Let’s be real, you’ve seen the pictures. Your Instagram feed is probably flooded with those impossible shades of turquoise water and jagged mountain peaks that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy movie.
But let me tell you something, pictures don’t do it justice. Banff National Park is a place that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. It’s a world-class destination where the air smells like pine and adventure is around every single corner.
We’ve cut through the noise to bring you the crème de la crème of Banff experiences. This isn’t just a list; it’s your personal guide to creating a trip that’s all killer, no filler.
Get ready to explore the absolute best things to do in Banff, from iconic lookouts to hidden gems that will make you feel like you have the whole park to yourself. Your adventure of a lifetime starts right here.
1. Canoe on Lake Louise – Best Overall Experience
If there’s one single image that defines the Canadian Rockies, it’s a red canoe on the unreal turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Paddling this lake isn’t just an activity; it’s a rite of passage.
The water is so clear and so brilliantly colored, you’ll swear someone put food coloring in it. They didn’t. That mesmerizing hue comes from rock flour—fine particles of glacier silt that are suspended in the water and reflect the sunlight.
As you glide across the glassy surface, the majestic Victoria Glacier looms ahead, and the surrounding peaks feel like a natural amphitheater. It’s peaceful, humbling, and ridiculously photogenic. You can rent a canoe from the boathouse at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
It’s an investment, but for the sheer iconic joy of it, it’s worth every penny. This is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Banff for a reason. It’s the kind of experience you’ll be telling your grandkids about.
2. Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – Best For an Epic Adventure
Okay, you’ve seen Lake Louise from the shore. Now, let’s really earn the view. The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is where you trade the crowds for pure, unadulterated mountain magic.
This trail starts at the lakefront and takes you on an incredible journey along the shoreline and up into the high alpine. The well-maintained path winds through forests and opens up to breathtaking valley views.
After a solid climb, you’ll reach a historic tea house. Yes, a real tea house, built by Swiss guides in 1924, tucked right into the mountainside. They serve homemade goodies and hot drinks, all brought in by helicopter or, more often, by staff hiking it up themselves.
It’s the perfect spot to refuel before the final push to the lookout. The end point places you right at the foot of ancient glaciers, with a 360-degree panorama of rocky spires and icy fields. This is one of the best Banff activities for hikers seeking a big payoff.
3. Drive the Icefields Parkway – Best For a Scenic Road Trip
Buckle up for what is often called “the most beautiful journey on the planet.” The Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile stretch of double-lane highway connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, and every single mile is a showstopper.
This isn’t a drive you rush; it’s an all-day event you savor. You’ll want to pull over constantly at the countless viewpoints to see turquoise lakes, waterfalls cascading down cliffs, and massive glaciers clinging to mountainsides.
Must-stop highlights include Peyto Lake, with its famous wolf-head shape and dazzling blue color, and the Columbia Icefield Sky Walk, a glass-floored walkway that will test your nerve.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! It’s common to see bears, elk, and big-horn sheep grazing near the roadside. A drive along this parkway is a core memory in the making and a quintessential item on any Banff Canada travel itinerary.
4. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs – Best For Relaxation
After a long day of hiking and exploring, your muscles are gonna be screaming for a break. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the answer. This historic hot spring has been soothing weary travelers since 1884.
The water is naturally heated geothermally, and the main pool is kept at a perfect temperature, usually between 98°F and 104°F. Sitting back in the warm, mineral-rich water with a panoramic view of the surrounding Sulphur Mountain is an experience that’s hard to beat.
It’s incredibly relaxing and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or during a snowy winter day when the steam rises off the water into the cold air, it’s pure bliss.
It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures. Don’t forget to check their website for current hours and capacity.
5. Ride the Banff Gondola – Best For Panoramic Views
Want to get a bird’s-eye view of six mountain ranges without breaking a sweat? The Banff Gondola is your ticket. This eight-minute ride whisks you up the side of Sulphur Mountain to an elevation of 7,486 feet.
The moment you step out at the summit, your jaw will drop. The view of the Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and a seemingly endless sea of peaks is absolutely staggering. But the experience doesn’t stop there.
You can walk the boardwalk to the historic Sanson’s Peak Weather Observatory for even more incredible vantage points. The summit building also features a multi-level interactive experience and a restaurant.
For the best experience, book a late-afternoon ride. That way, you can see the landscape in daylight and then watch as the sun sets and the town lights begin to twinkle below. It’s a splurge, but for the most accessible, wow-factor view in the park, it’s a must-do.
6. Stroll the Shoreline at Moraine Lake – Best For a Picture-Perfect Moment
Move over, Lake Louise. Many seasoned visitors actually prefer the raw, dramatic beauty of Moraine Lake. Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this lake is a deeper, more intense shade of blue, surrounded by a dramatic cirque of ten sharp pinnacles.
The most famous view is from the Rockpile, a short, easy walk from the parking lot. Climbing to the top of this pile of boulders gives you that iconic, “twenty-dollar bill” view of the lake and the mountains.
It’s a scene that will be burned into your memory forever. Access is the tricky part. The road to Moraine Lake is now closed to personal vehicles for most of the year to protect the fragile environment.
You must take a Parks Canada shuttle, a commercial bus, or a taxi from the town of Banff or Lake Louise. Planning ahead is non-negotiable, but the reward is one of the most stunning sights in all of Canada.
7. Explore the Town of Banff – Best For Shopping & Dining
The town of Banff itself is a destination. Nestled right inside the national park, it has a charming, walkable main street (Banff Avenue) that is packed with unique shops, art galleries, and an incredible variety of restaurants.
You can find everything from high-end outdoor gear to locally made souvenirs. When you get hungry, you’re in for a treat.
The dining scene is world-class, with options ranging from cozy pubs serving bison burgers to elegant restaurants with creative menus that cater to all diets, including vegan and meat lovers alike.
After dark, you can often spot elk wandering the residential streets. It’s the perfect home base for your adventures and a lovely place to spend an evening strolling, shopping, and grabbing a delicious meal after a day in the wild.
8. Hike Johnston Canyon – Best For Families & All Skill Levels
Johnston Canyon is a Banff classic for a very good reason. This incredibly well-engineered trail is a hit with visitors of all ages and abilities.
A series of catwalks and tunnels are bolted directly onto the side of a deep limestone canyon, allowing you to walk safely over the rushing Johnston Creek. The hike leads you to two spectacular features: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls.
The Lower Falls are a short, easy walk, and you can even walk through a small cave to get a front-row view of the powerful water. The hike to the Upper Falls is a bit longer but still manageable, rewarding you with a view of a taller, thundering waterfall.
The sight and sound of the water carving through the canyon is a powerful reminder of nature’s force. It’s one of the best family activities in Banff and a great introduction to the park’s beauty.
9. Visit Lake Minnewanka – Best For a Lake Day
Lake Minnewanka is the local’s favorite for a reason. This is Banff’s largest lake, and it feels more like a rugged fjord than a placid mountain lake. Its name means “Water of the Spirits” in the Stoney Nakoda language, and you’ll feel that powerful, ancient energy the moment you see it.
Because it’s a reservoir, it’s one of the few lakes in the park where power boats are allowed. This makes it a hub for activity. You can take a scenic boat cruise to learn about the area’s history and geology, rent a power boat for some fishing, or simply enjoy the picnic areas along its shore.
The hiking and biking trails around the lake are also fantastic. It’s a place to play, relax, and enjoy the majestic scenery without the intense crowds you find at some of the other, more famous spots.
10. Discover the Vermilion Lakes – Best For Wildlife & Sunsets
For a truly peaceful and often free experience, head to the Vermilion Lakes. This series of three lakes sits right on the outskirts of the town of Banff, with the massive face of Mount Rundle reflected perfectly in their calm waters.
A slow, scenic drive or bike ride along the Vermilion Lakes Road is one of the best ways to unwind. This is prime wildlife viewing territory, especially at dawn and dusk. It’s common to see elk, deer, beavers, and a huge variety of birds.
The sunsets here are absolutely spectacular, painting the sky and the mountains in shades of orange, pink, and purple. Bring a blanket, find a spot to sit by the water, and just soak it all in. It’s a quiet, magical part of the park that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.
11. Go Biking the Legacy Trail – Best For Active Travelers
If you want to cover some ground and feel the wind in your hair, the Legacy Trail is your go-to. This paved, 16-mile recreational pathway connects the town of Banff to the hamlet of Canmore.
It’s mostly flat and separated from the main highway, making it safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all levels. The entire route is lined with jaw-dropping mountain views. You can bike the whole thing or just do a section.
Many shops in both towns offer bike rentals, and some even provide shuttle services. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Bow Valley, get some exercise, and see the landscape from a different perspective. Pack a lunch and make a day of it.
12. Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House – Best For a Charming Reward
Here’s another hike with a sweet reward waiting at the top. The trail to Lake Agnes Tea House starts at Lake Louise and is a steady, but manageable, climb through forest and past a beautiful waterfall called Mirror Lake.
After about 2.2 miles, you’ll arrive at the tiny, enchanting Lake Agnes, nestled in a high-altitude cirque. Perched on its shore is the charming Lake Agnes Tea House, which has been serving hikers since 1905.
They offer a menu of over 100 loose-leaf teas, along with homemade soups, sandwiches, and their famous fruit loaf. Everything is made on-site, and supplies are helicoptered in at the start of the season or hiked in daily by staff.
Sitting on the deck with a warm drink, looking out over the lake, is a uniquely rewarding experience that makes the effort of the hike completely worthwhile.
Conclusion
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Banff National Park is a place that dreams are made of. It’s a destination that will fill your camera roll, sure, but more importantly, it will fill your soul.
The memories of those crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, and fresh mountain air will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Your perfect Banff itinerary is right here. Now it’s time to make it happen. Check park passes, book your accommodations, and get ready for the trip you’ve always imagined. The mountains are calling, and you absolutely must go.