Free Things to Do in Banff
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Banff
Best Free Things to Do in Banff
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42 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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What travellers are saying
- Kevin LTiny, Canada244 contributionsBeautiful lake between Banff and Canmore. The hike out to the bridge is fairly level and not too rocky and has some beautiful views all along the way. The drive out is not that scenic but the lake area is quite nice. Great spot for a picnic. Good bathrooms at the siteWritten September 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rod H1 contributionBanff is a perfect centre for exploring the Rockies - rivers, mountains, wildlife and wonderful people all make a stay in Banff an enriching experience. Although very crowded during the holiday season, it is easy to get out and about away from the crowds by walking, using the Roam bus services or tours. There is plenty of accommodation possibilities and a wide choice of eateries. If you go off the beaten track, make sure you stay safe - take advice and take bear spray!Written November 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Martin CThornhill, Canada17 contributionsIn 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.Written November 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,883 contributionsThe 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry L6 contributionsI started this hike at around 10 AM. The parking lot was not full, although there were a little over 10 cars, so I found a parking spot pretty easily. For the first 15 minutes or so, the trail is surrounded by trees. Once you go up a bit, the views open up and you can see the panoramic view of the Icefields Parkway, Mount Athabasca, and Hilda Peak.
The trail gains its height with several switchbacks but it gets steeper fairly gradually, so even if you haven't done many hikes before, take several breaks and use hiking poles if needed, and you will eventually reach the top of the hill.
The trails gets fairly flat on top of the hill, and soon you will be encountered with the amazing view of the Saskatchewan Glacier in the far distance, which is the largest outflow glacier in the Columbia Icefields.
When you encounter an intersection, do NOT go right, as you will lose the view of the glacier. Instead, keep going straight or if you want a better view of the glacier, go left by following the yellow markers. In less than 10 minutes, you will see the complete view of the glacier with nothing blocking the view.
I personally think this trail can be classified as "family friendly." My parents who are 65+ years old also did this hike with me. They had to take several breaks but even with those breaks, it took 1 hour for us to reach the top of the hill and see the glacier and nearly 2 hours to finish the entire hike (including stops for photos). Anyone who has done lots of hiking should find this trail very easy and should be able to finish the hike way less than 2 hours. FYI, my parents used hiking poles but I didn't find any need to use them, although you may want to use them when there is snow on the trail.
This hike is a MUST if you are visiting Banff/Jasper because the trail is short and not steep but you can enjoy an amazing view (You cannot see the Saskatchewan Glacier on any road). You can also combine this hike with another if you are able and time permits. I did this hike in the morning and then Big Beehive hike at Lake Louise in the afternoon on the same day, and it was totally doable.
Highly recommend!
P.S. When I came down to the parking lot at around noon after hike, there were TONS of cars. Arrive well before noon if you want to get a good parking spot.Written August 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robert WCorvallis, OR306 contributionsThe Tunnel Mountain Trail is very nice trail that has the advantage of being accessible from downtown Banff. The distance is just over three miles round trip from the trailhead with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. The surface is in very good condition. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view.Written October 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sharon P8 contributionsThe information was very helpful, however everyone should be told when arriving how difficult it is to get into Lake Louise. We could have reserved a shuttle ticket for the following day but we had no idea how small the parking lot is and how fast the shuttle fills up. We did manage to get in at 5:00 pm just to take a few pictures.Written September 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- luv4phoodMarietta, GA810 contributionsThis garden is simply stunning. When we first approached the garden, we thought it was a little fountain and some pretty flowers. But, then we walked deeper into the garden and kept finding more bridges, falls and flowers. From most anywhere in the garden, there are expansive views of the towering Canadian Rockies. There are lots of places to sit and enjoy the gardens. This is a do not miss in Banff.Written November 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vincent C253 contributionsDon't just do the lookout from the highway; do the scenic drive just below. A few nice stops to get the best views of the Banff mountain range and lakes together.
We did not go during sunset as the weather was not great but I imagine it would be incredible.Written September 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Vincent C253 contributionsSpectacular 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.Written September 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- L0d0London283 contributionsWorth a drive or take the bus to the Hoogoo view point for great views of the river below.
Very scenic drive just outside town.Written June 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - leslie DFort Nelson, Canada2 contributionsThe staff was excellent, our rooms were comfortable. I enjoyed the atmosphere, watching elk graze a marmots sing in the morning :)Written June 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JaneyBuffalo, NY32 contributionsWe stopped here on a tour and it was breathtaking! We were lucky enough to visit on a day that was still so our photos were a total reflection because of the stillness of the water. Im enlarging the photo I took and adding it to my treasured wall of gorgeous locations!Written September 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- yik lam lVancouver, Canada6 contributionsWe took advantage of the Day Pass for Bus #6 (Lake Minnewanka) to hit all the lakes. It's our first stop and we absolutely loved it! We checked the bus schedule carefully and were able to have around 30-60 min at each lake to take photos. We were tourists with limited time but definitely would be nice to spend a relaxing afternoon here!Written September 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ayalasibandaGreater London, UK413 contributionsWe stopped here for a quick dip in the water. The kids managed to wade until knees were in, then respectively exited for warmth.
Easy parking and 10 mins from Banff by car.Written August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
