Discover my list of the best things to do in Banff National Park, located in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Officially established in 1885, Banff is an outdoor lover’s playground, filled with turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers and endless miles of hiking trails.
As someone who loves a good outdoor vacation, it’s no surprise that Canada’s most visited National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of my favorite destinations for mountain hiking and lake views.
I’ll never forget the morning we spent waiting for clouds to clear from atop the Big Beehive so we could view Lake Louise from above, or the evenings we spent enjoying drinks from the various rooftop bars in town.
And after spending some time here myself, I decided this was too good of a destination not to share with others and I even started offering my own small group trips to Banff National Park.
If you’re trying to plan your own trip to the area, why not let me take the burden of trip planning off your shoulders? We’ll visit the majority of the places mentioned in this guide and all you’ll have to do is show up, make some new friends and enjoy all that the Canadian Rockies have to offer!
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Throughout the rest of this post I’ll cover my list of the best things to do in Banff National Park. You can also use the table of contents below to help navigate the article.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the best things to do in Banff National Park – your unforgettable Canadian Rockies adventure awaits!
Where is Banff National Park Located?
Banff National Park is located in the Alberta province of Canada and features some of the best stretches of Canadian Rocky Mountains to explore.
Most visitors will want to fly into the Calgary International Airport, which is about 90 minutes from the park.
We opted to rent a car, but there are also great transportation options available to reach Banff if you’re not interested in driving during your visit.
Consider checking out the Brewster Express which picks up at the airport and drops off at many of the areas popular hotels.
Where is the best place to stay when visiting?
For most visitors I’d suggest staying in either the towns of Banff or Canmore.
The town of Canmore is situated about 20 minutes further than Banff from many of the parks main attractions, but it offers plenty of lodging options that are often slightly more affordable.
Canmore is also home to some great restaurants and breweries, ensuring you’ll have plenty to do after a morning spent hiking in the mountains. You can check out deals on hotels in Canmore here.
Alternatively, many visitors will spend their trip staying in the town of Banff.
The town is super walkable, and it’s flooded with shops, restaurants and bars. You’ll find plenty of accommodations to choose from but keep in mind that many will sell out in advance of the peak summer season.
You can check out different lodgings options in Banff here.
If you’ll be in the area for a while, consider splitting your stay between towns to get the best of both worlds like I did during my first visit.
The best things to do in Banff National Park
Now that you have an understanding of where the park is located, let’s jump into what to do once you’re there!
Take in Moraine Lake from the Rock Pile
Perhaps the most photographed spot in all of Banff National Park, views of Moraine Lake from the Rock Pile are tough to beat.
Keep in mind that to reach Moraine Lake you’ll either need a Parks Canada Shuttle Reservation, commercial transportation or to be staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge. Personal vehicles are not allowed down to the parking lot so you can’t drive yourself!
It’s best to arrive here early in the morning before crowds of visitors have had a chance to congregate in the area.
You can’t miss the viewpoint, it’s just past the primary parking lot and shuttle drop off area. Learn more about visiting Moraine Lake by reading this post I wrote!
Visit the Peyto Lake Viewpoint
An hours drive north of Banff along the Icefields Parkway will take you to the picture perfect Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint.
This is one of the best views in the entire park, and it’s relatively easy to reach. Once you reach the parking lot, you’ll have a short half mile (0.8 km) walk along a paved trail out to the viewing area.
Given it’s accessibility level, expect crowds here, especially later in the day.
While the viewing platform itself offers excellent views, my personal favorite place for photos is just below it. Keep an eye out for path leading down below which is usually less crowded.
If you want more tips on visiting the Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint, I’ve published a detailed blog post covering what to expect during your visit.
Explore the shores of Lake Louise
No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without a stroll along the iconic Lake Louise.
From the lakeshore you’ll be able to enjoy the vivid turquoise water (best seen on a sunny day) and views staring down the Victoria Glacier.
If your budget allows it, consider staying at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is situated right on the lake.
Otherwise keep in mind that getting here can be a bit of a challenge. The main parking lot does allow for personal vehicles, but typically fills up and closes around 7:00am during the peak summer season.
Arriving this early means you can take in the lake before the crowds show up, and get an early start on one of the great hikes that originate here.
For more tips on parking and my favorite hikes in the area, check out my dedicated post covering tips for visiting Lake Louise.
Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain
Although many of the best mountain views in the area must be earned through hiking, getting atop Sulphur Mountain is an exception.
Located near the outskirts of town, visitors will find the Banff Gondola.
The 8 minute long gondola ride will ferry passengers to the top of Sulphur Mountain where they can enjoy panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding landscapes.
Once you reach the top you’ll also discover a visitor center, souvenir shop, bar and restaurant.
For the full experience, be sure to walk out on the boardwalk which leads guests to a second lookout.
Keep in mind that reservations for the gondola and restaurant located here frequently sell out in advance.
You can book reservations for the Banff Gondola here.
Try visiting on a day with good visibility or around sunset for the best experience. During my stay forest fires had created hazy conditions that day which obscured some of the views.
Hike through Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass
Reaching Sentinel Pass offers an unparalleled reward, a magnificent panorama that encapsulates the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Larch Valley, and Lake Minnestima, all within a single frame.
Looking in the opposite direction, you can gaze into Paradise Valley, a place I plan to explore on a future visit to Banff. The view from Sentinel Pass, especially into the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is tough to beat
If you visit around late September or early October, you’ll also be treated to Larch Valley in full autumn colors.
This hike measures approximately 7 miles (or 11 kilometers) in total length.
The distance can be covered by most hikers in roughly four hours excluding stops. But I’d budget an extra hour for stops near Larch Valley, Minnestimma Lake and atop Sentinel Pass itself.
Just keep in mind that this hike has a significant amount of elevation gain (around 2,700 feet or 820 meters) so it might be the toughest hike on this list!
You can learn more about this adventure by reading my dedicated post covering the hike to Sentinel Pass.
Learn more about the hike from Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass on YouTube
Take in waterfall views at Takakkaw Falls
Located in nearby Yoho National Park visitors can experience the power of Canada’s second tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls.
Some travelers will make the big mistake of not spending any time in Yoho National Park, simply because it doesn’t reside within the boundaries of Banff National Park.
Don’t be one of those people!
The waterfall is extremely accessible. Once you park you’ll find a short path leading you across the Yoho River and up close to the falls.
If the conditions are just right, you might even be able to see a rainbow forming near the base of the falls.
For more details on what to expect here, check out my guide to visiting Takakkaw Falls.
Explore the Icefields Parkway
Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, be sure to spend an afternoon exploring the many sites along the Icefields Parkway.
The parkway stretches 144 miles (232 km) and connects the towns of Banff and Jasper. There are tons of great sights to see along the way such as the Bow Lake viewpoint, the Columbia Icefields where you can walk on a glacier, Peyto Lake and more.
Just be mindful that there’s only one gas station along this entire stretch of road. Don’t forget to check your fuel level and to pack some snacks before embarking on this adventure!
Stop for tea at the Lake Agnes Tea House
Originating from the Lake Louise area, visitors shouldn’t miss out on the short hike out to Lake Agnes and its tea house.
The total roundtrip hiking distance involved for this activity is 4.6 miles (or 7.4 km) and the trail originates near Lake Louise.
Along the way keep an eye out for Mirror Lake, a scenic viewing area that makes for a nice spot to take a quick break.
Once you reach the tea house you can sit back and enjoy a cup of mountain fresh tea while soaking up views of Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive which towers above you.
Not surprisingly, lines here can become extremely long by midday. If you’re hoping to enjoy some tea it’s best to get an early start or you could end up waiting for an hour to get your drink!
The Lake Agnes Tea House has a very extensive menu to choose from which you can check out at the link.
Climb The Big Beehive
My favorite overall hike in Banff National Park is definitely the Big Beehive.
If you only have time to do one day hike during your trip to Banff, this should be the one.
There’s tons of great scenery along the way as you’ll pass Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes. You can even stop for tea at the Lake Agnes Tea House (see prior note for more info on that).
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with the best view of Lake Louise in the entire park. The hike clocks in at a moderate 6.7 miles (10.8 km) and has about 2,350 feet (716 meters) of elevation gain according to AllTrails.
Be sure to check out my dedicated guide to hiking the Big Beehive. There are tons of great photos attached to that post which I took during our hike.
Consider tacking on a pit stop at the Little Beehive or tacking on the next activity from this list if you’re looking for a longer and more challenging hike.
Learn more about hiking the Big Beehive on YouTube
Continue on to the Plain of Six Glaciers
There are two ways to approach this hike originating in the Lake Louise area of Banff.
The shorter route is to hike near Lake Louise, past the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House and out to the viewing area. This option is about 9 miles (14.4 km) and only has a modest amount of elevation gain (about 1,700 feet or 518 meters).
Alternatively you can tack this onto your Big Beehive hike and make a longer circuit out of the area. This lengthier option clocks in at just over 11 miles (17.6 km) and 3,000 feet of gain (914 meters).
If you’re up for the challenge, I’d suggest doing the second option since it will be jam packed with incredible stops along the way. It’s the best circuit for exploring the Lake Louise area of Banff!
Take a swim in Emerald Lake
If you’re a fan of cold showers or ice baths, then this next activity is for you!
Situated in Yoho National Park, visitors will find the vibrant waters of Emerald Lake. While this lake receives less attention than it’s peers Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, it still has plenty to offer.
Not only can you rent a canoe here, enjoy a drink at the lakeside cafe or take a scenic stroll around the perimeter, but this is also a great spot to try your luck swimming during the summer!
You need to swim in at least one mountain lake during your trip to Banff, and this is the one that we chose.
Even during the warmest summer months, the water temperatures here or at other nearby lakes will remain extremely frigid year round.
You probably won’t last too long in the chilly water, but it’s a really cool experience so be sure to plan a swim on a warm weather day during your trip!
Rent a canoe
While canoe rentals in this area aren’t cheap, they are most certainly worth the expense.
Three of the most popular spots to rent a canoe are Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake. You don’t need to canoe on all three, but you should try it at least once!
We opted to rent a canoe at Moraine Lake after a morning hike in the area. Despite it being a peak, beautiful summer afternoon, we really didn’t have to wait in line for our rental. Keep in mind that wait times can vary widely between lake and time of day.
A one hour rental is plenty for most visitors, which gives you time to loop around the lake and take plenty of photos as you go.
Stroll through the Cascade Gardens of Time
If you’re looking for something leisurely to do around the town of Banff, consider checking out the Cascade Gardens of Time.
Take the walking bridge across the Bow River from the center of town and you’ll stumble into this beautifully manicured botanical garden.
This makes for a great wind down activity after spending your morning out on a more rigorous hike.
The gardens are free to explore and easy to reach on foot if you’re staying in town.
Hike through Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots
Much of the hiking in Banff National Park takes place at higher elevations, well above 5,000 feet (1,500+ meters) which means it can take a couple days to better acclimate to the thin air.
A great moderate difficulty hike to check out for your first day in the park would be the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots hike.
This 7 mile (11.3 km) out and back trail tracks Johnston Creek from a paved suspended path out to two waterfalls. From there the trail turns up into the forest, and eventually leads hikers to the unique ink pot formations.
The second half of this trail isn’t too crowded. But if you wait to start, the first half where you’ll encounter two waterfall viewing platforms gets unbearably crowded in the afternoon.
Be sure to read my guide to hiking the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots before visiting so you avoid problem scenarios like this!
Learn more about the Johnston Canyon Ink Pots hike on YouTube
Scramble the boulders at Consolation Lakes
The hike to Consolation Lakes originates near Moraine Lake, but is quite a bit easier to tackle than Sentinel Pass.
For this reason it also makes for a good first day hiking option. The roundtrip distance is a manageable 4 miles (6.4 km) and there’s less than 1,000 ft (300 meters) of elevation gain.
You’ll cross a large field of boulders before hiking uphill along Babel Creek. Keep an eye out for paths that spur off from the main trail and lead you down to the creek as you hike. It’s a nice way to stop for a break or photo op!
Once you reach the near end of Consolation Lakes, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mount Babel, Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain.
If you’re up for a challenge, you’ll need to scramble across some fairly large boulders to reach the far end of Consolation Lakes.
Visit the Three Sisters Viewpoint
While there are no shortage of big ticket activities to spend your time on, it can be a little more difficult to find quicker activities to fill out the rest of your day.
Located on the outskirts of Canmore you’ll find a short path leading out to the Three Sisters Viewpoint.
Since reaching the viewpoint involves a negligible amount of walking, it’s a nice way to wind down after a busier morning.
There were some small bodies of water that people were swimming in near here when we visited, but I’d probably pass on that and just bring some cold drinks and snacks to enjoy while you watch the Three Sisters light up during sunset.
Learn more about our visit to the Three Sisters Viewpoint in Canmore here.
What is the best time of year to visit Banff?
Late June through mid August is prime time for visiting Banff during the summer.
During this time you’ll enjoy the warmest weather, long hours of daylight for exploring the mountains and trails that are clear of snow at higher elevations.
Prices will also be higher during this period, especially during July.
September is another great month to visit Banff for outdoor and hiking related activities. The weather will be cooler but still pleasant, and you should be here before snow starts to fall. Consider this a good shoulder season month to visit.
How many days are needed for Banff?
I would suggest spending at least 5 days in Banff National Park. This will give you enough time to spend at least one day at each of the following places: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park and the Icefields Parkway with one day left to spend however you see fit.
While that’s the minimum I would suggest, we spent a full week exploring the park and neighboring areas like Yoho.
If you’re looking to mountain bike, raft or exploring other surrounding areas like Jasper, you could easily spend two weeks in the area without running out of new top tier activities to enjoy.
Check out my small group trip to Banff National Park
Interested in seeing these places for yourself?
I’ve started leading small group trips to Banff National Park! I’ll be your guide for the trip and take care of all the travel planning and preparation.
Not only that, but you’ll have the opportunity to meet a ton of other outdoor loving travelers on our trip. And you’ll still have plenty of flexibility to explore on your own or with the group.
While this list is a great start, there’s still a ton of logistical planning that goes into visiting Banff. These activities are generally hours apart, and you’ll sometimes need pre-arranged transportation or careful planning to reach them.
The best way to get your trip planned is to just let me take care of it!
Pop over and check out my Banff small group itinerary. You can also contact me with questions or interest.
See you in Banff!
Check out these activities available in the area
Looking for more ways to fill out your trip itinerary? Be sure to check out the list of activities below from GetYourGuide.
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Is visiting Banff worth it?
I highly recommend visiting Banff National Park if you love the outdoors, want to enjoy some world class hiking and don’t mind waking up early most days to make it happen.
I consider Banff a bucket list destination, even for people who aren’t avid hikers. There are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the area that can be done with minimal physical activity.
It’s also a giant photographer’s playground, with no shortage of beautiful compositions and great opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Hopefully this list of the best things to do in Banff National Park proves useful in planning your big hiking trip to Alberta, Canada!