Things To Do
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located about an hour and a half from Calgary. Built in the style of a Scottish castle, the hotel’s stone façade and pointed turrets provide a stately outline against the truly stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area — the Canadian Rockies and Spray and Bow Valleys. Explore the hotel's restaurants, bars, shops and more.
Banff Avenue (Downtown)
The lively streets of downtown Banff are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums.
Banff Gondola
Soar 698m (2,292 feet) on an 8-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Glide over the treetops and arrive at a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience. Banff Gondola Summit: There’s no shortage of activities in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit building. With new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, the new Banff Gondola summit heightens every sense.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
One of Banff National Park's greatest traditions is visiting the Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the hot, mineral-rich water. Relaxing in the outdoor pool among the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains is a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886.
Lake Louise
During the winter, Lake Louise transforms into a magical playground. Brilliant blue skies contrast with the sparkling white peaks, the air is the crispest you’ve ever breathed, and there is a wealth of winter activities to enjoy such as ice skating, skiing, snow shoeing, sleigh rides, and a visit to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Lake Louise is about a 45 minute drive from Banff.
Johnston Canyon
A series of trails and steel catwalks provide easy access into a deep canyon to see the frozen waterfalls.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake five kilometres (three miles) from the town of Banff. The Cascade Trail at Lake Minnewanka is an easy cross-country ski trail which is groomed regularly and runs 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) each way. When the atmospheric conditions align, Lake Minnewanka is one of the best places in Banff National Park to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Tunnel Mountain Trail
The Tunnel Mountain Trail is a short hike that can be easily accessed from downtown Banff. Although it is the smallest mountain in Banff, Tunnel Mountain offers spectacular views of the valley and panoramas over the town of Banff. Tunnel Mountain Reservoir has stunning views.