Top Things to do in Banff
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What to do and see in Banff, Canadian Rockies: The Best Free Things to do
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. 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.
3. All In The Wild Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
All in the Wild Photography provides beautiful and artistic photographs of wildlife from Western Canada, Canada's Arctic and Alaska. The photographer and owner is Jason Leo Bantle. Jason has been photographing wildlife for over 10 years and has a deep passion and respect for nature. Most of Jason's works are still captured on 35mm film. No digital enhancements or filter are used.
Reviewed By Greenlakereener - Vancouver, Canada
You have to go to this gallery if you are in The wildlife photographs by Jason Bumtle are absolutely incredible, as he is an award winning wildlife photographer. If it’s not too busy, get the salesperson to tell you the stories behind each one. There is a whole series of polar bear photos that are amazing. Each one is unique and so wonderful to see! We spent over an hour in the gallery and loved every minute. The photos are sold in a variety of sizes and the smaller ones are very affordable. The bigger ones, which are really the best, cost a lot more, $500 and up. But even if you don’t buy, you need to see these photographs!
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. Canada House Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Since 1974 Canada House Gallery has been a destination for Canadian art in Banff. Representing over 50 painters, 20 sculptors, 3 jewellery designers plus Inuit art there's always something new and exciting to see. You'll receive a warm welcome from friendly and informative gallerists. If you don't see what you're looking for, let us know - we have many works tucked away in the back room. Everyone is welcome... come on in after hiking, skiing, cycling, horseback riding.... our art friends enjoy our gallery in their jeans, gortex and spandex!
Reviewed By Typical-60plus - Calgary, Canada
We have bought several paintings from there over the years. We always stop by to see what they have new even when we are not in the market. They have a broad selection.
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. 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
