How to Spend an Evening in Banff

Like many people, you may never have heard of Banff before as it’s still a relatively unknown location. However, Banff has plenty to offer for every type of traveler who wants to take a break or discover the beauty of Canada. As evenings provide travelers with more free time to unwind, they often seize the opportunity to explore the area and immerse themselves in local activities. So, let’s dive into how to spend an unforgettable evening in Banff.

The Appeal of Banff

Banff, which is located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada is known for drawing in millions of visitors every year because of its outstanding natural scenery and iconic landmarks. As part of Banff National Park, it’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts but it also offers something for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Banff is a popular destination all-year round as holiday makers come to see the sights and take part in hikes in the summer while others head to Banff in the winter for activities like skiing and snowboarding. This is why it’s a good idea to determine what activities you want to experience before planning your trip.

Exciting Performances

Banff has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment. If you’re looking to fill up your evening, it’s worth checking out the artsPlace Canmore which regularly hosts different night-time events throughout the year. Located about 20 minutes away from the town of Banff, these events can vary according to when you visit. You can choose everything from art exhibits showcasing upcoming youth photographers to running workshops by local crafters. This venue also has film screenings and poetry performances, meaning you can never predict what’s next. If you’re visiting Banff for the weekend, it’s open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, weekdays offer longer hours, with the venue staying open until 9 p.m., giving you more time to explore in the evening.

Casino Fun

If you’re into casino games and are planning your trip to Banff, it’s good to know that the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino is located in the Rocky Mountains. The casino hosts both slot machines and table games for visitors to enjoy games such as blackjack and roulette. This means you can choose from an expansive catalogue of casino games from your mobile device at your own leisure.

Stunning Views

It would be a shame to be in Banff without taking in the glorious views. Fortunately, it’s possible for visitors to take the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. This is the perfect evening activity as if you take the last gondola up at 8:30 pm, you’ll catch the golden hour, sunset, and twilight. Don’t worry about the length of the gondola ride as it only take 8 minutes, meaning you can still fill up your evening with other activities. When you have made it to the top of the mountain, you can take a peaceful walk along the boardwalk or snap a photo with the local wildlife.

Explorative Physical Activities

Banff is hailed for its availability of outdoor activities including skiing. However, most people visiting this destination mightn’t know that it’s possible to take part in skiing in the evening time. One hotspot for skiing around Banff is Mt. Norquay which is a popular mountain located just outside the town of Banff. There is plenty of fun to be had after the sun goes down as Mt. Norquay is the only ski resort in Banff National Park to offer night resort activities. If you’re travelling in a group, it’s a great way to bond as starting January 19th, you can hit the Cascade Chairlift for night skiing or snowboarding, and race down the tube lane from 5-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Afterward, you can relax with a drink at the Lone Pine Pub to unwind. To make things even easier, the resort offers ski shuttles that will take you safely back to Banff when you’re ready to head home.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there are a variety of options for visitors to enjoy in the evening time in Banff. From jaw-dropping views on the Sulphur Mountain gondola to exciting night skiing at Mt. Norquay, Banff has so much to offer once the sun goes down. Whatever time of year you’re visiting Banff, be sure to check out the local events and make the most of everything this Canadian gem has to offer.