you need to make certain to go to a backcountry lodge. This is the epitome of issues to do in Banff in winter. Why? Because it’s the place you utterly get away from all of it. Don’t fret an excessive amount of about bears or cougars within the winter.
For probably the most half, they’re hibernating and in case you are a celebration of two or three, they’ll be extra afraid of you than you’re of them. Imagine sitting in a log cabin heated by a wood-burning range because the snow falls round you outdoors.
That is pure heaven. Sundance Lodge has an government chef, scorching water for showers, solar energy, and comfortable bedrooms. This is the place luxurious meets rustic residing and in the event you go dwelling and inform everybody that you simply trekked 16km into the Rocky Mountains to remain at a lodge, you’ll be the hero of all your folks. You can get to the Banff Alberta Back Country by snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
25. Take Sleigh Ride
The Fairmont Lake Louise affords sleigh rides alongside the sting of Lake Louise within the winter taking you out to the bottom of Victoria Glacier. It’s a wonderful trip by the forest providing mountain views and a romantic expertise. Sip scorching chocolate as your driver takes the reins and tells you the historical past of Alberta and Banff.
26. Visit Park Distillery
Park Distillery is a standout for drinks and dinner in Banff. Located within the coronary heart of downtown Banff, Park Distillery produces quite a lot of handcrafted spirits utilizing solely the best pure substances. You can e-book a tour for a glance into their on-site working distillery.
One of the standout options of Park Distillery is that it is without doubt one of the few distilleries on the earth to make use of 100% mountain glacial-fed water in its manufacturing course of. This pristine water supply comes from six glaciers excessive up within the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is piped on to the distillery, making certain that the spirits are of the best high quality and style.
In addition to the excursions, Park Distillery has an on-site restaurant that serves up scrumptious, regionally sourced meals, a lot of which is ready utilizing the identical glacial-fed water used within the spirits. The restaurant options an in depth cocktail menu that showcases the distillery’s spirits in distinctive and artistic methods.
27. Spot wildlife in Banff National Park
Great snowboarding, mountaineering, and outside actions usually are not the one issues that Banff is known for. Lots of people flock to the park to catch a glimpse of its ample wildlife.
You are nearly assured to see deer wandering across the city of Banff itself, however in case you are in search of the perfect wildlife experiences we recommend heading into the park to have the perfect probability of wildlife sightings.
Grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars are all within the park and also you be capable to see one in case you are fortunate and affected person. We discovered that by going as much as Jasper National Park we noticed extra wildlife than in Banff. Up there we noticed loads of elk strolling by Jasper Park Lodge, two grizzly bears and bighorn sheep on the facet of the street and mountain goats within the distance.
Watch our Best of Banff Video
If you’re looking at upping your probabilities of seeing wildlife in Banff then we do recommend leaping on an organized tour. We took the Banff Highlights and Wildlife tour and noticed fairly a little bit of wildlife that I do know we’d not have seen if we have been simply on our personal.
28. Two Jack Lake
First off, Two Jack Lake affords breathtaking surroundings. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you favor to take a leisurely stroll across the lake or discover the encompassing mountaineering path, the views from Two Jack Lake are beautiful.
The lake is a well-liked vacation spot for paddling and picnicking, and there are a number of close by mountaineering trails that provide panoramic views of the encompassing panorama. Whether you favor to loosen up and take within the views or to be extra energetic, Two Jack Lake is bound to go away an enduring impression.
The lake is positioned just some kilometers from the city of Banff, and it’s simply accessible by automotive or bike and there may be ample parking accessible close to the lake.
29. Ice Climbing
One of probably the most adventurous issues to do in Banff is to go mountain climbing. Did you recognize which you could go mountain climbing eight months of the 12 months round Banff and Canmore, Alberta? The city Canmore is positioned simply outdoors Banff National Park in Alberta between Calgary and Banff and you may e-book mountain climbing excursions with skilled guides at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
When you go mountain climbing right here, you’ll be climbing with the perfect mountaineers on the earth! Our Guide, Pat of advised us there are three locations on the earth which are the perfect for Ice Climbing, and the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta are the tops! You don’t want expertise, only a zest for journey and an absence of concern of heights. Read all about it at Ice Climbing within the Rockies
30. Enjoy the Food Scene within the Town of Banff
The Town of Banff has a superb meals scene. Nothing beats Alberta Grade A beef, so head out for the evening and check out some native delicacies. Most eateries serve farm-to-table and substances are all regionally sourced.
Our suggestions for the place to eat in Banff are:
- Sleeping Buffalo Dining Room at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
- Fine Dining at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
- The Bison Restaurant Downtown
- Park Distillery – Downtown
- Block Kitchen
Hotels in Banff
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs lodges are undoubtedly excessive on the checklist of locations to remain you probably have the price range. Located proper subsequent door to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is Deer Lodge and we discovered this to be glorious to discover the well-known Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
But Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village has Banff’s largest lodge scorching tub positioned proper on the facet of the ski hill the place after a day on the boards, you may soothe your aching muscle tissues within the tub. We additionally stayed at Deer Lodge positioned proper subsequent door to the Fairmont Lake Louise and it was glorious.
If you wish to keep within the city of Banff, Buffalo Mountain Lodge and Fox Hotel and Suites are nice choices. And for a romantic winter getaway in an expensive but rustic cabin full with a hearth, we advocate Storm Mountain Lodge.
Most lodges have outside scorching tubs and an inexpensive possibility is the Juniper Hotel
Want suggestions for the perfect lodging in Banff – Read our publish: Where to Stay in Banff – 17 Best Banff Hotels
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in Banff
How Far is Lake Louise From Banff?
Many individuals assume that Lake Louise is subsequent door to Banff, however in reality, it’s a little bit of a drive. Lake Louise is 57km (35 miles) from Banff. It is a simple drive alongside Highway 1 or The Bow Valley Parkway which is the extra scenic route.
Should You Stay in Banff or Lake Louise?
It depends upon what you wish to do. Lake Louis is higher for snowboarding and actions on the lake. The lodges are absolutely functioning with eateries and outlets. But the city of Banff affords extra facilities and it’s nearer to Banff’s fundamental points of interest just like the Hot Springs and Banff Gondola. We have a whole information on Where to Stay in Banff
Is Everything Open in Banff in Winter?
Banff and Lake Louise are absolutely practical within the winter. Everything is open save for mountaineering trails to lakes which are snowed in and plenty of lake and mountaineering parking tons are closed.
How far is Banff from Calgary?
Banff is 130 km (80 miles) from Calgary or an hour and a half drive. It is 145 km (90 miles) from the Calgary Airport.
How Many Days do I want in Banff?
There are a whole lot of issues to do in Banff and we recommend a minimal of three days in Banff. However, 5 days is good to go to Banff and be capable to see its high points of interest from the Icefields Parkway to the city of Banff. You’ll want sooner or later alone to go to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, one other full day for downtown Banff and its close by points of interest and a full day for the Icefields Parkway and The Columbia Icefield.
Getting To Banff
Getting to Banff By Train
Getting to Banff by prepare is a good way to expertise the gorgeous fantastic thing about the Canadian Rockies whereas avoiding the stress of driving. Banff is positioned within the province of Alberta, and the closest main metropolis is Calgary, which is a 90 minute drive away.
We have traveled to Banff on the Rocky Mountaineer, which is a buket checklist journey. This luxurious vacationer prepare has a number of totally different routes, together with a route from Vancouver to Banff that takes two days and consists of in a single day stays in Kamloops and Jasper. This possibility gives a possibility to see a number of the most scenic elements of the Canadian Rockies whereas having fun with snug lodging, connoisseur meals, and panoramic views from the prepare’s dome vehicles.
Another possibility for attending to Banff by prepare is to take the VIA Rail Canada service from Calgary to Jasper. This route takes roughly eight hours and passes by the guts of the Canadian Rockies, providing views of the gorgeous mountain surroundings alongside the way in which. Once you arrive in Jasper, you may proceed your journey to Banff by taking a bus or renting a automotive.
Regardless of the particular prepare you select, there are a number of issues to remember when planning your journey to Banff by prepare. It is essential to e-book your tickets properly upfront, because the trains can replenish rapidly throughout peak journey seasons.
It can be essential to permit your self sufficient time in Banff to totally benefit from the pure magnificence we met individuals on the prepare who solely gave themself sooner or later in Banff and that merely will not be sufficient.
Getting to Banff By Bus
Getting to Banff by bus is a handy and budget-friendly possibility for these seeking to expertise the great thing about the Canadian Rockies. Banff is about two hours by bus from Calgary.
One possibility for attending to Banff by bus is to take a shuttle service from Calgary International Airport. This is a handy possibility for individuals who are flying into Calgary and wish to straight head to Banff. The shuttle service normally takes about two hours and gives a snug and hassle-free journey to Banff. The shuttle drivers are educated and may present details about the world and its points of interest alongside the way in which.
Another possibility for attending to Banff by bus is to take the general public transit system in Calgary, which incorporates each buses and trains. From Calgary, you may take the Calgary Transit bus quantity 300 to Banff Park and Ride, which is positioned simply outdoors the city of Banff. From there, you may take a shuttle bus or a taxi to your closing vacation spot within the park.
Getting to Banff By Car
Getting to Banff National Park by automotive is one of the simplest ways to go to Banff. Banff is a 90 minute drive from Calgary. Driving to Banff from Calgary is simple and comparatively simple, because the journey follows the Trans-Canada Highway, which is a well-maintained four-lane freeway. The drive from Calgary to Banff takes you thru rolling hills and scenic countryside, and as you get nearer to Banff, the surroundings turns into extra dramatic and mountainous.
Before you start your drive to Banff it is very important test the climate and street situations, because the roads might be icy and slippery within the winter months, and heavy snowfall could make driving troublesome. It can be essential to carry a map and a GPS navigation system, as cellular phone protection might be spotty in some elements of the park.
When driving to Banff, it is very important buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which is required to enter Banff National Park. Be conscious of the wildlife within the space and take precautions. Keep a watch out for wildlife on the street and keep away from preserve your distance from the animals. There are grizzly bears and mountain lions within the space.
In Conclusion
After visiting Banff not less than a dozen occasions, we at all times discover one thing new to do. Banff is without doubt one of the most lovely nationwide parks on the earth and if you lay eyes on Lake Louise for the primary time you’ll agree. It’s no surprise Banff National Park was the primary nationwide park in Canada. Our forefathers knew what they have been doing after they determined to guard this little slice of paradise.