In the heart of the Canadian Rockies you will find one of the most beautiful places on earth: Banff National Park. Vast forests as far as the eye can see are interspersed with snow-capped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes. Here you will find iconic landscapes such as the world-famous Lake Moraine and Peyto Lake. With a wide range of hiking trails and activities, Banff is ideal for anyone who enjoys being in nature. And with any luck, you’ll spot one of the many bears or moose that dot the national park. Banff, therefore, cannot be missed during your road trip in Canada! In this article you will find fun activities and tips for visiting Banff National Park.
15 best things to do in Banff, Canada
Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and dates back to 1885. Meanwhile, it is one of the most visited places in Canada and the park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is a lot to do in Banff National Park, which is why we recommend staying here for at least 3 nights to fully enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding Banff.
To visit Banff National Park (and the other national parks in Canada), you are required to have a Parks Canada Pass. If, like us, you are going to travel around Canada, it is best to buy a Discovery Pass. As you drive toward Banff you will pass toll booths on the highway where you can buy this. The toll booths are open until about sunset and you can’t miss them. A Discovery Pass can be purchased per vehicle, costs $151.25 or about €102, and is valid for one year after purchase. Afterwards, you’re ready to explore the park, making sure not to miss the following 15 activities to do in Banff National Park!
1) Sunrise at Lake Moraine
One of the highlights to do in Banff National Park is to visit Lake Moraine, and if possible at sunrise. This is Canada’s most popular lake and cannot be missed during your trip. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks reflecting in the bright blue water, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful places we have ever been! Several hikes depart from Lake Moraine. The easy hike “Lakeshore Path” takes you out and back along the lake in about 45 minutes and is ideal for enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery all around.
Since 2023, you can reach the lake only by shuttle or organized tour (driving yourself is no longer allowed). Therefore, book your shuttle on time through Parks Canada’s official website. This shuttle runs daily from early June to early October and costs $8 per person. Conveniently, this price also includes a shuttle to take you to or from Lake Louise.
2) Canoeing on Lake Louise
Like Lake Moraine, Lake Louise cannot be missed during a trip to Canada! Rent a canoe at the Fairmont Château and paddle the turquoise waters of Lake Louise with views of the mountains and glaciers all around. Or hike one of the many trails around the lake. There are several hikes for every skill level, but our favorite was the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail. This hike of 14.6 km in total takes you along the lake all the way to the surrounding mountain range, giving you ever-improving views of Lake Louise. The great thing about this walk is that it takes you past a tea house that was built in 1927 and still serves delicious tea, soup or cake without electricity! A nice alternative is the 3.5 km (one-way) hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse.
3) Explore the waterfalls in Johnston Canyon
A 30-minute drive from the town of Banff you will find Johnston Canyon. This impressive ravine offers hikers access to some beautiful waterfalls via an easy 5-km out-and-back hike. Hanging walkways on the rock walls of Johnston Canyon allow you to go deeper and deeper into the canyon until you reach Lower Falls . Then hike on to the end point of this hike, Upper Falls. Note the many squirrels you will hear and see jumping from branch to branch during the hike. This is a very popular hike in Banff, but once you are on your way it is not very bad in terms of crowds.
4) Wildlife spotting on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road
One bucket list experience that obviously cannot be missed when you are in Canada is wildlife spotting! And then you’ve definitely come to the right place in Banff. Banff National Park is home to many animals such as black bears, grizzlies, deer, moose, bighorn sheep and even wolves and pumas. Along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road, you always have a good chance of seeing animals, especially early in the morning. Here we also saw bears, deer and bighorn sheep! There is also a chance you may encounter one of these animals while hiking, so always be careful! They remain wild animals that are unpredictable, so always keep enough distance and never approach these animals!
TRAVEL TIP: It is recommended that you purchase “bear spray” at the beginning of your trip through Canada. This is actually mandatory when hiking in national parks and it also gives you a sense of security. Bearspray can be found in stores such as Canadian Tire.
5) The most beautiful reflections at Two Jack Lake
When you drive the loop of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road you pass by Two Jack Lake. This is a great place for photography, especially if you go during sunrise or sunset. At Two Jack Lake you have a fantastic view of Mount Rundle that reflects beautifully in the water. Along the lake you will find the iconic red Adirondack chairs, the typical wooden Canadian chairs found in various places in the national parks. Ideal for unwinding and enjoying the spectacular views at Two Jack Lake.
6) Hike along Lake Minnewanka
At 28 kilometers, Lake Minnewanka is the longest lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Hike along the lake shore the 7.6-mile Shore Trail that takes you to the bridge over Stewart Canyon. Here you have a beautiful view of the Cascade River flowing through the ravine and into Lake Minnewanka. After the Stewart Canyon Bridge, you can continue hiking. Here you do enter grizzly territory, and seasonal safety measures are in place as a result. Between July 10 and Sept. 15, you may only continue this hike in close-knit groups of four people or more and must carry bear spray with you at all times. Another fun way to explore the lake is to take a cruise. For example, you can do a beer cruise where you can sample local beers while enjoying the scenery around Lake Minnewanka.
7) Explore the Cascade Ponds
The Cascade Ponds are just a 5-minute drive from Banff and are skipped by many tourists. Really a shame, because this is an incredibly beautiful place around Banff! You’ll also find the Cascade Ponds along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive on the way to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. The name refers to the park’s several ponds that lie below Cascade Mountain and together form a beautiful landscape. In summer, you can enjoy a barbecue at one of the picnic tables overlooking the ponds.
8) Visit the town of Banff
Of course, a visit to the town of Banff cannot be missed on this list. This atmospheric town is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, which is a unique sight in itself. Also, take a ride on the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for the best views of the city! Stroll through the cozy streets filled with souvenir shops and quaint restaurants. We recommend dining at Block Kitchen + Bar or try Canada’s national dish poutine at The Eddie Burger + Bar. A visit to the town of Banff is a nice change from all the hiking in the area and is definitely not to be missed!
9) Explore the world-famous Peyto Lake
This iconic lake in Banff National Park is located along the Icefields Parkway, a one-hour drive from Banff. The lake is world famous for its shape reminiscent of a wolf and its intense azure color. From the parking lot, it is about a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint over Peyto Lake. Just before the lookout point, you can turn left into the forest and a short walking path will take you out below the lookout platform on the rocks. Here you have an even better view of the lake. Be sure to bring your camera because this is a photographer’s paradise!
10) Relaxing in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are natural hot springs located in the Canadian Rockies. The Hot Springs were considered by First Nations as a place with healing waters. Today it is a place where many go to relax. This thermal spa has several pools where you can enjoy phenomenal views of the surrounding mountain ranges while relaxing in the warm water. Something you should definitely do in Banff National Park!
Banff Upper Hot Springs opening hours: daily from 10am – 10pm | price: $16.50 per person
11) Cycling along the Vermillion Lakes
In addition to hiking, you can also bike in Banff National Park. The best-known bike route is the Legacy Trail that goes from Banff all the way into Canmore. The ride is 26 kilometers one way and takes you past beautiful viewpoints such as Vermillion Lakes. In Banff you can rent (electric) bikes for a day and do this as a fun excursion. Count on half a day with several stops in between. Once you arrive in the town of Canmore, you can have a nice lunch before driving back to Banff.
12) Visit Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon, like Peyto Lake, is one of many stops along the Icefields Parkway and is located in Banff National Park. This narrow and deep ravine was carved by the powerful Mistaya River that flows through it. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the ravine. It can get crowded during the day, but it is often in fits and starts. Be sure to take a moment to contemplate this beautiful piece of nature in Canada.
13) Spectacular views at Bow Lake
Bow Lake is also located in Banff National Park and lies along the Icefields Parkway. This is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park and is fed by the Bow Glacier. Walk along the lakeshore and be impressed by the surrounding mountain scenery. At the lake you will find a small bridge, the Bow Lake bridge, which is a nice place to take pictures with Bow Summit in the background.
14) Drive along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world. This 230-kilometer highway, also called Alberta Highway 93, takes you from Banff all the way to Jasper. During one day you will drive past the beautiful landscapes Canada has to offer. Think snow-capped mountain peaks, beautiful lakes, glaciers and waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. The road begins roughly from Lake Louise and continues to the town of Jasper. You can make several stops along the way, so be sure to take your time here. An ideal wrap-up after your stay in Banff National Park before you travel on toward Jasper.
15) Camping in Banff National Park
When you visit Banff, you are probably on a tour of Western Canada. Although there are several nice accommodations around Banff, we recommend that you do this trip with a motorhome or RV. This will only make your trip more memorable! In Canada’s national parks, you have several campsites or nature campgrounds. Here you really have the feeling of being one with nature, and it is not unlikely that a bear or deer will wander across the campground from time to time. The campsites have several spots, often each with its own fire pit. You’ll also find showers and restrooms, and above all, the peace and quiet of Canadian nature. Campsites can be booked through the official Parks Canada website.
Here are our favorite campsites in Banff National Park:
- Tunnel Mountain Village I & II
- Two Jack Lakeside
- Mosquito Creek
- Silverhorn Creek
Where to stay in Banff, Canada
As mentioned above, we recommend that you rent an RV or RV and stay at one of the many beautiful campgrounds found in the national park. You can also buy a tent locally and travel around with a car. It is important that you reserve your camping spot early, as they are often full several weeks in advance! You can easily do this online at Parks Canada’s official website.
Still not a fan of camping? No problem! In Banff National Park you will find beautiful lodges:
- Banff Park Lodge : within walking distance of the town of Banff with all the facilities you need.
- Canalta Lodge : cozy and cozy hotel that has a warm feel with its wooden finish.
- Moraine Lake Lodge : the only hotel on Lake Moraine. Wake up to the most beautiful view in Canada and all by yourself!
How to get to Banff National Park
Banff is located 126 km west of the city of Calgary. For many, this is often the starting or ending point of a road trip through Western Canada. From Amsterdam, you have direct flights to Calgary International Airport. Find all options here ! From Calgary you then take the Trans Canada Highway which takes you directly to Banff.
Best Travel Time Banff, Canada
The best travel time for Banff and Canada in general is from early June through late September. July and August are the busiest months, but then you also have the best chance of good weather and certainly all trails are snow-free. We went in early September which was ideal, it’s quieter back then and often cheaper! Banff is also known for its ski resorts, so those who want to can also descend to this area for winter sports between November and March.
Still have questions about what to do in Banff National Park in Canada? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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