Exciting Things to Do in Banff for Thrill Seekers
THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Banff
Exciting Things to Do in Banff for Thrill Seekers
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying
- Noemy5 contributionsSpectacular view. Walking in the wood board. Amazing views from every angle. We have lunch in the buffet restaurant, they didn't have a great variarity but the dishes were really good. It was worth it!Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephen & SueCanberra, Australia2,753 contributionsSunshine Meadows would be the least publicised of the 4 chairlifts or gondolas in this area, but wow, what an absolute gem.
It’s about half an hour out of town, and starts with a gondola ride, then change to a chairlift, then a short walk to a viewing platform that brings you to just about the most beautiful spot in the Rockies.
From there you can walk a short distance into the wildflower meadows and back, or continue on to the longer 2 hour circuit down to the lower lakes, and then back around to the gondola (no need to walk back up the steep slope to the chairlift).
And the lack of publicity means no crowds. We couldn’t believe how few people knew about this place.
There was heaps of free parking, no queue for the gondola or the chairlift, or the cafes at the base station or chairlift station.
And if, as we did, you extend the walk beyond the first platform, you will rarely encounter another person.
Instead you get waterfalls, running streams, lakes, stunning views and wildflower meadows.
As the little boy next to us said when he reached the lookout “mum, I can’t believe it’s real”. Neither could we.
Weather plays a big part here so, choose a sunny day, but if you can only do one gondola or chairlift, ditch the rest and journey out to Sunshine Meadows.Written 15 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - travelwhileukanMarietta, GA73 contributionsGreat hike with expansive views at the summit. October 10, 2024. There was snow on the trail. 6 degrees Celsius at the trailhead that day. Walking poles and snow cleats were a huge help! Very blustery on parts of trail. A hat with a hood will keep you warm. Wear good boots. Leg gators or rain pants will keep snow off your feet /legs. 2.5 hours round trip for us.Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- stufi1Australia Plains, Australia7 contributionsA great 6 day ride from Banff with all guides/horses/ provisions by Banff Trail Rides BUT with a wonderful MC (Rep. of TRCR) who gelled us together and provided extra entertainment.Written 13 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark JCalgary, Canada1 contributionThe elderly sleigh driver is unfriendly as I got unfair treatment. This made our adventure experience unenjoyable and uncomfortable. Overall, our money is not worth it.
Surprisingly, I got a full refund after a few days. I changed my review from 1 star to 4 stars because the owner took my formal complaint seriously, as it shows empathy and value to the guests. Hopefully, they will provide customer service training to their staff as they mainly work in the tourism industry.Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Taylor O1 contributionAwesome experience with friendly staff. We did the Marvin’s diner room with 4 people and it was a good amount of time for the difficulty level that it was. Next time we are in Banff we want to try the other escape room they have! Looking forward to it.Written 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lol2603East Sussex, UK64 contributionsReally well organised and safe. Great fun.
All equipment supplied plus free photos and refreshments at end. Friendly guides; we had Ugo and he even taught us how to move the raft if it got stuck in low water! Fun with other rafts too.
Chance to swim off raft at end.
Could not fault it.Written 12 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Terry WNorth Richland Hills, TX175 contributionsWe rented snow shoes from Bactrax because we were given a discount from our hotel. When we went to rent them, they did not have our size available. The guy took my phone number and said he would call as soon as a pair came in. Within 45 minutes he called me and as we were right up the street we went and picked them up right then. He knew we were on a short timeline as we had a guided tour to get to, and he already had the contract drafted by the time we got to the store. As we were waiting our turn, we noticed they gave personal attention to every customer. And they had a lot of customers. Return of the snow shoes was very quick and easy. They rent out all kinds of winter sports gear and make sure it fits properly before you leave.Written 17 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joey W5 contributionsA cant-miss experience in the Banff area and a highlight of our trip! We had the best guide, Matt, who made our experience great. He was calm, encouraging, and made a great coach! His optimism and attitude toward life will stick with me long past this excursion.
Highly recommend Mt Norquay Via Ferrata and especially Matt!Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WheelieJLoNailsea, UK80 contributionsFabulous place to visit. 3-night stay, which felt long enough to do everything we wanted to. Banff Gondola. Hiked along Bow River and hiked up Tunnel Mountain. Hiked around Vermillion Lakes and Rafted the Bow River.Written 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicole R4 contributionsBrian guided us on an amazing snow shoe adventure through Sunshine Meadows. Best day of our vacation. Stunning views, peaceful hike surrounded by 360 degrees of Rockies. Brian was extremely well prepared, patient, knowledgable and brought everything we needed for an amazing day (excellent equipment, hot chocolate and cookies for our island picnic. Highly recommend this company, and Brian in particular for a guide!Written 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrankoM11Mississauga, Canada54 contributionsRented my skis from this place for 3 days. It was a very good place to rent from. They have some decent high performance skis. Staff also is very friendly and helpful. Keep in mind you if you rent for 3 days you cannot ski for 2 days, skip a day and then ski again. It has to be 3 consecutive days to rent. Very convenient location as well.Written 9 January 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jason G3 contributionsBanff adventures, and more specifically Davis and his crew at the Paradise Basin snowmobile tour gave my family a great experience to remember for a long time. Safe, fun and interesting… the mine shaft and cabin at the top of the mountain is a must-view. Would recommend to everyone.Written 11 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katherine M1 contributionThe folks at Banff Cycle & Sport were absolutely fantastic. They had our bikes ready to go and charged up, and patiently explained all the features. I hadn’t ridden a bike a very long time, and it was my first time on an ebike, so I was grateful that they took the time for us. They also gave good directions to the Bow Valley Parkway, including how to navigate a road closure. Cycling down the parkway on a beautiful sunny day with no cars was truly the highlight of our trip, and by far the least crowded thing we did at Banff/ Lake Louise. Thank you to Banff Cycle & Sport for making it possible!Written 21 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- quilla1972Calgary, Canada2 contributionsI am so happy Banff Canyoning popped into my FB feed. My 13 year old daughter and I did the family friendly Cline River experience this weekend and absolutely loved it! Olivia was an incredible guide. Thorough, patient, kind, and made everyone feel really comfortable. Nothing was a rush, take your time, super chill. Always smiling.
We highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a mini adventure!
Also recommend using the pick up spot, David Thompson Resort as your HQ.
It was so convenient to just walk to the parking lot to meet up for the days outing.Written 11 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
