Top 10 things to do in Banff | Discover The Ultimate Adventure Destination
Banff National Park is a spectacular wilderness filled with natural wonders and imposing scenery, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Rugged snow capped mountains rise up from the dense alpine forests below creating a landscape that hikers dream of. Tumultuous waterfalls plunge into clear glacial pools and carve their way down the valleys into vivid turquoise lakes. Most of the top things to do in Banff National Park are a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature.
Fun Fact: 96% of Banff National Park is wilderness.
Established in 1885, Banff is the oldest National Park in Canada and still welcomes over 4 million visitors every year. Stretching from Kananaskis and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park up to Jasper National Park, Banff NP spans 6,641 km2.
Fun Fact: In Canada’s vast landscape, Banff National Park only ranks 15th in the largest National Parks in the country. With Wood Buffalo ranking number 1 at 44,807 km2.
Overview of things to do in Banff…
On the outskirts of the National Park is the enchanting town of Banff, where visitors can explore the famous Banff Avenue under the watchful eye of Cascade Mountain. If you prefer to get your boots dirty, there are over 1,600kms of hiking trails in the park. There is something to suit every level of fitness or timescale.
Our comprehensive guide to visiting Banff, details everything you need to plan your ultimate Canadian adventure. Including details on top things to do in Banff, hiking trails, food and campsite recommendations as well as campervan rentals and more!
Prepare to be overwhelmed with Canadian kindness and maple flavoured everything!
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Navigation Menu
- FAQs
- Is the town of Banff worth visiting?
- Is Banff the most beautiful place on earth?
- What is the best month to visit Banff?
- Is Banff National Park expensive?
Where is Banff National Park?
Banff National Park is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and in the south of the province of Alberta. It’s around 125km west of Calgary or a 1 hour 30 minute drive. Whist Banff National Park does border British Columbia, Vancouver is still a 9 hour 30 minute drive away at least!
What is Banff famous for?
Banff is famous for being Canada’s first National Park and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. It’s also the third oldest National Park in the world! With its iconic picture perfect landscape, Banff draws over 4 million visitors every year. Not only is Banff a National Park but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site!
How many days are enough in Banff?
To truly immerse yourself in the wonders of Banff National Park, we recommend you spend 4-5 days exploring the area. While it’s possible to visit key attractions such as Banff Town, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and a segment of the Icefields Parkway within a condensed 3-day itinerary, this timeframe may leave you feeling a tad hurried, with limited opportunities for extensive hiking.
Many visitors return year after year, each time uncovering something new amidst its enchanting landscapes. Banff holds an undeniable magic that beckons explorers to return time and time again.
Where can I hire a Campervan or RV to visit Banff?
For those arriving from overseas, Calgary serves as the easiest place to hire a campervan or RV to explore Banff. Many rental companies are conveniently located nearby Calgary Airport, making it the perfect place to collect your home on wheels. Plus, it’s less than 90 minutes from Banff.
We found the roads out of Calgary to be fairly quiet, wide and easy to navigate. Ideal for us first timers!
Our Recommendation…
We hired our RV from Fraserway, and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough. The pick-up and drop-off experience was seamless, they provide a free shuttle from your hotel or the airport and we found them to be great value for money. Our experience with Fraserway certainly made for an enjoyable and stress-free start to our adventure!
Top Tip: You can’t collect the Motorhome on the same day you land if arriving internationally. This is for safety reasons and after a long flight we were in no state to be driving! We stayed at Hotel Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, which had a free hotel shuttle from the airport and was on Fraswerway’s list of hotel pick ups.
Not only was the RV itself reliable, clean and modern, it was also a great size for us first time Motorhome drivers (we chose a Class-C Small). We also booked the convenience kit as we were flying to Calgary, which included bedding, towels, kitchen ware and utensils, camping chairs and more.
Fraserway’s Calgary base is also near several supermarkets (including a Walmart) and fuel stations, so it’s a perfect place to start your drive and stock up.
Top Tip: We booked with Fraserway but through Motorhome Republic as they had a New Years deal on rentals at the time, so worth checking!
The Gateway to Adventure: Top 10 things to do in Banff
Banff National Park is an iconic bucket list destination, boasting a landscape adorn with vast turquoise lakes, dense pine forests and the majestic snow capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
With so much to see and do with often only little time, maximising your Banff experience becomes paramount. If you’re like us and keen to squeeze in a few hiking trails alongside the top sights, then you’re in the right place. To help make your planning easier, we’ve detailed our top things to do in Banff along with our favourite hiking trails some of which can be combined! Below we’ve listed our top 10 things to do in Banff National Park, and note these are in no particular order.
1. Downtown Banff
Banff Town exudes the charm of a bustling mountain village nestled amongst the rocky mountains. It’s a fairly small town but packed with a variety of shops, lively bars, delicious eateries and interesting museums. Take a stroll down the iconic Banff Avenue lined with wooden clad buildings beneath the famous Cascade Mountain.
It’s the ideal location to base yourself within Banff National Park, with easy access to top sights and lots of great campsites too!
Food Recommendation: We had a delicious sandwich just off Banff Avenue at Coyotes Southwestern Grill. There’s seating outside, it was pretty cheap and really filling!
Accommodation
There is really something to suit everyone’s budget in Downtown Banff. From 5 star luxury spa hotels to hostels and campsites. We’d already planned to camp for this trip and so booked into one of the main campgrounds in Banff.
Top Tip: To book a campsite in Canada you have to set up an account to log in. Unless you have a Canadian Bank Account you will need to do this through GCKey. We found that as we were overseas this took a few days to set up as the emails would take up to 24 hours to come through to confirm things. Don’t go to book the minute they are released only to realise you will have to wait a few more days, like we did.
Where we stayed:
Where: Tunnel Mountain – Village 2 (We chose section C)
Cost: ~36 CAD (Electric Hook Up Only) (this is around £21 as of Jan 2024)
Facilities: Shower block (see note below), toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, dump station, wood pile, fire permit included, free shuttle into town (2 CAD return).
Note: Check the latest updates on each campsite, as of January 2024 the showers at Tunnel Mountain Village 2 are closed for improvements.
Top Tip: Plan your trip as early as possible if you plan to visit in summer, the campgrounds get booked up fast, especially the best spots (yes in Canada you can literally choose your camping pitch!).
For details on when reservations will be released check the information here. Each Campground or shuttle has a release date and time, plan ahead and get an idea of which site and spot you want as well as setting up your account. They released the 2024 season around January 26th 2024.
Getting There
By Car / RV
It’s a fairly easy drive from Calgary with quick access to the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1). From there just continue on until you reach the exit signposted Banff Town / Tunnel Mountain.
We recommend heading straight to your campsite, as you can park up and catch the free shuttle into town. Parking in Banff Town, especially in an RV is really difficult and can be expensive. The shuttle was really quick and easy so provides a much better option.
By Public Transport
We didn’t travel by public transport so can’t comment on the reliability but you can get the the On-It Regional Transit from ~10 CAD each way.
2. Plain of Six Glaciers Hiking Trail
Distance: 14.6km
Time: 3-5 hours
Elevation: ~420 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time To Hike: June – October
Toilets: Yes, at Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
Starting Point: Lake Louise Car Park / Shuttle Stop
Starting on the shores of the famously turquoise, Lake Louise, this out and back trail winds it’s way up the valley and towards a panoramic glacier viewpoint. It’s ranks high in our top things to do in Banff and for good reason. This trail does not disappoint, from hiking through dense greenery, along rocky outcrops and loose moraine debris the path is ever changing and exciting.
Top Tip: For safety, remember to purchase bear spray on arrival in Banff. Make sure to always have this within easy access and know how to use it when out hiking.
Hiking Trail Details
The trail begins with a leisurely 2km walk alongside Lake Louise. On arrival at the waters edge, take the path to the right along the shore. This section is a great way to warm up, take in the views of the world famous Lake Louise, and wake up if you’re starting early!
Upon reaching the end of Lake Louise, the trail presents a brief yet steep ascent. Here, you’ll spot the signpost for the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Cross the wooden boardwalks and begin the slow but scenic climb up the valley. The trail is easy to follow and well maintained, but keep an eye out as you’ll be sharing most of route with horses!
Top Tip: You will need to purchase a Park Pass, this can either be a single location or a Discovery Pass. For our trip the Discovery Pass worked out cheaper, so it’s always worth checking.
As you emerge from the dense greenery, a breathtaking reward awaits as the trail unfolds to reveal incredible views ahead of the glaciers and towering mountains beyond. Looking behind, the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Louise appear even more captivating juxtaposed against the backdrop of the harsh Canadian Rockies looming in the background.
Time to refuel…
Eventually the path leads you to the charming Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, built in 1927. It’s an idyllic spot to relax and enjoy the view. We indulged in a hot chocolate with teacakes to fuel up before continuing up the trail. After leaving the teahouse, follow the signs up towards to glaciers, from here the path is not maintained so watch your step.
Top Tip: Be sure to bring cash for the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, as there is a charge of 4 CAD to use card.
You know you’ve reached the top when the path opens up into the rocky panorama, glaciers and mountains encircle you with Lake Louise shimmering in the distance. This trail is well worth the effort, so if you only have time for one hike, make it this one!
When to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail:
We recommend starting this hike early in order to enjoy views of Lake Louise before the crowds arrive and still have enough time to hike and enjoy your day at a relaxed pace.
Make this hike longer:
We combined this hike with the trail to Lake Agnes Teahouse and Mirror Lake afterwards, it was easy to connect the trails by following the highline trail on the descent. Note that this makes for a very full and long hiking day, so is only suggested for those fit enough.
Accommodation near Lake Louise:
Lake Louise can be an expensive place to stay, we weren’t able to find any hotels within budget. Thankfully we planned to camp for the duration of this trip but keep this in mind when planning.
Where we stayed:
Where: Lake Louise Hard Sided Campground
Cost: ~36 CAD (Electric Hook Up Only) (this is around £21 as of Jan 2024)
Facilities: Showers and toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, dump station, fire permit included.
Tip: We stayed on campsite 118 and it was so far away from toilets and showers, people were riding bikes to get to them! The nearest drop toilets were out of order, but the nearest showers and flush toilets were around a 10 minute walk away. This site was also very near the railway line so we were woken multiple times in the night, although I think you would hear this from anywhere within the site.
Top Tip: As mentioned previously, to book a campsite in Canada you have to set up an account to log in. Unless you have a Canadian Bank Account you will need to do this through GCKey.
Getting To Lake Louise:
Whilst driving to Lake Louise is an option, we would highly recommend planning ahead and opting for the shuttle bus instead. Parking can be a nightmare and is often full before the first shuttle even arrives.
To secure shuttle reservations visit Parks Canada Reservations and click the Day Use tab to select your reservation time and date.
We booked the earliest shuttle time slot; 6:30 am to 7 am. The shuttles leave regularly within this timeslot so the earlier you are the earlier you will arrive at the lake. Arriving so early meant we were able to take lots of sunrise photos as well as enjoy a much more relaxed lake shore before the crowds arrived. It also meant we could fit in a full day of hiking too!
Top Tip: Shuttle reservations are released several months in advance, so check the date you want to book and make a note of when tickets will be released. The first slot always books up fast!
3. Lake Louise
Known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Banff National Park, the world famous Lake Louise is an iconic bucket-list destination. The impossible turquoise colours of the alpine lake attract millions of visitors every year. You can find this gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies against the picture-perfect backdrop of Mount Victoria. There’s isn’t much more to be said, except that this is an absolute must-see in Banff National Park.
We arrived early to enjoy sunrise at the lake before the crowds arrived, which also meant we were able to squeeze in hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and visiting Lake Agnes Teahouse. For those inclined to more leisurely pursuits, a visit to Lake Louise is often combined with a trip to the equally enchanting Moraine Lake.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Lake Louise get’s it’s bright turquoise colours from rock dust? The lake is fed by glacial melt water which contains fine particles of rock. These particles stay suspended in the water and reflect the light, to create that world famous turquoise colour.
Accommodation near Lake Louise:
Lake Louise can be an expensive place to stay and we found camping to be the best option for our budget. As previously mentioned above, check out where we stayed.
Top Tip: You will need to purchase a Park Pass in additional to your shuttle ticket. This can either be a single day / National Park or a Discovery Pass. For our trip, the Discovery Pass worked out cheaper, so it’s always worth checking.
Getting To Lake Louise:
As mentioned above for Plain of Six Glaciers, you can drive to Lake Louise, however we would strongly urge you to plan ahead and use the shuttle bus. We’ve detailed how to book this and our recommendations above.
If you don’t plan to hike, getting there early also means you can then catch the shuttle to Moraine Lake after.
4. Lake Agnes Tea House
Distance: 7.4 km
Time: 2-4 hours
Elevation: ~ 433 metres
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Best Time To Hike: June – September
Toilets: Yes, at Lake Louise and Lake Agnes
Starting Point: Lake Louise Car Park / Shuttle Stop
The historic Teahouse was built in 1901 on the shores of the peaceful shores of Lake Agnes. A natural amphitheatre surrounds the serene alpine lake, with Mount Saint Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte towering over the blue waters.
Lake Agnes Teahouse can only be accessed on foot, and the trail can be challenging for those not used to hiking. There are numerous steep switchbacks to keep you busy! If you fancy making this into a full day of hiking, consider combining it with the Plain of Six Glaciers trail, as we did.
Top Tip: The hike up to Lake Agnes Teahouse from Lake Louise is one of the most popular hikes in the area. If you want to avoid the crowds make sure you set off early ( and early means catching the first shuttle!). We arrived around 1/2pm after doing the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and had to queue to get a seat in the teahouse.
Hiking Trail Details…
The trail begins in the same location as the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Lake Louise. However this time, you don’t walk the full shoreline of Lake Louise. As you begin walking along the path around the lake, take one of the first paths on the right, signposted Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake.
The trail’s first highlight is the magical Mirror Lake, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Big Beehive. It feels like a mirage as you emerge from the dense pine forest after the long and steep climb.
Top Tip: Take the path on the right from Mirror Lake if you want to combine this with Little Beehive, which offers stunning views of Lake Louise from above.
But the adventure doesn’t end here! After resting and admiring the tranquil blue waters of Mirror Lake, continue up the hill signposted Lake Agnes. The path eventually opens out and you arrive at the shores of the lake and its famous log cabin housing the renowned Lake Agnes Teahouse.
Time to head back…
You can descend via the same route or for some variety, cross over the bridge and descend towards Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Although note this is a longer route.
The teahouse is open from 4th June until Canadian Thanks giving between 8 am – 5 pm.
Top Tip: There are so many teas to choose from on the menu, we tried the Canadian Maple Tea and an apple and blueberry crisp slice (which was huge so we shared) this cost ~25 CAD in August 2023.
5. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of the top things to do in Banff National Park and for many it’s a bucket-list experience. Nestled amongst the wild and rugged mountains of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the pristine turquoise waters cast a spell over visitors. The tranquil waters and spectacular scenery are reminiscent of a postcard, and your first glimpse is sure to be a breathtaking moment.
Fun Fact: In the 1960’s & 70’s, Moraine Lake featured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill, so many refer to it as the lake with the twenty dollar view.
If you are not a hiker or don’t have much time in Banff National Park, you can visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day. Hop on the connector shuttle between the lakes, this is on a first come first served basis and you must have a shuttle ticket for the day.
Top Tip: As soon as you arrive at Moraine Lake, head up The Rockpile Trail at the start of the lake. It gets very very busy so the earlier you are the better, it’s the iconic spot for photos of the lake from above.
Getting To Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake road is now closed year round to private vehicles and open to shuttles between July and mid-October.
To make shuttle reservations visit Parks Canada Reservations and click the Day Use tab to select your reservation time and date.
Top Tip: Shuttle reservations are released several months in advance, so keep checking the date you want to book and make a note of when it says tickets will be released. The first slot always books up fast!
We booked onto the second shuttle time slot; 7am-7:30am as the first slot was already full. The shuttles leave regularly within this timeslot so the earlier you are the earlier you will arrive at the lake. We arrived around 7:30 and the lake was already very busy. Although getting there so early meant we were able to get lots of photos as the sun was still rising.
Top Tip: You will need to purchase a Park Pass in additional to your shuttle ticket. This can either be a single day / National Park or a Discovery Pass. For our trip, the Discovery Pass worked out cheaper, so it’s always worth checking.
Accommodation near Moraine Lake:
The area around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake can be an expensive place to stay. We found camping to be the best option for our budget. As previously mentioned above, check out where we stayed.
Top Tip: Watch out for bears! Check signs at the start of the hiking trails for warnings. When we arrived there had been lots of bear activity in the area so they recommended hiking in groups no smaller than 4 people. For this reason we decided to stay nearer the lake shores.
6. Icefields Parkway
Undoubtedly ranking as one of the top things to do in Banff, driving Icefields parkway is a road trip of a lifetime. The iconic Highway 93 stretches 232km from Lake Louise to Jasper, passing through not one but two National Parks, Banff and Jasper. The scenic route is unlike anything else and is said to be one of the most beautiful road trips in the whole world.
Top Tip: Plan to take a picnic for your stops along Icefields Parkway, there aren’t many places to grab food but dining in nature is always better!
As you cruise through the Canadian Rockies, every twist and turn of the road unveils a new spectacle, each more awe-inspiring than the last. From towering peaks to serene valleys, the landscape unfolds before you like a living masterpiece
Nature’s grandeur will have you on the edge of your seat the entire journey! I don’t think we have ever said ‘Wow’ out loud so much on a road trip.
Top Tip: Having your own vehicle for driving Icefields Parkway is a must! Having an RV or Campervan is even better. We hired ours from Calgary with Fraserway but booked it through Motorhome Republic as they had a New Years deal on rentals at the time. We couldn’t recommend Fraserway enough.
Take your time…
…as you drive from sight to sight, stopping, pulling over and absorbing the epic mountain scenery around you. You may even come across some wildlife on your way but remember to stay in your car, give them plenty of space and not to cause a traffic jam.
Top Tip: Make sure to fuel up before leaving Lake Louise or Jasper as fuel is scarce along the highway. There is one stop at the Saskatchewan River Crossing but often prices are sky high.
The fastest you can drive Icefields Parkway is in 3 hours, but that’s just driving and not stopping, so really, what’s the point? We spent a day driving up to Jasper and then another back to Banff and made stops along each way. So we had 2 full days but honestly we could have spent 5 days exploring all the stops and doing more hiking, there is just so much to see!
Icefields Parkway is open year round, but check for road closures as it can close temporarily if the risk of avalanche is too high.
Stops and hikes on Icefield Parkway:
- Herbert Lake
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes
- Athabasca Glacier
- Athabasca Falls
- Columbia Icefield Centre
- Hike Parker Ridge
- Sunwapta Falls
- Hector Lake
- Icefields Skywalk
- Hike the Wilcox Pass
- Panther and Bridal Veil Falls
- Hike The Onion
- Mistaya Canyon
- The Waterfowl Lakes
- Hike Jimmy Simpson
Top Tip: You will need to purchase a Park Pass as although Icefields Parkway is free to drive it does pass through two National Parks. You can purchase a single day pass per park or a Discovery Pass for the year. For our trip, the Discovery Pass worked out cheaper, so it’s always worth checking.
Accommodation on Icefields Parkway:
There are lots of accommodation options along Icefields Parkway if you plan to drive it over several days.
There are wilderness hostels, a few hotels (although they can be expensive) and several seasonal campgrounds in both Banff and Jasper National Park. We had three nights in Jasper National Park and stayed at two campgrounds due to limited availability for all three nights.
Where we stayed:
Where: Wapiti Campground
Cost: ~47 CAD (Electric hook up with fire pit)
Facilities: Showers and toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, dump station, fire permit included.
Where: Whistlers Campground
Cost: ~47 CAD (Electric hook up with fire pit)
Facilities: Showers and toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, dump station, fire permit included.
Top Tip: Our favourite site was Whistlers Campground, it was so spacious, relaxing and peaceful. We stayed in loop 46+47 and each space was surrounded with hedges or trees to give you privacy. It was also close to a lovely new shower and toilet block. We also saw several Elk whilst camping there!
7. Hunt for the famous Red Chairs
Dotted around Canada are over 200 sets of iconic red chairs, ready for you to discover, take a seat and unwind. Carefully selected by Parks Canada, the chairs are nestled amidst incredible scenery and often in unique and lesser travelled places. Not only do they make great picnic spots but also great photograph opportunities.
In Banff National Park alone there are 11 sets, all waiting to be discovered! This is a really fun way to explore the National Park and discover new hiking trails. You can find a map of the Red Chairs in Banff National Park here.
8. Hike up Sulphur Mountain
Distance: 11 km (out and back)
Time: 3 – 5 hours
Elevation: ~ 744 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time To Hike: Trail can be hiked year round
Toilets: Yes, at the information centre at the top
Starting Point: Banff Gondola Car Park
The Sulphur Mountain hiking trail is a classic route and one of the top things to do in Banff. The trail is well trodden and easy to follow. It’s also a great warm up hike for those planning to do longer hikes in the area. Once on the summit you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and the famous Cascade Mountain. You might even find some of the famous Red Chairs up there!
Fun Fact: Sulphur Mountain gets it’s name from the sulphurous hot springs located at the bottom of the mountain.
On the ridge there is a lengthy boardwalk section, which we highly recommend exploring before heading down the mountain. Walking to the end of the boardwalk you eventually reach Sanson Peak, this adds around 1.2km to your hike but is definitely worth doing.
There is also the option to summit Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola, but this is expensive and if you are able, the hike is much more enjoyable and free!
The Trail
Beginning in the Upper Hot Springs car park, the path zig zags steeply through the dense forest, with fleeting views of the valley below. After a few hours away from the crowds, you’ll be surprised to emerge out to a busy and commercialised summit building as a result of the easy access from the Banff Gondola. There is a restaurant, information centre, toilets, gift shop and more. We hiked this trail in August 2023 and we saw several people but it wasn’t particularly busy on the trail, the summit however was extremely crowded.
Top Tip: Watch out for bears! Check signs at the start of the hiking trails for warnings and make sure to carry bear spray within easy access.
This trail can be hiked all year round and the Banff Gondola runs throughout the year, but before hiking remember to check the trail conditions here.
If you want to extend this hike you can head down over the other side of Sulphur Mountain and into Sundance Canyon and back into Banff on the Sundance Trail.
Getting There
From Banff Town the Banff Gondola Car Park is a 10-15 minute drive away, there is lots of parking but it does fill up fast, especially the RV spaces.
The car park can also be access via the Roam Transit Route 1, which passes through central Banff and to the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs.
Top Tip: The Banff Gondola car park is free but you must remember to display your Park Pass in your windscreen, as attendants go round throughout the day to check this.
9. Catch the Banff Gondola
You can still get those panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies even if you aren’t physically able to hike Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola runs year-round up to the ridge on Sulphur Mountain, from where you can explore the lengthy boardwalks and see the famous Cascade Mountain towering over Banff.
This is a great option for young families and those that aren’t physically able to hike the steep mountain trail. Although this is a very expensive option and we would highly recommend you hike up if you are able to, it’s much more rewarding and free!
Tickets cost ~ 60 CAD per adult for a return trip.
Top Tip: You can purchase a one way ticket down the Gondola and hike up the mountain, but you cannot purchase a one way ticket up the Gondola to hike down. Instead you need to buy a full price ticket.
10. Peyto Lake
Enjoying the view of the vivid blue waters of Peyto Lake is definitely one of the top things to do in Banff. The glacier-fed lake is one of the top three lakes in Banff National Park, only after Moraine Lake and Lake Louise! The views are spectacular and it’s one of the most popular photo spots in Banff National Park.
Located just 40km north of Lake Louise, Peyto Lake often serves as the first stops travellers make when driving up Icefields Parkway from Banff. The main viewpoint is only a short 10 minute walk from the car park, the path winds through the forest with several short steep sections.
There is a large car park, with spaces for RVs, and toilets, although there can be lengthy queues for these in summer. Unfortunately, there is no public transport connecting Peyto Lake to Banff. So unless you are able to take a taxi from Lake Louise, we’d recommend hiring a car or join a tour bus excursion.
Top Tip: During peak summer season, the viewing platform can get extremely overcrowded, which can spoil the experience. To avoid crowds aim to arrive before 8am or after 7pm to get the viewpoint almost to yourself. Alternatively, try visiting one of the other, hidden viewpoints, this is a great guide.
If you have even more time...
- Visit Canmore and the famous Engine Bridge
- Bow River and Bow Falls
- Johnston Canyon
- Hike to Helen Lake
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Vermilion Lakes
- Climb Mount Athabasca
- Drive up to Jasper National Park
- Drive the Smith Dorrien trail
- Mount Noquay
- Banff National Park Museum
- Whyte Museum
- Climb Cascade Mountain
- Lake Minnewanka
- Two Jack Lake
- Hike the Stewart Canyon Trail
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk
- Drive over to Yoho National Park
- Go hiking in Kananaskis Country
FAQ's
Is the town of Banff worth visiting?
Banff Town is definitely worth visiting! Even if you only have time to take a short stroll down Banff Avenue, you won’t regret it. The Mountain Village is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is a great place to begin your Banff National Park adventure! It’s also the perfect place to base yourself whilst exploring the National Park as it’s well connected and only a short distance from many of the top things to do in Banff.
Is Banff the most beautiful place on earth?
Banff is often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. The National Park is filled with vivid blue glacier-fed lakes, dense alpine forests and towering rugged mountains. Everywhere you look, another panoramic postcard view is in sight. Banff is somewhere that you will never forget visiting and want to return to time and time again.
What is the best month to visit Banff?
Banff is beautiful year round but each season creates a new and exciting landscape in the National Park.
Deep snow in winter offers a wonderland for those winter sports enthusiasts, with ski resorts filling up from November – May. The peak of summer is the busiest season, with warm and reliable weather attracting keen hikers and campers from around the world. A visit in Autumn, is a great time for hikers to witness the change of colours in the world famous larch trees. With vivid yellows and oranges taking over the landscape.
Is Banff National Park expensive?
Banff National Park isn’t expensive, especially if you plan to visit multiple parks in the year or camp for your holiday. It costs ~11 CAD per adult per day to enter the park or ~75 CAD for a Discovery Pass per adult. This covers you for all Canada’s National Parks and other locations for 12 months. We were entering two National Parks during our week long trip there, so it worked out cheaper for us to buy two adult Discovery Passes, rather than the individual daily passes for each park.
You can buy both day passes and the Discovery Pass here.
Happy Camping!
Thanks for reading through our favourite trails and top things to do in Banff National Park. We hope it’s helped make your planning easier, and maybe you’ve discovered something new!
For more on what we’re up to check out our Instagram page below or check out more destinations here.
Thanks for reading,
Eve and Nick