Exciting Things to Do in Banff for Thrill Seekers
THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Banff
Exciting Things to Do in Banff for Thrill Seekers
Category types
Types of Attractions
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
22 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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. - 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. - travelwhileukanMarietta, GA73 contributionsGreat hike with expansive views at the summit. October 10, 2024. There was snow on the trail. 6 degrees Celsius at the trailhead that day. Walking poles and snow cleats were a huge help! Very blustery on parts of trail. A hat with a hood will keep you warm. Wear good boots. Leg gators or rain pants will keep snow off your feet /legs. 2.5 hours round trip for us.Written October 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- stufi1Australia Plains, Australia7 contributionsA great 6 day ride from Banff with all guides/horses/ provisions by Banff Trail Rides BUT with a wonderful MC (Rep. of TRCR) who gelled us together and provided extra entertainment.Written July 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- haweraTutukaka, New Zealand100 contributionsStunning scenery and great horses. I would have given this a 5/5 if it was not for the leader. She was very knowledgeable but overshares constantly. We had a 4 hour monologue in a loud voice about her room mates, podcasts, travel plans etc At one point a fellow rider asked her for some quiet time to listen to the sounds of nature. She managed a full 10 mins without talking which was great. But her loud incessant chatter spoilt the majestic wilderness we were riding in.Written September 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Taylor O1 contributionAwesome experience with friendly staff. We did the Marvin’s diner room with 4 people and it was a good amount of time for the difficulty level that it was. Next time we are in Banff we want to try the other escape room they have! Looking forward to it.Written November 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lol2603East Sussex, UK64 contributionsReally well organised and safe. Great fun.
All equipment supplied plus free photos and refreshments at end. Friendly guides; we had Ugo and he even taught us how to move the raft if it got stuck in low water! Fun with other rafts too.
Chance to swim off raft at end.
Could not fault it.Written September 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cameron G1 contributionHad an opportunity to do my first “touring” / Skin-up at the Sunshine ski out with a buddy. Cannot recommend these guys enough! Super helpful, explained everything I needed to know with set-up for turning and then back into ski mode to come back down. Equipment was in great condition and would easily rent again to go into the back country!Written January 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joey W5 contributionsA cant-miss experience in the Banff area and a highlight of our trip! We had the best guide, Matt, who made our experience great. He was calm, encouraging, and made a great coach! His optimism and attitude toward life will stick with me long past this excursion.
Highly recommend Mt Norquay Via Ferrata and especially Matt!Written September 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JCT_10Storrington, UK107 contributionsTop e-bikes, top service & all at a reasonable price.
We were served by Josh, (also English) who was really helpful and advised us the on the best bikes to hire, where was good to go, how far the different routes were & approximately how long it would take.
He gave us lots of hints & tips on what to look out for.
Highly recommend hiring bikes from Ultimate Sports.Written August 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WheelieJLoNailsea, UK80 contributionsFabulous place to visit. 3-night stay, which felt long enough to do everything we wanted to. Banff Gondola. Hiked along Bow River and hiked up Tunnel Mountain. Hiked around Vermillion Lakes and Rafted the Bow River.Written September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- D S58 contributionsWe eBiked from Banff to Johnston Canyon and then hiked to lower falls with Scott. Amazing adventure! Scott was so kind and cared about each individual in our group.
We had never ridden eBikes before but quickly caught on. It was so fun and Scott encouraged us all along the way. Oh and he is an excellent photographer as well!
Thanks for a great day Scott!!Written October 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rosequeen V1 contributionWe had so much fun with our booked activities at Banff Adventures and the office people were so kind and accomodating. It was a great weekend spent with FamilyWritten January 4, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katherine M1 contributionThe folks at Banff Cycle & Sport were absolutely fantastic. They had our bikes ready to go and charged up, and patiently explained all the features. I hadn’t ridden a bike a very long time, and it was my first time on an ebike, so I was grateful that they took the time for us. They also gave good directions to the Bow Valley Parkway, including how to navigate a road closure. Cycling down the parkway on a beautiful sunny day with no cars was truly the highlight of our trip, and by far the least crowded thing we did at Banff/ Lake Louise. Thank you to Banff Cycle & Sport for making it possible!Written September 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- quilla1972Calgary, Canada2 contributionsI am so happy Banff Canyoning popped into my FB feed. My 13 year old daughter and I did the family friendly Cline River experience this weekend and absolutely loved it! Olivia was an incredible guide. Thorough, patient, kind, and made everyone feel really comfortable. Nothing was a rush, take your time, super chill. Always smiling.
We highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a mini adventure!
Also recommend using the pick up spot, David Thompson Resort as your HQ.
It was so convenient to just walk to the parking lot to meet up for the days outing.Written August 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
