Banff Attractions

Top Things to Do in Banff

Things to Do in Banff


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Banff.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Banff

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Located only a short distance, 16km/10m, from the Town of Banff, the pristine beauty of Sunshine Meadows is easily accessible for everyone, and can be best experienced and enjoyed through the relaxed comfort of our facilities. Take a ride up to the skies in Banff’s biggest gondola (8-passenger cabin capacity) with room for the whole family. Start at the base at an elevation of 1,660 m and ride the gondola 4.6km to the top gondola village terminal at 2,164 m where the Alpine Village is located. Take in all the views of the valley, mountain peaks and wildlife. Once you have reached the top – the Sunshine Village area, or just “the Village” – stop in at our new interpretive center before embarking on an exploration of the six diverse, graveled hiking trails, that wind their way through three alpine lakes, waterfalls and flower filled meadows covering more than 12 Km through the Sunshine Meadows. For a more revealing experience, join one of our hosted trail tours and enjoy learning about the wonders of the alpine world of Sunshine Meadows and more as you through some of Banff National Park’s most spectacular spots. Feel on top of the world when you summit Mt Standish via our Standish Express Sightseeing Chairlift. With an elevation of 2,400m/7,875ft, it will give you a full 360 degree view of the area. From here you can enjoy an unobstructed view the famous Mount Assiniboine – the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies at 3,618m/ 11,871ft – as well as other joys on the horizon, such as Rock Isle, Laryx and Grizzly Alpine lakes. There are three retail stores awaiting you for all your hiking essentials and Canadian Rockies souvenirs. After taking in the captivating views, indulge in one of our six licensed food outlets, including four fully serviced restaurants, including a BBQ deck of outside Mad Trapper’s Smokehouse. Come by to wind down with a drink before making your way back down the gondola.
See full details






*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 v
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overall 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • goodmanboy
    Cork, Ireland70 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lake 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen & Sue
    Canberra, Australia2,488 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunshine 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cynthia N
    Sacramento, United States10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin C
    Thornhill, Canada17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • luv4phood
    Marietta, GA837 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA2,011 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert W
    Corvallis, OR306 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GFK01
    Grand Forks, ND101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BruinDan
    Fullerton, CA2,883 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stewarts Vacation
    1,035 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FarAway08622167258
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good place to stop and learn something about Banff Hotspring. Have some games to play with families.
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff