Banff National Park is located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies of Alberta. As Canada’s first national park established in 1885, Banff is world renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and numerous outdoor activities. With over 4.5 million visitors per year, it is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. This blog post highlights the top things to do in Banff National Park whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer.
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Explore the Town of Banff
The town of Banff makes a great base for your stay as it offers a wide range of accommodation, dining, and shopping options. Wander along Banff Avenue, the main street lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stop at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn about the history and culture of the area. The Banff Upper Hot Springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain provides a relaxing soak with views over the Bow Valley.
Scenic Drives
One of the best ways to experience the park is by taking a scenic drive along some of the main roads. The Banff-Lake Louise Highway passes many famous landmarks like Castle Mountain, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier. Stop at viewpoint pullouts for photo opportunities along the way. The Icefields Parkway stretching 230km between Banff and Jasper is one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks, rushing waterfalls, and Athabasca Glacier along this route.
Hike to Iconic Attractions
Banff offers exceptional hiking for all abilities. One of the most popular trails is the hike up to Lake Louise and the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. More experienced hikers can tackle the Big Beehive trail rewarding visitors with a panorama looking down on picture-perfect Lake Louise. For a short family-friendly hike, walk along Johnston Canyon to view the spectacular waterfalls and rock formations. The more adventurous can climb Sulphur Mountain trail winding up to the Banff Gondola summit overlooking the entire valley.
Wildlife Viewing
Keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that call Banff National Park home. Massive elk, stately deer, sure-footed bighorn sheep, mischievous ground squirrels, and lumbering grizzly bears all reside here. For your best chance of spotting wildlife, explore along the Bow Valley Parkway early in the morning or at dusk when animals are most active. Trained Parks Canada guides also lead various wildlife watching tours.
Hit the Water
During the summer, cool off by partaking in the array of water activities available. Rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard to paddle along Lake Minnewanka. Go for a swim at Lake Louise’s beach or Two Jack Lake campground. Join a guided cruise on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Schedule permitting, try river rafting along the Kicking Horse or Sunwapta Rivers for a thrilling ride.
Winter Adventures
Banff transforms into a winter wonderland once blanketed in snow. Ski or snowboard at the three world-class resorts – Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. Zoom across frozen lakes on an ice skating tour. Take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and walk along the boardwalk overlooking Banff completely covered in snow. Join a guided snowshoeing excursion for an immersive winter experience. Finish off by unwinding in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Dine Around Banff
With over 100 eateries, Banff offers fantastic dining options whether you’re craving casual pub fare or fine dining. Sample regional cuisine highlighting locally-sourced meats, cheeses, and produce. Kick back with craft beer on a patio at Banff Avenue Brewing Co. Savour Rocky Mountain cuisine in a homey log cabin setting at The Bison Restaurant. Enjoy fondue after a day on the slopes at The Grizzly House. From fast food to high end, Indian to Italian, Banff’s diverse restaurants will satisfy any palate.
Where to Stay
Banff National Park provides a spectrum of accommodation choices. Pitch a tent at Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack Lakeside campgrounds in the summer months. Rent a private cabin at Lake Louise campground nestled in the forest. Book a room at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise for a luxurious castle getaway. Find a spacious condo rental in downtown Banff or Canmore minutes from the park. With endless lodging options, you’ll find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
Make the Most of Your Visit
With over 6,600 square kilometres of wilderness to explore, there are endless things to see and do in Banff National Park. Use this guide to help craft your own memorable Rockies escape. Wake up early to catch the golden light over the mountains, stop frequently along scenic drives, get out on the trails to experience the mountain vistas, look for wildlife in their natural habitat, and soak in the steaming mineral pools under the starry night sky. However you choose to spend your time, Banff National Park is sure to leave you in awe.
Laura is the lead writer at BackpackBeliefs.com, where she specializes in travel guides, cultural exploration, and sustainable tourism. With over 10 years of travel experience and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, Laura brings valuable insights to her readers.
For the latest travel tips and updates, connect with Laura on Facebook at @backpackbeliefs and Instagram at @backpackbeliefs. where she has 4,622 followers.
