Top Things to do in Banff National Park
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Banff National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Restaurants in Banff National Park
1. Icefields Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,845 reviews
Scenic highway cutting through breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes.
Reviewed By BCW_1016 - Charlevoix, United States
We drove it in our rental car leaving Banff at 7:30AM and did not get beck until after 4PM - so much to see! This is an absolutely beautiful drive with many places to stop to take in the marvelous views of mountains, lakes & streams and/or enjoy short hikes. You can see many glaciers on the mountains. We took the drive in mid September and the Aspen trees were a beautiful golden color against the backdrop of green pine trees. Our turning point was at the “Ice Field Center” where we walked up to the glacier. If you wanted to get up close and personal with the ice, tours are available - they take you out onto the glacier on a special bus and let you walk around for a few minutes. A very enjoyable day.
2. Moraine Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,819 reviews
This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Moraine Lake is one of the main sightseeings in Banff National Park, one of the three national parks, which are close with others: Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. Here it is possible to do some different excursions (we did one, the Consolation Lake Trial about 6 km surrounding the lake and go up to a the other lake), really a wonderful excursion with great views of the lake and surroundings.. Near the lake, there are some natural areas of forest, where you can see also very beautiful views. A Top in (West) Canada!!! In fact, the best views are from a little top in front of Morraine Lake, from where you can see incredible views of the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. (See also Banff National Park, Minnenwanka Lake, Consolation Lake, Louise Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, North Saskatchewan River, Valley of Ten Peaks).
3. Bow Summit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
To reach the Bow Summit we had to hike up further from the Peyto Lake viewing platform which was already overcrowded with tourists. It required some more effort and time to get up there but it was well worth the trouble. The view from the summit was one of the best views in the Rocky Mountains we had so far. We got a bird’s eye view of Peyto Lake, the bluest of the lakes, and the surrounding peaks. The Bow Summit was so peaceful with hardly any crowd. We were lucky to have travelled by bus as the parking lot for buses and handicapped cars are the closest to the Peyto Lake viewing platform, and so the walk to the summit is doable.
4. Peyto Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,192 reviews
Reviewed By Mary-Meadows - Hamilton, Canada
Driving back from the Icefield we happened upon this hidden gem. We were able to drive to top parking lot so only a short walk out to the lookout through a pine forest that was so beautiful with the snow on the trees from the snow we received that morning (yes in June!) When you get to the lookout the view of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. The colour is brilliant blue. So glad we found this beauty!
5. Banff National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
Banff National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. There are beautiful mountain landscapes to explore with tall peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, limestone caves and fossil beds. There is a lot of wildlife in the forested regions which include Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolves, Cougars, Wolverine, Red Fox, Weasel, River Otter, Coyote, Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and many other smaller animals like Beaver, Squirrel and Chipmunks. We took a guided coach tour and first visited the photogenic lakes; Emerald, Louise and Moraine stopping the night in Banff town. Next day we visited Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and drove up to the Columbia Icefields and Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway, which is supposedly one of the most scenic motorways in the world, and justifiably so. The scenery on both sides of this Highway No. 93 was spectacular with snow capped peaks even in summer, and many sparkling lakes and waterways glinting between the tall trees in unique shades of blue, green and indigo. It was a truly memorable trip in which we picked up a canvas of beautiful landscape paintings that will forever remain etched in our minds as long as we live.
6. Sunshine Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 965 reviews
Sunshine Village sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, and is just minutes from the mountain town of Banff. Three sprawling mountains provide breathtaking sitelines, uninterrupted by any signs of civilization beyond the resort's leasehold. Ski or ride in Alberta and British Columbia in one run. Sunshine Village's seven-month season stretches from early November until late May - the longest non-glacial season in Canada. The Village's altitude of 7,082 feet ensures the snow stays dry. Sunshine can receive up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow in a season, and it stays all year.
Reviewed By flattiresonmycar
We stayed at this resort for two nights and wished it was much longer. So much fun! All Staff at the village were exceptional; truly friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make one feel welcome. Thank you to all for your sincere kindness The accommodation was fabulous, scenery spectacular food was wonderful and the guided mountain tour hosted by Paul and Ron was just the best! They were very knowledgable and attentive to needs of the group making sure everyone arrived safe and sound at the end of the day. Wonderful.
7. The Lake Louise Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 934 reviews
Spectacular scenery awaits at Lake Louise with uniquely beautiful terrain that is both vast and varied. Located in the heart of majestic, historic Banff National Park, Lake Louise is truly legendary and offers the world's finest terrain. With 4200 skiable acres, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski areas in North America.
Reviewed By Blob2020
Lake Louise is a real western classic, and wow it did delivered! I skied there for 2 days during the first week of february and got at least a foot of fresh powder on the first day. Being mid-week there was no crowds. On the tuesday it was mostly top to bottom all day, thursday had a bit more people but nothing crazy. The choice of runs and bowls is just amazing, there is something for everyone. If you are not comfortable with blacks and double-blacks, all lifts even the highest ones have green or blue tracks access so you can cruise your way down easily while your buddies drop through some crazy gullies. With such a variety of terrain, it's honestly hard to get bored. Don't expect a flashy touristic village at the base, it's just a big lodge with a gondola and a quad lift, and it's perfect like that.
8. Banff Gondola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,210 reviews
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. With breathtaking vistas in every direction, your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet). Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Then warm up in our newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility. With new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, the new Banff Gondola summit heightens every sense.
Reviewed By alisona532 - Brisbane Region, Australia
A wonderful gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for superb views looking down on snow covered pine trees, birds and mountain goats with views of Banff below and 360 deg views of mountains. Truly awe-inspiring. An 'igloo' to go into to thaw out if you get too cold on top of the viewing platform, heaters, staff to take your photos for you with your camera at no extra cost, is all part of it. A fairly steep stair walk for the fit gets you to the summit but is no better a view than the big platform. There is also an interesting mosaic mirror bear statue/artwork on the viewing platform. Very good for the soul to view the natural beauty and the clean air is good for the lungs too.
9. Lake Minnewanka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,734 reviews
There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.
Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India
This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan
10. Mistaya Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Stef860 - Arroyo Grande, United States
We were debating whether we should go here, but so glad we did! It wasn't overly crowded like some of the other places we went to. It is about a 10 min walk from the parking lot, (which wasn't full!) through a beautiful forest. There is a bridge that overlooks the water rushing through the canyon. The sheer power of it takes your breath away! We walked out on the rocks, (which I probably wouldn't recommend for parents of wild toddlers to do as there are drop-offs). We also went on the hike that goes up into the forest, which was peaceful, gorgeous and not crowded at all.
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