7 Unusual Things to Do in Banff

Banff is one of those places you hear about and either instantly feel that nostalgic echo (or a sense of longing to go if you haven’t been just yet). It’s that wonderful collage of images in your mind of snow-capped mountains, glittering Lake Moraine and Lake Louise, and the wooden architecture that effortlessly pulls the setting together. Banff is the kind of place where you’ll gladly put your hobbies on the back burner – though nobody’s going to stop you if you want to read a good book or check out the latest BonusFinder Canada offers in the picturesque atmosphere.

The resort town and adjoining national park is one of Canada’s most prized possessions – an alpine village tucked quietly away in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and the oldest national park in the country, positively teeming with natural beauty. There are opportunities to hike, ski, view wildlife, zipline, and much more, but if you’re looking to pair your classic Banff adventure with some quirky pursuits, we’ve got the perfect activities to add to your itinerary.

Go see the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

While it’s only natural for visitors to get caught up in seeing as many scenic lakes as they can and hiking along the best pathways, many people miss out on the very place that led to the creation of the national park itself – the mineral-filled waters at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Discovered by railroad workers in the early 1880s, it was their curiosity and attraction to the bright-blue pools that led to the establishment of the first boundaries of the park.

These waters come directly from Sulphur Mountain and are heated by the Earth’s core. Although these are thermal pools, they’re interestingly rife with all sorts of organisms, including orchids, fish, and an endangered snail native to the area. You can take a quick look at the baths or even get a pass for the thermal waters, as well as walk along the trails and potentially join a tour.

Check out the specimens at Banff Park Museum

There are a lot of ‘ests’ in this part of Canada, and you’ll find another of them with the Banff Park Museum – the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada and surviving federal building in a Canadian national park. And we owe this fantastic collection of 5,000 vintage botanical and zoological specimens to a curator called Norman Bethune Sanson, who hiked over 32,000 kilometres to find these exotic beauties. For just $4.50 per adult, the price to step back in time and enter this National Historic Site is mere pocket change, considering the wildlife that awaits you inside.

Get a dose of history at Bankhead Ghost Town

The areas that make up Banff National Park have a mining history, and one of those towns was Bankhead. It was a coal mining community where coal was both its reason for existing and the cause of its downfall. As coal quality started dwindling, mines began to close, and the town became deserted after just 20 years, which is why it was nicknamed the “twenty-year town.” Adding in the conflict between miners and the railroad, it was destined that Bankhead would eventually crumble – literally. The town is about a 4-minute drive or a 50-minute walk from Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.

Curious about other ghost towns in the area? If you’re feeling brave enough, you can put on some scuba diving gear and discover the ruins of an old resort hotel 60 feet beneath the surface of Lake Minnewanka.

Marvel at the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station

The Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station is something that’s easily missed in Banff, and that’s because, at first glance, it can look like nothing more than some sort of utility structure. Sitting by the summit of Sulphur Mountain, it’s been around since 1902 as a weather observatory. It stood as the government’s official weather observer that could warn citizens about extreme weather events like snowstorms, floods, and wildfires. When weather forecasting technology became more advanced in the 1930s, the observatory became useless, but we can see the remnants of the station today.

To get to the old station, take the Banff Gondola up the mountain or hike 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on your fitness level) to the summit. While you’re up there, why not visit the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen for a buffet-style meal?

Sample a glacier-infused drink at the Park Distillery

There’s a particular draw to many of the eateries in Banff. The Grizzly House has a long-standing reputation as a landmark destination for steak and cheese fondue, and the Lake Agnes Tea House boasts breathtaking views of Lake Louise and its surroundings. Head to the Park Distillery, however, and you’ll find highly unique glacier water spirits you won’t find anywhere else. The distillery performs all its processes by hand and produces in small batches, distilling with water from six glaciers high in the Rocky Mountains. What’s even better is that the distillery tours are free, and the distillery also hosts other cool events like a blend-your-own gin experience. Hungry? Grab a seat at the restaurant for campfire-inspired cuisine.

Experience a cowboy cookout past the Bow River

Ready for an authentic Western experience? There’s nothing better than the Cowboy Cookout experience that takes you on a scenic covered wagon or horseback ride (your pick!) along the Bow River. Once you arrive at 3 Mile Cabin, you’ll enjoy a western cookout with barbecue favourites and then finish off your adventure with a horseback ride along Sulphur Mountain Trail. This experience is celebrated as a Canadian Signature Experience by Destination Canada, making it that much more rewarding to cross this unforgettable journey off your bucket list.