Top Things to Do in Banff
Things to Do in Banff
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Banff.
- Full-day Toursfromper adultRM 698
- Full-day Toursfromper adultRM 975
- Full-day Toursfromper adultRM 526
- Parksfromper adultRM 207
- Eco Toursfromper adultRM 425
- fromper adultRM 637
- Food & Drinkfromper adultRM 737
- fromper adultRM 554
- Nature and Wildlife Toursfromper adultRM 265
- Full-day Toursfromper adultRM 572
Other Top Attractions around Banff
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Phanikiran v3 contributionsOverall amazing experience visiting nightlife Banff gandola. Just make sure you visit early enough to capture sunset. Also if you plan to dine there, be early.Written 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- goodmanboyCork, Ireland70 contributionsLake Minnewanka is a short trip outside Banff which can be driven in a pleasant loop that also takes in Two Jack Lake. On the day we visited, the weather was overcast but the scenery was still wonderful. Boat trips are available which can take you far down the lake but we just walked around the closest part. It was peaceful and provided a real escape from the busy world.Written 6 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephen & SueCanberra, Australia2,488 contributionsSunshine Meadows would be the least publicised of the 4 chairlifts or gondolas in this area, but wow, what an absolute gem.
It’s about half an hour out of town, and starts with a gondola ride, then change to a chairlift, then a short walk to a viewing platform that brings you to just about the most beautiful spot in the Rockies.
From there you can walk a short distance into the wildflower meadows and back, or continue on to the longer 2 hour circuit down to the lower lakes, and then back around to the gondola (no need to walk back up the steep slope to the chairlift).
And the lack of publicity means no crowds. We couldn’t believe how few people knew about this place.
There was heaps of free parking, no queue for the gondola or the chairlift, or the cafes at the base station or chairlift station.
And if, as we did, you extend the walk beyond the first platform, you will rarely encounter another person.
Instead you get waterfalls, running streams, lakes, stunning views and wildflower meadows.
As the little boy next to us said when he reached the lookout “mum, I can’t believe it’s real”. Neither could we.
Weather plays a big part here so, choose a sunny day, but if you can only do one gondola or chairlift, ditch the rest and journey out to Sunshine Meadows.Written 15 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cynthia NSacramento, United States10 contributionsWas beautiful and very peaceful in the middle of winter. Was just a short stop for the view, but well worthwhile. The information boards were interesting and worth stopping to read. I would guess in the summer it would be lovely and offer some hiking around the river/falls and canoeing or kayaking on the river.Written 15 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Martin CThornhill, Canada17 contributionsIn November, this was a mostly deserted drive through trees and lakes and mountains. It's not fast and it's not crowded, which was perfect for our purposes. If you have the time, this is a much more relaxed and scenic way to go between Banff and Lake Louise.Written 29 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- luv4phoodMarietta, GA837 contributionsThis is a quick hike with fantastic views. We arrived a little bit later in the afternoon so it was not terribly crowded. The trail makes a quick elevation gain for beautiful views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail is mostly loose rock so hiking boots are a must. Also, this trail has no shade. In the summer, a hat and sunblock would be recommended.Written 2 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA2,011 contributionsThe main avenue in Banff is both cute and also crowded. Just about every place on the main street is either a souvenir shop, a restaurant, a bakery or an ice cream shop. Now and then we saw some street performers. The evenings are quite crowded with everyone out and about for dinner. All in all, in spite of the crowds, it had an overall quaint feel.Written 10 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert WCorvallis, OR306 contributionsThe Tunnel Mountain Trail is very nice trail that has the advantage of being accessible from downtown Banff. The distance is just over three miles round trip from the trailhead with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. The surface is in very good condition. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view.Written 17 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GFK01Grand Forks, ND101 contributionsGreat place for area information, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They have all the information on local transportation and area sights and activities. Should stop by there first.Written 5 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BruinDanFullerton, CA2,883 contributionsLocated immediately west of the town of Banff, Vermilion Lakes is a series of three picturesque lakes housed within sprawling (1.087 acre) wetlands. My wife and I drove through here as part of our visit to Banff National Park in mid-October 2023.
To reach the Vermilion Lakes from either the town of Banff or the Trans-Canada Highway, take Mount Norquay Road until you reach Vermilion Lakes Road, which winds along the edges of the lakes. Parking is limited to a few turnouts along the road. This is also a very popular road for cyclists. Hikers can most easily access the road via a spur off the Fenland Trail.
NOTE that there are no facilities (food, drink or restrooms) at Vermilion Lakes. The nearest restroom facilities are at the parking area for the Fenland Trail, which is not far from the intersection of Mount Norquay Road and Vermilion Lakes Road.
Unless you are planning to do some swimming, kayaking or the like, this is not the sort of place you will spend hours upon hours exploring. Still, it’s an extremely worthwhile item to your itinerary as the views and photo opportunities are outstanding. Like many people, we first discovered Vermilion Lakes from the viewing area off the Trans-Canada Highway, and decided it merited a closer look. We’re glad we did as this is an excellent example of the beauty that can be found throughout Banff National Park.Written 17 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stewarts Vacation1,035 contributionsThe gardens in front of and behind the Municipal Buildings were beautifully laid out and maintained. It was peaceful to walk along the little paths meandering through the flowers beds and beside streams. There were little bridges and quite a few steps as the area is terraced, so it's not suitable for prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. There was also a large area of lawn and trees. There were stunning views of the surrounding peaks, in particular Cascade Mountain. The Municipal Building was an attractive structure too!Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FarAway086221672581 contributionGood place to stop and learn something about Banff Hotspring. Have some games to play with families.Written 20 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff
- The top attractions to visit in Banff are: See all attractions in Banff on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Banff according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Banff on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Banff according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Discover Banff National Park - Day Trip
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour
- Lake Louise & Banff Tour from Calgary / Banff / Canmore
- Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour
- Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff | Small Group Adventure Tour
- The most popular things to do in Banff with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Banff on Tripadvisor