THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Banff National Park
Things to Do in Banff National Park
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Banff Gondola, Moraine Lake, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Banff Gondola, Moraine Lake, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Hiking Trails. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Popular Cities in Banff National Park
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Banff National Park.
- fromper adultC$160
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$59
Historical Toursfromper adultC$107- fromper adultC$255
Likely To Sell Outfromper adultC$89- fromper adultC$140
- fromper adultC$220
- fromper adultC$115
Horseback Ridingfromper adultC$105
Day Tripsfromper adultC$127
Mountain summit experience with a scenic boardwalk leading to an old weather station, panoramic views from viewing platforms, and a restaurant with regional cuisine.
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Bodies of Water
Scenic climb to the rock pile viewpoint rewards with panoramic views of a pristine lake and rugged peaks, amidst a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
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Bodies of Water
Scenic overlook with a short uphill trail provides panoramic views of a vibrant blue, wolf-shaped lake amidst the Icefields Parkway. Less crowded in early hours.
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Bodies of Water
Turquoise glacial lake set amidst mountain vistas, offering serene hikes and winter ice activities. Features a historic tea house and a grand lakeside hotel with dining.
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Bodies of Water
Waterfalls
National Parks
Pristine national park with over 1000 miles of trails, vibrant lakes, and an array of activities amid towering mountains and diverse wildlife. Visitor center available for tour arrangements.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Ski resort with a range of runs suitable for different skill levels, mountain tours led by knowledgeable guides, and historical insights into the area.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pedestrian-friendly avenue lined with diverse shops and eateries amidst striking mountain scenery, ideal for a leisurely stroll and local wildlife encounters.
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Ski & Snowboard Areas
Alpine haven with diverse ski slopes for all levels and snowshoe trails through scenic landscapes, complemented by on-mountain dining and historical charm.
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Other Top Attractions around Banff National Park
*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.
What travellers are saying
- Disorienteer17 contributionsWe did a combo deal that included gondola and buffet dinner at Northern Lights — it ran about CAN$103/person. This worked out great — we were “uploaded” about 70 minutes before our dinner reservation. This gave us enough time to walk out to Samson Peak and enjoy the boardwalk scenery before we ate. Then we could dine as the sun went down and lights of Banff came on.
We didnt spend much time in exhibits or store, but those are other ways to enhance your visit and make it worth the rather steep price.Written January 4, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - emuslushyLondon, UK420 contributionsWow!!
Moraine Lake is one of those "must see gems" and I visited in June. Although the shuttle bus from Lake Louise was very busy, once you arrived at the Lake, the crowds spread out and it was so peaceful. Make it to the top of the rockpile, keep an eye for Osprey fishing on the lake and make sure you look behind you at the view from the top.
Had a walk along the lakeshore aswell and then visited the shop. A wide variety of items on sale, at the kind of prices you would expect - more expensive but not silly. There is also a cafe on site, but I didn't use that.Written January 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - emuslushyLondon, UK420 contributionsStunning!!
Peyto Lake was one of my "must stops" along the Icefields Parkway. When I arrived there was a slight queue, in part caused by motorhomes unable to park and trying to turn around. Stick with the queue, it is so worth it.
Once in the parking area, the Lake itself is a steep but not too far walk uphill. There is also an "easier" diversion for those with mobility issues or younger / older legs who need a slightly less path to the lake.
The lookout over the lake is stunning and there are a few information boards there.
Toilets at the car park and when you get to the lookout, look in all directions.
Stunning and wow.Written January 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - emuslushyLondon, UK420 contributionsStunning.
I visited Lake Louise using the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise area. It was so simple and easy. Parking was well signposted and plenty of staff on site to ensure all available space was used.
Note - you cannot take bear spray on the bus - it must be put in the luggage hold underneath and they do check on boarding.
From the ski area, it was a quick and very scenic drive to Lake Louise.
I was there just for the photos and highly recommend staying for a couple of hours, as the colour of the water changes by the minute. Plenty of birds to be spotted too.
There are plenty of walking trails and also canoes to rent. You can use the facilities and coffee shop at the hotel, even if you aren't staying overnight.
A bucket list item for the Canadian Rockies, make sure you just savour it all.Written January 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lee LValhalla, NY2,290 contributionsOn the last day of our tour we stopped here to have lunch and take a boat tour. Like most of the lakes in the area a beautiful glacier fed lake with lots of mountains and scenery around. Also a great place to have a picnic by the lake before getting in the bus to finish the vacation with a drive back to Calgary.Written October 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grace827137 contributionsGo EARLY! If you don't go early, you won't get parking and there will be a line to view the canyon fall through the little cave. It was a great hike but would have been terrible if we had gotten there too late.Written January 11, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jsd26Cardiff, UK126 contributionsA nice, shady walk along the Bow River Trail, following the art in nature trail, brings you to the Bow Falls. Wide, impressive and accessible.Written December 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- iblameromeoAnn Arbor, MI59 contributionsBanff National Park is truly a piece of heaven on earth, and I can’t find a single negative thing to say about it. The journey to Banff alone is breathtaking, with views that look just as stunning as the photos you see online.
Lake Moraine and Lake Louise are nothing short of magnificent, with their crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring surroundings. The vibe in downtown Banff is lively and energetic, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and a fun atmosphere. It’s a place I could visit over and over again.
To get to Lake Louise, you’ll need to book a shuttle or tour bus since private cars are no longer allowed. I highly recommend opting for the earliest trip to truly soak in the lake’s serene beauty before the crowds arrive. The stillness of the water in the morning is magical.
The park’s entrance fee is reasonable, charged per vehicle and valid for 24 hours, which is a great deal for the experience you get. Banff National Park is undoubtedly a destination worth revisiting time and time again. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves nature at its finest!Written November 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stephen & SueCanberra, Australia2,772 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 December 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Theo J2 contributionsMy mum and I joined the free mountain tours that Sunshine offer every lunch time. We were shown around all 3 mountains by Rob and Cole who were excellent guides and taught us many things about the area. They were both very friendly and it was great to be shown all the best runs. Highly recommend the free tours, Rob and Cole you were class !Written January 21, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- C KonsurLas Vegas, NV12 contributionsIt was the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the States during Thanksgiving! Highly recommend! Fabulous food and accommodations!Written December 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sue E1 contributionWe had a ski lesson with Dan C who was great. Really patient and fun to be with. Built my confidence back up and I was enjoying skiing again by the end of the session. Thank you DanWritten December 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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