10 Best Things to do in Banff, Canada

The town of Banff is located within the National Park, so exploring it is one of the most obvious things you should be doing. You won’t regret it since it is considered to be one of the most worthwhile of all the things to do in Banff. It has a range of activities that can be done from canoeing, bird watching, and fishing, to hiking, mountain climbing and biking.

There are also ample opportunities to be had for spotting some wildlife. You will be able to see bighorn sheep, elks, bears, coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, deer, and moose, since they are all native to Banff. Remember to always be sensible when looking out for wildlife.

If you are heading out to Banff during winter, you will get to experience a winter wonderland adventure. Skiing is one of the best things to do in Banff because of the wonderful mountains that provide excellent opportunities. Sunshine Village is one of three ski resorts in Banff and offers twelve lifts, an elevation of 7,200 feet and more than 3,300 acres of land to ski on. It is often the first to open and receives the most snowfall since it sits on the Continental Divide.

The ski season here lasts from November all the way to May. Sunshine Village has one of the best ski schools around, so beginners will have excellent guidance. Sunshine Mountain Lodge has a great set up for relaxing after a long day of skiing. With drinks and dinner by a cosy and warm fire, you will retain only the fondest memories of this delightful place.

If you happen to visit Banff during summer, fret not since Sunshine Village offers some of the best hiking trails around, so it is still a must visit, no matter what time of the year you drop by.

Mount Norquay is one of the perfect spots for hiking during the summer. It is the trailhead for two popular trails in Banff and offers a gorgeous site for your hiking adventures. Hiking on Mount Norquay is one of the things to do in Banff that you should ensure to do when you are there. Grab a bite at the North American Lodge by making use of the shuttle service available from the Lodge to downtown Banff and back.

When you are on Mount Norquay, don’t forget to try out the Sightseeing Chairlift if you really want an unforgettable sight of the mountains. You will pass over many bear habitats, so there is a chance that you will get to see these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat from a safe distance.

There is a wonderful lookout point at the top of the mountain and visit the Cliffhouse Bistro. Here you will be able to dine with a stunning view from a height of 7,000 feet, which is not something you will be able to experience every day. You can also indulge in a guided tour of the cliffs to complete the hike.

Moraine lake is one of the most picturesque places in all of Canada. The scene with ten peaks that reflect along the surface of the glistening azure waters is so beloved that it was once featured on the twenty-dollar bill. Visiting this glorious site is something that should be on the top of your things to do in Banff list.

The pristine landscape will provide you with memorable natural beauty and the feeling of being the only few people in the world. If you want to make the most of this site, the best time to visit is at sunrise. The sight of the sun rising above all of nature’s glory will take your breath away.

The lake is not far from the town and provides you will a number of trails so you can make a day of visiting. Those who are experienced hikers, as well as novices will find something to suit their needs since there are different levels of difficulty on each one.

You can hike around the lake in 45 minutes if you choose the flat lakeshore trail, or you can hike for about two hours if you take the Consolation Lakes path. All the trails will provide you with scenery you won’t soon forget and will make for some unique adventures.

Lake Minnewanka is a lake that is filled by the waters of Cascade River. It can be found northeast of Banff town and is about 17 miles long. The First Nations Stoney people once hunted and fished along its beautiful shores and gave it the name “Minn-Waki” which means “Lake of the Spirits.” They held the belief that the lake was home to many spirits.

If you don’t believe in spirits, you will find this lake to be a beautiful spot to have a picnic or hike around. You will also be able to cruise on the lake itself. If you love the water, you can also opt for a scuba diving session. There are many hiking trails that lead to Cascade River and Stewart Canyon.

One of the ways you can view this lake if you don’t want to spend much time here is to take a drive. Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive provides a route that goes along the southwest of the lake and then loops back towards the town of Banff. If you are looking for a historical and beautiful day, spending it at Lake Minnewanka is one of the things to do in Banff that should be on your itinerary.

The famous Banff Gondola that is located at Sulphur Mountain will provide you with one of the most epic sceneries in the world. It is located to the south of Banff town and has an elevation of about 2,200 feet. The gondolas are fully enclosed and will take you up to the summit of the mountain, from where you will be able to bask in the beauty of the region. Even those who have a fear of heights will find this a pleasing experience since the breath-taking beauty of the sight will drown out any fears.

At the top, you can take a stroll along the Boardwalk and to Sanson’s Peak. Here, you will be able to see almost all of Banff from an amazing place, high up in the mountains. Besides being able to enjoy the stunning view of Banff and Bow River Valley, you will also be able to find a lovely spot to eat at one of the eateries available, pick up a souvenir or two from the gift shop, visit the multi-sensory theatre, experience an interpretive exhibit as well as enjoy a rooftop observation deck. The natural beauty that you will experience is one of a kind and you will find yourself recommending it to everyone as one of the things to do in Banff.

Visiting the hot springs after a long day of adventures is one of the best things to do in Banff. The water is maintained at around 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and provides a relaxing end to the day. The facility is kept in pristine conditions and has all the modern conveniences you could ever want. Railings, lockers, ladders, cafes, changing areas and a gift shop are all available for your pleasure and comfort. They are a particular favourite amongst the tourists during ski season since they are very rejuvenating, relaxing and a great respite after a day in the cold snow. The water at the hot springs are infused with a variety of minerals such as calcium, sulphate, magnesium, bicarbonate and sodium.

The incredible view provided while at the hot springs is very serene. Overlooking Mount Rundle and the valley from a height of 5,200 feet, you will feel a million miles away from the rest of the world. It’s a great place to melt away any stress or tension you may have and relax the mind and body.

If you appreciate history and the cultural heritage of a place, this is one of the most interesting things to do in Banff. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is where it all began. It is where the Banff National Park was born, and is the original site of the hot springs that made it so popular. This site also features displays that help to educate travellers and visitors about the native wildlife as well as the history of the park.

Not only is it a great historical site, but it also has plenty of natural beauty to behold. There are tours that will help you learn a lot more about this World National Heritage Site and the little details about the discovery and growth of the place. You can even dip your hands into the steamy waters that were the original hot springs.

The natives of the land discovered these hot springs long before the railway workers did in the 1880s. To the natives, also known as the First Nations people, these waters are considered to be sacred. They believed it to have healing purposes and used it to maintain good health and cure any unwanted illness.

The hours that the Cave and Basin National Historic Site operates during will be different according to each season. They also have a café, picnic tables, a gift shop, restrooms and a parking lot for those who choose to drive there. You will also find around four miles or more of trails that allow you to do some walking in nature.

Those who want a thrilling adventure and who are brave enough to try, the Glacier Skywalk is an adventure you should not miss out on. Athabasca Glacier, a part of the great Columbia Icefield, is known for being popular with tourists and is the most visited of all the glaciers in North America. One of the most popular ways to explore this giant block of ice is by opting for the tour on the favoured Ice Explorer. This is a bus designed to be able to drive on the glacier itself. It is a tour that lasts for a little over an hour and is a good way of exploring this glacier if you aren’t brave enough to go on the skywalk.

If you are brave enough to try, you will be able to walk on a walkway on a cliff edge that leads to an observation platform with a glass floor. It is about 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley. Not only will the view be stunning, but you will have an experience that will give you a thrill and is a must if you are looking for adrenaline pumping things to do in Banff.

When you visit the walkway, you will be taken on a tour that proceeds as a story that discusses various topics. Geology, hydrology, biology, technology and anthropology are some of the things that are discussed during the tour. You won’t just be having an adventure to get that adrenaline rushing, but you will also be learning a lot as you do it.

Don’t think that the only things to do in Banff include a lot of activity. It is possible for you to have some downtime and feed your mind as well. If you want to have a calmer experience, you need to check out the Whyte Museum. It is full of culture and art that is indigenous to the Canadian Rockies. It is a great way to take a break from all the outdoor adventuring, while still having a great time and exposing yourself to the culture of the place.

The museum is the place to be if you want to get a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the first settlers. You will also be able to learn about the folklore of the local people and view the incredible landscape paintings that have contemporary and historical value.

The Whyte Museum also has a museum shop and a library if you want to get in some extra reading or buy a few gifts or souvenirs. Visiting a museum may seem dull compared to the outdoor things to do in Banff, but it is definitely worth checking out.

Considering the seasonal activities that Banff has, it is a place that is great to visit at any time of the year. If you want to have a great adventure that involves hiking and water activities, you should visit during the summer months of July to September. But if you are in the mood for a winter wonderland adventure, you will find that winters also have plenty of things to do in Banff, Canada.

Adventure during the day and enjoy a hearty meal to finish it off. Live life to its fullest when you visit this scenic and adventurous paradise on Earth !