First Time Guide: Top Things to do in Banff

Banff National Park is an incredibly beautiful place with so much to offer. If you are searching for some things to do in Banff, you’re in the right place! So buckle up and prepare for a journey through Banff National Park like no other. Let’s dive into these six must-do activities that will make your trip to Banff an unforgettable one!

Hike!

This might be obvious but hiking is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. There are over 100s of trails waiting to be explored! With lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and massive glaciers towering above you, you’ll never run out of beautiful trails to explore. With a variety of trails ranging in length and difficulty, there are trails for every type of adventurer.

Ready to hit the trails? Checkout this article for 8 trails in Banff you don’t want to skip!

Banff Gondola

Want scenic views from 8,000 feet without a crazy hike? Take the Gondola up Sulfur Mountain! The Gondola takes about 8 minutes to reach the top and gains a little over 2,000 feet in elevation. At the top, take in the panorama views. You can also grab a coffee and pastry at the cafe, or have a meal at one of their two restaurants: Sky Bistro or Northern Lights. We had dinner at Sky Bistro and it was absolutely delicious, I definitely recommend it! If you are up for a bit of a walk and some stairs, follow the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. Sanson’s peak is home to one of the nine Cosmic Ray Stations that were used to study cosmic rays. It was first a weather observatory until 1930, then in the 1950s it was repurposed to study the cosmic rays.

Before visiting, be sure to purchase tickets online.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

A unique way to experience one of Banff’s iconic lakes is to take a boat ride on one! You can kayak and canoe on Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, but the only lake you can take a motorized cruise on is Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is the largest and deepest lake in Banff National Park. The cruise takes you to the middle of the lake where you can take in the scenery away from the shoreline. This cruise gives you a different way to experience Banff lakes and I definitely recommend you check it out! You should purchase your tickets online ahead of time to ensure you have a place on the boat.

If you’re planning on doing more that one excursion (for example the cruise and gondola) be sure to checkout the packages on Pursuit. They have a few different bundles that can save you money if you plan to do multiple things.

Cascade of Time Garden

The Cascade of Time Garden is a free public garden in the town of Banff that is open year-round. It’s a beautiful spot to take a stroll around and enjoy the flowers with Cascade Mountain looming in the background. If you have some free time, grab some food from town and have a picnic here.

Overlooks

Banff has numerous overlooks throughout the park that offers stunning views without long hikes. Most are just a short walk from the parking lot and are perfect places to stop for a picnic. Checkout this article for a list of overlooks to check out in the park.

Stroll the town of Banff

The main street of Banff, Banff Avenue, is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. It is a great place to browse for souvenirs, enjoy a meal, or people-watch. Definitely be sure to grab a Beaver Tail here for dessert! The Bow River flows through the town of Banff, and there are several walking paths along the riverbank. These paths offer beautiful views of the river and the mountains.

On Wednesdays, be sure to checkout the farmers market, located by the Bow river. Open from late May to early October, the market has a variety if fruits and vegetables, prepared food, jewelry, and other hand made items.