Banff National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Banff National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
68 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Cave and Basin National Historic Site
This site commemorates the birthplace of Canada's national parks system, which began with the protection of the Banff hot springs in 1885. You'll find restored historic buildings, a plaza, and splendid interpretive displays about Banff and the country's other national parks. An interpretive trail explains the area's geology, plant life, wildlife, and history. While walking past the cave's pools, keep an eye out for the park's most endangered species: the Banff Springs snail, which makes its home in the warm mineral waters, cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Children under age 17 enter the site for free, and combo tickets that include admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs are available.
View Tours and Activities311 Cave Ave., Banff National Park, Alberta, T1L 1K2, Canada403-762–1566Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$7.90 -
2. Icefields Parkway
Scenic DrivePowerfully rugged mountain scenery, glaciers, waterfalls and icefalls, and wildlife: the Icefields Parkway reveals all of these and more as it snakes its way along the 230 km (143 miles) connecting Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. It is an absolute highlight of the Canadian Rockies. You could drive this winding road in three to four hours, but your trip will more likely take a full day when you add in stops. The road rises to near the tree line at several points, and the weather can be chilly and unsettled at these high elevations, even in midsummer, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothing along. Only one gas station, open seasonally, operates on the parkway, so check your car's gas gauge before setting out. Elk, moose, deer, and bighorn sheep are fairly common, and occasionally bears and mountain goats come into view. In summer, alpine wildflowers carpet Bow Pass and Sunwapta Pass. The most dramatic scenery is in the northern end of Banff National Park and the southern end of Jasper National Park, where ice fields and glaciers become common on the high mountains flanking the parkway. (Ice fields are massive reservoirs of ice; glaciers are the slow-moving rivers of ice that flow from the ice fields.) Scenic overlooks and signposted hiking trails abound along the route.
Hwy. 93, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
3. Johnston Canyon Trail
Rushing water has carved a path through this must-see limestone canyon. The first 1.1 km (0.7 mile) is a paved walkway that leads to the 10-meter (33-foot) Lower Falls. From here, a slightly more rugged 2.7-km (1¾-mile) trail leads to the nearly 30-meter (100-foot) Upper Falls and a 5-km (3-mile) trail runs to the Ink Pots—six green pools filled with springwater. It takes four to five hours round-trip to complete. Moderate.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
4. Peyto Lake Lookout
Named after Bill Peyto, a mountain guide, and early park warden of Banff National Park, Peyto Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. The viewpoint for this brilliant turquoise glacier-fed lake is a short 20-minute stroll from the parking area just off the Icefields Parkway. At the lookout, you'll get a view of Peyto Lake, Peyto Glacier, and the Mistaya Valley. Interpretive signage along the trail explains its history and provides information about flora and fauna in the area. The lookout is accessed at Bow Pass, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway; it's wheelchair accessible from the upper parking lot that tour buses use.
Icefields Pkwy. (Hwy. 93), Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
5. Xplorer Program
Year-round, the park offers the Xplorer Program for kids age 6 to 11. Pick up an Xplorer Booklet at one of the park's visitor centers. Kids who complete at least six of the booklet's 22 activities receive a souvenir.
Banff, Alberta, CanadaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Abraham Lake
Alberta's largest reservoir is beautiful in every season, but it has become Instagram famous in winter when bubbles freeze in the ice---pockets of methane gas freeze in layers that coat the lake. Methane gas bubbles are formed when bacteria breaks down organic matter at the bottom of the lake. It’s a phenomenon that's found in other Rocky Mountain lakes, but it’s more visible in Abraham Lake because high winds tend to keep the ice clear of snow; January and February are peak months to view the bubbles. The manmade lake was created in 1972 with the construction of the Bighorn Dam. The lake has a surface area of 53.7 square km (20.7 square miles). Although the lake is manmade, it still has the turquoise blue color of other Rocky Mountain Lakes. Watch for bighorn sheep, black bears, and other wildlife nearby.
Abraham Lake, Bighorn Backcountry, Alberta, Canada -
7. Allstones Lake
This moderately strenuous 13-km (8.1-mile) round-trip hike leads to a lovely alpine lake with beautiful views along the way. If you climb to the top of the peak near the lake you'll have a stunning view of Abraham Lake and the surrounding mountains. Moderate.
Abraham Lake, Bighorn Backcountry, Alberta, Canada -
8. Banff Central Park
Located along the Bow River inside the town of Banff, this scenic park has picnic tables, a gazebo, restrooms, and a natural playground for children. A paved footpath winds alongside the river.
110 Bear St., Banff, Alberta, T1L1A1, Canada -
9. Banff Gondola
Views during the steep eight-minute ride to and from the 7,500-foot summit of Sulphur Mountain are spectacular in the enclosed four-person gondolas. From the upper terminal, you can hike the short distance to the mountain's true summit on the South East Ridge Trail, perhaps catching sight of grazing bighorn sheep. You can also visit the gift shop, enjoy a quick bite at the cafe, or indulge in a gourmet lunch or dinner at the Sky Bistro. Be sure to walk the easy 1-km (0.6-mile) boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Weather Observatory on Sanson's Peak for excellent views and to break away from the crowds. The gondola is south of the center of Banff; you can catch a Roam public transit bus to get here. Riding the gondola is a very popular activity—go early or late to avoid crowds.
View Tours and Activities1 Mountain Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B2, Canada403-762–2523Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$56 round-trip -
10. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
A remarkable 1903 building made chiefly of Douglas-fir log houses one of western Canada’s oldest natural history museums. From bees to bears, the collection, whose origins date to Chicago's fabled World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, encompasses more than 5,000 historical botanical and zoological specimens, many of them quite striking. In addition to providing the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Banff's largest mammals—a grizzly bear, bison, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep among them—this unique museum offers a window into past generations' priorities regarding the natural world.
91 Banff Ave., Banff National Park, Alberta, T1L 1K2, Canada403-762–1558Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$4.25 -
11. Banff Upper Hot Springs
Discovered in 1884, Banff's hot, natural mineral springs were the impetus for the development of Canada's first national park. Early Banff visitors came primarily to experience the "healing waters"—something you can still do today at the popular Banff Upper Hot Springs pools. The waters at the facility, which is child-friendly during the day (think family swimming pool rather than couples' hot-tub vibe), are especially inviting on a dull, cold day or when it's snowing, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You can rent lockers, bathing suits (circa 1920s or modern), and towels. Although the recommended limit for a soak is 20 minutes, you'll likely want to stay an hour or two. It's a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the springs.
View Tours and Activities1 Mountain Ave., Banff National Park, Alberta, T1L 1K2, Canada800-767--1611Sight Details
Rate Includes: C$8.48 -
12. Banff Visitor Centre
Parks Canada and Banff Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) run this center jointly. On one side of the building, Parks Canada staffers dispense excellent advice about camping, hiking, interpretive programs, and sightseeing. On the other side, BLLT counselors (www.banfflakelouise.com) provide information about restaurants, tour operators, and accommodations. In spring, stop by to find out which hiking trails are open—many remain closed into May due to avalanche risk.
-
13. Barrier Lake
Picnic tables, indoor toilets, a boat launch, a visitor center, free Wi-Fi access, and lovely views are the draws at this day-use area in Kananaskis Country.
Bow Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis Village, Alberta, Canada403-678–0760 (visitor center) -
14. Barrier Lake
RestaurantPicnic tables, indoor toilets, a boat launch, a visitor center, free Wi-Fi access, and lovely views are the draws at this day-use area in Kananaskis Country.
Bow Valley Provincial Park, , Alberta, Canada403-678–0760-visitor centerSight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed mid-Oct.–Apr. -
15. Boom Lake Trail
This 5-km (3.2-mile) hike climbs through a forest of pine, fir, and spruce amid mountains and glaciers. The waters of the lake itself are crystal clear. Allow half a day for this hike round-trip. Moderate.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
16. Bow Glacier Falls Trail
A trail from the bottom of the parking lot at Bow Lake leads to this stunning cascade, which can't be seen from the road. At the base of the falls, you'll not only feel the spray and hear the roar, you'll also witness the birth of the Bow River—part of western Canada's largest watershed. The hike is about 4 km (2½ miles) one-way and takes from 1½ to 3 hours to complete, depending on how many photos you stop to take.
Icefields Pkwy. (Hwy. 93), Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
17. Bow Glacier Falls, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Scenic DriveYou may wish to stop at Bow Lake for the regional Canadian cuisine at Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake, but you don't have to dine or stay here to enjoy the trails and views of the lake and Crowfoot Glacier. A trail leads from the bottom of the parking lot to the base of Bow Glacier Falls, where you can feel the spray, hear the roar of the falls, and witness the birth of a river. The Bow River is part of western Canada's largest watershed. The hike is about 4 km (2½ miles) one-way and takes from 1½ to 3 hours to complete depending on how many photos you take.
Icefields Pkwy., 40 km (25 miles) north of Lake Louise; 190 km (118 miles) south of Jasper, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada403-522–2167 -
18. Bow Lake
Fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier, one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park is surrounded by mountains and has views of Crowfoot Glacier. This spot is a beautiful place to snap some photos or enjoy a picnic at one of the lakeside tables. There are also public dry toilets here.
Icefields Pkwy. (Hwy. 93), Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
19. Bow Lake Day Use Area
This gorgeous lake is surrounded by incredible scenery, including Wapta Icefield, Bow Peak, Bow Glacier, Mt. Thompson, Crowfoot Mountain, and Crowfoot Glacier. Its picnic area is just off the highway with ample parking, restrooms, and tables along the shore.
Icefields Pkwy. (Hwy. 93), Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada -
20. Bow Summit Lookout
At 2,070 meters (6,791 feet), Bow Pass is the highest drivable pass in the Canadian Rockies national parks and the highest point of the Icefields Parkway. Bow Summit Lookout is on the same trail as the better-known Peyto Lake Lookout. Stop and take in the view of Peyto Lake and then head up the upper self-guided nature trail and follow an old fire road to the lookout. The hike is 2.9 km (1.8 miles) one-way. Watch for pikas, marmots, and ptarmigan on the trail and at the lookout. From the lookout, you can see Bow Lake to the south Peyto to the Waterfowl Lakes to the north.
Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
