Home to Canada’s first national park and one of the oldest in the world, Banff in Alberta is a peaceful mountain town that offers some of the best natural scenery known to man. Located at an elevation of 4,537 feet, it is the highest town in Canada. This elevation puts it in close proximity to Canada’s stunning mountain ranges and glaciers.
Most of the town’s scenic attractions are nestled within the Banff National Park. Established in 1885, the Banff National Park covers 6,640 square kilometers. The large expanse offers visitors a seemingly endless landscape of snow-capped peaks, deep green forests, and turquoise lakes. It is a gorgeous slice of Heaven here on Earth.
Experience the natural winter wonderland in exciting Banff, Alberta. There are plenty of sights to see and things to do in Banff. It should be on any nature lover’s bucket list.
1. Ride the Banff Gondola
Gondola cable car up Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada | ronniechua, Getty Images
Located at the south side of Banff, the Banff Gondola, set at the base of Sulphur Mountain, is a must-visit for first-timers. The four-person gondolas take visitors up 2,200 feet to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. For the duration of the 8-minute ride, you are treated to amazing views of six of the Canadian Rockies mountain ranges.
Get to the top and revel in the beautiful alpine scenery. At the summit, you can stroll along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for more breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Prices vary per day, but the average winter rate is $60 for adults.
Banff Gondola
513 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
Admission:
• Adults – $64.00 ($58 Advanced Rate)
• Child (6-15 years) – $32.00 ($29 Advanced Rate)
• Child (5 and under) – FREE
Ph: 1.866.756.1904
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Sensory & Wit Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Banff Gondola.
The best hotel to stay near Banff Gondola based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Moose Hotel & Suites (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Enjoy winter sports at Banff Sunshine Village
Skiing in Banff, Sunshine Village | Banff Sunshine Village, YouTube
At the heart of the Canadian Rockies is the world-renowned ski resort: Banff Sunshine Village. With an altitude of over 7,200 feet, it offers a seven-month season of exciting snow activities. The three mountains in its areas allow for over 3,300 acres of skiable terrains with varying difficulties to suit every adrenaline junkie. The ski resort is open from early November to May.
Banff Sunshine Village
1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada
Admission:
• Adult $127 + GST
• Senior $99 + GST
• Youth $99 + GST
• Child $49 + GST
• 5 years & under FREE
• Complete ticket price list
Ph: +1 403-705-4000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Dining Room At Storm Mountain Lodge (4.9/5 stars, Fine dining, $$$)
• Devil’s Table (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Wolf Den (4.6/5 stars, Pub, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Banff Sunshine Village.
The best hotel to stay near Banff Sunshine Village based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Stoneridge Mountain Resort by CLIQUE (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Walk on a glacier at Columbia Icefield
Athabasca Glacier at Columbia Icefield Parkway in Jasper National Park ,Canada | MJ_Prototype, Getty Images
Located on the Icefields Parkway is Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Athabasca Glacier forms part of the icefield, covering 325 square kilometers and is up to 365 meters thick. It is the most-visited glacier in North America due to its accessibility.
Be filled with a deep sense of wonder at the otherworldly landscape created by living and slowly-shifting ice beneath your feet. Seeing the glacier in person and how rapidly it has changed in recent years gives visitors a wake-up call on the effect of climate change.
Columbia Icefield
AB-93, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Ph: +1 877-423-7433
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The spice joint jamaican café (4.9/5 stars, Jamaican, $$$)
• The STAND EASY, Jasper Royal Canadian Legion (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Harvest Food & Drink (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Columbia Icefield.
The best hotel to stay near Columbia Icefield based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Ski at the Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort | skilouise, Instagram
Located in the heart of the Banff National Park, the Lake Louise Ski Resort promises amazing scenery amidst the exciting skiing runs. The picturesque resort was named Canada’s Best Ski Resort during the 2019 World Ski Awards. With over 4,200 acres of the alpine landscape, there are enough terrain parks for every skier and snowboarder.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Admission:
• Single day lift tickets – Adult (18+) $105; Youth (13-17) $80; Child (6-12) $31
• Complete ticket price list
Ph: +1 (877) 956-8473
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Siding Café (4.6/5 stars, Cafe, $$$)
• Walliser Stube (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Juniper Bistro (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The best hotel to stay near Lake Louise Ski Resort based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Fairmont Banff Springs (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Begin at Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay Ski Resort | Mt. Norquay Banff, Facebook
Mount Norquay Ski Resort, while being the smallest of the three ski areas in Banff, is the most accessible. If you’re a beginner skier, it’s the perfect spot to test out your skills and gear before heading to the bigger resorts. It is also home to one of the largest ski and snowboard schools in Canada, training students of different levels by skills and age.
To elevate your experience, head on to Cliffhouse Bistro after a long day of skiing. Cliffhouse offers some of the best views of the area, which you can enjoy over a beer or two.
Mount Norquay Ski Resort
#2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
Admission:
• Season pass – Adult $619.00; Student $315.00
• Complete pass and tickets price list
Ph: +1 403-762-4421
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Bison Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Chuck’s Steakhouse (4.6/5 stars, Steak, $$)
• Rustica Steakhouse (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mount Norquay Ski Resort.
The best hotel to stay near Mount Norquay Ski Resort based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Grande Rockies Resort – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts (8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Be bewitched by Moraine Lake
Banff National Park of Canada | lucky-photographer, Getty Images
Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is a sight to behold. On it’s best days, the glacier-fed lake has a vivid and captivating turquoise hue that is striking against the alpine mountains and lush forest. The best time to see the surreal scenery is from late June to August when the glacier above the lake has melted.
For the best views of the lake, go up to the top of the rock moraine of the Rockpile Trail. At the top, you will be treated to gorgeous views overlooking the expanse of the lake.
Moraine Lake
622 Moraine Lake Rd, Field, AB, Canada
Admission / Shuttle seat price:
• Adult (18 to 64): $10
• Senior (65+): $5
• Youth (6 to 17): $5
• Child (under 6 years) – free
Ph: 403-762-1550
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Walter Wilcox Dining Room (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• The Bison Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Canadian, $$)
• Walliser Stube (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Moraine Lake.
The best hotel to stay near Moraine Lake based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Rimrock Resort Hotel (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Go on a hike
Tunnel Mountain Trail route | Mokozza, Wikimedia Commons
Banff National Park has over 1,600 kilometers of trails and offers some of the best hiking in the country set against incredible backdrops of alpine scenery. However, it takes much time and effort to go deep into the backcountry. For a relatively easier hike with still impressive views, check out the Tunnel Mountain trail as an alternative. The trail to the smallest mountain in Banff is accessible from downtown Banff. The trail is 4.3 kilometers long roundtrip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Tunnel Mountain Trail
137 St Julien Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Ph: 403.762.1550
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Dining Room At Storm Mountain Lodge (4.9/5 stars, Fine dining, $$$)
• The Sensory & Wit Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tunnel Mountain Trailhead.
The best hotel to stay near Tunnel Mountain Trailhead based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Post Hotel & Spa (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting
Kicking Horse River | James Gabbert, Getty Images
While the beauty of Banff is best enjoyed during the winter, the city has much to offer during the warmer weather. One of the most popular summertime activities is whitewater rafting. The scenic Kicking Horse River has exciting rapids that take you on the journey down to the upper and middle canyons of the river. Take a wild ride on the water playground that nature has built for your enjoyment!
9. Relax in the Banff Upper Hotsprings
Banff Upper Hot-springs | Banff National Park, Facebook
Once considered to be a spring with healing properties, the Banff Upper Hotsprings is a popular hotspot to rejuvenate. The warm pools are set against the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and surrounded by the lush forest. The pools’ water is heated geothermally and its temperature can get as hot as 47-degree Celcius during the winter!
Soak in the calming warm waters of the hot springs and take a gander at the serene alpine scenery enveloping your senses. This experience lets the struggles of the day easily melt away. The traditional hot springs are tailored for the modern traveler with facilities such as railings, ladders, and lockers.
Banff Upper Hotsprings
1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Admission:
• Adult (18-64) $8.48
• Youth (3-17) $7.46
• Child (Under 3) Free
• Senior (65+) $7.46
• Family (2 adults & 2 youth) $27.04
• Extra Youth $4.47
• Complete ticket price list
Ph: +1 800-767-1611
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• 514 Poutine (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• The Bison Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Canadian, $$)
• Chuck’s Steakhouse (4.6/5 stars, Steak, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Banff Upper Hot springs.
The best hotel to stay near Banff Upper Hot springs based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Solara Resort & Spa – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Walk around Banff Town
Shops and restaurants on Banff Avenue around Banff town center | Tashka, Getty Images
It’s hard to forget that Banff is a mountain town when the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains are peeking from almost every angle within the town. However, this lively town is far from the isolated, deserted mountain towns you may have heard of. The small town is thriving; its streets are lined with high-class restaurants and bars, busy shops and vibrant galleries and museums.
The best way to explore the town is to walk around it. Be inspired by captivating scenery and the passionate community it has cultivated. For views to go with your grub, go to the rooftop of The Elk and Oarsman on Banff Avenue.
Banff Town
110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1H7, Canada
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 403-762-1200
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Banff Poutine (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs (4.5/5 stars, Lounge, $$)
• 1888 Chop House (4.5/5 stars, Steak house, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Banff Town.
The best hotel to stay near Banff Town based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Moose Hotel & Suites (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Take the Banff Lake Cruise
Banff cruise at the scenic Lake Minnewanka | Jack Borno, Wikimedia Commons
Lake Minnewanka is one of the scenic lakes in Banff. The lake’s emerald green waters are striking against the rugged mountain ridges that stretch through the landscape. While you can enjoy the lake through the water sports or the lookout points available, taking a cruise through the lake is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Cruises run through almost every hour. For gorgeous views and sightings of active wildlife, the best time to take the cruise is before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
Banff Lake Cruise
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1J3, Canada
Admission:
• Classic Cruise – Adult $59, Child $30
• Explorer Cruise – Adult $89, Child $45
• Complete ticket price list
Ph: +1 403-762-3473
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Market Bistro (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. (4.6/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Banff Lake Cruise.
The best hotel to stay near Banff Lake Cruise based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Stoneridge Mountain Resort by CLIQUE (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Drive through the scenic Icefields Parkway
Banff National Park | SeanXu, Getty Images
The Icefields Parkway is a long and winding highway that connects the two national parks: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The scenic drive promises sightings of ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, massive mountains, emerald lakes, and dramatic rock formations on a clear day. This has given it world-renown as it has been named one of the top drives in the world by Conde Nast Traveller.
Go on a road trip unlike any other in this world! Every turn of the 232 kilometer stretch of road offers views of natural wonders.
Icefields Parkway
Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Ph: +1 403-522-3833
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Cedar House Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Copper Horse Steakhouse (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Reposados (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Icefields Parkway.
The best hotel to stay near Icefields Parkway based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Fairmont Banff Springs (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Stop by the Glacier Skywalk
Glacier Skywalk during summer in Jasper National Park, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada | R.M. Nunes, Getty Images
Located on the Icefields Parkway, the Glacier Skywalk is a 1-kilometer glass observation platform. The exciting cliff-edge walkway suspends visitors 280 meters from the ground. The Skywalk also offers a bird’s eye view of the Sunwapta Valley and its waterfalls, glaciers, and rugged landscape.
Reach new heights as you see the Canadian Rockies from a new perspective. You can also enjoy the view of the glacier with a hearty meal with locally-sourced ingredients at the nearby Altitude Restaurant.
Glacier Skywalk
Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Admission:
• CA$28.00 / adult; CA$14.00 / child
• Locals – CA$22.00 / adult; CA$11.00 / child
• Children 5 and under are free
Ph: +1 866-606-6700
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The spice joint jamaican café (4.9/5 stars, Jamaican, $$$)
• The STAND EASY, Jasper Royal Canadian Legion (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Harvest Food & Drink (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Glacier Skywalk.
The best hotel to stay near Glacier Skywalk based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Pyramid Lake Resort (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada | Chris Phan, Wikimedia Commons
Waking up to the otherworldly views of the Banff National Park is any traveler’s dream. This dream can be a reality when you book a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The 539-room luxury resort is nestled right in front of beautiful Lake Louise. Elegant and posh, the resort offers five-star service in a five-star environment.
Indulge and live your fairytale in the stunning and historic mansion-like resort. The 700-room hotel has a stone facade and sits high at 4,600 feet, thus it’s understandable comparison to a castle.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Admission: C$ 305 cheapest rate per night
Ph: +1 403-522-3511
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Siding Café (4.6/5 stars, Cafe, $$$)
• Walter Wilcox Dining Room (4.6/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
• Walliser Stube (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
The best hotel to stay near Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Post Hotel & Spa (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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