Banff

Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
01/08/2025
Captivating view of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, showcasing turquoise waters and majestic mountains.
Nicole Seidl, Pexels

Banff, located in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park, is a celebrated resort town known for its majestic mountain landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, pristine turquoise lakes, and dense pine forests. It is a premier destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenic views.

The town of Banff serves as the central hub for visitors, offering a variety of restaurants, breweries, and retail stores where tourists and backpackers can gather and socialize. While not a dedicated party district, these establishments provide opportunities for interaction.

Top 6 Things to do in Banff

Activities in Banff primarily revolve around experiencing breathtaking mountain scenery, exploring turquoise lakes, engaging in outdoor adventures, and enjoying relaxing natural attractions.

1. Ride the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain

Ascending Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola offers panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley. At the summit, visitors can explore observation decks, walk along a boardwalk, and dine at restaurants like Sky Bistro. It is a thrilling way to witness the vastness of the Rockies. For those seeking an active challenge, hiking up the 10.8 km trail (755m elevation gain) to the summit is a free alternative, though a gondola ride down is not guaranteed without a pre-purchased ticket.

Cost: Pricing varies based on demand; booking at least 48 hours in advance typically offers cheaper rates. A free shuttle from downtown Banff is available with a pre-purchased gondola ticket.

Transport: The Banff Gondola is located on Sulphur Mountain. Roam Public Transit Route 1 runs from Banff Avenue directly to the Banff Gondola. A one-way adult fare is approximately $2 CAD, with a day pass costing $5 CAD. Children aged 12 and under travel free. A taxi from downtown Banff to the gondola costs approximately $15-19 CAD. , , ,

2. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Lake Louise, with its iconic turquoise waters set against towering peaks, is a must-see destination. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or rent a canoe for a unique perspective on the water. Moraine Lake, equally stunning with its vivid blue waters in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, offers picturesque views and hiking opportunities along its shoreline. Due to its popularity, private vehicle access to Moraine Lake is prohibited; visitors must use designated shuttles.

Cost: Canoe rentals on Lake Louise are approximately $145 CAD per hour. Parking at the Lake Louise Lakeshore costs about $36.75 CAD per vehicle daily. To access Moraine Lake, visitors must use the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park & Ride, costing $8 CAD for adults and $4 CAD for seniors (youth are free), plus a non-refundable reservation fee ($3.50 online). The Roam Super Pass ($30 CAD) also provides access to the Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. , , , , , ,

Transport: From Banff, the Roam Transit Route 8X (Lake Louise Express) transports visitors to Lake Louise for approximately $12.50 CAD per adult. From Lake Louise Village, Parks Canada shuttles connect to the Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake. , ,

3. Hike Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon features a series of catwalks built into the canyon walls, guiding visitors alongside a rushing river and past impressive waterfalls. In summer, the hike leads to the Lower and Upper Falls, while in winter, it transforms into an 'icewalk' where visitors can witness frozen waterfalls and ice climbers. It is a popular and accessible trail for various fitness levels.

Cost: Hiking Johnston Canyon is free. Guided ice walk tours are available in winter, starting from approximately $99 CAD.

Transport: Johnston Canyon is a short drive from Banff, approximately 30 minutes. Roam Public Transit Route 9 provides service from Banff to Johnston Canyon, with an adult one-way fare of approximately $5 CAD. , ,

4. Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs offer a natural, mineral-rich thermal bath experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It provides a relaxing way to unwind after exploring the park and is enjoyable year-round.

Cost: Admission fees vary seasonally. Discounted multi-entry passes are available. ,

Transport: The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located on Sulphur Mountain, near the Banff Gondola. Roam Public Transit Route 1 offers direct service from downtown Banff to the hot springs parking lot, costing approximately $2 CAD for a one-way adult fare or $5 CAD for a day pass. Children aged 12 and under travel free. A taxi from Banff to the hot springs costs around $15-19 CAD. , , ,

5. Canoe or Kayak on the Bow River or Lake Minnewanka

Paddling on the Bow River or Lake Minnewanka provides a tranquil experience and a unique perspective of Banff's landscapes. The Bow River offers calm waters for leisurely paddling, while Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, provides opportunities for scenic boat cruises and rentals of canoes, kayaks, and motorboats, especially beautiful in the morning before winds pick up.

Cost: Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at the Banff Canoe Club (Bow River) and on Lake Minnewanka. Boat tours are also offered on Lake Minnewanka. Prices for rentals vary; expect them to be similar to or lower than the Lake Louise canoe rental (approx. $145 CAD per hour). , , ,

Transport: The Banff Canoe Club is approximately 5 minutes from downtown Banff. Lake Minnewanka is accessible by Roam Public Transit or by car to the Minnewanka Park & Ride area. ,

6. Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, is considered one of the most scenic drives globally. This route offers incredible views of ancient glaciers, stunning alpine lakes like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Numerous pull-offs allow for stops to appreciate the natural beauty and short hikes.

Cost: A Parks Canada Pass is required. There are no direct public transport options for the entire Parkway, but guided tours are available. The primary costs are fuel and any tour fees. , , , ,

Transport: This activity requires a personal vehicle or booking a guided tour. There is no public transit that covers the entire length of the Icefields Parkway.

Check out our other pages on Banff

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Canada

Atlantic Canada
British Columbia - Interior
British Columbia - Pacific Coast
Canadian Prairies
Canadian Rockies
Northern Canada
Quebec
Southern Ontario