Top Things to do in Banff
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Banff, Canadian Rockies
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. Parker Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By hp_hphan - Ontario, Canada
I was very fortunate to see mountain goats. They were running from one side to the other. It was quite windy at the too but the View was amazing. Definitely recommend this hike.
2. Cory and Edith Passes
3. Helen Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Pinkdresses - Edmonton, Canada
Please be prepared with bear spray and bells. We heard a bear on the beginning of our hike and luckily were close by to other groups who also wore bells and visible spray. Better to be over-prepared than risk it! There have been sightings over the last few weeks as per All Trails as well. Not a path for simply running shoes but we did see it. Blizzard at the top of Cirque peak (beyond Helen lake). You should definitely continue on to get a beautiful view of Helen Lake.
4. Lake Minnewanka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,734 reviews
There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.
Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India
This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan
5. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
The Whyte Museum inspires discovery and wonder where people and the Rocky Mountains meet. The Museum's founders, Peter and Catharine Whyte, were local artists and philanthropists who wished to offer a place where people could gather and appreciate the culture and beauty of the area. Explore the culture shaped by this mountain landscape through our exhibitions, events, heritage homes, archives, library and museum shop. Our programming is made possible through generous support from you - the Museum's Members, donors and sponsors.
Reviewed By JeffB64CPR - Derby, United Kingdom
The combination of art - mix of pictorial and impressionist, I suppose - and especially the museum, with the history of the railroads, and the arrival of settlers, inter-action with First Nations, and arrival of Chinese and East European workers, is told very well and with examples of original clothes, documents etc throughout. Do go!
6. Vermilion Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By Barbalooni - Overland Park, United States
We hiked near Vermillion Lakes and it is close to Banff Town. The water was blue/green and very clear. We will try to Kayak on it next time we visit.
7. Cascade Ponds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By ramlahhaider - Calgary, Canada
While the flush toilets were out of order during our visit in June 2020, this is a perfect picnic spot in the mountains. Beautiful lake, right at the start of lake Minnewanka loop. Once covid 19 restrictions are lifted, this place comes with kitchen shelter, flush toilets, picnic tables and a fire pit with each table.
8. 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.
9. Parks Administration Building
10. Bow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,095 reviews
Reviewed By dorrym - Pimpama, Australia
You definitely need to do this walk while visiting we thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor life in Banff and these falls are a delight while there visit the Fairmont Hotel too perched above the falls
