Looking for the best things to do in Banff? Banff is Canada’s first national park (1885) and its most famous mountain town, surrounded by turquoise lakes, hot springs, wildlife and the peaks of the Rockies. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Banff
1. Moraine Lake
The Valley of the Ten Peaks; private vehicles are banned, so use the Parks Canada shuttle or a commercial bus. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Banff Gondola
Rides to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. It is great value for families.
3. Banff Upper Hot Springs
Mineral pools with mountain views. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
4. Johnston Canyon
Catwalks to waterfalls; frozen ice walks in winter. It is great value for families.
5. Lake Minnewanka
Boat cruises on the park’s largest lake. Book tickets online to skip the line.
6. Bow Valley Parkway
A slower scenic route with wildlife. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
Tech that makes the trip easier
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Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Outdoor gear we recommend VerdictFox
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7. Banff Avenue
Shops and restaurants framed by Cascade Mountain. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
8. Vermilion Lakes
Sunrise reflections of Mount Rundle. Bring a refillable water bottle.
9. Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience Banff; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
10. Canoeing
One of the most popular ways to experience Banff; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
11. Skiing at Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay
One of the most popular ways to experience Banff; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
12. Wildlife watching
One of the most popular ways to experience Banff; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
13. Soaking in hot springs
One of the most popular ways to experience Banff; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
14. Take a day trip to Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a glacier-fed turquoise lake beneath Victoria Glacier, framed by the Fairmont Chateau, and the gateway to Moraine Lake. Read our Lake Louise travel guide. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
15. Take a day trip to Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is a quieter alternative to Banff, with lakes, peaks and wildlife, an hour from Calgary. Read our Kananaskis Country travel guide. Book tickets online to skip the line.
16. Take a day trip to Yoho National Park
Yoho, just west of Lake Louise, has Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the Burgess Shale fossil beds. Read our Yoho National Park travel guide. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
17. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try Alberta beef, bison, poutine and BeaverTails. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Bring a refillable water bottle.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to September for lakes and hiking; December to March for skiing.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Lakes still frozen until late May or June; quiet and cheaper. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm days of 20–25°C, turquoise lakes, peak crowds. |
| Fall | September–October | Golden larches in mid-to-late September; cooler and calmer. |
| Winter | November–March | Snowy and cold (-15°C is common); world-class skiing. |
Where to stay
- Banff townsite: Walk to restaurants.
- Canmore: Better value, 20 minutes away.
- Tunnel Mountain: Quiet hotels and campgrounds.
- Lake Louise: Quieter, closer to lakes.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$180–300 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$320–550 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$650–1,500 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Banff travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- A Parks Canada pass is required (daily admission or a Discovery Pass).
- Book Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttles in advance.
- Summer hotels sell out months ahead.
- Keep at least 100 m from bears and 30 m from elk.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting only on peak weekends, when parking and restaurants are packed.
- Not booking accommodation early enough in high season.
- Skipping the quieter trails and viewpoints just outside town.
- Driving tired after a long day outdoors.
- Forgetting that some shops and restaurants keep short seasonal hours.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$960–C$1,650 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,990–C$3,341 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Banff
- Layers: a base layer, fleece and waterproof shell
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- A daypack with water and snacks
- Sun protection (UV is stronger at altitude)
- A warm hat for cool evenings
- Bear spray in bear country (buy locally)
For cold-weather trips, see our Canada winter packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Pack smarter
- How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Luxury weekender bags for short getaways Opulique
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Banff?
For most first-time visitors it is Moraine Lake: the Valley of the Ten Peaks; private vehicles are banned, so use the Parks Canada shuttle or a commercial bus.
How many days do you need in Banff?
Plan 3–4 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Banff?
June to September for lakes and hiking; December to March for skiing.
Is Banff good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Banff is popular with families, hikers, couples and skiers.
What should I eat in Banff?
Try Alberta beef, bison, poutine and BeaverTails.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Banff Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Where to Stay
- Banff 3-Day Itinerary: Lakes, Hikes and Hot Springs
- Lake Louise Travel Guide: Moraine Lake, Tea Houses and Tips
- Kananaskis Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Spa Days
- Yoho National Park Travel Guide: Emerald Lake, Waterfalls and Fossils