Things to do in  Banff

The town of Banff is known for its eponymous national park—the first in Canada. It’s also known for its surreal landscapes where neon-blue lakes sit beneath high, rugged peaks and forests sprout up amongst glaciers.

You’ll want at least three full days—though four or five is better. You’ll want to time everything right with the crowds. Spend a day at Lake Louise; try to catch sunrise at Moraine Lake, explore the town of Banff; take a scenic drive along Icefields Parkway; and ride Banff Gondola.

For the absolute best weather, July is your safest bet—June and August are popular, too. If you’re a powderhound or a snowshoer, book your trip for January or Febuary when winter buries Banff’s landscapes in layers and layers of white.

Even non-hikers will find plenty to do in Banff. Explore the town, watch sunset at Vermilion Lakes, ride the Banff Gondola, drive the scenic Icefields Parkway, take a picnic at Lake Louise, admire views from the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, and watch for grizzly bears on Bow Valley Parkway.

Banff has family-friendly hiking trails, but beyond exploring on foot, try these ideas: Explore the Lake Louise area on a dogsled tour, ride the Banff Gondola, check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, stroll through the town of Banff—for restaurants, museums, and more—or canoe on the region’s lakes.

Yes. Many consider Banff to be Canada’s most expensive destination. If you visit in summer (June–Aug.), you’ll run into high-season pricing for lodging, tours, and dining. When prices fall (Sep.–May), you can get deals, and not just at hotels. It depends on how (and when) you prefer to travel.