Things to do in Banff & Jasper National Parks
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Banff Gondola
In less than 10 minutes, the Banff Gondola whisks you up to the 2281m (7484ft) summit for spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, Bow River and Banff town. The upper terminal looks like something from an old James Bond movie and has the expected restaurant. Alternatively, you can hike up the steep east side of the mountain in about two hours one way. You will be aptly rewarded with great views.
The trail starts from the Upper Hot Springs parking lot. Or just hike down.
The lower terminal is just over 3km (2mi) south of Banff on Mountain Ave; it's adjacent to the Upper Hot Springs pool.
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Small-Group Maligne Canyon Icewalk in Jasper National Park
3 hours (Departs Jasper, Canada)
by Viator
Take a break from skiing and experience the wonders of the Maligne Canyon during this small-group winter wonderland icewalk in the heart of Jasper National Park…Not LP reviewed
from USD$56.21 -
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Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Banff. The discovery of hot sulfur springs in a cave here led to the area being set aside from development in 1885. Like condo developments of today, the idea spread rapidly and soon Banff National Park and Canada's national park system were created. The complex has been rebuilt to its 1914 appearance. Visitors can look at (and smell) the cave and sulfurous waters, but there's no bathing allowed.
The Middle Springs further down the hill are closed to visitors, to protect the delicate balance of waters. You can stroll around the attractive grounds, where you'll see both natural and artificially made pools, for …
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Museum
Be sure to join Babe Ruth as one of the visitors who've signed the guest book at the Banff Park Museum - he did so in 1922. Near the Bow River Bridge at the southern end of town, this lodge-style wood building was built by the CPR in 1903. Check out the surprising inner atrium.
Before trails first led curious wildlife watchers into the bush, the museum housed a zoo and aviary, so Victorian visitors to Banff could catch a safe glimpse of the park's wildlife. The museum, a National Historic Site, contains a collection of animals, birds and plants found in the park, including two small stuffed grizzlies and a black bear, plus a tree carved with graffiti dating back to 1841. …
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Cycling & Mountain Biking
You can cycle on the highways and on most of the trails in and around town. Excursions of all varieties are possible, whether you're looking to ride for a few hours, a day or several days with overnight stops at campgrounds, hostels or lodges. Two good, short cycling routes close to Banff run along Vermilion Lakes Drive and Tunnel Mountain Drive.
For something more challenging, go 1km past the Banff Springs Golf Course to the 14km Rundle Riverside Trail, which plunges into the backcountry with a lot of rough riding along the way.
Ski Stop runs self-guided trips in the backcountry that include van shuttle, bike, gear and map and Bactrax organizes two-hour rides from around …
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Whyte Museum Complex
The Whyte Museum complex features an art gallery and a vast collection of photographs telling the history of early explorers, artists and the CPR. Many of the exhibits rotate, but be sure to check out the Heritage Gallery with its story of the unlikely romance of Peter and Catherine Whyte, the museum's founders. On the property are four log cabins and two Banff heritage homes, one dating from 1907 and the other from 1931.
The museum conducts tours of the complex and walking tours of the town year-round.
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Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is in the fort-like wooden building. Popular with kids, it mainly explores the history of the First Nations of the Northern Plains and the Rockies, but also covers indigenous groups from all over Alberta. Through life-sized displays, models and re-creations, it depicts traditions such as buffalo hunts. The museum was started by Norman Luxton in 1952; he had lofty inclinations after years running a souvenir shop on the site.
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Horseback Riding
Why just imagine what the pioneers felt like? Hop on a horse and you can enjoy the same feel and smells. In Banff the most popular routes lie south of Bow River. Holidays on Horseback operates out of the Trail Rider Store and offers a variety of horse-riding trips around the region. Among the choices: an hour-long ride along Spray River and a three-hour Bow Valley Loop. Much longer multiday camping adventures in the backcountry are available.
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Canadian Ski Museum West
Scattered throughout the Cascade Plaza Mall, Canadian Ski Museum West exhibits chronicle Banff's ski history through bronze statues of skiers and panels describing the evolution of the sport and its growth in Banff. If you can survive the smells of potpourri from the boutiques, you can learn about everyone from the charming Swiss guide Bruno Engler to modern national ski greats such as Ken Read and Karen Percy.
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Tunnel Mountain
For a short (2.3km one way) climb (260m) to break in your legs and survey the area, walk up stubby Tunnel Mountain, east of downtown. A trail leads up from St Julien Rd; you can drive here, but it's not a long walk from downtown to the start of the path. From the east end of Buffalo St, a 5.1km interpretive trail between Bow River and Tunnel Mountain heads north and east toward the Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos.
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Banff Center
Banff Centre, off St Julien Rd east of downtown, contains one of Canada's best-known art schools, complete with facilities for dance, theater, music and the visual arts. Exhibits, concerts and various other events take place regularly. During the Banff Summer Arts Festival, which happens throughout the season, students and internationally recognized artists present pieces in workshops and performances.
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Lake Minnewanka
The largest reservoir in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is 11km (7mi) east of the Banff town. Forests and mountains surround this scenic recreational area, and there are plenty of hiking, swimming, sailing, boating and fishing opportunities. The easy trail around the lake is a good option for a walk; the path is easy to follow and popular.
There is no public transport to the lake.
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
You'll find a soothing hot pool and steam room at the Upper Hot Springs spa, 4km (2.5mi) south of town. The water emerges from the spring at 47°C (117°F); in winter it has to be cooled before entering the pool, but in spring the snowmelt does that job. In addition to the pool, you can indulge in a massage or an aromatherapy wrap. Bathing suits, towels and lockers can be rented.
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Canada Place
You'll want to wave a maple leaf - or rent the South Park movie with the 'Blame Canada' song - after you visit this unusual, almost jingoistic location. Various exhibits and interactive displays celebrate all things Canuck. You can sit in a birch-bark canoe but try as we might, we couldn't find a Tim Hortons doughnut anywhere.
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Bumper's Beef House
Northeast of the center, Bumper's remains a local institution. Prime rib in several sizes is the specialty, aged 21 days by the restaurant. Some steaks come with a pat of seasoned butter on top, just in case you're worried about your calories. But that shouldn't stop you from loading up at the throwback salad bar.
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Bison
At street level this chic restaurant has an upscale deli serving exquisite little sandwiches and other gourmet treats. Upstairs the bright and airy dining room overlooks both the peaks and an open kitchen. Wood-fired pizzas are tops, as are boldly flavored seafood and meat mains. Many specials.
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Columbia Icefield Tour from Banff
8 hours (Departs Banff, Canada)
by Viator
Admire lakes and glaciers on a full day tour from Banff to the Columbia Icefield. Ride the Ice Explorer and settle in as a local guide provides fascinating comm…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$154.27 -
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Le Beaujolais
More exclusive than its mass-market namesake grape, this old-world restaurant has a classic French menu of the kind rarely seen anymore in a world of fusion this and global that. Think lobster vichyssoise and chateaubriand. Tables in the 2nd-floor dining room overlook the park and river.
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Grizzly House
Another place that will take you back to the days when disco was cutting-edge, this old-time fondue house has timeless dark booths where you and your partner can do much dipping. Should you need to come up for air, there's a small patio out front that's good for watching street action.
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Ski Banff @ Norquay
Ski Banff @ Norquay, just 10 minutes from downtown Banff on Mt Norquay Rd, is the area's oldest ski resort. It has 77 hectares of skiable area, 28 trails and a drop of 503m. The scenery is spectacular. (All three ski resorts near Banff work together and sell passes good at all three.)
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Bow River
You can take a pleasant, quiet stroll along the Bow River nature trail. The trail runs from the corner of Wolf St along the river under the Bow River Bridge and ends shortly after on Buffalo St. If you cross the bridge, you can continue southwest through the woods to nearby Bow Falls.
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Grotto Canyon Icewalk
by Viator
Walk on a frozen creek through Grotto Canyon, past unusual rock formations, ancient native rock art, and icefalls. Escorted by a specialist guide, this small-gr…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$63.76 -
Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
9 hours (Departs Banff, Canada)
by Viator
Visit Canada's famous glaciers on a full-day seasonal excursion from Banff. Your personalized small group tour takes you through an awe-inspiring landscape carv…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$162.50 -
Rocky Mountains Tour: Banff to Jasper
8 hours (Departs Banff, concludes Jasper, Canada)
by Viator
From the drama of tumultuous waterfalls and towering snow-capped peaks, to the peace of still emerald lakes and alpine meadows - this full day guided tour throu…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$169.60 -
Ride the Steel Rails
5 hours (Departs Jasper, Canada)
by Viator
Ride the rails over the Yellowhead Pass, the border between Alberta and British Columbia, following the Fraser River, and past Mount Robson, the highest mountai…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$130.18
