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Banff National Park
Banff
Things to do in Banff
Sights & landmarks in Banff

THE 10 BEST Banff Sights & Landmarks

Banff Landmarks

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16 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (109)

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What travellers are saying

  • Martin C
    Thornhill, Canada17 contributions
    Beautiful quiet drive
    In November, this was a mostly deserted drive through trees and lakes and mountains. It's not fast and it's not crowded, which was perfect for our purposes. If you have the time, this is a much more relaxed and scenic way to go between Banff and Lake Louise.
    Review of: Bow Valley Parkway
    Written November 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA1,883 contributions
    Lots of restaurants and shops
    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.
    Review of: Banff Avenue
    Written September 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stewarts Vacation
    1,003 contributions
    Pleasant march boardwalk
    We did not go into the historic site. We were keen to explore the area outdoors. The Roam bus (Yellow route 4) was efficient transport from our hotel to the Cave and Basin bus stop, right outside the information building at the car park. It was an uphill walk to the historic site and the start of the Marsh boardwalk - our intended walk. We had read that the warm spring water makes the plant and animal life in this area unique. We didn't see any birds (even from the bird hide) or aquatic life, but did see the white and green algae and a little squirrel posing on a fence! It was a pleasant walk. The path was well maintained and clearly signposted, with informative boards along the way. There were 4 trails of differing lengths which would be great to explore if time allowed.
    Review of: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
    Written November 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vincent C
    253 contributions
    Very Beautiful
    Spectacular view but can get crazy busy. Have some patience and it will be worth it. Go to the upper platform first and then stroll along the trail along the road afterwards to get pictures including the water below.
    Review of: Surprise Corner
    Written September 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • leslie D
    Fort Nelson, Canada2 contributions
    What Works 2022 Conference
    The staff was excellent, our rooms were comfortable. I enjoyed the atmosphere, watching elk graze a marmots sing in the morning :)
    Review of: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
    Written June 5, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bellathexplorer
    Winnipeg, Canada35 contributions
    Amazing view of Banff Avenue and Cascade Mountain
    We were planning to go to the Cascade of Time Garden but unfortunately, there was no garden during our visit (April 14). The place offers a spectacular view of Banff Avenue and Cascade Mountain.

    [Located just after the Bow River Bridge, at the end of Banff Avenue. Simply push open the steel gate to access the place.]
    Review of: Parks Administration Building
    Written April 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • platypus150
    Melbourne, Australia27,533 contributions
    a solid church
    The church seems solid and made from stone found. It has not the finesse of the expensively built churches, but it feels dependable.
    Review of: St Mary's Parish Banff
    Written October 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • platypus150
    Melbourne, Australia27,533 contributions
    Fits in nicely
    This church fits in well with the other buildings and trees that surround it. It has a mountain as a backdrop and the architecture is interesting, too.
    Review of: St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
    Written October 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen & Sue
    Canberra, Australia2,458 contributions
    Great views
    Locals will tell you Mt Norquay has better views and cheaper prices than the Banff Gondola and they’re right.
    And, as a bonus, there’s no queues – just turn up, pay and step on board.
    The ride up is quick, and the views from the top of Banff and surrounding mountains are just stunning.
    There’s a decent restaurant up here doing a limited menu, and, again, just turn up and sit down.
    If you’re not eating there’s no need to spend more than half an hour up here, so, if you drive up, it’s a quick way to see some great sights on a tight schedule.
    If you don’t have a car there’s a shuttle bus in town.
    Review of: Mount Norquay Lookout
    Written August 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ScubaNut099
    Edmonton, Canada218 contributions
    Tiny boarded up shack with an AMAZING view
    The Cosmic Ray station is nothing more than a tiny 3m x 3m boarded up shack at the top of the Sulphur mountain view point. The BIG ATTRACTION here is actually the view of the surrounding mountains/valley/town below.
    I would give the old station 2 out of 5 stars and the view from there, 10 out of 5 stars!!
    If you are able bodied then the walk from the gondola to this viewpoint is extremely easy. Even for elderly - it should not pose too much difficulty as long as they can go up and down stairs.
    There are MANY stairs going both up and down along the route with quick a number of places to stop and view the mountain.
    Review of: Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
    Written October 24, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ben B
    Calgary, Canada14,382 contributions
    A gorgeous contemporary art gallery in the Banff Centre
    Tucked away in the lower floor of Glyde Hall is this great place that exhibits amazing contemporary art. The halls are very spacious with great lighting, and they get fascinating shows in. We were at the Banff Centre to take in the Mountain Film Festival, and popped in to see was on offer. Staff were helpful and friendly, and very campy exhibit really complemented the films at the festival.
    Review of: Walter Phillips Gallery
    Written November 18, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Naina-Damani
    London, UK1,032 contributions
    STUNNING VIEW IN THE DISTANCE
    Little Beehive is surrounded by beautiful alpine forest. Absolutely crystal clear water with stunning views.
    Review of: Little Beehive
    Written June 3, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelrads
    New York City, NY452 contributions
    Why?
    Drove past he sign driving in and of Banfff. Not an interesting sign compared to other parks. There is a small parking lot across the street. While the line to get a photo of the sign was not that long seems like it would take ages as families take an infinite number of selfies
    Review of: Banff Town Sign
    Written August 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PBPG
    Yorkshire, UK6,007 contributions
    Mount Rundle ( and others) viewpoint
    A handy place to stop along highway 1 to see Mount Rundle, and others, with big wooden fingers pointing each mountain out. Well worth 15 minutes
    Review of: Mount Rundle Viewpoint
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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