Top things to do in Banff
Attractions, tours and activities in Banff
About Banff
Including tips for the best time to visit Banff
Snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies dominate the skyline of Banff and its strategic location within Banff National Park makes the city an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
From relaxing in hot springs to taking scenic road trips, there’s a wealth of things to do in Banff. You can shop and dine along Banff Avenue or spot wildlife like bears and elk in the parklands just outside of the city. A drive down to Columbia Icefield, a glacial mass in the Rocky Mountains, will provide landscape views and several picturesque stops along the way. After all the adventures, treat yourself to a soak in the geothermally heated Banff Upper Hot Springs, which are open year-round.
Easy access to mountains, lakes and forested areas makes Banff an ideal base from where to indulge in outdoor activities. Cross-country skiing on groomed trails is a popular way to explore Banff National Park’s wintry landscape while mountain biking through dense vegetation or pedalling along lakefront paths on a traditional or e-bike can be enjoyed all year round. Hiking, rafting and rock climbing are other activities to try here.
Add a dash of history and culture to your Banff holiday by visiting the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, which has original artworks and photographs showcasing the heritage of the region. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site – set in an early 20th-century log cabin – offers a peek into the diversity of plant and animal life in western Canada.
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| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | CAD 10 = £5.91 |
| Language | French |
| Average weekend price | £140 per night |
| Average weekday price | £127 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Banff
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Banff
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Columbia Icefield
101.8 miles from city centre
Banff reviews
What other travellers say about Banff
Brand new mother daughter ski duo had amazing success with...
2 April 2024
Brand new mother daughter ski duo had amazing success with SkiBig3 Banff Adventure Hub gear rental and private ski instructor. Skied 3 days. Also enjoyed dogsledding in Canmore! Totally exceeded our expectations! Shops were variety of price points and restaurants offered a variety of options. Every turn of your drive was breathtaking! My teen stayed off of social media and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery during our drives! Everyone was extremely courteous and friendly in this town!
I was and will be amazingly beautiful to stay in Banff as...
24 March 2024
I was and will be amazingly beautiful to stay in Banff as always.I would highly encourage to put Banff on their bucket lists. The weather is extremely nice 13 degrees.We enjoy the ski hill and the food.If you like sushi you can try the sushi place with the conveyor belt and you can pick and choose which sushi you like.
It is an absolutely charming town nestled in a most...
14 March 2024
It is an absolutely charming town nestled in a most beautiful natural environment. The people were all very warm, kind, and helpful, although interestingly, they all (but one person I met) seemed to be from the UK, New Zealand, or Australia. But the accents were great, and so were the people. Next vacation... Australia! Back to Banff... a great getaway whether for skiing in the winter or simply unwinding, reflecting, and pondering the next steps, or getting your dream girl to say "yes" to the ring.
Banff and the surroundings are very picturesque and the...
9 January 2024
Banff and the surroundings are very picturesque and the towering Rockies add to the grandeur of the place. The ride in the Gondolas and the walk in the snow at the top is something no visitor must miss. Lake Minnewanka in all it's frozen splendour with the cabins in it's midst is spectacular when the sun comes up. Lake Louise - a few Kms away - is also something to behold. All in all a fabulous place to spend a few days.
There was a severe lack of snow this year (an el Niño year)...
6 January 2024
There was a severe lack of snow this year (an el Niño year) which interfered with some of our planned outdoor activities, and meant we had to drive to Lake Louise for decent snow. We largely avoided downtown Banff because of the large number visitors and tourist shops. Parks staff at the information centre were very helpful.
Gondola rides was closed that time, for 5 days under...
2 January 2024
Gondola rides was closed that time, for 5 days under maintanances must be mentioned or announced in your offer, so I dont have to booked too near to location a bit disappointed..but overall we still enjoyed downtown Baff.
Popular places to stay in Banff
Stay in some of the best accommodation Banff has to offer
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Banff Mountain Home- The Real Rockies Experience Banff, Canada
From £580 per night
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Banff Beaver Cabins Banff, Canada
From £148 per night
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Hotel Canoe and Suites Banff, Canada
From £131 per night
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Banff's Rocky Mountain House Banff, Canada
From £1,100 per night
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