How to Spend 1 Day in Banff

Whether for summer hiking or winter sleigh rides, Banff offers outdoor adventure year-round. Visit this Canadian resort town for wildlife safaris, helicopter tours, and snowshoeing excursions. Here are several ways to spend a single day in Banff. 

Morning: Ride the Gondola

Start your visit to Banff with an introductory tour. Such tours usually offer panoramic views of Banff National Park and a ticket to ride the Banff Gondola. Crest Sulphur Mountain in a glass-enclosed gondola and admire views of mountains and rivers below. For a more comprehensive option, take a sightseeing tour that might include the gondola ride plus an introduction to this Canadian resort town with stops at Tunnel Mountain Drive and Lake Minnewanka. Visitors looking to cover ground quickly can opt for a ride on the hop-on hop-off bus that offers convenient transport to Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and more. 

Afternoon: See Banff by Horse, Canoe, or Helicopter

Get a new perspective on Banff on a tour by helicopter, horse, or boat. Choose among several scenic journeys including a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies and a relaxing Banff Lake cruise. Connect with your inner cowboy on a horseback riding tour that typically includes lunch. Horse-drawn sleigh rides work as romantic excursions or family adventures. Learn about Banff National Park with a local guide on a hiking tour with lunch to see glaciers, mountains, and lakes. Catch a different view of Banff National Park on a Bow River canoe tour and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Night: Wildlife and Starry Walks

Go for a scenic walk beneath the stars with a Lake Louise night snowshoe tour. Explore Lake Louise with ease on snowshoes and follow a guide to see the peaceful lake by moonlight. Tours usually end with a warm-up of hot chocolate and a snack. For a climate-controlled alternative, take an evening wildlife safari that usually includes a scenic bus tour on the lookout for elk, bears, deer, and bighorn sheep. Learn about local wildlife and park preservation from a guide as you explore Banff National Park at dusk.