Why is Banff National Park one of the most visited destinations in Canada? From the mountain scenery, fresh mountain air, natural hot springs and world class restaurants, it really does have something for everyone. The nearby city of Canmore adds to the mix with its own charming downtown and access to mountain activities. Here are some of the best sites and activities that you won’t want to miss when you visit Banff and Canmore this summer.
Banff National Park
Located in the Rocky Mountains on the western edge of Alberta, Banff was the first national park in Canada. The park seems even larger due to its seamless borders to the other national parks: Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho. Together, these four mountain parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These protected areas are filled with pristine mountains, rivers and lakes, many of which can be reached only on foot. Sharing this wilderness are deer, elk (wapiti), moose, grizzly and black bears, bison, Rocky Mountain sheep, wolves and mountain goats, among others.
There is so much to see in Canada’s Rocky Mountains that it’s best to arrive with a plan. So let’s get some fresh, mountain air and travel to Banff and Canmore, Alberta. First, we’ll describe the sites in both towns, and at the bottom, we’ll show you the mountain activities in the area.
Banff Townsite
On the eastern edge of the park is the town of Banff. It was established in 1880 as a tourist destination, which was uncommon in the Canadian Rockies since most towns were settled as mining towns. In the late 1800s, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was building a coast-to-coast line across Canada when two employees stumbled on thermal springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain. Soon, the springs were turned into a tourist attraction and the mountain town was born.
Since those early days, Banff has been a Canadian treasure and is Canada’s most visited national park. Let us show you some of the best things to do, both in Banff and in the nearby mountain town of Canmore.
Stroll Banff Avenue
Before you jump into the specific sites, you will want to get a sense of the town and, more importantly, its setting. Main Street (Banff Avenue) is fringed by a variety of shops, from mountain equipment stores and chocolate shops to restaurants and souvenir sellers. With Cascade Mountain at one end and Bow River at the other, the scenery of this popular street never lets you forget you’re in the Rocky Mountains.
In addition to the mountain views, the Bow River meanders through the town offering several serene scenes.
Banff Gondola
To see the townsite from above, hop on the Banff Gondola and be whisked up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, almost 700 m (2,292ft) above. From there, this elevated view treats you to a gorgeous view of the town and the mountains all around.
If you want to see more, go for a walk on one of the interpretative trails on the mountain top, or soak it all in with a meal at one of the summit restaurants.
The gondola is open daily from morning until night. You can buy tickets and find out more information at their website.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
While it has been used by First Nations people for generations, CNR workers stumbled upon these thermal springs in 1883 when the railway was building its coast-to-coast rail line. This discovery was developed as a public bathhouse with an artificial tunnel leading to a natural grotto.
Located on the edge of Sulphur Mountain, these natural pools operated as a public bathhouse for years, bringing in tourists from across Canada and around the world. Today, the cave and basin are open as a museum where you can see the natural pool above ground and then walk through the tunnel to reach the old grotto and its pool underneath.
In addition to the cave, the museum has many other exhibits on the mountain park’s nature and historical events in the area. You can find more information on the museum’s exhibits and tours on the Park’s Canada website.
Entry – The Canada Strong Pass, means that entry is free for the summer of 2026. At other times, entry is included in your Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
If you were disappointed that the Cave and Basin no longer operates as a spa, don’t worry, there’s another that does, and it’s not far away. Banff Upper Hot Springs is an outdoor pool fed by natural thermal springs with water temperatures between 37 and 40 ℃ (98 and 104 ℉). Set below a heritage bathhouse, the open-air thermal pool is a must for all visitors to Banff.
The Upper Hot Springs are not far from Banff Gondola, so after seeing one, you could visit the other.
You can not reserve a time, admission fees and hours can be found on their website.
If you prefer a spa treatment instead of a public bath, you can find several in town. The most popular is at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, but there are several more in town.
Fairmont Banff Springs
Listing a hotel as a tourist site may not be common around the world, but in Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway heritage hotels are often a highlight. The chateau-like Banff Springs Hotel was built by the railway as part of their expansion across western Canada in the early 1900s. It was part of their strategy to entice travellers to take their trains, and stay at their elegant resorts.
Not only is the building captivating from the outside, but its interior is also very grand. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon high tea in one of the dining rooms, or even just wander through the public areas to be transported back to Canada’s early days.
Museums
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Named for Banff artists Peter and Catherine Whyte, the museum has been in the town since the 1960s and displays a collection of art, artifacts and literature that celebrates mountain life.
The museum’s website has information on current exhibitions.
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Built in a wooden fort, the Buffalo Nations Museum features artwork and artifacts as well as cultural and historical information about the Blackfoot, Īyãhé Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina First Nations.
Lakes
Lake Minnewanka
Only a few minutes from downtown Banff is the beautiful Lake Minnewanka. Set below Cascade Mountain, there are many ways to enjoy this pristine glacier lake. You can use the picnic tables on its edge, hike on the trails above or SUP, canoe or take a boat cruise on the water. You may prefer to visit the lake on a weekday, because it can get busy on summer weekends.
Note – all watercraft must pass Parks Canada inspection before being allowed on the water. In addition, inflatable watercrafts are not allowed. For more information, visit their website.
Two Jack Lake
Not far from Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake. Offering a lovely view of Mount Rundle, the lake provides similar activities to those at Minnewanka. If you have a bike, you can ride between the two on the Minnewanka Lake Loop Road.
The same rules apply to watercraft mentioned above.
Vermillion Lakes
Even though it is right beside the Trans Canada Highway, Vermillion Lakes offers a serene escape. With the distinctive Mount Rundle in the background, the stunning setting for these three lakes is a photographer’s dream.
As well as enjoying the view, you can paddle on the lakes and their interconnected canals, or bike to it on the Vermillion Lakes Road. If you want to stretch your legs, you may prefer the quiet Fenland Interpretative Trail that takes you through the forest on the edge of the watershed.
Bow Falls
Located on the edge of the townsite, Bow Falls is a very popular tourist site. You can reach it on foot from downtown or from the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, but there is also a small parking lot in front if you drive.
Canmore
Placed below the iconic Three Sisters, Canmore is the quintessential mountain town. Not only does it look up to those distinctive peaks, but Rundle, Lady MacDonald, Grotto and Ha Ling complete the 360° view.
Canmore’s Main Street (8th Street) is pedestrian-only in the summer months, allowing visitors to shop at its many galleries and craft shops without concern for traffic. Many cafés and restaurants with outdoor patios are on or near this street too, and give it a lively atmosphere.
Walks
Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
At the end of 8th Street, you’ll find a nice walk on an elevated boardwalk that follows Policeman’s Creek. You can’t miss the starting point near the Big Head Sculpture. The 4 km boardwalk connects to other trails, so you can make it a longer walk if you like.
Spur Line Trail to Canmore Engine Bridge
This short walk leaves downtown and follows the Bow River to end at the Engine Bridge. Built in 1891 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it has recently become famous as a location for the HBO Show, The Last of Us.
Canmore Nordic Centre
Built to host the Nordic events at the 1988 Olympics, Canmore Nordic Centre is now a summer destination too. With over 100 km of running and mountain biking trails as well as a bike skills park, you could spend several days enjoying the trails at the centre while enjoying the spectacular views.
Mountain Activites in Banff and Canmore
Golfing in Banff and Canmore
With Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course on the edge of Banff and four mountain courses nearby, Banff and Canmore make a perfect golfing destination. In addition to Fairmont, the others include Canmore’s Silverton Golf Course, Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, as well as Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course and Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Further away is Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club.
Hiking in Banff and Canmore
There are countless day hikes in the surrounding Rocky Mountains. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourites below, but for more please read our posts with hikes from Banff and Kananaskis.
Hiking Healy Pass Loop to Sunshine Meadows
The trails in the Sunshine Meadows can be linked together in a few different ways. You can take the Sunshine Gondola to its top and walk to the meadows from there, or take the Standish Chair lift to get even higher. Once on the Sunshine Meadows, there are several routes to choose from, including Rock Isle and Laryx Lake.
Another option, and our favourite, is to hike up to Healy Pass and return via Simpson Pass to Sunshine Ski Resort. The benefit is that it is a loop, so you return to your car parked at the Sunshine Gondola. To make it a longer trip, from Healy Pass, hike down to Egypt Lake, where there is a campground.
The trail to Healy Pass is 9.2 km (5¾ mi), 655m (2,150 ft) elevation gain. The circuit, including Sunshine Meadows, is 20 km (12½ mi) and 749 m (2,450 ft) elevation gain. It can be done in either direction, and you can take the gondola one way to make it easier.
Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass
Another popular hike in Banff is to Bourgeau Lake, with the option to continue to Harvey Pass. Bourgeau Lake has a beautiful setting in a tight amphitheatre formed by Mt. Bourgeau. The trail to the lake is 7.5 km (4½ mi) one way, with a gain of 725 m (2,380 ft). If you continue to Harvey Pass, you’ll have an extra 2.2 km (1 1/3 mi) and 295m (970 ft) gain, but it is worth it for the view. On a clear day, you can see Mount Assiniboine in the distance.
You can read more about this hike and others in our post Top 10 Day Hikes From Calgary – Banff Edition.
Tunnel Mountain
This short hike takes you to surprisingly amazing views of town. Located above the Banff Centre, the Tunnel Mountain hike is 2.4km (1½ mi) one way with an elevation gain of 260m (850 ft).
Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass, Paradise Valley and Mount Temple
Mount Temple is the majestic triangular mountain seen from the Trans-Canada highway and from Lake Louise ski resort. There are a few different options to enjoy the area around Mt. Temple. Although it is most popular in the fall when the larch trees are golden, it is a beautiful area in summer too. Our favourites are Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass, and Larch Valley – Paradise Valley Loop. You can read more about these hikes in our post, Top 10 Day Hikes From Calgary – Banff Edition.
Ha Ling Peak
You can see Ha Ling Peak from Canmore, which adds to its popularity. Don’t let the short distance fool you, though; the 3.9 km (2½ mi) trail is very steep, scaling 810 m (2660 ft). From the top, you will be right above downtown Canmore and have a spectacular view of the Bow Valley. Parking is at the Goat Creek Day Use Area on the Smith Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road.
East End Of Rundle (EEOR)
Another great hike reached from the same parking lot as Ha Ling is EEOR. It is a little longer than Ha Ling at 5.4 km (3½ mi) and climbs just a little higher at 890 m (2,920 ft), but it has an interesting summit with a long overhanging ridge.
Mt. Lady MacDonald
Since this trailhead is located right in Canmore, Lady MacDonald is very popular and often busy on weekends. After parking at the Cougar Creek Parking Lot, you have a short walk up the creek, but from there, it is an almost constant climb to the top of the hike. After 3.9 km (2.4 mi) and a 890 m (2,920 ft) elevation gain, you reach the end of the official trail and are rewarded with stunning views up and down the Bow Valley.
For those interested in a grunt climb, you can continue up the moraine for a distance of less than a kilometre, but with a 295 m (970 ft) climb to reach the summit above. From there, those with good shoes and experience can take the knife-edged ridge to the summit, but it is exposed, so do not attempt it if there is ice or snow. You can read more about this hike in our post Top 10 Day Hikes from Calgary- Kananaskis Edition.
Biking in Banff and Canmore
Star Wars – Return of the Jedi Mountain Bike Loop
Located just off Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff, this 2.5 km loop trail is a great trail for such a short distance. It is well built with perfect berms, a few jumps and wooden features. The 1 km, 50 m downhill Star Wars connects to the 1.5 km, Return of the Jedi. This allows you to get back uphill and do laps without getting in the way of other downhill riders.
You can read more about it and other mountain bike trails in our post Our Favourite X-C Mountain Biking In Calgary And Area.
Goat Creek – Spray River -Rundle Riverside
For a long, but less technical ride, you can take Goat Creek and Spray River trails from Canmore to Banff and then return the same way, or for more of a challenge, take Rundle Riverside back. The entire loop is 42.2 km (26 mi) with an elevation gain of 744 m (2,440 ft). You can read more about it and other mountain bike trails in our post Our Favourite X-C Mountain Biking In Calgary And Area.
Bow Valley Parkway
Road bikers will love the 17 km ride between Banff and Johnson Canyon Junction. The paved road is closed to vehicles each summer, allowing cycling enthusiasts a stress-free ride under Mount Corey. You can continue on the road all the way to Lake Louise, but it may be busy with summer traffic.
Legacy Trail
A very popular trail for people of all levels is the Legacy Trail. Loved by cyclists and runners, the 29 km (18 mi) paved trail connects Banff and Canmore. You can access the trail near the Visitor’s Centre in Canmore, Banff Park East Gate, Fenlands Recreation Centre and Vermillion Lakes.
Climbing
These mountain towns provide access to some of the best climbing in Canada. With a low treeline and exposed rock, Banff and the Bow Valley have climbing routes for all levels. If you’re new to climbing, you can easily find a climbing guide in either town.
To read more about some of the climbing areas such as EEOR, Ha Ling, Cascade, Norquay and more, visit our post Best Moderate Grade, Multi-Pitch Climbs Near Calgary.
Other activities
Explore the other mountain parks – Banff National Park isn’t the only mountain park in the area. It is connected to Jasper, Kootenays and Yoho National Parks, each offering many more sightseeing and hiking opportunities.
Johnson Canyon – The trail to Johnson Canyon and its waterfall is very popular, but as with many sites, it is popular for a reason. The raised platform takes visitors to the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls at its end.
Mount Norquay’s Via Ferrata – With five routes to choose from, thrill-seekers may be interested in the via ferrata at Mount Norquay.
Goat Pond – Across the street from the Nordic Centre is a calm pond under Ha Ling Peak and is a popular with SUP and kayakers.
Spot Wildlife – There is a lot of wildlife in the park, including mule deer, bears, wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and an abundant birdlife
Wildlife Safety
An important thing to remember while visiting Canada’s national parks is that the animals in the park are wild. If you follow a few simple guidelines, you can keep both yourself and wildlife safe. Those include: keeping a safe distance, do not feed wildlife, do not leave food unattended, dispose of unused food in animal-proof bins in the park, make noise when hiking to let animals know you are there and carry bear spray when going for a walk or a hike. For more details, visit the Parks Canada website.
Getting Around BAnff and Canmore
Parking is definitely a problem in Banff National Park. An easier way to get around is by using Roam Transit. Their buses operate between Canmore and Banff and stop at many tourist spots in the towns and in the park. To see routes, schedules and fares, visit their website.
If you want to visit other spots outside of these main tourist sites, though, you will need a car. There are car rental agencies in both Banff and Canmore, but many people will fly into Calgary and rent their car there, where there is usually more choice.
Where to Stay in Banff and Canmore
These two tourist centre are packed with choice for accommodation. From luxury mountain lodges to self contained apartments, you will find a place to stay. In Banff, if you have a car, you can stay almost anywhere, including the Rimrock, located above the town. But without a car, you’re better staying within walking distance of Banff Avenue. Canmore is divided in two by the TransCanada Highway. The south side is where you’ll find most of the restaurants and shops, so keep that in mind when you’re booking. Since they are both popular destinations, though, expect prices to be high.
There are also many opportunities to camp in Banff National Park, Bow Valley, or in Kananaskis. If you don’t have a tent or camper, but still want to camp, Parks Canada has trapper-style tents available for rent at Two Jack Lake. These are very popular, so book early.
Where to Eat in Banff and Canmore
From fine dining in Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Hotel, to a late-night pizza by the slice at Aardvark Pizza, Banff has all of your dining needs covered. If you’re staying in Canmore, don’t worry, there are oodles of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops to choose from. Our favourites are The Drake in Canmore and the Rose and Crown in Banff.
Getting to Banff and Canmore
Located an hour or so from Calgary, means that most people fly into Calgary International Airport. The drive is very scenic, passing rolling hills with cattle ranches before the Rocky Mountains suddenly rise above the prairie. Some of the best views are right from the Number 1 Highway.
If you’re spending a few days in Calgary before heading to the mountains, you can read our post What To Do In Calgary This Summer.
To read more of our adventures in Canada, click here.
Coming Next – Torres del Paine Hiking Guide
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca.
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
If you like what you read, please comment or share (with credit) using the links below.
We'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment.