Things to do in Banff

Activities, attractions and tours

A valley with a town, mountains, and a river.
A lake with a forest and a mountain in the background.
A mountain town with autumn trees, a prominent mountain in the background, and a pedestrian crossing.
A calm lake with a wooden dock, surrounded by a forest and a mountain in the background.
A historic stone building with multiple windows and a central tower.

Things to do

2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town

2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town

HK$588
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town
Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

HK$459
per adult
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff

HK$924
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff
Banff Gondola

Lake Louise Moraine Lake Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls TRIP

HK$616
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Lake Louise Moraine Lake Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls TRIP
Lake Louise Moraine Lake Peyto Lake Icefield Parkway Day Trip

5 Lakes Louise, Moraine, Emerald, Peyto & Bow Lake Banff Jasper

HK$588
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
5 Lakes Louise, Moraine, Emerald, Peyto & Bow Lake Banff Jasper
From Banff: Shuttle Service to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

From Banff: Shuttle Service to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

HK$424
per adult
From Banff: Shuttle Service to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff Gondola, Bow Fall and Top 3 Lakes

Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff Gondola, Bow Fall and Top 3 Lakes

HK$549
per adult
Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff Gondola, Bow Fall and Top 3 Lakes
See all activities in Banff

What to do in Banff

Stay near popular Banff attractions

A cable car ascending a snow-capped mountain with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Open Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Banff Gondola

9.4/10 (7,827 reviews)
Ride the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain's summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the ridgetop boardwalk to Sanson's Peak and dine at Sky Bistro with mountain vistas below.
See properties

Where to stay in Banff

Find the best Banff areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Banff
Learn more about Banff
A mountain with a clear sky, red chairs, and a sign in a forested area.
Photo by Ewa MK
Open Photo by Ewa MK

Tunnel Mountain District

Though Tunnel Mountain District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Banff Springs Golf Club and Tunnel Mountain.

A snow-covered mountain range with a town illuminated by lights in the valley below.

Sulphur Mountain District

While visiting Sulphur Mountain District, you might make a stop by sights like Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs.

A mountain town street with shops, a speed limit sign, and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Downtown District

If you're spending some time in Downtown District, Bow River and Banff Legacy Trail are top sights worth seeing.

A mountain lake with clear turquoise water reflecting the surrounding peaks and forest.

Uptown District

While Uptown District isn't home to many top sights, Tunnel Mountain and Banff Legacy Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.

A modern building complex with a mountain backdrop.

Banff Centre District

While visiting Banff Centre District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Banff International Research Station.

A mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests.

Lake Louise

A street with wooden buildings and a mountain range in the background.

Canmore

A hydroelectric dam with a large water reservoir and a mountain backdrop.

Exshaw

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a unique satellite dish-shaped building in the foreground.

Calgary

A lake with mountains in the background and a bridge over the water.

Seebe

A river flowing through a rocky gorge with a wooden walkway and railing.

Johnston Canyon

A clear blue sky with a row of traditional Native American tipis in a rocky, grassy plain with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Morley

A turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forests and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.

Vermilion Crossing

Frequently asked questions

Is Banff worth visiting?
Providing a blend of golfing and hiking, there's no shortage of things to do in Banff. While you're here, visit Banff Gondola, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Banff?
After you've checked off key attractions like Upper Hot Springs and Bow Falls, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Banff.
What is the top tourist attraction in Banff?
You can't leave without checking out Banff Gondola, ranked the top tourist attraction in Banff.
Is three days enough to stay in Banff?
You can easily tick off top sights like Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs and Banff National Park Information Centre with a three-day escape to Banff. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Canmore.
Is Banff a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Banff is a good place to tour on foot. Wander between Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs. Then take a stroll through Uptown District, located 0.64 kilometres from downtown, and Downtown District, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Banff with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Banff with kids.

What to do in Banff for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in Banff for adults.
Are there free things to do in Banff?
In Banff, Banff National Park Information Centre is a popular spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Banff.

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