Things to do in Banff

A 30‑metre waterfall located just off the town‑center trail; the viewing platform offers a quick, photogenic stop.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull‑outs revealing turquoise water framed by pine‑covered cliffs; stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water and pine-covered cliffs. Stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water and pine-covered cliffs. Stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

Drive the short loop off Highway 1 to see turquoise water framed by pine‑covered cliffs and stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

Drive the short loop off Highway 1, stop at pull‑outs to view turquoise water against pine‑covered cliffs and snap a photo at the historic boathouse.

A short loop off Highway 1 with turquoise water framed by pine‑covered cliffs; stop at the historic boathouse for a photo.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water framed by pine-covered cliffs. Stop at the historic boathouse for a classic photo.

Take the short loop off Highway 1, stop at pull‑outs to view turquoise water against pine‑covered cliffs, and snap a photo at the historic boathouse.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water and pine-covered cliffs. Stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water and pine-covered cliffs. Stop at the historic boathouse for a classic photo op.

A 30-metre cascade that thunders year-round. The viewing platform is located directly off the town-center trail for a quick stop.

Enjoy the 30‑metre waterfall right off the town‑center trail; the viewing platform lets you see the cascade without leaving the main path.

A 30‑metre cascade viewable from a platform right off the town‑center trail, perfect for a quick stop.

A powerful 30-meter cascade easily accessible from the town-center trail. Perfect for a quick stop between coffee shops without leaving the main drag.

Enjoy the 30‑metre Bow Falls from the easy viewing platform right off the town‑center trail, perfect for a quick photo stop.

A short loop off Highway 1 with pull‑outs that showcase turquoise water against pine‑covered cliffs; stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

A 30-meter cascade visible year-round with a viewing platform right off the town-center trail. Easily visit between coffee shops.

Enjoy the 30‑metre Bow Falls from the easy viewing platform just off the town‑center trail, perfect for a quick photo stop.

A 30‑metre waterfall easily accessed from the town‑center trail, perfect for a quick photo stop.

Drive a short loop off Highway 1 with pull-outs revealing turquoise water framed by pine-covered cliffs and a historic boathouse.

View the 30-metre cascade from the accessible platform just off the town-center trail. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

Take a short loop off Highway 1 with pull‑outs that reveal turquoise water framed by pine‑covered cliffs; stop at the historic boathouse for photos.

Drive the short loop off Highway 1 to stop at pull-outs revealing turquoise water framed by pine cliffs. Don't miss the historic boathouse for a classic photo opportunity.

View the 30‑metre year‑round cascade from a platform right off the town‑center trail; easy to fit in between other activities.

View the year-round 30-meter cascade from the viewing platform right off the town-center trail, easily accessible between meals.

View the year-round 30-meter cascade from a platform right off the town-center trail, easy to visit between meals.

View the 30-metre cascade thundering year-round from the viewing platform right off the town-center trail. Easy to visit between coffee shops or meals.

Rent a single-person canoe to drift across the iconic turquoise waters past the Victoria Glacier. Arrive early to secure a launch time and check weather conditions.

Rent a single-person canoe to paddle across the iconic turquoise waters, drifting past the stunning Victoria Glacier.

Ride the gondola up to an alpine meadow and hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Rent a single‑person canoe and paddle on the turquoise Lake Louise, drifting past the Victoria Glacier.

Take the gondola to the alpine meadows and hike the 2-km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.

Ride the gondola up to the alpine meadow and take the 2km Sunrise Trail to a viewpoint over the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and take the 2km Sunrise Trail to a viewpoint over the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and take the 2km Sunrise Trail to a viewpoint over the Continental Divide. Add a trail guide for extra insights.

Rent a single-person canoe to paddle across the iconic turquoise waters, drifting past the Victoria Glacier with stunning mountain reflections.

Ride the gondola to an alpine meadow and hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and take the 2km Sunrise Trail to a viewpoint overlooking the Continental Divide. Budget extra for an optional trail guide.

Rent a single-person canoe to paddle across the iconic turquoise waters past the Victoria Glacier.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and take the 2-km Sunrise Trail to a viewpoint overlooking the Continental Divide.

Paddle on the iconic turquoise lake, drifting past the Victoria Glacier in a single‑person canoe.

Rent a single-person canoe to paddle across the iconic turquoise waters past the Victoria Glacier. Ideal for early morning or late afternoon light.

Rent a single-person canoe to drift across the iconic turquoise lake past the Victoria Glacier.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and hike the 2-km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to alpine meadows and hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Gondola ride to an alpine meadow followed by a 2‑km “Sunrise Trail” hike offering panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to an alpine meadow, then hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail to a Continental Divide viewpoint.

Ride the gondola to an alpine meadow, then hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail to a panoramic view of the Continental Divide.

Ride the gondola to an alpine meadow and hike the 2‑km Sunrise Trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

Paddle on the iconic turquoise Lake Louise in a single‑person canoe, drifting past the Victoria Glacier.

Rent a single‑person canoe and paddle on the turquoise lake, drifting past Victoria Glacier.

Paddle on the iconic turquoise Lake Louise, drifting past the Victoria Glacier in a single‑person canoe.

Paddle on Lake Louise’s iconic turquoise waters, drifting past the Victoria Glacier in a single‑person canoe.

Paddle a single‑person canoe on Lake Louise, drifting past the Victoria Glacier on the iconic turquoise water.

Rent a single-person canoe to drift across the iconic turquoise waters past the Victoria Glacier.

Juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Enjoy a juicy elk patty burger topped with caramelized onions and sweet-potato fries in a relaxed sit-down setting.

Juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Savor a juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, accompanied by sweet‑potato fries, for a hearty Rocky Mountain meal.

Savor a juicy elk patty topped with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Savor a juicy elk patty topped with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Sample a locally distilled gin cocktail blended with wild‑picked berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Sample a locally distilled gin cocktail blended with wild‑picked berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Sample a locally distilled gin mixed with wild‑picked berries, paired with a small cheese board, at this mountain‑crafted bar.

Locally distilled gin mixed with wild‑picked berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Locally distilled gin mixed with wild‑picked berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Sample locally distilled gin with wild-picked berries, paired with a small cheese board at the bar.

Enjoy the signature Elk & Bison Burger with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet-potato fries.

Enjoy a juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet-potato fries in a relaxed setting.

Enjoy a juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Enjoy the famous Elk & Bison Burger topped with caramelized onions and sweet-potato fries. Expect a relaxed sit-down meal in a cozy lodge setting.

Enjoy a juicy elk patty with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet-potato fries. A relaxed sit-down meal perfect for refueling.

Sample a gin-infused wild berry cocktail made with locally distilled gin and foraged berries, paired with a cheese board.

Sip a locally distilled gin cocktail blended with wild‑picked berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Sample a gin-infused wild berry cocktail paired with a small local cheese board. A great spot to taste regional spirits and mountain flavors.

Order the juicy elk patty burger topped with caramelized onions and served with sweet-potato fries. Reservations are recommended during peak tourist season.

Sip a locally distilled gin cocktail mixed with wild-picked Rocky Mountain berries. Pairs well with their small house-made cheese board.

Savor a juicy elk patty topped with caramelized onions on a brioche bun, served with sweet‑potato fries.

Sip a locally distilled gin mixed with wild-picked Rocky Mountain berries, paired with a small cheese board at the bar.

Enjoy the Elk & Bison Burger with caramelized onions and sweet-potato fries in a relaxed sit-down meal.

Try the gin-infused wild berry cocktail paired with a small local cheese board. The bar features a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking.

Sample a locally distilled gin mixed with wild‑picked Rocky Mountain berries, accompanied by a small cheese board.

Sip a gin-infused wild berry cocktail paired with a small cheese board at this local distillery bar.

Enjoy a 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art from Indigenous creators.

Explore the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit featuring early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works. Use the free audio guide on your phone.

Explore the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit featuring early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with a phone audio guide.

Explore the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit featuring early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works. Use the free audio guide on your phone for a self-paced tour.

Explore the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit featuring early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works.

Explore early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works in the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit with a phone audio guide.

Attend a 90-minute evening performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art. Book tickets in advance.

Explore early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works in the Rocky Mountain Art exhibit. Use the free audio guide on your phone.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide available on your phone.

Experience a 90-minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art. Book tickets in advance.

Experience a 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art.

Attend a 90-minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art. Tickets sell quickly, so book well in advance.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide on your phone.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide on your phone.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide on your phone.

Explore early-20th-century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with a self-guided audio tour on your phone.

Explore a curated collection of early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works, with an audio guide on your phone.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide accessible on your phone.

A 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art; tickets sell out quickly.

Explore early‑20th‑century paintings and contemporary Indigenous works with an audio guide accessible on your phone.

A 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art; tickets should be booked in advance.

Experience a 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art.

Attend a 90-minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art. Book tickets in advance.

A 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art by Indigenous artists.

Watch a 90‑minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art, showcasing Indigenous culture.

Attend a 90-minute evening performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art; book tickets in advance.

Attend a 90-minute performance blending traditional drumming, spoken word, and visual art. Book tickets well in advance as shows consistently sell out.

Drive north to Canmore and take a well-marked short hike to the twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley views.

Drive 30 minutes north to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes. The well-marked trail offers breathtaking valley views and is great for a quick escape.

Drive north to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley views on a well-marked trail.

Drive 30 minutes north to Canmore and hike the well-marked trail to the twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley views. Budget extra time for parking and return travel.

Drive to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes, enjoying well‑marked trails and valley views.

Drive north to Canmore and hike to the well-marked twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley views.

Drive 30 minutes north to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes via a well-marked trail. Enjoy stunning valley views in about 4 hours total.

Take a guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Minnewanka.

Drive 30 minutes to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes, enjoying valley views on a well‑marked trail.

Drive 30 minutes north to Canmore, then hike to the twin Grassi Lakes for striking valley views; parking costs $5.

Drive north to Canmore and hike the well-marked Grassi Lakes trail for stunning valley views of the twin lakes.

Drive 30 minutes to Canmore, then hike to the twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley vistas, with a $5 parking fee.

Drive to Canmore, then hike to the twin Grassi Lakes for stunning valley views; parking fee applies.

Drive to Canmore and hike to the twin Grassi Lakes, enjoying valley vistas on a well‑marked trail.

Join a guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Minnewanka, learning prospector stories.

Take a guided bus tour to the historic Silver City mining settlement and Minnewanka shoreline for 1800s prospecting stories.

Join a guided bus tour to the historic Silver City mining settlement and Minnewanka shoreline. The guide shares detailed stories of 1800s prospectors and local history.

Join a guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Minnewanka, learning prospector stories.

Guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka, with stories of 1800s prospectors.

Take a guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Minnewanka, learning prospector stories.

Guided bus tour to the historic mining settlement of Silver City and the shoreline of Minnewanka, with stories of 1800s prospectors.

Thursday evenings feature local singer‑songwriters in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge; no cover charge.

Listen to local singer‑songwriters perform folk tunes in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge on Thursday evenings.

Listen to local singer‑songwriters perform in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge on Thursday evenings, with drinks available.

Catch local singer-songwriters performing in an intimate wood-paneled lounge on Thursday evenings. Cover is free, drinks are extra.

Intimate wood‑panelled lounge featuring local singer‑songwriters on Thursday evenings; no cover charge.

Local singer‑songwriters perform in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge on Thursday evenings; no cover charge.

Relax with a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching town lights flicker over the Bow River from the terrace.

Sip a smoked-maple Old Fashioned on the terrace while watching town lights over the Bow River until 11 pm.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching Bow River lights from the terrace bar.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching town lights flicker over the Bow River; bar open until 11 pm.

Catch Thursday evening folk music by local singer-songwriters in an intimate wood-paneled lounge. No cover charge, just bring your drink budget.

Listen to local singer‑songwriters perform in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge on Thursday evenings; no cover charge.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned on the terrace while watching town lights flicker over the Bow River.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching the town lights flicker over the Bow River from the terrace bar.

Sip a smoked-maple Old Fashioned on the terrace while watching the town lights over the Bow River. The bar stays open until 11 pm for late evenings.

Catch Thursday evening local singer-songwriters in an intimate wood-paneled lounge with no cover charge.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching town lights flicker over the Bow River; the bar stays open until 11 pm.

Catch free live folk music from local singer-songwriters in an intimate wood-panelled lounge on Thursday evenings.

Catch live local singer-songwriters in an intimate wood-panelled lounge on Thursday evenings. Arrive early to secure seating, as the venue fills up quickly.

Sip a smoked-maple Old Fashioned while watching the town lights flicker over the Bow River. The terrace bar stays open until 11 pm for late evening drinks.

Catch live local singer-songwriters in an intimate wood-panelled lounge every Thursday. No cover charge, but budget separately for drinks.

Catch local singer-songwriters performing intimate folk music in a wood-panelled lounge on Thursday evenings. Bring cash for drinks.

Listen to local singer‑songwriters perform folk music in an intimate wood‑panelled lounge on Thursday evenings.

Sip a smoked‑maple Old Fashioned while watching town lights flicker over the Bow River from the terrace.