Not sure what to do on your next vacation? Check out this list of the top 15 activities in Banff, Canada, that you won’t want to miss! From strolling around and exploring parks, all the way up through sightseeing tours and historical landmarks – we’ve got something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
The Best Thing To Do in Banff, Canada

Banff National Park
- Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (28365)
- Phone: +1 403-762-1550
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
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Top 15 Things To Do Banff, Canada

Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Address: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (5773)
- Phone: +1 800-767-1611
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
A decent hot springs in Banff. The hot pool is a good size but does get crowded quickly. The staff are friendly and helpful. The price of admission is very fair. There is only one hot pool, no other pools or amenities. This place is missing a cold pool or chilling tub to temperature shock our bodies. The change rooms have a small shower area that gets crowded easily and is the only way from the hot pool to the lockers so everyone gets sprayed as they try to get by. There is a cafe and gift shop here so that is a nice addition.By Philip Chao (7 months ago)This was an extremely last minute decision for us to do since we were already up here. We just finished hiking up Sulphur and decided it would be a good stop before going back into town. We did not buy anything prior, so we walked in and purchased 2 tickets (CAD$10 per person) + 2 towels (CAD$2 per person). Tickets include a locker (1x time use only). The pool was nice although busy. There were shelves to leave our towels/phones. Outdoor showers flank the pool can provide cool relief between hot dips. Overall we had an enjoyable time! If you’re already up by the gondola, it is a relaxing stop.By Angela Davis (5 months ago)This is a great place. I’ve been to a few hotsprings in Canada and more outside the country. The facilities here are clean, service is fast and friendly, and prices are perfect. The pool had very nice hot water in it and the view is great. When I went, it wasn’t too packed either. I’d definitely return here if I was in the area again.By Aneel Maan (4 months ago)We came here in early Sep 2022. C$9.25 per person for one hour but looked like no one ask you to leave. If you brought a Banff gondola ticket, make sure to walk by here. The gondola park lot allows you to park 4 hours for free. The pool is small with many people but great Mountain View. The hot spring water was quite warm. Didn’t have any healing feeling for 40 minutes. You also have locker and towels. Good first time experience.By Yimama (4 months ago)This place is worth the trip. There aren’t many spots as relaxing and scenic as the hot springs. The back drop of the Rockies definitely helps add to the experience and I loved the many languages and foreigners all around!By Josiah Dahlstrom (6 months ago)
Banff Gondola
- Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (5690)
- Phone: +1 866-756-1904
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
Friendly, helpful , talkative staff. I would have given 5 stars based solely on how friendly they were. The ride up and down the gondola was beautiful. The mountain walk was also breathtaking. Paths were clean and well maintained, and easy to navigate. Note: they are not accessible, however, all of the observation decks are accessible.
The building was clean and maintained, cute little theatre with movie playing every 15 minutes or so, and a neat little museum type area for kids to learn about the wildlife in Banff.
It was great to have access to clean bathrooms while up on the mountain as well.
Excellent experience and we would absolutely do it again .By Brittany Chhay (10 months ago)Banff Gondola was on the family adventure bucket-list for me and it didn’t disappoint. My kids were thrilled with the dizzying heights, my wife was just dizzy. The rides up and down were smooth and exhilarating. At the top, there was lots to see and read. The building has been wonderfully renovated since the last time i was here. Everything is pricey at the top so be prepared. We had a great time. The facilities are very well maintained. Highly recommend the Banff Gondola.By Steve Kehler (7 months ago)It was a lot of fun. The majority of ppl spend about 1.5 hours up there. If you want to walk the hike up there, give yourself more time. Really lovely upper patio. Phenomenal views! They had a deal for families is you got there by a certain time. It might be worth getting tickets on advance for later in the day. It was busy by the time we left.By Laura McMurren (3 months ago)Went on my birthday with a friend. Amazing experience. I can just simply say WOW!
Gondola ride was exceptional, it was worth spending money. I had a bad experience as i forgot to display my parking ticket on car’s dashboard. I realized my mistake when i was already on top. Excellent customer service and gondola ride ticket associate allowed me to go down again to rectify my mistake and didn’t cost me anything. I was very thankful to that lady. She made my day.
Awesome views. There was sulphur mountain cosmic ray station on top of the mountain. View was fantastic.
Tickets are easily available online and parking ticket is very cheap for this amazing experience.
I would suggest to gear up before enjoying this thought provoking experience.
Definitely going back again but this time with Family.
Extra star for that extra ordinary customer service skill and consideration. Thank you.By Shahzaib ur Rahim (10 months ago)Worth every penny.We arrived there in the morning, made reservations online. Was greeted by a parking attendant. Line up was easy and seamless. Gondolas fit 4 people max at a time.
The views were breathtaking.
There is a trail they build to the apex of the mountain and it is crazy. Bundle up this time of year it can get cold and windy.
There’s plenty of space inside at the top with ab educational floor, souvenir shops, and cafes/restaurants.
By Mark DLR (9 months ago)
Sunshine Village
- Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4383)
Bow Falls Viewpoint
- Address: Bow Falls Ave, Banff, AB T0L 0C0, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4048)
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Address: 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (3717)
Banff Visitor Centre
- Address: 224 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B3, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2720)
Cascade of Time Garden
- Address: Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2138)
Mount Norquay
- Address: 2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2104)
Central Park
- Address: 110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1074)
Cascade Ponds
- Address: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, 110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (910)
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
- Address: Buffalo St, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (872)
Banff Pedestrian Bridge
- Address: Bow River, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (748)
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
- Address: 91 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (596)
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
- Address: 111 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A3, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (379)
Buffalo Nations Museum
- Address: 1 Birch Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (350)
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Banff, Canada! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers too!
Must visit in Canada, definitely if in Alberta. Very well managed and taken care of. Can’t recommend Lake Louis enough. It looks like something you’d expect heaven to look like. But it is very touristy so be prepared for large crowd, parking issues etc.
You go once in your life and you will come back like one thousand of times more. Because what people can say is not enought to describe how beautiful and authentic natural is this place and all the rest of Parks around. Most amazing mountains to hike in a very respectful environment.
One of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The mountains and views are endless. Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Bow Lake are all stunning and they will blow your mind at sunrise and sunset. The scale of the Canadian Rockies is truly awe inspiring. Lots of opportunities to hike, paddle, climb, or just relax. Lake Minnewanka has all kinds of boat rentals as well as cruises, it’s a great place for families as well.
The best place to visit in all of Alberta. There are gorgeous mountains, fantastic walking trails, and breathtaking views and waterfalls. Not only that, but there are historic sites and museums to understand the history of this natural wonder. Would recommend maybe 4 or 5 days at least, as there are incredible sights to see, like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, the Cave and Basin, the town itself, many skiing resorts, and so much more.
The most incredible, amazing, breathtaking scenery on earth! Visit in autumn, beautiful colors and less crowded. Take advantages of the Roam Buses, beats getting up in the wee hours and fight for the parking spots.