11 Fun Things to Do in Banff
Located in beautiful Alberta, Canada, the resort town of Banff and nearby Banff National Park attract visitors from around the world for their jaw-dropping mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and outdoor adventures.
If you're planning a trip, here are 11 fun things to do in Banff:
Canoe Across a Glacial Lake
Rent a classic red canoe and paddle across Lake Louise’s milky, turquoise waters for the ultimate Canadian Rockies experience. Take in the breathtaking views of Victoria Glacier and the towering peaks surrounding you.
Additional Activities
Horseback riding
Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House (which rewards hikers with a British-style tea!).
Sunset dinner at the Fairmont Chateau hotel
Nearby Campgrounds
Hike Among Rugged Peaks
For a beautiful short morning hike, get to Moraine Lake early, before the crowds, and trek the easy half-mile Rockpile Trail. You’ll be rewarded with brilliant blue waters glowing in the soft light as the massive peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks loom above.
Additional Hikes
Larch Valley Trail: 5.5 miles round trip, beautiful larch forest and Moraine Lake views
Sentinel Pass: 7.2 miles round trip among gorgeous forest and tall peaks
Campgrounds
Although there are no campgrounds at Moraine Lake, the Lake Louise Campground is only 9 miles away.
Explore a Massive Icefield
Venture across one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world, at 125 square miles. The "Ice Explorer" tour lets you trek across part of the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield. This special vehicle tour brings you right onto the surface of this powerful glacier for an up-close look at crevasses and spectacular icy formations.
Additional Activities
Guided icefield hikes
Nearby Campgrounds
Ride a Gondola with Panoramic Views
Glide to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for soaring vistas over six different mountain ranges. At the summit, explore the hiking trails and interpretive exhibits on the area's natural history and Indigenous culture.
Additional Activities
Boardwalk hikes
Summit hiking trails
Nearby Campgrounds
Experience Banff in the comfort of an RV
Trek to Canyon Waterfalls
The hiking trail in Johnston Canyon winds past powerful waterfalls thundering through the narrow limestone canyon walls. Be prepared for the jaw-dropping views of the Lower and Upper Falls crashing into brilliant blue-green pools. It’s an easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.
Additional Hikes
Ink Pots trail to Turquoise Springs: 7 miles round trip, also in Johnston Canyon, beyond the waterfalls mentioned above.
Nearby Campgrounds
Take a Scenic Drive
For nonstop stunning mountain scenery, drive the renowned Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. This 144-mile highway follows valleys carved by glaciers, with pullouts for soaking in sights like Peyto Lake's brilliant turquoise hues.
More Scenic Drives
Nearby Campgrounds
Waterfowl Lakes Campground, about 14 miles from Peyto Lake
Jack Borno, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hike Through Wildflower Meadows
From late June to late September, head to Banff Sunshine Village’s ski resort and ride the gondola up to the village area. Set off on the trails winding through Sunshine Meadows for an alpine wildflower wonderland. During summertime, these vast meadows explode in a rainbow of colors.
More Things to See
Hosted 1- or 2-hour hikes around the Meadows.
Nearby Campgrounds
Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground, Johnston Canyon Campground and Castle Mountain Campground (opening season varies) are 30-45 mins away
Cruise a Massive Alpine Lake
With soaring, craggy mountains surrounding its shores, Lake Minnewanka offers a sublime setting for a scenic cruise across Banff National Park’s largest lake.
More Activities
Kayaking and canoeing
Hiking
Fishing
Mountain biking
Nearby Campgrounds
Chase Waterfalls in the Backcountry
Hike 5.5 miles round trip through dense pine forests along the shores of Bow Lake to the stunning Bow Falls. Stop at historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge along the way for a taste of Banff's storied past.
Additional Activities
Backcountry camping
Fishing
Nearby Campgrounds
Waterfowl Lakes and Mosquito Creek Campgrounds, about 8 miles away
Soak in Natural Hot Springs
After a big day exploring, there's nothing better than soaking tired muscles in the rejuvenating waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Enjoy views of Mount Rundle, plus their historic bathhouse, café, and gift shop.
Nearby Campgrounds
Dine in an Iconic Mountain Lodge
Treat yourself to the grand 'Diamond in the Wilderness' experience at the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This heritage hotel offers luxurious amenities and dining with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Louise's famous azure blue waters.
More Bucket List Lodges
Post Hotel in Lake Louise Village
With soaring peaks, dazzling glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls, flower-filled meadows and abundant wildlife, Banff overflows with incredible natural wonders and adventures to experience your own unforgettable Canadian Rockies memories.
Reserve Your Banff RV Today
Roadtripping to Banff? Consider renting a premium RV or campervan from Blacksford RV in Bozeman, Montana, about 350 miles from Banff.
You can even visit Glacier National Park on your way!
