10 Best Things to do in Banff

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Looking for the best activities to fill your Banff itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve explored the Banff area extensively while living here, which helped us find hidden gems and can’t-miss sights. So trust us when we say that we’ve found the top 10 things to do in Banff!

From scenic cable car rides to white water rafting and spotting wildlife, this list has it all. We’ve included activities for a variety of adventure seekers, whether you’re looking for a relaxing canoe ride on the Bow River or a thrilling excursion walking on the Athabasca Glacier.

These are our absolute favorite things to do in Banff, so keep reading to plan an unforgettable itinerary!

Things to do in Banff

1. Spend a day exploring Yoho National Park (including Emerald Lake!)

• Duration: 8 to 11 hours
• Time: 9:30 am
• Highlights: Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake or Vermillion Lakes (depending on the season), Exploring Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Bridge, learning from an expert guide
• Inclusions: Transportation from Banff or Calgary, national park fees, snowshoeing (if available), professional guide
• Rating: 4.4 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

In addition to the stunningly beautiful Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, this full-day tour visits Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake! This area holds some of our favorite attractions in the Rockies and hits areas that were on my bucket list (until I took that tour, that is!).

Emerald Lake is famed for its brilliant green hue, which is at its most vibrant during the summer months. That’s when the glacier melt deposits a fine, ground rock into the lake which causes the water to reflect the bright green hue of the surrounding vegetation.

After visiting the gorgeous (but busy!) Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, we loved visiting Yoho National Park because it’s way less crowded than Banff National Park. Fewer tourists tend to visit this park, although I’m not sure why – it’s just as beautiful! This tour took us off the beaten path and let us explore some of the quieter areas to enjoy the views in peace, which we always really appreciate.

We think that this tour is a great option for nature lovers and anyone interested in seeing some of Banff’s highlights as well as lesser-known (but still gorgeous) parts of the Canadian Rockies.

Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

2. Ride the Banff Gondola Up Sulphur Mountain

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
• Highlights: Riding Banff’s top rated gondola, exploring the top of Sulphur Mountain, seeing Banff town and the Rocky Mountains from above, enjoying activities at the top
• Inclusions: Gondola ride
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 1,900+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: No
• Price: Check price here!

Taking a trip up the Banff Gondola is the single most popular thing to do in Banff – no wonder it’s at the top of our list! From the top of the Banff Gondola, the panoramic views of the mountains and Banff town are out of this world. This is our first stop whenever we have friends in town – we’ve been on this gondola nearly a dozen times (if not more)!

After so many trips up Sulphur Mountain, we’ve learned that it’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time – it’s popular for a reason! These Banff Gondola admission tickets secure your spot, so you don’t have to stress about the logistics and can simply enjoy your experience.

The Banff Gondola is an 8-minute scenic ride from the parking lot to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Once you reach the top of the gondola, you’ll find a restaurant and café (definitely grab a coffee here and enjoy the views!), a gift shop, tons of information on the area and wildlife, and my personal favorite, the boardwalk!

The boardwalk leads you to some amazing viewpoints and takes around one hour to walk up and back the entire way. For the best views, walk all the way to the end and visit the old weather station. From here, you can see the entire valley!

For the best views, it’s best to go up the Banff Gondola on a clear day, but a little low cloud won’t ruin your views completely. As there are a ton of things to do inside the complex at the top, and the gondola is completely enclosed, a visit here is great in all seasons. 

We’ve dined a couple of times at the Sky Bistro, which is the restaurant right at the top of the gondola. It’s pretty crazy to eat at a whopping 7,510 feet (2,289 m) above sea level, but it makes for an incredible lunch or dinner.

There’s even more to see and do at the top of Sulphur Mountain, but you’ll just have to go see it for yourself!

Check all the dates available and book your gondola tickets in advance here!

3. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier

• Duration: 11 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Driving along the scenic Icefields Parkway, riding the Ice Explorer bus, walking on the Athabasca Glacier and the Glacier Skywalk, picnic lunch
• Inclusions: Transportation from meeting point in Banff, Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and Skywalk admission, lunch, guides
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: No
• Price: Check price here!

Seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time is a surreal experience – now can you imagine walking on one of these massive glaciers!? Well, I’m happy to report that you can and it’s one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Plus, you can do it in the summer, making for a cool activity on a hot summer day.

We joined this super popular glacier tour, which took us along the gorgeous Icefields Parkway. Once we got to the Columbia Icefield, we boarded the huge Ice Explorer vehicle, which has been modified to safely drive on the glacier – so up we went! We drove right to the top of the Athabasca Glacier, where we got out to gawk at its size, walk on the ancient ice, and even drink fresh water from its streams!

This tour was easily one of our favorite experiences in the Canadian Rockies and ranks high on our list of the best tours to see the Icefields Parkway.

After exploring the glacier, we also got to walk along the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is a walkway that gives you incredible views of the Columbia Icefield and its many glaciers. The walkway itself is suspended 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley and the views are just incredible!

We also got a mountain picnic lunch, and the tour stopped at the Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake so we could take in the views there, too. It was simply the icing on the cake of a full day of adventure!

Check out the hundreds of raving reviews and book this tour here!

Related Read: If the above tour is sold out, don’t worry! Check out our other favorite Athabasca Glacier tours here.

4. Easily visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Time: 8 am or 3 pm
• Highlights: Convenient transport to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, learning the history of the area, seeing the Valley of Ten Peaks, Bow Valley Parkway, Castle Mountain and Chateau Lake Louise, small group tour
• Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation, snacks, and water
• Rating: 4.7 stars (check 575+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Lake Louise is one of our favorite lakes in all of Canada! We actually got engaged at Moraine Lake so obviously, it’s a very special place for us. However, if you’ve done any research you might know how big of a pain it is to actually get to these lakes, due to the high volume of visitors.

But we’ll let you in on a little secret – you can get there without driving yourself!

This Banff tour takes you to both lakes with a small group and offers half a day of stunning views, wildlife sightings, and some delicious maple cookies! Talk about an easy day of sightseeing.

It’s not an overly long tour, so it isn’t exhausting by the end, but I felt like we had the perfect amount of time at each lake.

Visiting these lakes on an organized tour from Banff is handy, as parking is difficult at Lake Louise and no longer allowed at Moraine Lake. A tour is one of the easiest ways to get to Moraine Lake!

I recommend going on the earliest tour possible, or else you’ll run into a lot of people later in the day. It operates from June to mid-October, as Moraine Lake is closed during the winter due to avalanche risk.

Overall, we loved our experience on this tour and think it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience two of Banff’s most iconic lakes – if you don’t believe us, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

Reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here so you don’t miss out!

Moraine Lake Bus Company

If you prefer to visit Moraine Lake independently, we highly recommend booking a shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company. Sure, Parks Canada offers shuttles too—but we once made the mistake of using them and ended up waiting in line for HOURS just to get home!

With the Moraine Lake Bus Company, you can book a guaranteed seat and departure time, so there’s no stressful wait. They offer a wide range of dates and times, and you get to choose exactly when you want to leave.

The most popular options are the sunrise shuttle and early morning departures, so be sure to book well in advance. Plus, if your plans change, you can modify your booking up to 24 hours before—meaning you can even switch to another day if the weather isn’t looking great.

Shuttles pick up from Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot (they’re the only company operating from this location) and drop you directly at Moraine Lake. You can also opt for a stop at Lake Louise or book their Lake Louise shuttle, which we always do—parking there is nearly impossible!

After taking this shuttle ourselves, we were impressed by how smooth and hassle-free the process was. It’s easily the most convenient way to visit Moraine Lake on your own.

Check availability and book the Moriane Lake Bus Company here!

Related Read: For some more great options to visit Moraine Lake, have a look at our guide to the 6 best Moraine Lake tours!

5. Explore Johnston Canyon with the Banff Hop-on Hop-off Bus

• Duration: Approximately 8 hours
• Time: 7:45 – 9:35 am to 5 – 6 pm
• Highlights: Transportation provided to Banff’s top sights, including Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake
• Inclusions: English speaking guide on board, pickup/drop-off from designated meeting point
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Johnston Canyon is one of the most famous attractions in Banff National Park and another one of our personal favorites. I mean, who can say no to powerful waterfalls and ancient canyon walls?

During the summer months, you can stroll along the boardwalk next to the canyon filled with turquoise water. You’ll find two waterfalls along the trail, the Lower Falls, which is located 1.7 km (1 mile) from the parking lot, and the Upper Falls, located 1 km (0.6 miles) further.

Now, the downside to Johnston Canyon is that it can get very busy (especially during summer). So busy that the massive parking lot often fills up, meaning you must reach it using a shuttle bus! We like this hop-on hop-off tour that can take you to Johnson Canyon and a bunch of other must-see spots, like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and more.

The bus operates from early morning (starting at 7:45 am) until late evening (the last bus arrives back in Banff at 6 pm). I’d recommend going as early as possible to make the most of your ticket and see as many spots as possible!

This hop on hop off bus is actually a great deal because you can use it to see other popular areas around Banff. In the long run, you’ll save time and money on shuttles and parking! Plus, we love the flexibility that it provides. We can explore at our own pace but enjoy the perks of a tour.

Check out the 600+ 5-star reviews and reserve your spot here!

6. Go whitewater rafting

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 1:30 pm
• Highlights: Taking in the scenery and sights on the Kananaskis River, a thrilling rafting experience with an expert guide, spotting wildlife
• Inclusions: Transportation from the meeting point, all necessary rafting and safety equipment, expert guide, snacks, and photos
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We are HUGE fans of whitewater rafting, and we had the best time on this rafting tour in Banff!

The Kananaskis River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Canada, and this tour took us on Class 1-3 rapids. It was a great way to soak up the gorgeous scenery while simultaneously enjoying an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

We had a small group of travelers and also our experienced guide, who not only made us feel safe but was also cracking jokes the whole time! It’s definitely an exciting activity, but it’s very safe, and participants over the age of 5 are welcome, so you could even take part as a family.

We started in the most challenging part of the river, so we got to experience the best part of the tour right away, and then the difficulty gradually decreased as we moved downstream. At the end, there’s even a chance to go swimming in the calmest part of the river although be warned, the water is very cold!

One of the best things about this tour – besides the awesome adrenaline rush you get – is how enthusiastic the guides are and how much they know about the area. So it’s not just an exciting adventure, but you’ll also have a chance to learn more about the Kananaskis River and the surrounding natural landscape.

Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!

Related Read: If you need some help planning the perfect Banff trip, check out our detailed 3-day itinerary, which will guide you through all the highlights, hidden gems, and things to eat!

7. Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride

• Duration: 1 hour
• Time: Multiple departure times from 10 am to 5 pm
• Highlights: Riding horses through Banff National Park, learning about the area from expert guides, beginner-friendly ride, small group experience
• Inclusions: Basic horseback riding instruction, professional guides, horse, helmet
• Rating: 4.4 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We love hiking, but sometimes it’s nice to change up the pace! Horseback riding is a great alternative, as you still get to be out in the open air and enjoy the stunning views and landscapes, but you can do it in comfort on the back of a horse!

This one-hour Spray River ride is perfect for beginners like us, as we could still have a fun experience without committing to a half or full-day tour. We traveled in a small group, and the guides were super patient and made us all feel very safe.

We wove through forest landscapes to the beautiful Bow Falls, which had incredible views for nearly the entire ride. The most exciting part was leading our horses across the Spray River – I am shocked at how strong they are! All the while, our guides pointed out important mountain peaks and taught us about the history of the landscape – it was such a unique experience!

It’s a great way to get up close and personal with nature without having to do too much strenuous exercise, and the tour company has been around since the 1960s, so they’ll give you a real insight into cowboy culture in the Rockies – its an all around amazing experience!

Book this tour with flexible payment and cancellation options here.

8. Canoe on the Bow River

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Time: Multiple departure times from 11 am to 5 pm
• Highlights: Canoeing down the Bow River, expert guide to navigate, taking in the scenery and spotting wildlife,
• Inclusions: Professional guide, paddles, lifejackets, and canoe
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

The Bow River is a beautiful turquoise river that runs through Banff, carving its way past the stunning Rocky Mountains. We absolutely love canoeing, so this 1.5-hour guided tour is an awesome way to enjoy a sightseeing adventure on the water.

This tour was a unique way to get pretty deep in the park without having to go on an hours-long hike. Don’t get me wrong, we love hiking in Banff, but sometimes it’s just nice to take an easier option, right?

The trails and viewpoints along the Bow River can also get very busy during the summer months, so we found that canoeing was an amazing way to beat the crowds and spend a tranquil couple of hours exploring. Plus, the guide is responsible for the steering, so we didn’t need to worry about crashing into the river banks or getting tangled up in the foliage – hooray!

Canoeing is one of our favorite ways to get outside and explore. This tour is perfect for adventurous souls who want to see Banff’s beautiful Bow River and all of its glorious wildlife from a different perspective!

Check availability and book this unique canoe tour here!

9. Visit a Grizzly bear refuge

• Duration: 10 hours
• Time: 8:30 am
• Highlights: Visiting a Grizzly bear refuge; exploring Yoho National Park; riding the Kicking Horse Gondola, stopping at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint
• Inclusions: Expert guide, transportation from Banff, lunch, gondola tickets, national park fees
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Have you ever wanted to spot a Grizzly bear? Me too – but from a safe distance, of course! This Grizzly bear tour actually makes seeing this iconic animal a reality by visiting the quaint town of Golden, BC. Here, you’ll find a Grizzly bear sanctuary where you can meet Boo, an orphaned bear who was rescued by the sanctuary as a baby.

Even though Boo is a giant Grizzly, he is as cute as he sounds!

There’s a lot more to this experience, though. We got to ride the Kicking Horse Gondola up the mountainside to enjoy lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant. Of course, we had some poutine (a Canadian classic!) but the views were the truly memorable part!

Afterward, we visited the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, a popular spot where two railway tunnels circle around each other. We finished it off by visiting Yoho National Park, where we got to see the magnificent Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls – the second largest waterfall in Canada!

The tour lasts about 10 hours in total, so it’s a long day, but it’s a great way to experience the highlights of Golden and Yoho National Park. We think it’s perfect for anyone who wants to see the beauty and amazing wildlife of the Canadian Rockies but without a lot of hiking or strenuous activity.

This day is packed full of fun and we think it’s a pretty great deal for the amazing experience it provides – just check out all of the glowing reviews here!

Check availability and book this top-rated tour in advance here!

10. Go on a Lake Minnewanka cruise

• Duration: 1 hour
• Time: Multiple departure times available from 9 am to 7 pm
• Highlights: Exploring Lake Minnewanka by boat, spotting wildlife, learning about the history of the area
• Inclusions: Boat tour of Lake Minnewanka
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: No
• Price: Check price here!

Lake Minnewanka is the biggest lake in Banff National Park and we had so much fun cruising across it like a VIP on this hour-long tour. Not only did we get incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, but we also got to see eagles and coyotes while learning about its important Indigenous history.

Dan and I have taken this cruise, and the incredible views and time on the water were well worth it. I mean, really, does anything say “vacation” more than this?

We think that it’s by far the best way to explore Lake Minnewanka and it’s reasonably priced for what you get! It lasts for around an hour and is located close to Banff Town, about a 10-minute drive away. We also love that there are multiple departure times throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your busy Banff schedule.

It’s a very family-friendly excursion and a must for nature lovers, but it’s suitable for pretty much anyone who wants to spend an hour or so on a gorgeous boat ride!

Book your ticket here today to enjoy the same cruise we took!

Where to Stay in Banff

Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Banff, you need somewhere perfect to stay! There are a ton of options, whether you’re looking for a lavish hotel or social hostel. I’ve listed some of my favorite options below to help narrow down your choices!

Fairmont Banff Springs – $$$

The Fairmont Banff Springs is easily the most luxurious hotel in Banff. As you can expect, it’s not cheap but the place is simply incredible – it seriously looks like a castle! If you’re visiting Banff on a honeymoon, then this should be the hotel you choose.

Inside the hotel, you’ll find 11 restaurants, 14 shops, a bowling alley, bars, a top-rated spa, a couple of pools, and so much more. With so much to do in this one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, you’ll honestly feel like you’ll never want to leave!

Rooms here at the Fairmont start from around $600 CAD a night, but can exceed the $1-2k CAD range in peak season. For the best deals, it’s best to book as far ahead as possible! You can check prices and room availability online here.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – $$

For those with a mid-range budget, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a beautiful swimming pool, hot tub, and gym, and all the rooms come equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens. We’d say this is the perfect option for families since two and three-bedroom units are also available.

The hotel is also in a good location that’s just a 5-minute drive away from town, so it’s a great place to enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet of the Banff countryside!

Rooms here average around $500-600 CAD per night in the high season, but dip as low as around $129 CAD in the low season. You can check availability and book Banff Rocky Mountain Resort online here.

Banff Inn – $$

Rooms at the Banff Inn have a very affordable price tag, but are also chock-full with all the amenities you could want to have a great stay! This way, you can splurge on those once-in-a-lifetime tours and experiences that make a trip to Banff so memorable.

The hotel is located right on Banff Ave and all rooms are air-conditioned. Inside, you’ll find a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, as well as a restaurant and bar – perfect for a little bit of relaxation after a long day out exploring Banff.

Rooms here start at $143 CAD, but don’t forget to book the Banff Inn well in advance as this is one of the most popular hotels in Banff!

Samesun Banff Hostel – $

For folks looking to save some cash while having a blast in Banff, it’s worth checking out the Samesun Banff Hostel. It’s a great place for backpackers or anyone who’s fine with making some new friends and doesn’t mind sharing a dorm. But if you’re keen on privacy, keep in mind that there aren’t any private rooms available here.

A bed in a dorm here starts from around $45 CAD, including breakfast, and can be booked on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Important info: Accommodation in Banff can be tricky. For starters, you need to book well in advance if you want to have a large selection. I suggest booking a place ASAP! Using Booking.com is great too because lots of hotels offer free cancellation so just lock in a place (or two) for now and make the final decision later!

Related Read: If you’re still wondering where to stay, have a look at our detailed guide here. It breaks down all of the best areas and hotels so you can find the perfect one for you!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

Banff is one of our favorite places in the world – hands down! The truth is, there’s even more epic things you can do while visiting but these top ten activities will show you the best of the best.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other Canada travel guides. As a Canadian myself, I’ve traveled all over and found the best areas and experiences. Here are a few related blogs to help plan your next great adventure – cheers!

21 BEST Things to do in Downtown Banff

Where to Stay in Banff National Park – Pros and Cons of 5 Different Areas

BANFF ITINERARY – How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Banff