Top Things to Do in Banff
Things to Do in Banff
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Banff.
Top Attractions in Banff
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
Natural History Museums • Educational sites
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- robuvi1 contributionWe purchased our ticket online in advance to get advantage of free Roam Transit ride to Gondola from downtown Banff as parking is limited. The view on top is stunning! We are blessed to have a good weather!Written 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KURT BWashington, IL393 contributionsEasy lake drive with great scenery. The lake is beautiful, and we saw a big Black Bear. Drove it in a 28FT. RV no problem.Written 25 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Anne DDelta, Canada63 contributionsWhat a gorgeous waterfall, and so nice and close to the Rimrock. A lot of snow is melting in the mountains and the falls were going full force. BeautifulWritten 25 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- calgaryjimCalgary, Canada83 contributionsTake the gondola, otherwise the longish hike up is super boring. From the top of the gondola ride, the views along the hike are simply stunning, bring sunglasses for sure. And we hiked in August, the horse flies were just dreadful, they wouldn’t leave us alone. I don’t know when they aren’t so prevalent but before I do the hike again I will definitely find out. Note: we did this hike years ago even though it says 2021, we just couldn’t go back further. Travel date relevant for hotels and restaurants, not so much for hikes. That mountain you can see, it’s probably still going to be there in a decade.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Michele G-WLondon, Canada427 contributionsThe Parkway was right behind where we were staying in Banff. We didn't bike it but did drive it and it's beautiful. If you go around 7:30/8pm you'll see wildlife. We saw Elk and Black Bear.Written 25 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- mjbernatzRolesville, NC173 contributionsMy wife and I hiked this trail on a sunny day during a visit to Banff. We are in our mid-50’s and did not have any problems getting to the top. There are great views from multiple points along the trail. Took about an hour to get to the top.Written 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PaulaDDuckToronto, Canada191 contributionsIt had snowed overnight, so the surrounding trees and some of the trail were snow covered, so it was handy to have proper hiking boots and poles. It is a steady upward climb. As we neared the top, the wind and snow increased; however, we were lucky that shortly thereafter, the wind dropped, the snow stopped and a glimmer of sun appeared on the Saskatchewan glacier, the valley, the waterfall and surrounding peaks. Soon the wind and snow picked up again. It took us about 2 hours round trip including stopping for pictures. Well worth the effort!Written 21 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JFLeBlancMoncton, Canada3,316 contributionsRecently visited this location which is the birth place of Parks Canada. The cave itself is way smaller than I thought but still very cool to see.
Staff members were professional and helpful.
I highly recommend.Written 6 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - pcandersToronto, Canada14 contributionsThe main shopping/dining area of Banff Avenue was closed off to vehicles. Paid parking available about a 10 minute walk away and free parking at the train station (about 15 minute walk away). Enjoyed the Spirit of Christmas shop and the Rocky Mountain chocolate/candy shop. Several souvenir shops and some hiking/sporting goods stores. The Bay is the largest store in that area. Several restaurants in the area. There is a grocery store, liquor store, hardware store and small movie theatre just off of Banff Avenue as well. Lots of people out and about.Written 2 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Vickers55Cambridge, UK581 contributionsLovely little lake and so quiet compared to the melee of lake Louise. All the little lakes in this area have the same combination of emerald gree water and nouveau a with reflections. So much better to see in isolation than with loads of othersWritten 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ruth KFlat Rock, NC132 contributionsPretty gardens. I wish the flowers had been marked with their names for those of us who would like to purchase similar plants. The garden in general deserves more care and the water cleaned but it is a beautiful place to visitWritten 11 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Tony KMoreno Valley, CA705 contributionsRight near town. This is nice and easy short scenic drive past the Vermilion Lakes. Drive slow and enjoy the views as lots of people use this road to Walk, Bike and run etcWritten 10 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ruth SBellevue, WA691 contributionsVery nice it is in the center of town with washrooms in the building and next door. Needed advice on the transit and service was very helpful.Written 10 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sharon RTucson, Arizona227 contributionsThis is a very special walk because of the river, mountains and snow. It is so green. There are three Hoodoos which are a bit difficult to see and they are sand colored. Fun walk but it is a bit of a challenge to get to the top.Written 18 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sharon RTucson, Arizona227 contributionsA fun place to drive with mountain and river views. There is a viewing platform which gives a fantastic view of the hotel.Written 18 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff
- The top attractions to visit in Banff are: See all attractions in Banff on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Banff according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Banff on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Banff according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour
- Lake Louise & Yoho N.P & Moraine Lake 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
- Banff Area 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
- Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
- Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk from Banff
- The most popular things to do in Banff with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Banff on Tripadvisor