Ultimate Guide: Best Things To Do In Banff National Park

Banff is Canada’s most well-known National Park. If you haven’t heard of Banff yet, I’d say you’ve been living under a rock! This incredible National Park has endless things to do, incredible mountain peaks, glacial lakes, wonderful wildlife, and a stunning little town surrounded by towering mountains!

Every year, over 3 million visitors visit this stunning National Park for very obvious reasons. Here are some of the best things to do in Banff National Park!

How to Get There

Drive

If you are coming from Edmonton, you can take the Yellowhead highway (AB-16). It is 366km between Edmonton and Jasper, taking roughly 4 hours of travel time. From there, you can take the Icefields Parkway straight down to Banff, which is about a 3.5-hour drive.

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world. So make sure you plan enough time for sightseeing during your drive between the two.

You can head to Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway if you are coming from Calgary. The distance between the two is 150km and will likely take you less than 2 hours to drive there.

Many roads in Banff National Park are paved. However, some roads can be rough, and some have switchbacks that are harder for larger vehicles to drive on.

Fly

There are several international airports you can fly to to get to Banff National Park. You just have to decide your travel plans and go from there. Edmonton and Calgary are the closest options (Calgary being the closest), and Vancouver is a great option if you plan to explore British Colombia a bit first!

Bus

There are a few different options for getting to Banff by bus. If you’re travelling from downtown Calgary to Banff, you can choose from On-It Regional Transit or the Banff Express.

On-It Regional Transit operates from June to the end of September, and the Banff Express operates more often during the week. You can check out their websites for more information.

There are transit options to travel between Jasper and Banff if you are checking out Jasper first. Check out my blog post on Jasper National Park for more information on how to get to Jasper.

Train

Rocky Mountaineer is a great train service that runs from April to October and takes you straight to Banff. You can check their website for dates and times available.

Car Rental

You can rent a car once you land at your desired airport and drive to Banff National Park from there. Or you can take a bus or train to Banff National Park and rent a car from one of the car rental agencies located in the Banff townsite.

Related Banff National Park Posts

Complete Guide to Jasper National Park

Icefields Parkway Stops You Can’t Miss

Best Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Edith Cavell Hikes

When to Visit

As I mentioned with Jasper, is there really a “best” time to visit Banff? It’s beautiful all year round, and it all depends on what you’d like to visit for!

So first, you need to figure out what you are going for and then plan for that season. Do you want to go skiing? Is seeing the golden colours of larch season on your bucket list? Are you an avid hiker? 

For those of you who love skiing – the obvious choice is to go during the winter. Autumn is the best time to see larches since that’s the only time they are the beautiful golden colour we all know and love. But, If you are going to explore and go hiking, Summer and Autumn are, in my opinion, the most beautiful times of year for this.

July and August are very busy and full of tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you’ll want to avoid this time of year. However, Summer is an absolutely incredible time to go, but as I said, it can get very busy, so you’ll want to book your stay in advance.

Pin it to save for when you plan your Banff National Park Itinerary!

Best Things To Do In Banff National Park

Hike One of the Many Trails and Enjoy the View of an Epic Landscape

Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. There are many hikes here that you can choose from depending on what you are looking for. Whether you want an easy hike or a multi-day hike, Banff has many options for you.

How To Find Hikes

One of my favourite ways is to use the AllTrails app to look at hikes in the area and choose the hike based on length and difficulty. If I’m being honest, I usually pick the hike based on what the view looks like. 

The app also has a download feature where you can download the trail and map for that area, so you don’t get lost. You can use the map with and without service as long as you have it downloaded. People also comment on the hikes, so you can check the most recent comments to see what people are saying about the road and trail conditions and if there have been bear sightings lately.

You can also use Instagram to find amazing hikes by searching Banff National Park and checking out the geotag or the hashtag section to see what hikes are available in the area. Later in this post, I have listed some of my favourite hikes and sights you can check out on your trip to Banff. 

Another great way to find trails is to use google maps. Just zoom into Banff National Park and take a look around. If you find a spot that might look cool, check for a nearby trail that might take you to an epic view!

Hike Diversity

The hikes in Banff National Park are so diverse. Each one has something unique to offer, whether it be glacial lakes, towering mountains, back-country multi-day hikes, glaciers, waterfalls, or a mix of all the above packed into one amazing hike! You really can’t go wrong with any hike you choose in Banff!

If you are planning on exploring Jasper National Park as well, be sure to check out the blog posts linked below once you are done here!

Try a Beaver Tail

Yum! I love beaver tails. Don’t worry; they aren’t a real beaver’s tail. They are a very delicious, deep-fried pastry!

The only place to try a Beaver Tail is at BeaverTails. There are several of them located in the townsite of Banff, and you will not regret trying this irresistible treat!

These deep-fried pastries can be enjoyed with many different toppings. My favourite is The Classic beaver tail, and it is topped with cinnamon and sugar. 

BeaverTails has many options that include toppings like Nutella, hazelnut spread, banana, apple pie filling, caramel, Skor, peanut butter, m&ms, oreo, and much more!

Rent A Canoe On One Of Banffs Iconic Lakes

Renting a canoe on Moraine lake has got to be the best decision I have made so far while visiting Banff. Of course, there are several lakes you can rent canoes on, but if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right! 

By that, I mean rent a canoe on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. These are two of the most iconic land breathtaking lakes in Banff. The price of renting a canoe varies and is pricey. I debated about renting one due to the cost per hour.

But I caved and figured why not? I’m here now, and who knows when I’ll be back again. It was absolutely worth every penny, and I did not regret it.

Check Out The Columbian Icefield

The Columbian Icefield is on many people’s bucket lists and one of the most popular things to do in Banff. The Columbian Icefield is the largest icefield in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. It covers 230 square kilometres to a depth of 365 metres and spans around 28 kilometres long!

Here you will be able to learn about the history of this ancient spot, and there are a variety of activities you can choose from, including a tour of the icefields where you can either drive or walk on the glacier, as well as feel and drink from it. You can also check out the glass-floored Skywalk. You can find more information on their website here!

Back-country Camping

This is something I never got the chance to do either time I went to Banff. It’s definitely on my list because I’ve seen photos of some of those overnight hikes, and wow, do they ever look breathtaking.

There are tons of options when it comes to back-country camping. You can either find a back-country campsite or a multi-day hike. Plan and book your campsites ahead of time if required. Also, do some research ahead of time, so you know the trail conditions and any possible bear sightings.

This is a perfect way to get away from Banff’s crowds and fully immerse yourself in the true Canadian wilderness.

Ride a Gondola to the Top of a Mountain

If you’re in Banff or Jasper, you definitely need to add riding a gondola to your itinerary and bucket list! Standing on top of a mountain is one of the best feelings in the world, and there are always such incredible views!

There are several gondola options in Banff National Park, and they each have their own perks. You definitely check out at least one of them.

The Banff Gondola takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. At the top, there are two restaurants, an interpretive centre, and a boardwalk showcasing 360° views of incredible landscapes. You can check out prices and hours right on their website!

Another option is the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola. I haven’t personally done this one, but it sounds absolutely amazing! This gondola takes you up 2101 metres on any day of the week. Up here, you will find amazing panoramic views of stunning scenery, massive glaciers, flora and fauna, crystal-clear springs, several dining options, an interpretive centre, and more! You can find more information on their website, including hours and pricing.

My current favourite option is the Banff Sunshine Meadows Gondola – though I might be a bit biased. This gondola takes you up 2400 metres and is the highest lift-accessed chairlift in the Banff and Lake Louise area. Up here, you will be surrounded by massive peaks, 360° views, three alpine lakes, the Sunshine Meadow Lodge, several restaurants and more! The hikes up here are also very beautiful! Of course, their website has so much more information, including prices and hours.

Riding a gondola is one of the best things you can do in Banff National Park. If you are afraid of heights, you might feel a bit woozy riding the gondola up. But if you can face your fear, I promise you will have an experience of a lifetime, and you will not regret it!

Try Cows Icecream

Not only do you have to try a beavertail, but you have to try some ice cream from Cows! It was once voted one of the best places to get ice cream in the world! 

I’m pretty sure last time I was in Banff, I got ice cream from Cows three times within five days. There aren’t many Cows locations, so I had to take what I could while I was there!

It is so delicious! If you love ice cream, you will be obsessed with Cows! They have so many delicious flavours with some pretty clever names like cowconut cream pie, cownadian maple, fluff n’ udder, gooey mooey, and messie bessie.

My favourites so far are strawberry sorbet which is delicious if you want something more fruity and not milky/creamy, and wowie cowie. But they have so many different flavour options.

Explore The Town Of Banff

There is so much to do right in Banff. Eat at one of the many restaurants offered, from fine dining to McDonalds. Go for a night out at one of the nightclubs or pubs. Go shopping, or snap a couple of pictures in this picturesque town!

I definitely can not list all of the things to do in the town of Banff, but there is something for everyone, no matter what you are into.

Other Things to Do In Banff If You Have More Time

There are many things to do in Banff National Park, so if you have some extra time, here are some of the other best things to do in Banff National Park.

Ski in the winter, white water rafting, kayaking, take a hiking tour, mountain biking, check out some hot springs, rock climbing, horseback riding, helicopter flights, and so much more!

Best Hikes And Sights in Banff National Park

Continuing my list of the best things to do in Banff National Park, here are specific hikes and sights you won’t want to miss while you’re there! If you are exploring more than just Banff, check out my on my favourite hikes in the Canadian Rockies and my Ultimate Jasper Guide when you’re done here.

Bow Lake

Just a 30-minute drive north of Lake Louise, you will find Bow Lake. It is known to be one of the largest lakes located in Banff and is fed by meltwater from Bow Glacier. At Bow Lake, you will see epic views of Crowfoot Moutain, a hanging glacier, and the Wapta Icefield.

Bow Lake is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic along the Icefields Parkway, and there are many great photo spots. You can enjoy a short, lovely hike along the turquoise waters of this stunning lake or go on a longer hike where you will spend most of your day here.

This lake is the perfect place for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. It is also an incredible place to spend time hiking in the summer, with options for easy hikes to hikes where you need to scramble.

Lake Louise

I mentioned Lake Louise earlier when I stated that renting a canoe is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. Lake Louise is the most iconic and well-known lake in Banff. If you haven’t heard of Lake Louise, now you have!

This is a very touristy spot with thousands of people coming just to snap a picture of this breathtaking view every day. If you want parking, definitely come as early in the morning as possible, or take the bus to get there because parking fills up very quickly!

Moraine Lake

If I only had so much time in Banff National Park and I only had time to see one lake, it would be Moraine Lake. Yes – I’ve said it – Moraine Lake over Lake Louise.

Moraine Lake is becoming more and more popular and just like Louise, if you want parking, go before sunrise. Otherwise, take transit to get there.

Once you’re there, you can walk up the path to the viewpoint of Moraine Lake to snap some pictures of this absolutely gorgeous lake. There are also several trailheads starting near the entrance to Moraine Lake that are worth checking out.

Renting a canoe here was the best decision I ever made, and I highly recommend it regardless of the price! I’m sure these photos are enough to convince you that you need to check out this picturesque lake!

Herbert Lake

Herbert Lake is a cute little alpine lake that you should definitely add to your Banff National Park bucket list! It’s no Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, but it’s still worth the quick stop to check out and explore around.

Hector Lake

Hector Lake is another really gorgeous blue alpine lake in Banff National Park that you must add to your road trip in the Canadian Rockies. It’s right off the highway so it makes it a quick and easy stop for your road trip.

Pin it to save for when you plan your Banff National Park Itinerary!

Vermillion Lakes

This is a stunning lake with an incredible view of Mount Rundle and some stunning reflections. It’s just a couple kilometres outside Banff townsite and is a must on your Banff National Park adventures! There are trails nearby, and you can bike and canoe or explore around the lake on foot.

Larch Valley

Larch Valley is one of the best things you can do in Banff National Park. It is my favourite hike there by far. You must add Larch Valley to your Canadian Rockies bucket list, especially if you are there in the fall. You must see the golden larches.

This hike starts at Moraine Lake and is steep, and you’ll be trekking up switchbacks most of the way. You’ll pass through forests and meadows with amazing views of the mountains.

Once at the top, you’ll see some beautiful larch forests, and if you keep going, you will find this beautiful spot where you can take some stunning reflection photos of the mountains.

Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles. I took the Moraine Lake Bus Company shuttle bus to get there. You can also bike in or take another bus company. More information on that here.

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is located very close to the town of Banff and the Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds. It is a 4.5km out and back trail that is rated moderate due to the steady incline on the way up.

You will find multiple places to stop for a rest on a bench and enjoy the view of the landscapes around you. Once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the townsite of Banff at the bottom with the towering mountains surrounding it. 

This trail is very popular for hiking and trail running, so you will likely see many others while on this trail.

Johnston Canyon

Being one of the most popular hikes in Banff, I had to add it to the list of the best things to do in Banff National Park. You will definitely see a lot of other tourists on this trail due to its popularity.

This is a short hike being 5km there and back, and it is only 1.2km to the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls and an additional 1.3km to the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls. This hike is fairly easy, however, so people do tend to struggle with it.

We are so lucky to have elevated walkways throughout Johnston Canyon. Otherwise, we would not be able to see all of the incredible views and enjoy the beauty of this trail.

Johnston Canyon features many waterfalls along the trail, but two are the main stars of this hike. Johnston Canyon Upper Falls and Johnston Canyon Lower Falls. Be sure to stop and enjoy the view of both of these stunning falls!

Peyto Lake

You absolutely must not miss this lake if it is open during the time of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. This hike is a short loop trail that’s about 2.4km long that takes you to a breathtaking overlook of Peyto Lake. It’s a very easy hike with an elevation gain of only 84 metres.

The hike is super easy and pretty busy since it is becoming more and more touristy. It is the perfect lake to watch the sunset.

You won’t be right on the lake like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but the lookout point is mesmerizing. Be prepared for many tourists here as it is a heavily trafficked trail.

Rock Isle Lake Via Sunshine

This is another one of the best hikes in Banff National Park! It is a moderately rated loop trail that is about 8km long. To get to this trail, you either have to take a gondola up, or you can hike up and down the gravel access road, which is another 6km each way. Nevertheless, the trail is most definitely worth the hike!

I mentioned this gondola earlier in this blog. The Sunshine Standish Chairlift takes about 8 minutes to get you to the top and runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It costs $45 CAD for adults, $42 for seniors, $23 for youth/children and is free for toddlers.

This epic view is one of the reasons it is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. There are a few different trail directions up in these mountains, but whichever trail you choose up here is a good choice!

There are tons of wildflowers everywhere, and you will be completely surrounded by mountains in the distance. Rock Isle Lake has some benches where you can sit down, relax and have a snack at. It is definitely a lovely sight and worth stopping at to snap a couple of photos – or in my case… like 100.

The elevation gain may be 316m, however, if you take the chairlift you’re already at the top, which means the hike will be fairly easy. It’s almost like taking a stroll. There is so much to see here, like lakes, rolling hills, and mountains!

Tip: Bring a meal, if not a snack! You’ll be out for a while!

Ink Pots Via Moose Meadows

This stunning trail is a moderate out and back trail that is about 11.6km long. It isn’t heavily trafficked, which is nice, which means some good ol’ peace and quiet!

At the start of the trail, you will be walking down a path through the forest. Some parts of the trail are more difficult, so be mindful of where you are stepping.

Once you arrive at the Ink Pots, you can enjoy venturing the area with boardwalks and different coloured tiny water holes! These Ink Pots are part of the reason why I have included it as one of the best things to do in Banff National Park.

The trail continues passed the Ink Pots and leads to a river with a massive mountain in the back. I believe the trail does continue on to be a longer hike for those who are doing an overnight hike, so try not to venture too much further from the Ink Pots.

Another way to get to the Ink Pots is via Johnston Canyon Trail. This trail has a lot more hikers on it, which is why I chose the more peaceful Moose Meadows. Johnston Canyon does have some pretty gorgeous views, though! Both are definitely worth the hike!

Tip: Bring a meal or snack and enjoy the views at the Ink Pots. It’s a lengthy trail, so food and water are definitely recommended!

Where to Eat

Now that we’ve covered some of the best things to do in Banff National Park let’s talk about some of the best places to eat! I certainly have not eaten out too much while in Banff since I mostly bought groceries because I was camping, but here is a list of places I have tried and definitely recommend!

Elk & Oarsman, Restaurant & Bar – absolutely delicious food!

Melissa’s MisSteak – they make a mean breakfast – we ate here several times.

Rose & Crown – a pub-style restaurant with great nightlife & live bands!

Beaver Tails – I mentioned trying beaver tails earlier because they are so worth it!

Cows Icecream – also mentioned above!

Where to Stay

If you are planning on camping while you’re in Banff, there are several campgrounds to choose from. The one I’ve always stayed at was Tunnel Mountain Village, and I highly recommend it. It only takes a few minutes to drive into the town of Banff, and there is even transit offered if you are not driving yourself.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a beautiful, more luxury option. It is surrounded by 9 acres of fir, pine, and spruce trees and is just a 15-minute walk to downtown Banff. Buffalo Mountain Lodge has 108 guest rooms, an outdoor hot tub and a few dining options.

These rooms have fieldstone wood-burning fireplaces, tv, and cozy decor. The only complaint I had from my stay was that there was no air conditioning in the cabin, which isn’t the most pleasant on a hot summer day.

There are many options for places to stay that range from campgrounds to mid-range to luxury. You can check out Expedia.ca for an option that suits your needs for your stay in Banff.

Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Banff National Park

And there you have it! A list of the best things to do in Banff National Park! There are so many other things you could do in Banff, but these are ones that I have personally done and love or heard of and wanted to try. Who knows, maybe after my next trip to Banff, I will make a part two!

Related Banff National Park Posts

Complete Guide to Jasper National Park

Icefields Parkway Stops You Can’t Miss

Best Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Edith Cavell Hikes