Things To Do
Lakes of Banff
Absolute must. Travel here early! It is quite a touristy spot, so an early morning visit will guarantee a canoe and some unobstructed pictures! Must see Lakes in Banff: Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and the world famous Lake Louise.
Summer Outdoor Activities
Whether you want a relaxing canoe ride, exhilarating rafting trip or a sightseeing tour, there is something in the Canadian Rockies for everyone. Explore these on your own or sign up for a guided tour: Wildlife Tours Float Trips ATV Tours White Water Rafting Canoe and Kayak Rentals Bike Rentals Fishing Tours Zipline Tour Horseback Riding Helicopter Flights Lake Cruise Summer Sightseeing Cave Tours Hiking Tours Via Ferrata Golfing
Johnston Canyon
Carved steeply into the limestone bedrock by thousands of years of water erosion, the dramatic Johnston Canyon is a must-visit natural attraction in Banff National Park. Overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, the deep pools of Johnston Creek, and lush forest are sure to leave a memorable impression. And it can all be experienced via an an easy hike along smooth trails and catwalks, making it ideal for families and people of all fitness levels and ages. As with many tourist attractions, if you want to avoid the crowds come early in the morning or take advantage of the long daylight hours in the summer by coming later in the day. The farther you go on the trail, the more the crowds will thin out. Time to reach the lower falls 30 minutes, 1.1 km one way, elevation gain of 30 meters. Time to reach the upper falls, one hour , 2.6 km’s one way, elevation gain of 120 meters. Return trip going to both lower and upper falls allow 2 to 2.5 hours.
Town of Banff
The food scene in Banff and Lake Louise is vibrant and diverse. From modern restaurants in the downtown core to elegant dining rooms in grand hotels or cozy intimate bistros in back country lodges there is something for everyone. Some ideas include Park Distillery, Station (Lake Louise), brunch at the Vermillion, and The Bison.
Hike Any and Everywhere
The hiking in Banff and Lake Louise is among the most scenic and inspiring in the world. Ranging from walks and easy hikes to multi-day back country epics, hiking is an accessible way to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape of Banff National Park.
Banff Gondola
Scenic cableway ride to viewing decks and hiking trails at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to experience the birthplace of Canada’s national parks and learn about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks, smell the minerals and explore the trails. Enjoy it on your own or take one of the many guided tours. Combine it with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs just a short drive around Sulphur Mountain.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soak in the steamy hot mineral water where travellers have come to “take the waters” for over a hundred years. Banff National Park’s only hot springs pool welcomes you year-round for an authentic heritage experience that is a favorite amongst visitors. When in Banff do as the locals do - come in the morning for the most relaxing visit.
Carseland
We may be biased, but we think this is a must see :) Carseland is located on CP's Calgary to Saskatoon rail line/Hwy 24 in Alberta, Canda.
Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
Enjoy this full-day tour from Banff, visiting the Athabasca Glacier (even in the summer!). This tour travels halfway along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, recognized as one of the top drives in the world passing numerous Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and emerald lakes.
Museums
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies - Located just a block back from Banff Avenue on Bear Street, the museum is dedicated to portraying the art and culture of the Canadian Rockies. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site - Get face-to-face with Rocky Mountain wildlife, from vintage stuffed bears and bighorn sheep to birds and bees, inside western Canada’s oldest natural history museum. Located on Banff Avenue in the heart of the town of Banff, the Banff Park Museum – a.k.a. the “University of the Hills” – houses more than 5,000 historic botanical and zoological specimens. Royal Tyrrell Museum - The world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, the museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.
Other Indoor Activities
If you are an arts and culture fan or you’re looking for rainy day activities for the family, Banff and Lake Louise offer many indoor activities and attractions. Let the kids burn off some energy at the bowling alley or climbing gym, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment, or learn more about the history and culture of the area. There are many options for indoor fun and exploration. Check out the link for details.
CALGARY STAMPEDE
The Calgary Stampede is an annual event held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors a year from around the world. Also known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, this unique 10 day event blends the very best in Western Canadian culture and contemporary entertainment. Key highlights include the Stampede Rodeo and chuckwagon races, the Midway and a variety of musical concerts and venues featuring some of the world's most popular performers. The event starts on July 5th and ends on July 14th, 2019.
Takakkaw Falls
Tumbling 254m (830 feet) in one stretch and 384m (1,260 feet) in total, these falls are among the highest in Canada and the gateway to some of Yoho’s most beautiful hiking. Feel the spray at the base of the falls or enjoy views from afar.
Jasper
Extending over 11,000 square kilometres, it's the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and part of UNESCO's Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
Glacier Skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk experience begins with a five-minute scenic transfer by coach from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Take your time as you journey along the Discovery Trail—a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that extends along the Sunwapta Valley. Look down and you'll see hints from life thousands of years ago. Look up and you'll see the most stunning mountain and glacial vistas.
Icefields Parkway
Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, Alberta is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet – the Icefields Parkway. Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefield Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys. Unlike any other, the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise known as the Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests.