Banff Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Banff
Best Banff Hidden Gem Attractions
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Types of Attractions
Traveller rating
Good for
11 places sorted by traveller favourites
Sports Camps & Clinics • Climbing Tours
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Ski & Snow Tours
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours
What travellers are saying
- travellercjdRound Rock, TX100 contributionsOur family of 4 (2 sons in their 20's) hiked this trail. The gondola ride up was peaceful and scenic, and we had the gondola to ourselves as well. From there, we took the Standish chair lift to the top. After some photos at the top, we hiked the trail around all 3 lakes and enjoyed the beautiful wildflowers along the way. Rather than hiking back up to the top to ride the chairlift back down, we simply hiked down to the top of the gondola ride. This allows you to hike slightly downhill rather than uphill, and is an easy hike. Before taking the gondola back down, we had a burger at Trapper's, which was delicious. Highly recommend this hike and meal afterwards.Written August 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry L5 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. - KellyNagle461 contributionsExcellent trail, even if it's a bit smoky. Cirque Peak is close enough to see well in the morning sunlight. Highly recommend going past Helen Lake up the Dolomite Ridge and then down past Katherine Lake. Very colourful rock formations with interesting textures and layers. Awesome views. Lots of wild flowers and butterflies. Some horseflies escorted us most of the way. Minimal mosquitoes July 15th. There is a hidden glacier and lovely waterfall if you continue past Katherine lake and go a bit right off the main trail. The Dolomites look better in the afternoon once the sun comes around.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Warren LEdmonton2 contributionsAs a relatively frequent visitor to the Bow Valley, I discovered the wonderful deep tissue massages at Cedar and Sage. Recently I had a massage with Liljana. My body was sore from various activities, but Liliana bypassed those immediately as I entered the room. Her intuition immediately picked up that I was suffering under a huge emotional load, and began to address that issue. The experience was unlike any that i have ever had, but a huge burden was lifted in that session. Much negative energy was released. She immediately gained my trust and began to heal my soul. I have visited two subsequent times, never quite knowing what to expect, but always walking out much better than going in. I am very much looking forward to my next experience, whatever it may bring.Written August 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AMR4 contributionsTeam Tadhg!! Wow, this rafting experience was a highlight of our trip! Tadhg was amazing and made our adventure even more exciting. Everyone in our group was hoping our names would be called to ride with Tadhg. He didn't disappoint! Such a fun day!!Written September 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Crystal C1 contributionDave was such a great guide! Extremely knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable with his sense of humor. Safety discussion at beginning was very thorough. Rapids were rated 2/3/4... so enough to keep you on your toes. Thanks again. Definitely recommend. Can't wait to go againWritten August 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AdventureSeekingFamSpring, TX76 contributionsBrandon guided our group on a work retreat to do the Via Ferrata and we had a blast! I want to bring my family back here to do it again. Totally the best thing to do in Banff. Need to be a little adventurous though.Written September 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SightseerPDXPortland, OR6 contributionsTyler was our guide (and owner) for most the stops of this creative tour company. He helped us figure out which route was the best for us to do. We would highly recommend this tour. Great way to see Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon. It would have been impossible to find parking if we had driven ourselves. Tyler is very personable and the other tour guide is very humorous.Written September 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bree S1 contributionMy partner and I chose the side by side experience. The whole experience was amazing! The staff were friendly, welcoming and very professional! Our guide Davis shared his knowledge about the surroundings and the history also made sure we were safe at all times and in general was just a lovely guy! We will be back in the winter! High recommend this company!Written August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lyvia J1 contributionAwesome steep ice clinic today with Kris. Great knowledge and teaching/instruction from him. Learned so much and had lots of fun. Definitely would recommend him and his company for any courses. Would love to book in with them again for further learning in the future.Written January 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cindy4030Canada72 contributionsI had a great time and learned so much on Kristin's night photography workshop in the Banff area. Kristin did a great job adjusting the itinerary to deal with smoky conditions caused by forest fires in B.C. She's an excellent teacher and provided plenty of individual instruction for each of us. I hadn't fully understood the technique for shooting the night sky until this workshop. Kristin also provided tons of useful photography tips on any questions we had, "cheat sheets" to use after the workshop, and detailed suggestions on other great photography locations in the area. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone who wants to take their photography to the next level!Written September 20, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
