Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Banff, Canada
Nature & Parks in Banff
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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Nature & Parks
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28 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Equipment Hire • Ski & Snowboard Areas
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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.
What travellers are saying
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adam KRed Deer, Canada99 contributionsWe have ridden this trail several times now and love the trail! It is well maintained and features some spectacular views.
This trip was cut short due to a mechanical failure of one of our riders who unfortunately had a tire explosion that resulted in him going over the bars, hitting his face on the pavement and breaking his arm just below the shoulder. I was surprised and VERY disappointed to hear that one of the oncoming riders told him to "move off the trail cause he was blocking traffic" when he had just crashed and was in a great deal of pain.
There are unfortunately some people on this trail that think they are training for the Olympics and the rest of us are just in their way - so be careful. There were three different incidents that day which resulted in the ambulance being called (I was in the emergency room to witness it).
On a side note: one of the first people to stop was a paramedic, another that stopped was a doctor and two others who helped clean the scene worked at the hospital - so you don't seem to have to wait too long for some quality help. We always carry a First Aid kit when biking/hiking - I would suggest having at least the basic necessities.
Keep to the right of the trails. Use your bells. Watch out for others - they may not be watching out for you!Written 16 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - MentgscKathmandu, Nepal15 contributionsOur bus driver timed our visit to Spiral Tunnels perfectly as we waited less than 5 minutes to a vey long freight train start to weave in and out of the Spiral tunnelsWritten 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Hamid THinton, Canada26 contributionsThe lake is very close to Banff, and easy to reach. The views are perfect! You may sit near the lake and have fun, or swim if the weather permits. Very very beautiful.Written 30 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PoisonivyjcCalgary, Canada815 contributionsMirror lake is exactly what it says- so crystal clear it mirrors the surroundings. Nice photo op on way up to tea house.Written 3 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- LindaJP4Toronto, Canada29 contributionsWe stopped here on our drive of the Lake Minnewanka area. The ponds are a picture of beauty! Great place for a stroll or a picnic. Loved watching the groundhogs pop in and out of their burrows! A must see spot!Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Banff:
- Banff Area 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
- Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
- Super DEAL! Canadian Rockies visit Banff, Jasper and Yoho, 5-days tour
- Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk from Banff
- Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
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