Banff is one of the most popular towns in Canada. There’s nature and adventure at every corner, experiences that are just waiting for you! But, there is such a thing as “a little too much,” at least when you’re talking about Banff. With so many options to go on adventures, it can be hard to fit everything into one trip.
That’s the problem we’re here to fix! We’re going to be taking a look at 9 of the top things you can do in Banff, so when you’re planning your vacation, you can make sure to hit all of the best spots!
Table of Contents
Explore Johnston Canyon
The Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular places in all of Banff, not just the national park. That’s because, in this section alone, you can get a lot done. Start off with the hike. The hike is great for experienced hikers and families that just want to get to the great views from the top! There are waterfalls to explore, the caves, and the view from each of the viewpoints is so great that you might just stay there for hours just admiring the view!
The best part here is the fact that the Canyon is open throughout the year and looks totally different. So you could visit the location multiple times and still see something new each time!
Camping in Columbia Icefield
Camping is an excellent way to spend time outside, especially when you’re looking for a place that offers peace and quiet. There are several different camping areas within Banff National Park, each with its own unique features. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, try the Columbia Icefield Campground, located near the town of Banff.
Lake Minnewanka is surrounded by mountains. It has a surface area of 1.5 square kilometers (0.6 square miles) and is fed by the Bow River.
Ride The Banff Gondola
Located at an elevation of 2,400 meters (8,000 feet), Sunshine Village offers visitors a chance to see the northern lights. It’s also home to the famous Banff Gondola, which takes guests up to the top of Sulphur Mountain in a fast 8 minutes! This might seem like an activity you can’t do if you’re afraid of heights, but that’s not the case. The gondola is incredibly stable, and the view is so stunning that you might just find yourself mesmerized by it, forgetting the height aspect altogether! This is a must-try for those visiting Banff National Park!
Get Your Soak on in Upper Hot Springs
Tired from the long hiking adventure? Kick it back and relax at the Upper Hot Springs! The water here is always around 81 to 116 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s nice and hot no matter what time of the year you go!
The water here is full of minerals with healing properties that just add to the experience apart from the temperature of the water alone. So you’ll be soaking up a lot more than just heat while you’re out there!
Head over to Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a place you can rack in a lot of different experiences, so you might want to take out a few days just to spend there. Book a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You’ll wake up to the incredible view of the lake every day, which, quite frankly, never gets old, but that’s not it. You can go canoeing in the lake, go on treehouse hikes, and if you’re there in the winter, try your hand at skiing at the Ski Resort!
Check out Whyte Museum
While you might want to spend most of your time outdoors, Museums are a great way to learn about the History of a place. The Whyte Museum is full of artifacts from Canadian History, special exhibits related to the place, a special library, and a gift shop where you can grab a quick souvenir too!
Drive the Icefields Parkway
This parkway was named after the ice fields found along its route. The road runs through the Canadian Rockies and connects Banff with Jasper.
Hike Tunnel Mountain
Hiking through the national park will bring you to some incredible viewpoints, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the views from this unique spot. Tunnel Mountain is located at the southern end of the Bow Valley Parkway. It is a popular destination for hikers because of its beautiful views and easy access.
Take a Picture of The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an iconic hotel in Banff National Park. This historic hotel was originally built as a luxury resort in 1888. Today, it still offers guests luxurious accommodations and amenities. There are great views of this hotel from several vantage points.
The perfect Banff vacation awaits!
Vacationing in Banff might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right itinerary, you’ll be able to plan the trip of a lifetime! The park offers visitors many things to see and do. From hiking to relaxing, you’re all set for the perfect Banff vacation!