Banff Avenue
Banff Avenue
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Banff Avenue
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
143 within 5 kms
Attractions
54 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- FLtrotterSt. Augustine, Florida356 contributionsScenic yet commercializedComing into Banff one of my first thoughts was how new and high scale rustic appropriate everything looks and then my next concern was how expensive it would be to stay and eat in Banff. Anyhow that was mostly true. Echoing a lot of other reviewers… The avenue is adorned with shops not so much ones that befit a backcountry hike looking to head into the park- it had fine jewelry, gourmet chocolates and wines, many gift shops . Frankly Banff and its avenue is over commercialized and seems to cater to those with deep pockets. But at the same time there is a charm to the avenue and its surroundings. We decided to spend a few hours including going to the visitor center and walking up and down the avenue then having a pho lunch at a Vietnamese place. That was more than enough time for us and then we were off to Lake Louise. I don’t imagining us spending days on end in Banff, other than trying for affordable lodging in order to view parts of the parkVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 10, 2024
- tjnelsSolon, Iowa332 contributionsgo in the morning before it gets crazyWe stopped here early on a weekday. Initially, it wasn't very busy and it was pretty enjoyable. After lunch, the crowds had increased considerably. We left when it got busy. We really had seen everything that we needed to see. Lots of souvenir shops- seemed like all the shops had the same things.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 24, 2024
- Rachel48 contributionsWorth the stroll!This is a great street! There are soo many different food options, all were soo worth the visit (especially the chicken parm from Banff brewing co.) and heaps of touristy shops to get your souvenirs from! Worth going shop to shop to check prices though... Love how the street was shut to cars so it gave more space for people to walk without it being too crowded. Can't wait to go back!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 27, 2024
- Michelle PCalifornia20 contributionsGood food, shoppingAdorable! What a fun place to eat and shop. Loved that the main avenue was closed off to traffic. You could walk with ease even though there was a lot of people. Shopping ranges from high end stores to basic souvenir shops. There is something for everyone. Parking can be expensive but there is free parking on the outskirts of town with a short walk required. We saw elk right next to the free parking area so be careful when driving.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 30, 2024
- Adrian R29 contributionsA tourist trap in the best setting possibleBanff is really about the setting and the surroundings and not the town itself, including Banff Ave. It has a fabricated tourist feel about it, backed up by the fact that every other shop is selling souvenirs. "Tourist Trap" would be an accurate description, but really in the nicest possible way. I initially thought that the 2 hours that I had initially put aside to visit was going to fall short, but it turned out to be plenty. That said, the setting is spectacular, so go for a stroll and soak it in.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 24, 2024
- Metis galChilliwack, Canada307 contributionsNice to see a few unique shops among the many similar ones.No shortage of things to see here. I'm very glad we went when we did as even in late September we found it to be quite busy. There are so many shops to check out, some with a little more unique flair, a number of others that carry the standard souvenir style items. Having family visiting from Australia, they really enjoyed many shops along the Avenue.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten October 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,525 reviews
Excellent
736
Very good
551
Average
195
Poor
32
Terrible
11
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
pcanders
Toronto, Canada16 contributions
Jun 2022
The main shopping/dining area of Banff Avenue was closed off to vehicles. Paid parking available about a 10 minute walk away and free parking at the train station (about 15 minute walk away). Enjoyed the Spirit of Christmas shop and the Rocky Mountain chocolate/candy shop. Several souvenir shops and some hiking/sporting goods stores. The Bay is the largest store in that area. Several restaurants in the area. There is a grocery store, liquor store, hardware store and small movie theatre just off of Banff Avenue as well. Lots of people out and about.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,150 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The main avenue in Banff is both cute and also crowded. Just about every place on the main street is either a souvenir shop, a restaurant, a bakery or an ice cream shop. Now and then we saw some street performers. The evenings are quite crowded with everyone out and about for dinner. All in all, in spite of the crowds, it had an overall quaint feel.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie T
Calgary, Canada102 contributions
Jul 2022
The heart of the town of Banff... it offers a great selection of restaurants, shops and services, so this is the place to head to when in Banff when needing to eat, shop, or ride a bus. Understanding that Banff receives a large amount of visitors (domestic and international alike), average prices for food and shops tend to be higher than what you'd expect to see in Calgary for example. But overall a very scenic and useful street, and an obligated stop when visiting Banff.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelrads
New York City, NY554 contributions
Aug 2023
Visited about 15:00 on a weekday after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Massively crowded with cars and people. We were fortunate to find a spot in a pay for parking lot as some one was leaving. While there are some high end stores and restaurants most of the establishments appear to be schlock shops aimed at tourists and touristy restaurants. Throngs of tourists mobbed the streets, lots of kids running around (likely on sugar highs). The views down the avenue and streets towards the mountains was kind of cool, but not worth the touristy aggravation. We stayed just a little over an hour and went back to the Icefields pkwy to check out some lookouts.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami L
193 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We were traveling and on our way home. We had planned to stop for a bite to eat.
We decided to park and walk in the beautiful fresh air-nope. That won't happen here! They will chase you down with tongs holding face masks in the 30°and yell and threaten to call bylaw if you don't submit. All the while walking past open street restaurants where the patrons aren't wearing masks.
Makes alot of sense. You can drink and eat in the open air that has a way higher chance of moist droplets spreading, but you cannot walk and breathe care free even if no one is around. I guess money talks?
Oh, and you must line up to use the washrooms, there's about 10 stalls open once inside, but only 2 of the sinks are open. So 8 of you will be packed like sardines waiting to wash your hands-what sense does that make?????
Unbelievable. We will never be back and will never spend a penny to support the ludicrous thinking.
We decided to park and walk in the beautiful fresh air-nope. That won't happen here! They will chase you down with tongs holding face masks in the 30°and yell and threaten to call bylaw if you don't submit. All the while walking past open street restaurants where the patrons aren't wearing masks.
Makes alot of sense. You can drink and eat in the open air that has a way higher chance of moist droplets spreading, but you cannot walk and breathe care free even if no one is around. I guess money talks?
Oh, and you must line up to use the washrooms, there's about 10 stalls open once inside, but only 2 of the sinks are open. So 8 of you will be packed like sardines waiting to wash your hands-what sense does that make?????
Unbelievable. We will never be back and will never spend a penny to support the ludicrous thinking.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janetc7575
143 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Great place for shopping and eating. SO many restaurants and lots of shops to buy souvenirs. Many of the shops have reasonably priced small items, but there are some higher end shops as well like Roots & Lulu
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgio-7046
Barcelona, Spain896 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Walking along this avenue is the same as having been to Banff. Street full of shops and high-end restaurants, and views at the bottom of the mountain that allow you to take some spectacular photos. Of course, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Canada and it shows in the prices, everything is expensive.

Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trekbud
Loughborough, UK991 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
There is a bit of a conflict for me in the location of so much retail space within a National Park. History is what it is and we start from where we are. So attempting to set aside my conflict I can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the luxury of those stores that I can afford to enjoy.
Busy, friendly, well stocked, lots of souvenirs and, if you want to reduce the amount of tat consumption in your life there is always the Rocky Mountain Soap company or the outstanding art gallery.
Busy, friendly, well stocked, lots of souvenirs and, if you want to reduce the amount of tat consumption in your life there is always the Rocky Mountain Soap company or the outstanding art gallery.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tori W
Calgary, Canada196 contributions
Aug 2020
I am a frequent Banff visitor every year and I would always recommend Banff Ave as a must do. There is pretty much every kind of shop or restaurant that you could want or need. Of course there is a ton of cheesy gift shops but if you take an extra moment there are also a ton of local shops with unique items.
This year a couple things were different due to COVID but I think they have made it better. Masks are required inside the stores and on Banff avenue, this was something that was necessary as so many people were traveling to Banff from all over Alberta and Canada and when we first went during COVID there was little to no distancing being done or people voluntarily wearing masks. Main street is closed down to vehicle traffic for a section and I think this is something Banff should do every summer as it was wonderful!! There is extra outdoor patios and tents for the restaurants that allowed for more seating with distancing.
The patios all seemed to be dog friendly as well which is a great touch and quite a few stores seem to also allow well behaved dogs inside.
This year a couple things were different due to COVID but I think they have made it better. Masks are required inside the stores and on Banff avenue, this was something that was necessary as so many people were traveling to Banff from all over Alberta and Canada and when we first went during COVID there was little to no distancing being done or people voluntarily wearing masks. Main street is closed down to vehicle traffic for a section and I think this is something Banff should do every summer as it was wonderful!! There is extra outdoor patios and tents for the restaurants that allowed for more seating with distancing.
The patios all seemed to be dog friendly as well which is a great touch and quite a few stores seem to also allow well behaved dogs inside.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele G-W
London, Canada587 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Banff Ave has something for everyone. There are all types of shops (clothing,chocolate,soaps) and restaurants for even the picky eaters!
It does get very busy so I recommend going early. This will also allow you to find close parking. Parking is paid or free at the Train Station.
Great place to people watch
It does get very busy so I recommend going early. This will also allow you to find close parking. Parking is paid or free at the Train Station.
Great place to people watch
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does it take you to explore Banff Avenue in summer?
How do I get back to Canmore after PM10?
Please let me know please.
Written June 2, 2019
How is the smoke level in the Banff/Lake Louise area? We're coming from southern BC where the mountains are nearly obscured by the dense smoke.
Written September 2, 2017
Depends on the wind. When we were there, no smoke in Banff, although the mountains were obscured.
Written September 6, 2017
hola! cuánto tiempo sugieren pasar en Banff? es para estar todo el día o solo un par de horas, si es que no vamos a adentrarnos más en las montañas?
Written August 18, 2017
Banff es una localidad muy bonita pero lo interesante son sus alrededores. La localidad en sí no tiene gran cosa, es una calle muy larga llena de tiendas y restaurantes y con mucho ambiente. Lo bonito es subir en la góndola (teleférico), visitar los rápidos del río Bow (que están en las afueras) y los lagos cercanos. Luego lo más interesante es visitar el Parque Nacional de Banff y de Yoho donde están los lagos Esmeralda, Louise y Moraine, auténticas maravillas que se encuentran una hora y media en coche. Por lo tanto lo ideal es hacer dos noches en Banff y recorrerlo todo, merece la pena.
Written August 18, 2017
RitO93
Peterborough & the Kawarthas, Canada
Is there a campsite that is close enough to Banff Ave to walk to? We're camping there this summer and would love to be able to walk to dinner and have a couple drinks! Thanks
Written May 25, 2017
Tunnel mountain is not too far from downtown...but not super close either....
Written July 16, 2017
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing