Banff is the kind of place that feels straight out of a postcard, with snow-dusted mountains, turquoise lakes, and streets that smell faintly like pine and fresh coffee. There’s way more packed into this little town and park than most visitors expect.
Wondering what the best things to do in Banff are without wasting a day trying to figure it all out?
Grab a seat (or better yet, your hiking boots) and let’s jump right into it.
Things to Do in Banff: Overview
Hike Tunnel Mountain for epic views
Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Explore Banff Avenue
Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
Embark on a Lake Minnewanka cruise
Ski some of Canada’s best slopes
Traverse the Golden Skybridge
Walk the Glacier on a Columbia Icefield tour
Take a scenic road trip to Jasper
Snap photos at Bow Falls
Hike your way to Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls
The 12 Top Things to Do in Banff
I get it. Banff looks incredible, but it’s nine hours from Vancouver by car, and you’re wondering if it’s really worth the trip.
I had the same thought — right up until the moment the Rockies rose into view and I found myself driving through scenes that looked like AI creations.
If you’re on the fence about making the trip, here are 12 things that convinced me that a road trip from Vancouver to Banff was 100% worth it.
🧳 Looking for travel ideas? Check out the 6 Best ways to get from Vancouver to Banff to arrive on time and on budget.
Hike Tunnel Mountain for Epic Views
Tunnel Mountain got its name because workers once thought they’d need to blast a tunnel through it for the Canadian Pacific Railway. (They didn’t.)
The trail is short but steep, perfect for anyone who wants summit views without spending all day or destroying their knees. I love starting early — the sun lights up the town like it’s staged for a movie.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bow Valley.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Snapping a photo at the summit sign — it’s not huge, but you’ll feel like you conquered Everest.
Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs opened in 1884 and have been soothing tired legs ever since — imagine the relief for early railway workers!
The water is heated geothermally, so the temperature rises up to 47°c (116°f) in the winter. If you visit in the summer, it should be slightly cooler.
The pool sits on a ridge with mountain views so good, you’ll think they’re fake. It’s a relaxed, slightly retro vibe that makes it easy to soak for hours. I once stayed until I looked like a raisin.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Renting an old-school 1920s bathing suit for fun photos (seriously, they offer them).
Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies — and they’re every bit as jaw-dropping as you’ve heard.
Lake Louise’s sparkling turquoise water sits under Victoria Glacier, and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is postcard-perfect.
Moraine Lake, hidden a little deeper into the Valley of the Ten Peaks, has this unreal blue colour that looks Photoshopped even in real life. A variety of guided tours are available from Banff and Calgary if you don’t have a vehicle.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Renting a canoe on Lake Louise or hiking the short Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake for that famous photo view.
🤠 Looking to explore Alberta further? Check out our Vancouver to Calgary road trip guide for more information.
Explore Banff Avenue
Banff Avenue isn’t just where you grab a latte — it’s been the town’s main artery since Banff was founded in 1885.
Colourful storefronts spill onto the sidewalks with a mix of cozy bookstores, outdoor gear shops, and places selling elk burgers. One time, I wandered in for socks and left with a moose onesie. No regrets!
The village is also home to a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries and cafes to upscale restaurants. The Maple Leaf is a great option for Canadian comfort food, while the Bison offers some fine dining flair.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing one of 25 flavours of fudge at the Fudgery — you’ll smell it before you see it.
Climb Sulphur Mountain in the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola carries you to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes flat. If you’re not up for a strenuous hike, this is the best way to soak up the alpine scenery.
At the summit, you’ll find boardwalks to stroll, cozy cafés, and views that look like you got dropped inside a Bob Ross painting.
It’s smooth and scenic, good for couples, kids, seniors, and people who like a soft adventure and panoramic mountain views.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Walking to the old Cosmic Ray Station — it’s a five-minute stroll with zero crowds.
🚠 Haven’t had your fill of mountain views? Visit the Peak of Vancouver via the Grouse Mountain Skyride when you get home.
Embark on a Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Lake Minnewanka is Banff’s largest lake, and ancient Indigenous campsites were found along its shores dating back over 10,000 years. It provides a fantastic vantage point to view the beautiful valley landscape.
The cruise boats are smooth, and the guides are hilarious — they somehow blend geology lessons with bear jokes. Last time, a boat guide pretended he spotted “the legendary Lake Monster.” No monster, but lots of laughs.
Protip: Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, bears, and mountain goats rustling along the shore.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Taking the longer cruise that goes to Devil’s Gap — it’s where the lake meets the prairies.
⏱️ Don’t have time for Banff? Check out our 15 best day trips from Vancouver for travel options closer to home.
Ski some of Canada’s Best Slopes
With so much to do and see, the fact that Banff provides some of the best skiing on earth is almost an afterthought.
But if you’re visiting when the mercury drops, carving up some powder is one of the best things to do in Banff.
Banff’s ski history kicked off early, with the first lift installed in 1934, making it one of Canada’s oldest ski towns.
The snow is dry and powdery, and the slopes cater to everyone — my brother, who skis like a cat on ice, still had a blast. Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay all deliver big thrills without crazy crowds.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing a Tri-Area SkiBig3 lift ticket for access to all three hills.
Traverse the Stunning Golden Skybridge
The Golden Skybridge opened in 2021 and is the tallest suspension bridge in Canada, at 426 feet. If you’re a fan of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, this is a whole other level, literally!
The bridges sway a little, which honestly freaked me out at first, but the mountain and river views are totally worth the shaky knees. Great spot if you want your Instagram feed to look extremely adventurous without actually working that hard.
The Skybridge is located about 90 minutes away in the BC town of Golden, so it’s a great option for breaking up your drive from Vancouver.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Trying the zipline across the canyon if you want to double your adrenaline hit.
Walk the Glacier on a Columbia Icefield Tour
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields south of the Arctic Circle, and it’s been blowing minds for thousands of years — literally. The icefield is located halfway between Banff and Jasper, Banff’s wilder, more rugged cousin.
The tours get you onto the Athabasca Glacier itself, riding massive Ice Explorer buses with tires taller than you are. You can even walk on the glacier and sip ice-cold water from a melt stream.
It’s the closest you’ll feel to being on another planet without needing a spaceship. Tours depart from Calgary, Banff, and Jasper.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Stepping onto the Glacier Skywalk — a glass walkway over a 918-foot deep canyon.
⛰️ Looking to explore Jasper National Park? Check out our Vancouver to Jasper road trip guide.
Take a Scenic Road Trip to Jasper
The 3-hour drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is widely called one of the most beautiful drives on Earth.
It’s waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and mountains as far as your camera can click. Jasper feels wilder and less polished than Banff, with more wildlife (we saw a bear!) and cozy spots like Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon.
The town suffered a devastating wildfire in 2024, so the local businesses could definitely use your help.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Stopping at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls — they’re roadside and absolutely stunning.
🗻 Looking for a quicker mountain getaway? Check out how to get from Vancouver to Whistler to hit the slopes in 90 minutes.
Snap Photos at Bow Falls
Bow Falls gained fame after appearing in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe film River of No Return — and it’s still a stunner.
The falls are wide and powerful, but it’s the mist and rumble that make it feel alive. Families, solo hikers, and amateur photographers all love hanging out here. I once brought a sandwich and stayed way longer than planned.
The falls are connected to town via a kilometre-long trail and boardwalk, so they aren’t hard to reach.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Walking the short trail along the riverbank for better angles.
🚂 Want to visit by train? Book your ticket on the Rocky Mountaineer to experience what has been dubbed “the world’s best travel experience“.
Hike Your Way to Johnston Canyon’s Waterfalls
Johnston Canyon was carved out by glacial melt thousands of years ago, creating some of Banff’s most photogenic waterfalls. So, if you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls, you’ve got another option.
The metal walkways hug the cliffs, which is perfect for nervous hikers (like me, who doesn’t love sheer drop-offs). You can even trek here in winter when the falls turn into frozen towers. Braver souls than I can even climb the ice!
There are two separate falls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Both are reachable via an easy 1-2 hour hike from the Bow Valley Parkway.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Going all the way to the Upper Falls — it’s less crowded and feels more wild.
Things to Do in Banff FAQ
How far is Banff from Vancouver?
Banff is approximately 850 kilometres (530 miles) from Vancouver by road. The trip takes around 9-10 hours without stops.
What is the best way to get from Vancouver to Banff?
Driving is the most popular option, as it provides the highest degree of flexibility. This allows you to make stops in places like the Okanagan Valley, Revelstoke, or Golden along the way,
What is the most popular thing to do in Banff?
The Banff Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain is one of the top-rated activities for its incredible panoramic views. Visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are also must-dos.
How many days should you spend in Banff?
Three to four days is ideal to cover hiking, sightseeing, and some relaxation time at places like the hot springs.
What month is best to visit Banff?
June through September offers the best weather for outdoor activities, but winter is great if you love skiing or snowboarding.
Do you need a car in Banff?
A car makes it easier to explore outside the townsite, but shuttles and guided tours also connect major attractions.
Are Banff National Park passes required?
Yes, you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass to visit Banff National Park. This helps support the maintenance and preservation of the park’s natural wonders. Visit Parks Canada for more information on costs.
Is Banff expensive?
Banff can be pricey compared to other Canadian towns, especially for accommodations and dining — planning ahead helps a lot.
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