Things to do in Banff
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Top 10 attractions in Banff
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola features panoramic viewing windows to admire the stunning scenery of the Banff mountain range. From the cable car, you can see the Banff Mountain Observatory, Banff Hot Springs, and other attractions at the summit, as well as lakes, forests, and glaciers on the mountains. Upon reaching the top, enter the gondola's upper station, which offers multiple viewing platforms and exhibition areas. Here, you can enjoy even more breathtaking views of the Banff mountain range, including the town of Banff, Bow Lake, and other scenic spots. The upper station also houses several restaurants and cafes.Improvement District No. 9 · 3.5 km from Banff
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is Canada's first and the world's third national park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranking only behind Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and Australia's Royal National Park. As the saying goes, "One Banff equals twenty Switzerlands," which speaks volumes about its breathtaking beauty. Located in a small town west of Calgary, Alberta, the park nestles at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, enveloped and intersected by their towering peaks. It is a masterpiece of nature, floating among blue skies, majestic mountains, lush greenery, and winding rivers, earning its reputation as the soul of the Rockies. The national park encompasses two charming towns: Banff and Lake Louise. With its valleys, towering peaks, glacial rivers, and forested meadows, it is a world-renowned travel destination. Vast glaciers stretch across the mountain ranges, while emerald lakes glisten like jewels amidst the dark green coniferous forests. Must-see attractions within Banff National Park include the town of Banff, Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Icefields Parkway, and the Columbia Icefield. Additionally, the park is home to five iconic Rocky Mountain wildlife species, such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears. Visitors to Banff National Park can enjoy a wide array of outdoor adventures, including alpine skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, mountain golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, and cave exploration, as well as indoor entertainment like soaking in natural hot springs, shopping, savoring local cuisine, and museum cultural tours. The park also offers a diverse range of well-equipped accommodations, from the historic and elegant Fairmont Banff Springs to budget-friendly chain hotels, cozy family-run lodges, and rustic mountain cabins beloved by hikers. No matter where you stay, the view outside your window will be equally stunning. Falling asleep under the embrace of the mighty Rockies and waking up to crystal-clear mornings and crisp mountain air makes for an unforgettable travel experience. A must-try culinary delight in Banff is the renowned Alberta beef, prized for its tenderness, rich flavor, and natural purity. Other local delicacies include artisanal cheeses, fresh fish, and wild game like elk. For more information on lodging, dining, and entertainment options, visitors can contact the Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Information Centers: **Banff Visitor Information Centre** Address: 224 Banff Ave Phone: 403-762-8421 Email: Info@banfflakelouise.com **Lake Louise Visitor Information Centre** Address: Samson Mall, Village of Lake LouiseImprovement District No. 9 · 43.2 km from Banff
Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkwayis a scenic highway in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, also known as Highway 93. It runs from Lake Louise in the south to the town of Jasper in the north, traversing both Banff and Jasper national parks. The entire route spans over 200 km, with the road traveling primarily through mountainous terrain at an elevation of over 1,500 m. On one side of the road are snow-capped mountains and glaciers, while the other side connects to lakes, forests, and meadows. Along the way, you can see hundreds of glaciers and snow-capped peaks over 3,000 m high, making it one of the most famous scenic highways in North America. Icefields Parkwayhighlights are concentrated in the densely distributed glacial lakes and stops along the way. Peyto Lake displays a rich blue-green hue due to glacial rock flour suspended in the water, and when viewed from the observation deck, the lake shape resembles a wolf's head. Bow Lake is the source of the Bow River, and when the lake surface is calm in the early morning, the reflections of the snow-capped mountains are clear. Hector Lake, Herbert Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls are also located right next to the highway. The Columbia Icefield area in the middle section is the highlight of the entire journey, where you can see the Athabasca Glacier cascading down from between the snow-capped peaks right from the roadside. Wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears are also frequently spotted along the way.Canada · Improvement District No. 9
Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur MountainLocated in CanadaBanff National ParkInside is a mountain named for its sulfur-like rock color. A sightseeing cable car provides easy access to the summit, offering panoramic views of Banff town and surrounding peaks. The mountaintop features walking trails and observation decks, including a path to the old weather station ruins with expansive scenery along the way—perfect for light hiking and photography. On clear days, the exceptional visibility makes it ideal for a half-day excursion to experience natural landscapes and alpine air. Whether ascending by cable car or hiking up, visitors can immerse themselves in the majestic atmosphere of the Rocky Mountains.Improvement District No. 9 · 6.2 km from Banff
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springsis located on the side of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, Canada, at an altitude of approx. 1,585m. Long before Europeans arrived, local indigenous people were already bathing and relaxing in these springs, and travelers began following the springs here starting in 1884. The bathhouse building, completed in 1932, has undergone several renovations but still retains its original retro appearance. The water here has a fascinating origin: precipitation seeps into the rock layers of Mount Rundle, then travels deep into the earth's crust along the Sulphur Mountain thrust fault, where it is heated and pressurized before emerging to the surface after a journey of hundreds of years in the dark. The pool water remains in a warm range close to body temperature year-round, and as you soak in the pool, you can look up at the continuous mountain scenery of Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley. In winter, steam rises into the cold air, and snowflakes melt as soon as they land on the pool's surface. The contrast of being warm from the waist down while feeling a slight chill on your shoulders is an unforgettable memory of winter in Banff for many people.Improvement District No. 9 · 3.1 km from Banff
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Banff National Park is home to three world-renowned ski areas - Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay. The three ski resorts cover a total area of 7,750 acres, making them a "ski paradise" for ski enthusiasts. Lake Louise Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Canada, with a total of 139 runs on four peaks, and was once named "Scenic Ski Resort" by Ski Magazine. There are 25% pistes for beginners, 45% for intermediate skiers, and 30% for pros. Sunshine Village Ski Resort is about 8 kilometers away from Banff Town. It is the highest ski resort in Canada and an all-natural ski resort with a long ski season in Canada. Skiers can take the world's fastest 8-seater cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the unlimited fun of skiing. Just a 10-minute drive from the town of Banff, Mount Norquay Ski Resort is a small but family-friendly ski area with snow tubing runs specially designed for kids. Skiers can also enjoy unlimited views of the Cascade Mountains as they reach the summit by cable car.Improvement District No. 9 · 18.1 km from Banff
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
The Lake Louise Ski Resort (TheLakeLouiseSkiResort), known as "the scenic ski resort", is only a few minutes away from the Lake Louise Resort. It is a Canadian ski resort with about 4,200 acres and 139 slides spread over four mountain peaks. The well-designed slide layout enables beginners, intermediate and even advanced skiers to find suitable slides in this ski resort and experience the unlimited fun of skiing in the Rocky Mountains.Improvement District No. 9 · 50.5 km from Banff
Bow Falls
Bow Falls is located within Banff National Park. It is not known for its vertical drop, standing only about 10m high, but it spans several dozen meters in width. The river flows over layered rock beds, churning with white waves and roaring as it cascades down, with the sound audible from far away. The 1950s film *River of No Return*, starring Marilyn Monroe, featured a thrilling scene of a raft going over the waterfall that was filmed here. Since then, this once low-profile waterfall has become a must-visit spot for movie fans and tourists. During the summer snowmelt season, the water volume is abundant, with rolling white waves and a thundering sound. In winter, parts of the waterfall freeze, with rushing water and icicles coexisting.Banff · 1.3 km from downtown
Hiking in Banff
Canada · Improvement District No. 9
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Surprise Corner Viewpoint is located within Banff National Park and is a classic viewpoint near the town of Banff, as well as a popular spot for capturing postcard-worthy photos of Banff. Looking out from here, the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs stands quietly at the foot of Sulphur Mountain, with the Bow River flowing past in front of the building. The mountains, water, and castle framed together create a highly recognizable classic composition of Banff, bringing a sense of surprise, and many visitors come specifically to capture this scene. There is an elevated viewing platform here, where you can look over the treetops to overlook the full view of the hotel and the valley.Banff · 1.5 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Banff
Salvere4September 20, 2026
5.0
Worth it. Beautiful and amazing experience with my 76 yrs old mother.
Banff Gondola
Hossain Hoq ProhorOctober 7, 2026
5.0
Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination where turquoise lakes, towering mountains, peaceful forests, and dramatic landscapes create an unforgettable experience. The scenery feels almost unreal, especially around the crystal-clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Scenic roads, hiking trails, waterfalls, and quiet viewpoints offer countless opportunities to enjoy nature and capture beautiful photographs. In autumn, golden larch trees and colorful foliage add an extra layer of magic to the landscape. Whether you love hiking, photography, wildlife, or simply peaceful mountain views, Banff has something special to offer. It’s truly a dream destination for anyone who wants to experience Canada’s spectacular natural beauty.
Banff National Park
Kimi_jmJanuary 15, 2020
4.0
When I went to Banff in early October, it was snowing heavily. From Jasper to Banff, I truly appreciated the beauty of the Icefield Parkway. There were beautiful snow-capped mountains on both sides. It felt great to drive a Wrangler along the smooth road!
Icefields Parkway
西溪老翁March 9, 2020
5.0
Sulphur Mountain is a mountain located near the town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, with an altitude of about 2,450 meters. Climbing to the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can overlook Banff Town, the Bow River, the Banff Springs Hotel at the foot of the mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and the Canadian Rockies. Sulphur Mountain is named after the sulfur hot springs found on its slopes. You can choose to climb Sulphur Mountain by cable car (Banff Gondola) or hiking trails. It takes a long time to hike up the rugged and winding trails. It usually takes about an hour to reach the top of the mountain. Therefore, tourists usually choose to take the cable car to the mountain, and you can enjoy the scenery at different heights as the cable car gradually rises. The mountain cable car station is located about three kilometers south of Banff Town. There is a bus from Banff Town to here. The cable car has an elevation difference of about 680 meters. It takes about 8 minutes to climb to the top of the mountain with an elevation of 2,250 meters. Sulphur Mountain is the best place to overlook the town of Banff. There is a four-story building (Upper Terminal) on the top of the mountain. Each floor has different functions, including a coffee shop, souvenir shop, and Canada's highest restaurant. The fourth floor is an open-air observation deck with a better view. Going up along the trail on the top of the mountain, you can reach a meteorological observatory built in 1903. The building still exists and visitors can see its interior through the windows.
Sulphur Mountain
新-云February 26, 2020
5.0
It is a swimming pool-style hot spring located on Sulphur Mountain near the town of Banff in Alberta, Canada. You can enjoy the fun of hot springs surrounded by mountains and overlook Mount Lundal from here. Enjoy it.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
M36***22June 14, 2020
4.0
There are three very famous ski resorts in Banff Town, and Banff Ski Resort is one of them. It is simply a paradise bestowed by nature for ski lovers. It not only has beautiful scenery, but also has great ski slopes.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
nj荇菜November 23, 2019
5.0
In winter, it is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
fz570628March 7, 2020
5.0
The trip to the Rocky Mountains in eastern and western Canada has been completed. The lakes and mountains in the Rocky Mountains are so beautiful that people can't help but linger.
I want to start with the "lakes", but it always takes "lakes and mountains" to show its overall momentum and beauty.
The first article is Bow Falls, which became famous because the American movie star Monroe's movie "The River Flows East" was filmed here. Although it is far inferior to Niagara Falls, it is the first stop in the Rocky Mountains.
Bow Falls
cparisshJanuary 3, 2020
4.0
It's just a platform without any special features. You have to climb more than a dozen steps to get to the platform. You can see the castle hotel in the distance, as well as the forest and snow-capped mountains in the distance. It feels just average. You can see the same scenery if you are not in this store.
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
