Top Things to do in Banff
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What to do and see in Banff, Canadian Rockies: The Best 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. Banff Gondola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,210 reviews
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. With breathtaking vistas in every direction, your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet). Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Then warm up in our newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility. With new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, the new Banff Gondola summit heightens every sense.
Reviewed By alisona532 - Brisbane Region, Australia
A wonderful gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for superb views looking down on snow covered pine trees, birds and mountain goats with views of Banff below and 360 deg views of mountains. Truly awe-inspiring. An 'igloo' to go into to thaw out if you get too cold on top of the viewing platform, heaters, staff to take your photos for you with your camera at no extra cost, is all part of it. A fairly steep stair walk for the fit gets you to the summit but is no better a view than the big platform. There is also an interesting mosaic mirror bear statue/artwork on the viewing platform. Very good for the soul to view the natural beauty and the clean air is good for the lungs too.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Sunshine Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Located only a short distance, 16km/10m, from the Town of Banff, the pristine beauty of Sunshine Meadows is easily accessible for everyone, and can be best experienced and enjoyed through the relaxed comfort of our facilities. Take a ride up to the skies in Banff’s biggest gondola (8-passenger cabin capacity) with room for the whole family. Start at the base at an elevation of 1,660 m and ride the gondola 4.6km to the top gondola village terminal at 2,164 m where the Alpine Village is located. Take in all the views of the valley, mountain peaks and wildlife. Once you have reached the top – the Sunshine Village area, or just “the Village” – stop in at our new interpretive center before embarking on an exploration of the six diverse, graveled hiking trails, that wind their way through three alpine lakes, waterfalls and flower filled meadows covering more than 12 Km through the Sunshine Meadows. For a more revealing experience, join one of our hosted trail tours and enjoy learning about the wonders of the alpine world of Sunshine Meadows and more as you through some of Banff National Park’s most spectacular spots. Feel on top of the world when you summit Mt Standish via our Standish Express Sightseeing Chairlift. With an elevation of 2,400m/7,875ft, it will give you a full 360 degree view of the area. From here you can enjoy an unobstructed view the famous Mount Assiniboine – the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies at 3,618m/ 11,871ft – as well as other joys on the horizon, such as Rock Isle, Laryx and Grizzly Alpine lakes. There are three retail stores awaiting you for all your hiking essentials and Canadian Rockies souvenirs. After taking in the captivating views, indulge in one of our six licensed food outlets, including four fully serviced restaurants, including a BBQ deck of outside Mad Trapper’s Smokehouse. Come by to wind down with a drink before making your way back down the gondola.
Reviewed By clarkrica - Banff, Canada
beautiful hike in the summer, so many flowers to see. something to do to get away from the crazy tourist crowd of banff in the summer time.
7. 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.
8. Tunnel Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 752 reviews
Reviewed By triedandtestedtravel - Mansfield, United Kingdom
If you can spare a couple of hours on your trip to Banff, this walk up the Tunnel Mountain Trail, provides excellent views both across the gorgeous town of Banff as well as the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and Bow Valley River. We did this walk in the winter and experienced a winter wonderland walk, with amazing views of the frozen river and the town of Banff under a blanket of snow. Top tip: If you're on a budget, this is a great way of getting glorious aerial views across Banff, without paying to go up the Banff Gondola. However if you do have the time and budget, there's a lovely restaurant at the top of the Banff Gondola which truly provides a meal with a view. The Tunnel Mountain Trail is easy to access and signposted from the main high street in Banff. There's also a car park at the bottom of the trail if you have a car, helping to make the walk shorter.
9. Two Jack Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By 217tammys
The loop road from Lake Minnewanka is a great place to see by bike. Lot's of scenery that you would not see from the main highway. Definitely worth your time.
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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