First Time Guide: Top Things to do in Banff
Banff National Park is stunning, with endless sights and activities to enjoy. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Banff, you’re in the right place! This guide highlights the must-see experiences for first-time visitors, no matter the season.
Explore Banff’s Scenic Hiking Trails
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It might be obvious, but hiking is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. There are hundreds of trails waiting to be explored! You’ll find everything from lush forests and crystal-clear lakes to stunning glaciers – you just have to hit the trails to see them! The best part is there are trails of varying lengths and difficulties, so there’s truly something for everyone.
A few of my favorite trails I recommend are Lake Agnes Teahouse + Little Beehive, Bow Lake Summit, and Johnston Canyon!
Checkout this article for a complete list of the best hikes 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 Sulphur Mountain! The ride takes about 8 minutes and gains just over 2,000 feet in elevation.
At the top, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. You can grab a coffee and pastry at the café or have a meal at one of the two restaurants: Sky Bistro or Northern Lights. We had dinner at Sky Bistro, and it was absolutely delicious—highly recommend!
If you’re up for a short walk and a few stairs, follow the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. It’s home to one of the nine Cosmic Ray Stations used to study cosmic rays. Originally a weather observatory until 1930, it was repurposed in the 1950s for cosmic ray research.
Tip: Be sure to purchase tickets online before visiting!
Exploring the Lakes by Boat or Kayak
You can rent a canoe or kayak on Moraine Lake or Lake Louise and explore the water at your own pace! Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, so during peak season it’s best to arrive early or be prepared for a wait.
If you’re looking for a motorized cruise, the only option is Lake Minnewanka. It’s the largest and deepest lake in Banff National Park, and the cruise takes you to the middle of the lake, offering a scenic view away from the shoreline. It’s a unique way to experience Banff’s lakes, and I highly recommend it! Be sure to purchase tickets online ahead of time to secure your spot.
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 or just to enjoy the view.
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.
Explore Banff by E-Bike
Renting an e-bike is one of the easiest and most fun ways to explore Banff. You can cover more ground without breaking too much of a sweat and stop whenever you see a view you can’t resist. There are plenty of rental shops in town, and most offer maps with suggested routes that take you past lakes, viewpoints, and local highlights.
If you prefer to do a guided tour, checkout this highly rated tour that takes you through all the best spots in Banff.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
If you have more time in Banff and want to venture just outside the boundaries of the national park, check out the Columbia Icefield Skywalk! Visiting the Columbia Icefield honestly feels like stepping into another world. You’ll hop on a massive Ice Explorer vehicle and drive right out onto the Athabasca Glacier. After wandering around for a bit, you’ll head to the Skywalk, where the glass floor gives you an unreal view of the valley below!
More Resources to Help You Plan Your Banff Trip
Heading to Banff soon? Checkout these articles to help you plant the perfect trip!
10 Things to Know before Visiting Banff National Park
