Top Things to do in Banff
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Banff That You Shouldn't Miss
Flanked on all sides by the Rockies, Banff offers an irresistible combination of perfect powder, luxury lodges, fine dining and lively nightlife. A thriving arts scene and proximity to Lake Louise and Kananaskis County add to its allure. Don’t miss the hoodoos, intriguing rock spires, in Banff National Park.
Restaurants in Banff
1. Walter Phillips Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
2. Banff Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
Reviewed By viktoriyak912 - Saskatoon, Canada
Great atmosphere of Canadian Rockies. It is an iconic street to get the unique feel of Rocky Mountains and Banff National park. Plenty to see, museums and souvenir shops, galleries with Inuit and gemstone art, sport equipment rentals, restaurants with international cuisine from Canadian and French to Mexican and Italian, bars, pubs, diners and Rocky chocolateries.
3. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is the largest arts institution in Western Canada. Each year, Banff Centre presents over 400 public concerts, performing arts events, festivals, and gallery exhibits each year - most of them free! Premier events include the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival, the Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Family Winter Arts Festival, as well as concerts, opera, dance performances, recitals, talks, and open studio events. Tickets and schedule are available for purchase on our website. Banff Centre is home of the Walter Phillips Gallery, exclusively committed to the presentation of contemporary art practice - the gallery is free and open to all. At Banff Centre you can also find a hotel, four restaurants - including the top-rated Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar - a library, and a full-service fitness centre.
Reviewed By chrisbeba - Toronto, Canada
Went there to keep the kids entertained during a very cold winter day. They/we had great fun using the climbing walls and the pool. The place is very clean. Great views from the pool
4. Parks Administration Building
5. Bow Valley Parkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,387 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic and beautiful drive through Banff connecting with Lake Louise that runs parallel to the much busier Trans-Canada Highway. The well-maintained paved road is narrow and winding as it meanders through the thick pine-tree forest with gorgeous mountain views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Unfortunately, I did not see any wildlife while driving there, but keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready. There are numerous pull-outs with scenic views along the route. The Parkway offers access to the hikes at Johnston Canyon, which I would highly recommend (although arrive early in the morning to beat the rush and crowds). This drive is very pretty and well worth it. If you're driving there in the early morning, it will likely be peaceful and relaxing. Visited in July 2017.
6. Surprise Corner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Reviewed By philplant55 - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
surprise corner follows on from the bow river falls and gives a fantastic view of the hotel opposite the view point you can then continue to the bow river trail.
7. St Mary's of the Assumption
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By lorifromtheatl - Atlanta, United States
Thrilled to wander across St Mary’s, we attended early on Sunday and I was able to have confession. Mass began at 0900 and confession began at 0815. It was a sell-out! The church was packed. We enjoyed the priest and his homily. They allow little children to attend the beginning of mass with the congregation then go off with Sunday school teachers. We enjoyed our morning at St. Mary’s!
8. Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By markandcathycalgary - Calgary, Canada
On a nice sunny day there is nothing better than spending some time on Sulphur Mountain. Make your target the site of the old weather station and cosmic ray station (only the weather station building is still there). You can take the gondola up or you can enjoy the hike on a very nice trail. Once at the top the new visitor centre offers great viewing space, restaurants and a gift shop. The short (10-15 minute) stroll on the boardwalk/stairs takes you from the visitor centre to the highest peak where the cosmic ray station was located. Enjoy spectacular views of Banff and the Rockies! The 1-2 hour estimate applies if you take the gondola.
9. Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 349 reviews
This natural history and Canadian First Nations museum is named after Norman Luxton who once operated a trading post in the Banff area. Come in for a tour of what life was like for First Nations before settlers came and then view authentic First Nations artifacts, borrowed from both personal collections and the Glenbow Museum. Tours of the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum guided by staff who are local First Nations. Ask questions, learn and experience something truly Canadian.
Reviewed By M1121PRjohns - Gulf Shores, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed the authentic artifacts, displays and dioramas depicting the life and culture of the First Nation people who lived in this part of Canada. The museum is owned and operated by a Council of First Nation representatives and is a must see for anyone having an interest in First Nation history. Ideal for families and children. Convenient location on the river, near the Main St. bridge.
10. Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,545 reviews
Reviewed By 619phillipr
Went to Cave and Basin for a hike to the Sundance Canyon, the hike is well worth doing, but the real gem is visiting the cave and seeing the audio visual and static displays chronicling the discovery of the cave, the start of Parks Canada and a must do is spending some time at the internment pavilion. The glimpse offered into the history of Parks Canada is very rewarding!
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