10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Banff That You Shouldn't Miss

June 14, 2021 Marlin Saiz

Flanked on all sides by the Rockies, Banff offers an irresistible combination of perfect powder, luxury lodges, fine dining and lively nightlife. A thriving arts scene and proximity to Lake Louise and Kananaskis County add to its allure. Don’t miss the hoodoos, intriguing rock spires, in Banff National Park.
Restaurants in Banff

1. Parker Ridge Trail

Icefields Parkway 93, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 0C0 Canada +1 403-762-1550 http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Parker-Ridge-near-Jasper-AB-1918
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 554 reviews

Parker Ridge Trail

Reviewed By hp_hphan - Ontario, Canada

I was very fortunate to see mountain goats. They were running from one side to the other. It was quite windy at the too but the View was amazing. Definitely recommend this hike.

2. Hydra River Guides

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,008 reviews

Hydra River Guides

Rafting on the Kicking Horse is a MUST DO activity during your vacation to the Canadian Rockies. Let Hydra River Guides introduce you to the water we call home. We offer rafting trips to suit all budgets and abilities, starting at only $59. 190,000 rafters can’t be wrong. Are you ready to join us?

3. Chinook Rafting

Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,810 reviews

Chinook Rafting

Closest whitewater rafting available from Banff and Calgary with daily half day trips. Whether you want Mild or Wild, our fun-loving professional guides will provide you with the best whitewater rafting adventure. Perfect activity for families (5 years and up), and groups like Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties or your Corporate Team Building Event.

4. Helen Lake Trail

Icefield Parkway 32 km N Lake Louise, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Helen Lake Trail

Reviewed By Pinkdresses - Edmonton, Canada

Please be prepared with bear spray and bells. We heard a bear on the beginning of our hike and luckily were close by to other groups who also wore bells and visible spray. Better to be over-prepared than risk it! There have been sightings over the last few weeks as per All Trails as well. Not a path for simply running shoes but we did see it. Blizzard at the top of Cirque peak (beyond Helen lake). You should definitely continue on to get a beautiful view of Helen Lake.

5. Rockies Ice & Alpine Specialists

Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

Rockies Ice & Alpine Specialists

We specialize in guided mountaineering, rock climbing, via ferrata, trail running, ice climbing, backpacking, hiking, and scrambling excursions and instructional courses in Western Canada. Beginner to advanced climbers welcome!

6. Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 136 reviews

Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding

Located in the mountains of Canmore, Alberta Canada. Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding offers Paddle Canada Certified Lessons, high quality board rentals, SUP sales and tours on SUP of the beautiful lakes and rivers in the Canadian Rockies. Love SUP, love life!

7. Toby Creek Adventures

Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Toby Creek Adventures

Toby Creek Adventures is the premier snowmobile and ATV adventure company in the Canadian Rockies. Daily departures. FREE hotel pick up. Tours to suit all levels of experience - beginners welcome. An excellent outdoor family adventure experience.

8. Via Ferrata

Mt Norquay, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1B4 Canada +1 403-762-4421 http://www.banffnorquay.com/summer/
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 422 reviews

Via Ferrata

Reviewed By ytpan3

The 6-hour summit tour was awesome! The scene throughout the day was breathtaking and our guide, Katsu, was caring, knowledgeable, and humorous, which made the trip even better. I’d totally recommend to people planning on visiting Banff to put via ferrata into the bucket list.

9. Cedar & Sage Co. Banff's Holistic Lounge

220 Bear Street Second floor, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A8 Canada +1 403-985-2200 [email protected] http://www.banffsholisticlounge.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 247 reviews

Cedar & Sage Co. Banff's Holistic Lounge

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Banff, this lofty mountain Spa has been rated #1 on TripAdvisor since 2014. Specializing in Holistic Healthcare - primarily Massage Therapy, the venue hosts daily yoga and meditation, weekend retreats, workshops and events. The health and safety of clients and staff is top priority at Cedar & Sage, therefore they have implemented additional sanitization and cleaning practices and adjusted their daily procedures to keep the spa a safe environment during COVID-19. These additional measures include the use of masks by staff and clients, hand sanitization stations throughout the spa, health screening forms prior to arrival, and regular disinfecting of all public surfaces between each client.

Reviewed By Thisadventurousmiss - Banff, Canada

I’ve had a few massages here over the last couple of years and all of them have been absolutely amazing! I’ve had both relaxation and deep tissue with a number of therapists - Basia, Marc, Edna & Veronica - and they’ve always tailored it to exactly what I needed. Best massages I’ve ever had, can’t wait for my next visit!

10. Hop On Banff

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 347 reviews

Hop On Banff

A simple, efficient, no-hassle service that will elevate your experience here in Banff National Park. Get everywhere you need to go and see all the best sights at your own pace! Guaranteed seats, when booked online, lets you enjoy the freedom of Banff National Park's only Hop-on Hop-off bus service. Discover the wildness of the Bow Valley Parkway, hike Johnston Canyon, be blown away by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, soar to new heights aboard the Lake Louise Gondola or chairlift, climb the rock pile at Moraine Lake, hike the shores of Lake Louise or lunch at one of the tea houses. All this can be done in one day for $50 per person. Explore the Banff Townsite at your own pace, rent a bike, hit the hot springs, or do some shopping. Hop off at Johnston Canyon and hike up to the beautiful Upper and Lower falls or even go all the way up to the famous Ink Pots. Soar by gondola or chairlift to the most stunning views on the Lake Louise Gondola (skip the lines and purchase a direct to lift pass aboard your HopOnBanff bus). Take the time to enjoy Lake Louise and all that it has to offer. Hike to some of the most unforgettable spots in the Moraine Lake area. On board, each bus is an English speaking Host that will provide knowledge of the area, colorful stories, and also act as a personal concierge that can book other activities, simply take your photo, or even make dinner reservations for you. Buses do a continuous loop up and down the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise throughout the day beginning in Banff at 7:45 am.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.