Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Banff
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Banff
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Banff
Category types
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Good for
56 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Showing results 1-30 of 56
What travellers are saying
- Leeza ArkhangelskayaNaples, FL36 contributionsThe scenery is stunning in the fall. We took a boat cruise, but it is enough to just enjoy it from shore. Legend has it the lake is haunted by evil sea spirit!Written October 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Darrel B137 contributionsSmall set of falls to enjoy which are picturesque where one can stroll along the trail and take in nature and listen to the rushing waterWritten October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Darren BCourtland, VA649 contributionsWe enjoyed riding our e-bikes on the Bow Valley Parkway from Vermillion Lakes to Muleshoe.
The parkway was closed to automobile traffic at the time of our visit. Being able to ride on this beautiful parkway through such amazing surroundings without the fear of being run over by cars was an amazing treat.
Enjoy.Written June 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Metis galChilliwack, Canada301 contributionsNo 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.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- luv4phoodMarietta, GA850 contributionsThis is a quick hike with fantastic views. We arrived a little bit later in the afternoon so it was not terribly crowded. The trail makes a quick elevation gain for beautiful views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail is mostly loose rock so hiking boots are a must. Also, this trail has no shade. In the summer, a hat and sunblock would be recommended.Written February 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,146 contributionsWe, being somewhat middle-aged, huffed and puffed our way up, up, up the +2 km of Tunnel Mountain, until we reached the top with its stunning view of Banff (which is actually prettier at street level), the green valley, the blue river, and the surrounding mountains...
...while children aged 4 and up cheerfully jogged alongside their sweating parents, enjoying the unfamiliar surroundings.
The hike is highly recommended for anyone in reasonably good shape. And, seemingly, no one else experienced the mild bouts of vertigo that I did near the top (and I made it; just with a bit of a racing heart).
The +2 km descent takes less than half the time of the climb, and the sweat quickly dries off as you go down.Written August 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ashleylynn722018Santa Clarita, CA76 contributionsThe Cave and Basin was a quick and easy attraction in Banff that can be added to your trip if you have a little extra time and are interested in the history of the area and site. We took the Roam Bus 4 and our driver recommended that there was a tour every half hour and it was included in the price of admission. We took the tour and it was worth it just to have someone point out the Banff Spring Snails to us and they scooped some water out of the springs so we could touch it, the only way to touch the water due to it now being a protected habitat for the snails. Overall we spent about an hour here. Recommend if you have some extra time while in Banff, but this isn't necessarily one of the must do attractions in town.Written August 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jakab Travel TimeNewcastle, Australia57 contributionsTook a couple of hours out of our schedule to unwind in the hot springs. We went early. Took a little time to get checked in but once in it was great to relax. Not a bad outlook of the mountains either.Written July 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dan KArlington, United States76 contributionsEasy to reach scenic lakes right outside of the town of Banff.
There are two viewing locations for the lakes, the pullover off the main road or lakeside view.
The pullover from the main road provides a nice sweeping view of the lakes and and surrounding area, to include the mountains in the back drop.
If you have a few extra minutes, I would recommend driving down to the lakes so that you can experience the lakeside views/walk on the small piers. The lakeside view is also more relaxing/provides a better opportunity to absorb the local beauty. The road to the lakeside views is also a popular bicycle route.
Overall, the lakes are worth stopping for/taking a look at. The lakes are mere minutes from the popular Banff sign that seems like a must-do photo opportunity for tourists visiting the area.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - vlr49Ipswich, UK61 contributionsBeautifully laid out gardens with walkway leading upwards over several terraces. Flowers were in large groups so looked great. Museum not open when I visited, but there is a great photo shot over the flowers, and along the main road to the mountains.Written September 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ParakhCalgary, Canada7 contributionsDiscover a hidden gem in Banff National Park: Surprise Corner. This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the surrounding mountains. The best part? It's a short and easy walk from downtown Banff.
As you ascend Surprise Corner, prepare to be captivated by the stunning scenery. The majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, with its castle-like architecture, dominates the landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks. The Bow River meanders through the valley below, adding to the picturesque scene.
For an even more immersive experience, venture down towards the riverbank. Here, you can find a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the flowing water while taking in the breathtaking views. I personally loved this experience and spent some quality time sitting on a rock, listening to the river, and admiring the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in all its glory.
Bonus Tip: As you walk to and from Surprise Corner, keep an eye out for the fast-moving Bow River and the impressive Bow Falls. If you have time, consider extending your walk to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which is just a short 5-minute stroll away.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic detour, Surprise Corner is a must-visit destination in Banff National Park.
Note: The parking space there is limited.Written September 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SBRochester, NY99 contributionsExcellent visitor center with great location and great service: only difficulty was the incredibly long lines. Not sure whether it would be possible to add more staff given the size of the facility, which is a terrific historic building in town.Written September 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lerrie P1 contributionThe group of friends went in Two Jack lake yesterday, it was a long weekend so the place was busy. The Parks Canada staff told me the lake parking was full. I told the staff I will just unload my stuffs as my group of friends were already inside. So I drove in to the exit area because she blocked the entrance gate. The staff told me, "Hope you understand that this is an exit door", I do understand it but where to get in, right? Even she was mean and rude to me, I still thank her for allowing me to drive in for a short time. I told her "Thank you" at the end then she answered me back "You're not welcome!". I don't think this kind of person would be accepted as an employee for a tourist scenery place. Her behaviour is not acceptable and she acted like she owned the place. Anyways, myself and the group enjoyed the amazing scenery of the place, minus the negative behaviour of the lady staff assigned at the gate. The 3 stars I gave is for the stunning scenery, and -1 for the Parks Canada lady staff.Written September 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Metis galChilliwack, Canada301 contributionsThis is a very interesting Museum. We enjoyed all the art work and the Authentic Historical pieces on display. The amount of catalogued Cultural History here is staggering. One could spend days on going through the archives all about the Rocky Mountains. Very well done.
We did not get to see the historic log homes due to time constraints.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - L0d0London400 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.
