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Banff, Canada

Destination Guide

Banff

Canada

Best things to do in Banff

41 curated attractions in Banff, Canada. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

18°C/64°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Banff

Banff is a small mountain town located within Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada, established in 1885. This designation means its surroundings are packed with iconic natural landscapes, including turquoise lakes and towering peaks, drawing millions of visitors annually. The town itself blends seamlessly with these landscapes, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture, catering to tourists seeking both adventure and culture. The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies provide a cultural counterpoint to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Despite its small size, the town can feel crowded, especially in peak seasons, as visitors flock to highlights such as Moraine Lake and Sulphur Mountain. People come primarily for the scenery and outdoor pursuits, ensuring a memorable experience amidst the mountains.

Who it's for

Great for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy the mountains. Not ideal for people seeking budget travel or a quiet retreat; prices are high, and popular spots can be very busy. If you dislike crowds or prefer urban environments, keep driving.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The town is small enough to walk across in about fifteen minutes
  • Public transport options exist but may not cover all tourist sites efficiently
  • Many visitors rent bikes or use shuttles to access popular areas like Moraine Lake
  • The nearest major airport is in Calgary, about a 90-minute drive away
Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village

Ski resorts
Hoodoos Trail

Hoodoos Trail

Hiking trails
Banff Legacy Trail

Banff Legacy Trail

Hiking trails
Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake

Lakes
Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway

Scenic viewpoints
Vermilion Lakes Drive

Vermilion Lakes Drive

Scenic viewpoints
Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Nature
Cascade Gardens

Cascade Gardens

Formal & Japanese gardens
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Art museums & galleries
Banff Park Museum

Banff Park Museum

Science & natural history museums
Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Specialty & quirky museums
Savouring Lake Louise

Savouring Lake Louise

Lakes
Mount Norquay

Mount Norquay

Mountains & volcanoes
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

History museums
The Beehive

The Beehive

Adventure
Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lakes
Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes

Lakes
Castle Mountain

Castle Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner

Scenic viewpoints
Banff Avenue

Banff Avenue

Streets & neighbourhoods
Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake

Lakes
Bow River Trail

Bow River Trail

Hiking trails
Bow Lake

Bow Lake

Lakes
Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake

Lakes
Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Ink Pots

Ink Pots

Nature
Banff National Park

Banff National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl

Natural Wonders
Johnston Lake

Johnston Lake

Natural Wonders
Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

Lakes
Lake Louise Village

Lake Louise Village

Streets & neighbourhoods
Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint

Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint

Scenic viewpoints
Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola

Scenic trains, cable cars & ferries
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Castles & palaces
Bow Falls

Bow Falls

Waterfalls
Banff town

Banff town

Nature
Lake Louise Shoreline Walk

Lake Louise Shoreline Walk

Lakes
Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Hot springs & geothermal areas

Where to eat in Banff

The places worth planning a meal around.

Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

Canadian · $$

★ 4.5 · 4,313 reviews

Three Bears Brewery

Three Bears Brewery

pub fare

★ 4.6 · 2,436 reviews

Lake Agnes Tea House

Lake Agnes Tea House

Tea Room · $$

★ 4.5 · 1,850 reviews

Hello Sunshine

Hello Sunshine

Canadian, International · $30–$50

★ 4.4 · 1,339 reviews

Good Earth Coffee House

Good Earth Coffee House

★ 4.3 · 1,174 reviews

Laggan's Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen

Laggan's Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen

Bakery · $

★ 3.8 · 801 reviews

Things to do in Banff

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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