Things to Do in Banff: Ultimate Guide for Each Season

Home to breathtaking nature, incredible wildlife and lots of year-round activities for all ages, Banff National Park is a bucket list destination that every traveler should visit at least once.

There are so many things to do in Banff for each season! Whether you plan to visit in summer and explore the backcountry on foot, or carve ski tracks in the snow during the winter season, you’ll leave Banff with a renewed spirit of adventure and an eagerness to book another flight back for the next season (can confirm, the latter is 100% true).

This detailed guide to the best things to do in Banff covers a variety of year-round adventures and seasonal activities for all ages. Read more to get a look at how to plan a trip to Banff (for any season). 

Your Banff bucket list begins here!

Getting Around Banff

Do I Need a Rental Car in Banff?

A rental car is not absolutely necessary in Banff, however if you want to fit multiple Canadian National Parks into a single itinerary it is certainly more convenient than finding shared shuttles or booking private rides.

For my five-day Banff summer itinerary, I had a rental car so I could explore Banff National Park and its scenic National Park neighbors, Jasper and Yoho. Most travelers will fly in and out of Calgary International Airport and rent a car there before driving to Banff. If you’d rather not rent a car, there are a handful of shared shuttle options for transport from Calgary to Banff National Park. Once you arrive in Banff, local public transport is available. 

Banff Public Transport

Public transport in Banff is some of the best in Canada. Banff National Park has a collection of public buses, Roam Transit buses, that connect the town of Banff to many tourist attractions.

During the summer season, Roam buses connect travelers to scenic landscapes all over Banff National Park. Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift are a few of the many beautiful destinations accessible by Roam bus during May through October (peak season). Public transport is also available during the winter season, with ski shuttles connecting Banff to the three major ski resorts, Lake Louise Ski Area, Mt. Norquay Ski Area, and Sunshine Village Ski Resort. 

If you choose not to rent a car, you’ll need to catch a shuttle from Calgary to Banff. However, once you get to the town of Banff, you’ll be able to travel to many places around the national park by the detailed network of public buses.

Banff Parking Tips

During peak season, May through October, when Banff welcomes the most travelers, parking around the town of Banff can be quite challenging to find. If you’re staying outside the town of Banff, I recommend parking at the Banff Train Station parking lot, one of the only free places to park in town. From the Banff Train Station, you can walk (~10 minutes) or take a Roam bus directly to the town center. 

Unless you need accessibility accommodations, I would avoid parking in downtown Banff where prices are expensive and parking spots are hard to find. 

During the winter months, parking is available at all three ski resorts. Like most ski areas in Canada, ski resort parking lots fill early and fast. I recommend skipping parking altogether and taking the free shuttle service from Banff to Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Area. 

The town of Banff prioritizes sustainable transport, so if you can utilize the town’s connected network of public buses you’re doing the landscape a favor!

16 Things to Do in Banff (Year-Round Banff Bucket List)

1. Discover the Town of Banff

The town of Banff is only four square kilometers, so you can easily explore this Canadian mountain paradise in a half or full day. 

Banff Avenue, the main road leading into town, is home to some incredible cafes, restaurants and great places to stay. In the town of Banff, you’re surrounded by mountains. Rundle, Cascade and Sulphur Mountains tower over the town like protective giants. 

There are so many things to do in Banff town center. Walk along Bow River Pedestrian Bridge for a scenic photo with Cascade Mountain in the background. Visit one of the Banff museums. Stroll along the Bow River to the Bow Falls viewpoint. Devour a flaky, mouthwateringly delicious BeaverTail (a Canadian treat I enjoyed SEVERAL times during my trip to Banff!). There are endless activities in the town of Banff.

2. Scenic Walk Along Bow River

The Bow River, which is fed by the glacier and lake with the same name, winds through downtown Banff. There are a few walking trails along the Bow River that are perfect for beginner hikers, offering breathtaking views with minimal elevation gain.

The Bow Falls Trail runs parallel to the river on the south side and leads to a scenic viewpoint of Bow Falls, a powerful waterfall beneath the pines. A similar trail north of the river leads to Surprise Corner Viewpoint, where hikers have scenic views of Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs. I prefer the Bow Falls Trail rather than the Surprise Corner Viewpoint because the trail to Surprise Corner Viewpoint runs along a major road. 

While in town, make sure to walk along the Banff Pedestrian Bridge for a beautiful photo opportunity with the monumental Cascade mountain in the background!

3. Ride the Banff Gondola Up Sulphur Mountain

One of the most popular activities in Banff is a scenic gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola is open year-round and offers incredible views of the town of Banff and the Canadian Rockies that surround it. 

In the summer, emerald pines paint the landscape green. During the winter, snow blankets the mountains creating an ethereal glow. No matter the season, a scenic gondola ride should be on your Banff bucket list. 

Parking at the Banff Gondola is limited and very expensive, so I recommend parking at the Banff Train Station, the free lot, and catching one of the free buses (Roam Bus or Banff Gondola Shuttle) to Sulphur Mountain.

4. Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs

There’s nothing more relaxing than a serene soak in mineral hot springs. Banff Upper Hot Springs, located on Sulphur Mountain, is the perfect place to relax while gazing out upon the pine-covered mountains surrounding the pools. There are no online reservations for Banff Upper Hot Springs, tickets can only be purchased at the door.

These rustic hot springs are open year-round, with exception to the short maintenance closure around mid-October, but are especially incredible during the winter season when frigid air makes for a soothing hot soak.

5. Visit Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake in Summer)

Banff’s most popular lakes, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, are must visit destinations in Alberta’s captivating Banff National Park. 

Lake Louise is open year-round, showcasing eye-catching turquoise water during the warmer months and snowglobe-like scenes during the winter. Moraine Lake is only open from June to mid-October. Travelers visiting during the late spring, summer and early fall seasons should plan to visit both lakes, exploring nearby hiking trails and gazing at the mesmerizing blue colors. Travelers visiting during the winter season will have extra time to spend at Lake Louise. 

You have a few options for tickets to visit these stunning lakes. The most affordable way to visit Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake during June to October) is to book a Parks Canada shuttle reservation. A majority of these reservations open mid-April (~60%), but many reservation slots are available as last-minute tickets, 48 hours prior to the actual time. 

If you don’t score shuttle reservations with Parks Canada, don’t fret! There are several guided tours available for Lake Louise (year-round) and Moraine Lake (July through October). 

In the summer, a half-day tour of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is a great way to discover the scenic lakes with semi-private transport and a local guide. In the winter, you can spend a half day ice skating at Lake Louise or book a full day Winter Wonderland tour which includes Lake Louise sightseeing and an ice walk at Johnston Canyon.

6. Take the Lake Louise Gondola for Wildlife Viewing or Winter Scenery

During the winter months, most sightseeing gondolas like the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift close to non-skiers. However, Lake Louise ski area has both a summer sightseeing gondola and a winter gondola ride for non-skiers. 

From June to October, the Lake Louise gondola operates as a wildlife viewing adventure. The lower mountain is a wildlife corridor where bears, elk and deer are often spotted from the comfort and safety of the gondola. Hiking is not permitted on the lower mountain, but you can take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain where high-elevation trailheads become accessible. At the top of Lake Louise ski area, the emerald Canadian Rockies spread like jagged waves. This is one of the best family activities in Banff during peak season. 

During the snowy months, Lake Louise gondola offers winter sightseeing rides for non-skiers. This is a great way to see the snow-capped Rocky Mountains towering over Lake Louise. Note: there are no facilities for non-skiers at the top, so make sure to dress warm!

7. Drive on Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in Canada all year round. Starting in Banff National Park and proceeding over 230 kilometers to Jasper National Park, there are so many incredible stops along the route. Glaciers tower over the limestone mountains and turquoise lakes glimmer in the sunshine. 

While most travelers drive this route in the summer, it is also possible during the winter season. You’ll need to be prepared with snow tires or chains from November to April and check the road conditions before driving. During the winter season, snow dapples the landscape transforming the awe-inspiring pine-covered scenery into a winter postcard. 

Many of the viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls, such as Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls are just as beautiful in the summer as they are in the winter. In the summer, the Athabasca Glacier is open for tours and ice walks. Marmot Basin Ski Resort in Jasper National Park becomes a winter paradise during the snowy months! 

No matter the season, Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive that should be on your list of Banff things to do! You’ll even get to check off a second Canadian National Park, Jasper!

8. Banff Food Tour

No matter the destination, I always love to add a food tour to my itinerary. The Banff Food Tour (hosted by Nibble Tours, a woman-owned business in Alberta) is one of the best ways to learn about the underrated food scene in the town of Banff. This walking tour hosted by Banff local, Jo, will have you devouring local eats while you learn about the town’s history. Salmon, elk and bison are on the menu, along with other Canadian specialties, so come hungry and excited!

9. Devour Banff BeaverTails

In my opinion, the best Canadian tradition isn’t the gravy-drenched french fries with salty cheese curds or the rich, golden syrup that we drizzle on our pancakes. The best Canadian tradition is a flaky fried pastry with sweet toppings, the BeaverTail! BeaverTails has locations in Banff, Canmore and Calgary. 

10. Try a Local Brewery

Banff may not yet be known for its beer scene, but this national park town has some stellar breweries. Local efforts to showcase Alberta’s craft beer scene have elevated the region’s breweries, marking this Canadian province as a destination for craft brews. 

The Alberta Ale trail has itinerary recommendations for beer-centric planners, but a few of my recommendations are listed below!

Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant is located just a few blocks away from Banff Avenue and offers a rustic dining experience and live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Weekends (Friday through Sunday). 

In Canmore, Sheepdog Brewing is renowned for its small batch brews, craft beer that is meant to be enjoyed after an outdoor adventure. Enjoy the local brews!

11. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs

One of Banff’s most elegant bars is home to the national park’s most exquisite afternoon tea experience. Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs welcomes guests with a warming ambience and scenic mountain views. This afternoon tea experience is a great thing to do in Banff for couples or travelers who want to experience the Fairmont without booking a room. 

The experience costs ~$90 CAD for adults and $42 CAD for children ages 12 and under. You’ll start with a glass of sparkling wine (or champagne if you’d like to upgrade), then choose from a variety of tasty loose-leaf teas to enjoy with small pastries and savory bites. 

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs is a sophisticated experience perfect for any season.

12. Explore Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is an awe-inspiring canyon home to two of Banff’s most scenic waterfalls, Upper and Lower Falls. Lower Falls is approximately 1.2 kilometers one way from the trailhead, while Upper Falls is approximately 2.5 kilometers one way from the trailhead (~1.5 kilometers from Lower Falls). 

During peak season, May through October, hiking in Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular things to do in Banff, so I recommend visiting during the evening, as the sun sets, when tourists depart for the day. The trail is nearly empty at dusk during the summer and this is a great time to spot wildlife!

Winter at Johnston Canyon is arguably even more spectacular than summer. Snow fills the crevices in the rock formations and the waterfalls freeze, creating glacial winter postcards. You can still visit Johnston Canyon in the winter with necessary gear – crampons and hiking poles.

13. Visit a Museum

Historic artifacts and generational stories reveal themselves for travelers who decide to take a short break from the outdoors. Visiting a Banff museum may not be at the top of every traveler’s Banff itinerary, but there are some intriguing museums and historic sites to consider when planning your trip. 

The Buffalo Nations Museum showcases Native American artifacts and shares the untold stories of the tribes that occupied Banff National Park. Open year-round, this historic museum also hosts weekly shows honoring Native traditions.

The Banff Park Museum is both a collection of taxidermied species and a historic site. The museum is housed in the oldest federal building in Banff National Park. In the Banff Park Museum, you’ll find over 5,000 species, many of which are native to the region. The Banff Park Museum is only open May through October.

Cave and Basin Historic Site is a protected natural hot spring originally used by native tribes for spiritual gatherings. Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, has this historic site to thank for its protected status: after a group of Canadian Pacific Railway workers found the hot spring and attempted to commercialize it, the area was established as a “protected landscape” which later expanded, becoming Banff National Park. Swimming is not permitted at Cave and Basin Historic Site.

14. Helicopter Tour Over the Rockies

A Banff helicopter tour is a lavish way to get a bird’s-eye view of the Canadian Rockies. Offering year-round flights ranging from 25-50 minutes of air time, helicopter tours are the perfect sightseeing adventure for travelers with a larger budget.

There are many different options for tours including flights over the Three Sisters mountains, glacier tours, and even a flyover tour of the Continental Divide. Helicopter tours in the summer showcase the beauty of the grey limestone peaks and the vibrant pines that climb them. During the winter season, snow covers the landscape, giving travelers the feeling of being in a snow globe. A helicopter tour in Canada is truly a bucket list experience!

15. Sunrise at One of Banff’s Nearby Lakes

With nearly 5 million travelers visiting Banff every year, there are few places where one can enjoy scenic nature without bustling crowds. The best way to discover Banff without the crowds is to wake up early for sunrise and watch the landscape glow in a rainbow array of colors. Vermillion Lakes, just outside the town of Banff, are two adjacent scenic lakes where you can experience a beautiful Banff sunrise. Mt. Rundle towers over the lake and its spectacular reflection ripples in the calm waves of the lake. 

16. Relaxing Spa Day in Banff

I can think of no better way to relax after a day of hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter than unwinding at one of Banff’s premier spas. 

If you’re looking for elegant, historic luxury in Banff’s most renowned historic hotel, look no further than the luxury mountain resort spa at Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Spa is the largest in the town of Banff at over 40,000 square feet, and includes several indoor and outdoor pools, historic lounges and 27 treatment facilities. You can purchase a day pass to the spa (~129 CAD for hotel guests, ~159 CAD for non-hotel guests) or book one of the many therapeutic treatments. Day passes and treatments allow three-hour access to the Fairmont Spa. NOTE: Guests NOT staying at the hotel can only purchase day passes Monday through Thursday.

Alberta’s largest spa is located ~60 minutes from Banff. The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a 50,000 square foot mountain wellness sanctuary nestled in the Kananaskis Region.

This Nordic Spa has several outdoor pools ranging in temperature (the hydrotherapy circuit) and a variety of different sauna experiences. Once you enter the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. This spa also offers discounted rates in the evening. NOTE: Visitors need to have a Kanananskis Conservation Pass prior to entry in the Kananaskis region. 

For a simple massage or therapeutic treatment, Cedar & Sage in downtown Banff offers a variety of treatments for travelers needing simple relief. This spa doesn’t offer the hot pool experience like the Fairmont Spa or the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, but the spa treatments are just as incredible – especially for sore muscles after hiking, skiing or any other outdoor adventure!

Guide to Each Season in Banff

Spring Activities in Banff

Spring in Banff is a unique season where the national park experiences both the dwindling effects of winter and the emergence of the warm, sunny weather of summer. April and May are considered shoulder seasons in Banff when fewer tourists visit and prices may be slightly cheaper. During spring, you can enjoy winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, and summer sports like biking and hiking (at low elevations where snow is melted). 

Banff’s ski resorts, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, often remain open late into the spring season. In mid-May, Banff hosts an end-of-season ski tradition called the Slush Cup, a pond-skimming competition where quirky costumes are requested for participants. 

The Banff Gondola also hosts a spring festival, Bloom and Brunch, where travelers can enjoy a tasty brunch at the summit restaurant, Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. Decorated with vibrant floral installations, there’s no better place to celebrate spring than at the top of Sulphur Mountain. Spring views are incredible with snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers. 

In late spring, typically mid-May, many outdoor activities in Banff open up for the summer season. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting, even Columbia Icefield Adventure (north of Banff in Jasper National Park), opens up for tours and bookings.

Summer Activities in Banff

Summer is the most popular time to visit Banff for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and MORE! This season also offers many festival and events like the Banff Summer Arts Festival, the Banff Farmer’s Market and National Indigenous History Month. 

The Banff Summer Arts Festival celebrates art in all forms. From June through September there’s a collection of concerts, shows, art exhibitions and workshops for creative travelers. Many of these events are free to attend, but some require ticket bookings in advance.

The Banff Farmer’s market is a summer tradition starting in mid-May featuring locally grown produce, handmade crafts and other goodies. Handmade items make for perfect Banff souvenirs!

National Indigenous History Month in June celebrates indigenous culture through a series of art exhibitions, cultural workshops and children’s activities. The town of Banff also hosts a celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st with live performances and an indigenous handicraft market.

If you plan to visit Banff during the summer, a world of outdoor activities becomes available. Among my favorites are horseback riding (AnchorD Ranch), whitewater rafting (White Wolf Rafting), and hiking (Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail and Big Beehive are my favorites!).

Fall Activities in Banff

Fall in Banff is a season of spectacular color. During late September through early October alpine larches transform from deep emerald to glowing gold, painting the mountain landscapes in a vibrant yellow color. The best place to see fall colors is in Larch Valley in Lake Louise. 

In addition to beautiful fall colors, Banff also hosts the Banff Film and Book Festival, Banff Pride and the Banff Craft Beer Festival.

The Film and Book Festival is a weeklong event celebrating film and literature, and includes workshops, art and film exhibitions, and even a literary competition. Banff Pride overlaps with the Banff Film and Book Festival during the first week of October. During Banff Pride, there’s a pride parade, pride-inspired dishes at the town’s restaurants and guided outdoor adventures for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Banff Craft Beer Festival is a late October event celebrating Alberta’s best brews. Late fall is a great time to visit Banff!

Winter Activities in Banff

Winter is the best time to visit Banff National Park (spoken like a true winter fanatic). You can ski the big three – Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village Ski Area and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort – or choose from an unforgettable list of winter activities in Banff like dog sledding, snow tubing, ice climbing, and winter hiking. 

Banff has so many winter activities and festivals from November to March. From mid-November to mid-December, the Banff Christmas Market returns with festive crafts, handmade gifts and delicious bites. You can hear those sleigh bells jingling during a Banff sleigh ride with Banff Trail Riders or at Lake Louise. 

After New Year’s, Banff welcomes the SnowDays Festival, a winter extravaganza with an ice carving competition, family activities, and artisanal hot chocolate. This winter festival runs from January 21st to February 7th and is the perfect time to visit Banff in winter. 

For thrill seekers who want to explore the outdoors despite the snow, guided winter canyoning is the best way to immerse yourself in the snowy landscape while learning winter climbing techniques. Dog sledding at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours is a fun way to discover winter indigenous traditions and meet some furry friends!

Best Time to Visit Banff

The best time to visit Banff depends on your travel style! 

If you are wanting to plan a budget-friendly trip to Banff with a mix of late winter and early summer activities, spring is a beautiful season with slightly more affordable prices.

Summer is peak season in Banff, and therefore tends to be the busiest, but is a great time to visit for summer activities like hiking/backpacking, biking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.

Fall is a spectacular season of vibrant gold colors with the opportunity to see elk and other wildlife.

Winter offers classic snow sports like skiing/snowboarding and seasonal festivals with unforgettable experiences. No matter when you plan to visit Banff, you’ll be inspired by the beautiful landscapes!