Things To Do

Step into the amazing scenery and explore Banff National Park. Take a walk to connect with mother nature. Visit a museum to enjoy the local culture, or create your own adventures and discoveries. Enjoy mountain bike riding, hiking and fishing out in the great nature. Explore, enjoy and rejuvenate.

For more information, visit the Banff Lake Louise website or the Banff National Park website.

Also, this link contacts a number of brochures on biking maps, day hiking trips in the Banff and Canmore area, a fishing guide and even where to go diving: Brochures from Parks Canada. Also, view the Trail Report here.

Banff National Park has much more to offer than fresh mountain air and world-class scenery – you are invited to enjoy the park’s cultural treasures and discover its natural wonders too.

Road Cycling

>Banff National Park has one of the most scenic roads in the world, and our route follows it. On the Bow Valley Parkway, you will wind your way past Castle Mountain, along stunning mountain lakes and through a narrow valley where peaks and glaciers rise on either side. In addition to this beautiful route, Banff National Park features many other routes with equally spectacular views. Ride up to the Gondola on Sulphur Mountain or down the brand new Legacy Trail, which takes you all the way from Banff to Canmore. These are just some of the options you can explore in Banff National Park by bike.

Hiking

Hike the Canadian Rockies! Banff National Park has over a thousand kilometres of hiking trail for you to descover. Choose any difficulty level, length and duration - you’ve got a multitude of options. Here you can hike along the shores of dazzling blue lakes, up to quaint mountain teahouses, through carpets of wildflowers and up high to spectacular viewpoints. Hiking trails explore the remote and beautiful backcountry hiking of Skoki, the breathtaking scenery of trails along the Icefields Parkway, the accessible network of trails at Lake Louise, and the wonders just outside the Town of Banff. Be sure to have high tea at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.

White Water Rafting

Enjoy intense, adventurous white water rafting like never before. The surging rivers throughout the mountains give you the chance to splash your way through fast-moving rapids of various classifications. You do the work with the help of a river guide, making this a great activity to share with friends and family.

Food

Come enjoy the Canadian and internationally inspired foods known as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine. Banff offers a wide range of restaurants - serving eveything from Alberta beef to sushi - that will impress the most critical foodie. Grab a pizza for quick bite, eat organic and sustainably sourced food, or relax with a bottle of wine and fine cheeses.

Shopping

Take a stroll through the shops and boutiques to find that perfect memento of your adventures here in Banff. The streets of Banff offer a mosaic of uniquely Canadian shopping opportunities for everyone. Get your hands on some exclusive jewellery, mountain wear and art that are sure to make your stay in Banff a memorable one.

Spa and Wellness

For more than 100 years, health-conscious visitors from around the world have indulged in the soothing hot springs of Banff National Park. The tradition continues with many opportunities to rejuvenate and recharge: full-service luxury spas, therapeutic massage, yoga and pilates, relaxing mineral waters and much more. 

Night Life

With an array of western-style pubs and night clubs, Banff offers a lively social atmosphere suited for everyone. Enjoy live country/rock while playing a game of pool at the local bar, check out the latest adrenalin pumping outdoor film, or hit up the night clubs with friends.

Arts and Entertainment

Experience the culture, art and natural wonders of Banff National Park. The area’s rich history is celebrated at an array of art galleries and cultural centres in Banff and Lake Louise. Here you can see a performance at The Banff Centre or visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or go window-shopping at Banff art galleries showcasing original aboriginal and Canadian art. 

The Banff Springs Hotel

Step back in time into this historic Scottish baronial style castle built in 1888. A list of celebrities that have been spotted at this illustrious hotel include Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Alec Baldwin, Larry King, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, Meg Ryan, Dan Aykroyd and Martin Sheen.

Banff Gondola

Enjoy the eight-minute ride to the top of the world where there are dining options, hiking trails, and observation decks at the summit for maximum viewing pleasure. Open year-round, both restaurants are fully licensed with menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner.