The Best Things to do in Banff, Canada In 2023

There are so many unbelievable issues to do in Banff National Park. Nestled in the guts of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Banff is a spot of unmatched pure magnificence that captivates guests from all over the world. With majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a wealthy range of wildlife, Banff is a wonderland of journey, the place guests can ski down snow-covered slopes, hike alongside winding trails, and soak in pure scorching springs.

Whether you’re in search of a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life or an adrenaline-fueled journey in the nice outside, Banff has one thing to provide everybody. Are you prepared to uncover the magic of Banff and Lake Louise?

Best Things to do in Banff

Banff and Lake Louise are two communities inside the National Park and each make for a fantastic base. With an space of 6,641 sq. kilometers (2,564 sq. miles), it’s a large protected space and UNESCO World Heritage website. Choosing the very best issues to do in Banff is usually a problem, so these are our ideas of issues we predict you shouldn’t miss when visiting Banff, Alberta.

Banff Town itself is definitely fairly small and however the surrounding nationwide park, which is the oldest of Canada’s National Parks, is the place this area comes alive. Loads of the sights listed here are identified all over the world, like Moraine Lake, the world-famous Lake Louise, and the Columbia Icefield to title just a few.

Be positive to buy your nationwide park move in advance. Rangers do ticket the parking tons and there aren’t any exceptions. You can buy it on the kiosks on Highway 1 as you enter the park, or order it in advance on-line.

1. Lake Louise

Lake Louise might be the preferred attraction in Banff National Park. Tourists flock right here in droves in the summer time months to paddle a canoe on the pristine emerald lake and take in the fantastic thing about the Victoria Glacier which feeds Lake Louise itself.

Lake Louise was first found in 1882 when surveyors adopted First Nations guides to the glacier. They immediately knew simply how particular this explicit location was and constructed the primary chalet on the location in 1890. The reputation of Lake Louise has continued to develop from that day ahead.

As with most sights in Banff National Park, the world-famous Lake Louise will be visited year-round. You can soar in the legendary pink canoes and paddle on the lake in the summer time, or you possibly can seize your skates and glide throughout the ice in the winter. If you’re feeling adventurous you may additionally soar in on a sport of pond hockey as we did.

We suggest the shoulder seasons right here to keep away from crowds. Mid-summer it could actually get overwhelming with the entire folks. The shoulder seasons provide fewer crowds and in case you are into climbing, make for a extra comfy expertise across the lake.

Just keep in mind that to canoe on Lake Louise, it’s not low cost. It is $145 plus HST Canadian Dollars (about $100 USD relying on trade charges) for an hour and one other $135 plus HST for each half hour after that. Now, the value does embody up to 3 folks, so for those who cut up it, it’s not too unhealthy. Also notice that it’s on a primary come first serve foundation. You can not reserve canoes beforehand.

2. Moraine Lake

You can not come to Banff National Park and never go to Moraine Lake. Canadians know this lake because it was famously on the again of our previous $20 invoice and let me inform you it’s a sight to behold.

It is just not removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The greatest time to go to Moraine Lake is certainly at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake you understand why this is likely one of the most photographed areas in North America. Unfortunately, because the change in guidelines for 2023 (see beneath) accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is just not attainable by way of the Parks Canada Shuttle. You can have to discover a tour that has entry to do this.

After grabbing your dawn shot we do recommend hitting the climbing trails. There are so many nice trails in this space, however it is best to a minimum of do the Moraine Lake Shore Trail. It is barely 2.9km lengthy, straightforward, and gives among the most unbelievable views of the Canadian Rockies in the park. Most folks stick to the Rockpile Trails, however you’ll usually discover this one much less busy.

Please notice that as of Summer 2023, you possibly can solely entry Moraine Lake by way of the shuttle service from the Lake Louise Area, Roam Transit, or different industrial transportation. This will price $8, seniors $4, and youngsters aged six and below are free. It is really helpful to guide in advance on the Parks Canada Website. Parking on the Lake Louise Lodge is really helpful or there are additionally shuttles accessible from the Lake Louise space. 

No non-public autos are allowed on the street to Moraine Lake or the Parking Lot except you might have a disabled tag. There are day by day shuttles from the Lake Louise Park-and-ride

3. Banff Upper Hot Springs

When in search of issues to do in Banff, you don’t want to stick to journey. There are a variety of romantic issues to do in Banff choices too! Enjoy a {couples} therapeutic massage in downtown Banff, bask in the out of doors scorching springs, and luxurious lodges, or escape to one among its cozy hideaways.

Not removed from the Banff Gondola, is the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located at an elevation of 1585m the views of Mount Rundle and the encircling valley are to die for. Couple that with soaking in the pure mineral water springs which might be stored at a snug 98-104 F and you’ve got an ideal afternoon exercise.

The Banff Hot Springs is essentially the most well-known pure scorching springs in Banff, and you’ll even hire an old-timers bathing go well with to really feel like you might be in a bathhouse of the roaring twenties. This can be one of many cheaper issues to do in Banff at simply $10-15 CAD.

4. Take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

One of the highest issues to do in Banff is to take the gondola up to the highest of Sulphur Mountain. The views from right here actually make you admire the placement and fantastic thing about Banff. There is a restaurant on the high and a enjoyable interactive museum. There are additionally viewing platforms to take in totally different views of the Canadian Rockies and the Bow River Valley beneath.

Once on the high of the gondola, you possibly can take a brief hike out towards the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the boardwalk. You shall be rewarded with beautiful views over the Bow River Valley in addition to the encircling peaks. The gondola journey itself is fairly costly at $62 CAD per individual, however you possibly can positively spend half a day up at Sulphur Mountain to get your cash’s price.

5. the Legendary Fairmont Hotels

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotels are the Grand Dames of Banff. Even in case you are not staying in these inns, they’re price stopping in for a glance. The previous inns had been initially constructed for CP Rail passengers connecting Canada.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is just not removed from Downtown Banff and makes for a fantastic base. It can be shut to the Gondola, Upper Hot Springs, and Cave and Basin. Book an evening to keep right here for dinner or simply cease in for a espresso.

Both inns had been based by the Canadian Pacific Railway to appeal to vacationers to the West. They have been renovated through the years and are an expensive expertise in Banff.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is positioned instantly on Lake Louise and you’ll take pleasure in all its facilities like ice skating on the lake in winter or canoe leases in the summer time. We all the time choose up a espresso on the Fairmont Lake Louise to take with us on a hike across the lake. But we extremely suggest reserving an evening in this historic resort.

6. Johnston Canyon

It can be a good suggestion to arrive at Vermillion Lakes early, a minimum of half-hour earlier than dawn or sundown, to safe a very good viewing spot and to take in the peaceable ambiance of the realm. Bring a digital camera and tripod to seize the fantastic thing about the dawn or sundown.

Walking the trail by Johnston Canyon is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Banff. You can do this year-round and it takes on an entire totally different feeling in the totally different seasons. We beloved doing the Johnston Canyon Ice stroll in the wintertime.

The full stroll of Johnston Canyon in the winter will take you to six totally different frozen waterfalls and a deep pool of swirling water that’s reached by strolling by a stone arch. It is a winter wonderland such as you’ve by no means seen.

Johnston Canyon can be stunning in the summer time as properly. The path options iron walkways overhanging the canyon, which supply some nice views. There are two trails at Johnston Canyon and we advise doing each.

The Upper Falls, the place on the finish of the path you might be rewarded with the magical scene of the falls plunging down right into a pool that’s surrounded by the canyon partitions. And the Lower Falls which places you proper down in the canyon itself, with magnificent partitions surrounding you in addition to the falls.

The hike itself is fairly average and is a couple of 5 km spherical journey. If you might be driving the Bow Valley Parkway, then make sure that to add this to your itinerary.

7. Sunrise or Sunset at Vermillion Lakes

Vermillion Lakes is a sequence of three small lakes positioned in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. These lakes are identified for his or her beautiful views of the encircling mountains and are a well-liked vacation spot for watching dawn and sundown.

The greatest time to see the dawn or sundown is through the summer time months when the times are the longest, and the solar rises early and units late. It can be essential to test the climate forecast, because the view will be obscured by clouds or fog.

Vermillion Lakes has a number of scenic viewpoints and strolling paths that provide panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Some common spots embody the Vermillion Lakes Drive, which gives views from the street, and the Vermillion Lakes Trail, which gives views from the shore of the lakes.

8. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is positioned simply outdoors the city of Banff and makes for a fantastic day tour. You can benefit from the climbing path across the lake, or get on the water. It is a comparatively massive lake at 27km lengthy making Lake Minnewanka the right place to take a cruise. It provides you a fantastic perception into the historical past of the realm and is the right manner to admire the fantastic thing about this lake.

For those that are slightly extra adventurous, we advise hopping on one of many many climbing trails that encompass Lake Minnewanka. Some of our favorites are the Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap path and the hike to Stewart Canyon.

If you don’t have a variety of time right here you possibly can take a drive alongside the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Derive, which takes you proper alongside the sting of the lake earlier than making its manner again to the city of Banff. This is one space of Banff that you just don’t need to miss.

9. Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a extremely cool expertise in Banff. It was the unique Banff Hot Springs. This nationwide historic website takes you on a tour by a cave in direction of an underwater scorching spring.

Unfortunately, you possibly can’t swim in the spring anymore, however it’s wonderful to stroll in the trail of the birthplace of the Canadian National Parks system. You can be taught all about how and why it grew to become the primary Canadian National Park, which provides you a variety of appreciation for those who found this space.

10. the Bow Valley Parkway

There are a few drives you shouldn’t miss when visiting Banff and the Bow Valley Parkway is one among them. Located off the Trans-Canada Highway this two-lane scenic drive gives some spectacular viewpoints. There is the Castle Mountain Trail, Johnston Canyon, and the well-known Morant’s Curve.

If you might be in search of another manner to discover Banff National Park which isn’t the everyday freeway that everybody takes, the Bow Valley Parkway is the right street to take. This scenic drive is nice in each the summer time and winter.

11. Downtown Banff

Obviously, a fantastic place to begin issues off is by exploring downtown Banff. This stunning mountain city has grown through the years from a one-street village right into a world-class vacation spot with Banff Avenue slicing by its middle. Most folks base themselves in downtown Banff to expertise all the nice issues to do in Banff Nationational Park and for good purpose.

Downtown Banff has a fantastic meals scene, terrific buying, and inns that may be slightly simpler in your funds than staying at locations just like the Fairmont Lake Louise. Don’t miss taking in among the native cultures on the Whyte Museum and the Mount Royal Hotel which has a small museum inside and a fantastic artwork show outside.

Things to do in Downtown Banff

Stroll alongside Banff Avenue and discover the numerous retailers, eating places, and galleries.
Visiting the Banff Park Museum, which options displays on the historical past, geology, and wildlife of the realm.
Soaking in the pure waters on the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Enjoying a efficiency or occasion on the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Exploring the native artwork scene on the Whyte Museum
Taking a scenic gondola journey up to the highest of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Banff Park Museum
Hiking or biking on the numerous trails that begin proper from the sting of downtown.
Relaxing with a guide in Central Park or watching the world go by from one of many many out of doors patios.

12. the Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier, which is a part of the Columbia Icefield is the most-visited glacier in North America. Every 12 months 1000’s of individuals flock right here to get an opportunity to stroll on the well-known glacier and witness the fantastic thing about the encircling mountains.

Located across the midway level of the Icefield’s parkway between Banff and Jasper, the Athabasca Glacier is a kind of issues to do in Banff you can actually brag about. Most folks go to the glacier on the 1 hr expedition bust the Ice Explorer, which drives proper on the glacier itself.

But we advise truly leaping on a tour that takes you out to stroll on the glacier, gaze into crevasses, and really feel the facility of mom nature beneath your ft.

There are a few choices, a 3-hour tour, and a 5-hour tour, relying on how a lot time you might have and the way match you might be. It does take a mean health degree however it’s an expertise you’ll always remember.

10. Sunshine Village Ski Resort

If you select to go to in the wintertime, among the finest issues to do in Banff is to hit the slopes and go snowboarding or snowboarding. Banff has 3 ski resorts (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Norquay) which might be comparatively shut collectively and the situations listed here are supreme.

Sunshine Village is barely a 30-minute drive from downtown Banff and is normally the primary to get snow, so it naturally has the longest ski season. It has 12 Chairlifts and over 3000 acres of skiable terrain, making it good for each degree of skier or snowboarder.

When we snowboarded right here we stayed proper on the mountain at Sunshine Mountain Lodge which has Banff’s largest resort scorching tub so, after a day on the boards, we may soothe your aching muscle tissue in the bathtub. Not an affordable choice however positively price it in order for you to splurge.

In {the summertime}, Sunshine village transforms into one of many premier climbing locations in the park. There are so many hikes in this space, that you want to give your self just a few days to discover just a few for your self.

14. Hit the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort

The most well-known of all of the ski resorts in Banff is Lake Louise. This is the premier ski vacation spot in Banff National Park and whenever you see the views surrounding you on the slopes you understand why. Lake Louise hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and its world-class slopes have terrain for everybody from newbie to knowledgeable.

Soaring mountain peaks encompass you as you benefit from the over 400 acres of skiable terrain on the ten chair lifts. The trails right here cater to all ranges and if hitting the slopes is what you’re keen on to do then we advise including the Lake Louise Ski Resort to your record.

15. Norquay

If you might be in search of household ski resorts in Banff, Norquay is a superb selection. Norquay is the closest ski hill to Banff Town and is nice for a day journey or for households. If you need to attempt one thing totally different, head over to do some snow tubing. It’s the last word sofa potato thrill journey. You journey the magic carpet to the highest, allow them to put you on the tube, and push you down the hill. All you might have to do is hoot and holler all the way in which down!

16. Spot wildlife in Banff National Park

Great snowboarding, climbing, and out of doors actions are usually not the one issues that Banff is legendary for. Lots of people flock to the park to catch a glimpse of its ample wildlife.

You are nearly assured to see deer wandering across the city of Banff itself, however in case you are in search of the very best wildlife experiences we advise heading into the park to have the very best probability of wildlife sightings. Now, this isn’t a zoo and the animals are usually not simply ready for you to arrive, however the extra time you spend in the park the higher your probabilities of seeing among the extra elusive animals. Grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars are all in the park and also you give you the chance to see one in case you are fortunate and affected person.

Please keep in mind that these are wild animals and by no means method them or get out of your automobile for a more in-depth look. If you might be quiet, give them loads of house and simply observe you possibly can usually have a wildlife viewing you’ll keep in mind for the remainder of your life.

If you’re looking at upping your probabilities of seeing wildlife in Banff then we do recommend leaping on an organized tour. We took the Banff Highlights and Wildlife tour and noticed fairly a little bit of wildlife that I do know we might not have seen if we had been simply on our personal.

17. Bow Lake

Bow Lake might be one among our favourite locations to go to after we are in Banff. Located alongside the Icefield’s parkway and fed by the Bow Glacier, Bow Lake is a picturesque cease you gained’t need to miss.

It is a superb cease when driving up to Jasper National Park from Banff and we advise climbing alongside the shoreline, or taking the Bow Glacier Falls Trail in the summer time and getting your self some snowshoes in the winter. You can then drop into the Num-Ti-Ja Lodge to seize a drink or to take in the historical past of the realm.

We suggest spending slightly time right here in case you are actually into climbing. The hike up to Bow Glacier Falls not solely takes you across the lake itself it gives spectacular views of the valley and you might be rewarded on the finish with the gorgeous scene of Bow Glacier falls. It is a comparatively straightforward hike and properly price it.

18. the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is likely one of the most stunning drives in Canada. It begins in Banff National Park and ends on the different well-known park in the realm, Jasper National Park. This drive connects the 2 nationwide parks and you will need to make this a part of your bucket record when visiting Alberta.

You can drive The Icefields Parkway in at some point, however we advise giving your self 2 and spending a while in Jasper as properly. Check out all of the issues to do in Jasper right here.

Make positive to take time to take pleasure in its views and make sure to cease on the Columbia Icefields to take pleasure in views of the Athabasca Glacier. There is a guests middle the place you possibly can guide excursions and seize a bit to eat.

The drive itself begins in Lake Louise and heads north for 293 km. It passes well-known sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the Glacier Skywalk simply to title just a few.

If you select to hire a automobile in Banff then it is a drive that may need to embody in your itinerary. Not solely will you give you the chance to expertise cool issues to do in Banff however additionally, you will finish your journey in the gorgeous Jasper National park the place you possibly can discover the Sunwapta Falls, Lake Annette, and take a look at the unbelievable Jasper Park Lodge.

19. Helicopter Tour over Banff National Park

If there may be one helicopter tour that you just do in your life, do it over the Rocky Mountains. It’s even higher to see them in winter. Dave and I’ve had the privilege of taking scenic flights on 6 continents, however our flight over Banff National Park supplied essentially the most breathtaking views of our lives.

Seeing Banff National Park in winter from above was essentially the most putting scene we’ve ever witnessed. The peaks coated in snow seemed like the right winter wonderland. Each move supplied one magnificent view after one other. Rockies Heli makes use of are state-of-the-art helicopters with bubble home windows and loads of house to give everybody the absolute best views.

Regardless of whether or not you go to in the winter or the summer time that is one of the simplest ways to get an actual appreciation of the sweetness and vastness that Banff National Park has to provide. Book your Heli expertise right here.

20. Snowshoe the Rocky Mountain Trails

We killed two birds with one stone throughout our helicopter flight with Rockies Heli, by reserving the Heli Snowshoe expertise. We landed on a mountain peak and hiked by the paths showcasing extraordinary mountain views.

We’ve carried out just a few snowshoeing experiences in Banff, and this one was by far the very best because it began at altitude and we had been already excessive in the mountains. Nothing may evaluate to these views!

21. Take images of the Starry Nights in Banff

Winter in Banff is the very best time for evening pictures. The days are brief so you will discover darkish skies as early as 6 pm.

The nights are clear revealing the milky manner and the Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights). Banff is understood for its darkish skies and locations like Vermilion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Lake are only a few locations to seize the imposing evening skies.

We suggest leaping on a tour because it will get you to the very best locations on the proper time. This sundown and stars tour is nice because it runs year-round.

22. Dog Sled to British Columbia

There’s just one place you possibly can go canine sledding in Banff National Park and that’s with KingMik Dog Sled Tours. Their group of canine is quick and full of pep and zip as they run by the Great Divide Trail all the way in which to the border of British Columbia.

As you might be snuggled up inside a heat sleeping bag and zipped into the windproof canvas, you glide by the forest in search of lynx tracks whereas your information tells you concerning the space, the canine, and the surroundings. On the way in which again, it’s your flip to drive the sled and also you’ll really feel like a real explorer as you mush by the previous Trans Canada path.

Read all about Dogsledding in Banff: There are movies and photos too!

23. Stay in a Back Country Lodge

If you ever make it to the Rocky Mountains, you will need to make sure that to go to a backcountry lodge. This is the epitome of issues to do in Banff in winter. Why? Because it’s the place you fully get away from all of it. Don’t fret an excessive amount of about bears or cougars in the winter.

For essentially the most half, they’re hibernating and in case you are a celebration of two or three, they’ll be extra afraid of you than you might be of them. Imagine sitting in a log cabin heated by a wood-burning range because the snow falls round you outdoors.

That is pure heaven. Sundance Lodge has an government chef, scorching water for showers, solar energy, and comfy bedrooms. This is the place luxurious meets rustic residing and for those who go dwelling and inform everybody that you just trekked 16km into the Rocky Mountains to keep at a lodge, you may be the hero of all your mates. You can get to the Banff Alberta Back Country by snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.

24. Take Sleigh Ride

The Fairmont Lake Louise gives sleigh rides alongside the sting of Lake Louise in the winter taking you out to the bottom of Victoria Glacier. It’s a stupendous journey by the forest providing mountain views and a romantic expertise. Sip scorching chocolate as your driver takes the reins and tells you the historical past of Alberta and Banff.

25. Visit Park Distillery

Park Distillery is a standout for drinks and dinner in Banff. Located in the guts of downtown Banff, Park Distillery produces a wide range of handcrafted spirits utilizing solely the best pure components. You can guide a tour for a glance into their on-site working distillery.

One of the standout options of Park Distillery is that it is likely one of the few distilleries in the world to use 100% mountain glacial-fed water in its manufacturing course of. This pristine water supply comes from six glaciers excessive up in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is piped instantly to the distillery, guaranteeing that the spirits are of the best high quality and style.

In addition to the excursions, Park Distillery has an on-site restaurant that serves up scrumptious, domestically sourced meals, a lot of which is ready utilizing the identical glacial-fed water used in the spirits. The restaurant options an in depth cocktail menu that showcases the distillery’s spirits in distinctive and inventive methods.

26. Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay

Besides snowboarding and snow tubing at Mount Norquay, attempt your hand at its Via Ferrata. This thrilling and distinctive climbing expertise permits guests to scale the rugged cliffs of the Canadian Rockies whereas safely harnessed to metal cables and iron rungs. This guided climbing route is ideal for each novice and skilled climbers, providing a one-of-a-kind journey with beautiful views of the encircling mountains and valleys.

The Via Ferrata route at Mount Norquay is a multi-pitch climb and the route is split into a number of sections, with every part providing a unique degree of problem and problem. Climbers are outfitted with a harness, helmet, and climbing gear, and are connected to the metal cables always, guaranteeing most security.

As climbers ascend the mountain, they’re handled to breathtaking views of the encircling panorama, together with the Banff Town, the Bow River Valley, and the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountains. The climbing route additionally contains a number of suspension bridges and a heart-pumping freefall swing.

27. Two Jack Lake

First off, Two Jack Lake gives breathtaking surroundings. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and rolling hills, and the crystal-clear waters. Whether you like to take a leisurely stroll across the lake or discover the encircling climbing path, the views from Two Jack Lake are attractive.

The lake is a well-liked vacation spot for paddling, and picnicking, and there are a number of close by climbing trails that provide panoramic views of the encircling panorama. Whether you like to calm down and take in the views or to be extra lively, Two Jack Lake is bound to depart an enduring impression.

The lake is positioned only a few kilometers from the city of Banff, and it’s simply accessible by automobile or bike and there may be ample parking accessible close to the lake.

28. Ice Climbing

One of essentially the most adventurous issues to do in Banff is to go mountaineering. Did you understand you can go mountaineering eight months of the 12 months round Banff and Canmore, Alberta? Our Guide, Pat of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures instructed us there are three locations in the world which might be the very best for Ice Climbing and the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta are the tops!

29. Enjoy the Food Scene in the Town of Banff

The Town of Banff has a superb meals scene. Nothing beats Alberta Grade A beef, so head out for the evening and take a look at some native delicacies. Most eateries serve farm-to-table and components are all domestically sourced.

Our suggestions for the place to eat in Banff are:

Sleeping Buffalo Dining Room at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Fine Dining at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
The Bison Restaurant Downtown
Park Distillery – Downtown
Block Kitchen

Hotels in Banff

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs inns are positively excessive on the record of locations to keep if in case you have the funds. Located proper subsequent door to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is Deer Lodge and we discovered this to be wonderful to discover the well-known Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

But Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village has Banff’s largest resort scorching tub positioned proper on the aspect of the ski hill the place after a day on the boards, you possibly can soothe your aching muscle tissue in the bathtub. We additionally stayed at Deer Lodge positioned proper subsequent door to the Fairmont Lake Louise and it was wonderful.

If you need to keep in the city of Banff, Buffalo Mountain Lodge and Fox Hotel and Suites are nice choices. And for a romantic winter getaway in an expensive but rustic cabin full with a fire, we suggest Storm Mountain Lodge.

Want suggestions for the very best lodging in Banff – Read our put up: Where to Stay in Banff – 17 Best Banff Hotels

Most inns have out of doors scorching tubs and an inexpensive choice is the Juniper Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in Banff

How Far is Lake Louise From Banff?

Many folks assume that Lake Louise is subsequent door to Banff, however in truth, it’s a little bit of a drive. Lake Louise is 57km (35 miles) from Banff. It is a straightforward drive alongside Highway 1 or The Bow Valley Parkway which is the extra scenic route.

Should You Stay in Banff or Lake Louise?

It depends upon what you need to do. Lake Louis is healthier for snowboarding and actions on the lake. The inns are totally functioning with eateries and retailers. But the city of Banff gives extra facilities and it’s nearer to Banff’s important sights just like the Hot Springs and Banff Gondola. We have a complete information on Where to Stay in Banff

Is Everything Open in Banff in Winter?

Banff and Lake Louise are totally practical in the winter. Everything is open save for climbing trails to lakes which might be snowed in and plenty of lake and climbing parking tons are closed.

How far is Banff from Calgary?

Banff is 130 km (80 miles) from Calgary or an hour and a half drive. It is 145 km (90 miles) from the Calgary Airport.

How Many Days do I would like in Banff?

There are a variety of issues to do in Banff and we advise a minimal of three days in Banff. However, 5 days is good to go to Banff and give you the chance to see its high sights from the Icefields Parkway to the city of Banff. You’ll want at some point alone to go to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, one other full day for downtown Banff and its close by sights and a full day for the Icefields Parkway and The Columbia Icefield.

Getting To Banff

Getting to Banff By Train

Getting to Banff by prepare is an effective way to expertise the beautiful fantastic thing about the Canadian Rockies whereas avoiding the stress of driving. Banff is positioned in the province of Alberta, and the closest main metropolis is Calgary, which is a 90 minute drive away.

We have traveled to Banff on the Rocky Mountaineer, which is a buket record journey. This luxurious vacationer prepare has a number of totally different routes, together with a route from Vancouver to Banff that takes two days and contains in a single day stays in Kamloops and Jasper. This choice gives a chance to see among the most scenic components of the Canadian Rockies whereas having fun with comfy lodging, gourmand meals, and panoramic views from the prepare’s dome automobiles.

Another choice for getting to Banff by prepare is to take the VIA Rail Canada service from Calgary to Jasper. This route takes roughly eight hours and passes by the guts of the Canadian Rockies, providing views of the beautiful mountain surroundings alongside the way in which. Once you arrive in Jasper, you possibly can proceed your journey to Banff by taking a bus or renting a automobile.

Regardless of the particular prepare you select, there are a number of issues to maintain in thoughts when planning your journey to Banff by prepare. It is essential to guide your tickets properly in advance, because the trains can replenish rapidly throughout peak journey seasons.

It can be essential to enable your self sufficient time in Banff to totally benefit from the pure magnificence we met folks on the prepare who solely gave themself at some point in Banff and that merely is just not sufficient.

Getting to Banff By Bus

Getting to Banff by bus is a handy and budget-friendly choice for these wanting to expertise the fantastic thing about the Canadian Rockies. Banff is about two hours by bus from Calgary.

One choice for getting to Banff by bus is to take a shuttle service from Calgary International Airport. This is a handy choice for many who are flying into Calgary and need to instantly head to Banff. The shuttle service normally takes about two hours and gives a snug and hassle-free journey to Banff. The shuttle drivers are educated and may present details about the realm and its sights alongside the way in which.

Another choice for getting to Banff by bus is to take the general public transit system in Calgary, which incorporates each buses and trains. From Calgary, you possibly can take the Calgary Transit bus quantity 300 to Banff Park and Ride, which is positioned simply outdoors the city of Banff. From there, you possibly can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to your ultimate vacation spot in the park.

Getting to Banff By Car

Getting to Banff National Park by automobile is a well-liked choice for many who need to expertise the pure fantastic thing about the Canadian Rockies at their very own tempo. Banff is positioned in the province of Alberta and is roughly a two-hour drive from Calgary, which is the closest main metropolis.

Driving to Banff from Calgary is easy and comparatively straightforward, because the journey follows the Trans-Canada Highway, which is a well-maintained four-lane freeway. The drive from Calgary to Banff takes you thru rolling hills and scenic countryside, and as you get nearer to Banff, the surroundings turns into extra dramatic and mountainous.

Before you start your drive to Banff, there are a number of essential issues to maintain in thoughts. Firstly, it’s important to test the climate and street situations, because the roads will be icy and slippery in the winter months, and heavy snowfall could make driving tough. Secondly, it’s important to deliver acceptable clothes and kit, because the temperature can change considerably as you journey by the mountains. Finally, it’s important to deliver a map and a GPS navigation system, as cellular phone protection will be spotty in some components of the park.

Once you arrive in Banff, there are a number of issues to take into account as you intend your itinerary. Firstly, it’s important to buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which is required to enter Banff National Park. Secondly, it’s important to plan your actions, as there are lots of totally different climbing trails, scenic drives, and out of doors actions to select from. Finally, it’s important to concentrate on the wildlife in the realm and to take precautions to keep away from harmful encounters with animals akin to bears and mountain lions.

In Conclusion

After visiting Banff a minimum of a dozen instances, we all the time discover one thing new to do. Banff is likely one of the most stunning nationwide parks in the world and whenever you lay eyes on Lake Louise for the primary time you’ll agree. It’s no surprise Banff National Park was the primary nationwide park in Canada. Our forefathers knew what they had been doing once they determined to defend this little slice of paradise.