Nestled among the soaring peaks and pines of Banff National Park in Canada, the town of Banff is an ideal base from which to explore the mighty Rockies. With Calgary 85 miles (136 kilometers) to the east and the shimmering waters of UNESCO–listed Lake Louise 36 miles (58 kilometers) to the west, Banff is a beautiful slice of Alberta. You can take in sweeping views from the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, and be on the lookout for hoodoos (tall pillars of rock_. Outdoor adventure is the name of the game, and visitors can see the sights on a guided bus tour with narrated highlights, or enjoy active pursuits ranging from horseback riding to kayaking. If you’re visiting Banff in search of adrenaline-pumping thrills, hit Kicking Horse River on a white-water rafting trip. The river swells in the summer months, providing challenging currents and exhilarating class IV and up rapids—some tours end in a barbecue lunch. Alternatively, take to the skies on a sightseeing helicopter flight for uninterrupted views over the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or tackle the heights on a via ferrata tour, in which fixed iron ropes assist climbers of all abilities. Animal lovers can trek by horseback along rugged trails through the wilderness; or spot native bears, elk, and moose on a dusk wildlife safari.
Located amid the snowcapped peaks and extraordinary scenery of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff (and the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name) number among Canada’s top ski and snow destinations. That said, Banff is also popular among summer hikers and outdoorsy types.
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The town of Banff is known for its eponymous national park—the first in Canada. It’s also known for its surreal landscapes where neon-blue lakes sit beneath high, rugged peaks and forests sprout up amongst glaciers.
...MoreYou’ll want at least three full days—though four or five is better. You’ll want to time everything right with the crowds. Spend a day at Lake Louise; try to catch sunrise at Moraine Lake, explore the town of Banff; take a scenic drive along Icefields Parkway; and ride Banff Gondola.
...MoreFor the absolute best weather, July is your safest bet—June and August are popular, too. If you’re a powderhound or a snowshoer, book your trip for January or Febuary when winter buries Banff’s landscapes in layers and layers of white.
...MoreEven non-hikers will find plenty to do in Banff. Explore the town, watch sunset at Vermilion Lakes, ride the Banff Gondola, drive the scenic Icefields Parkway, take a picnic at Lake Louise, admire views from the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, and watch for grizzly bears on Bow Valley Parkway.
...MoreBanff has family-friendly hiking trails, but beyond exploring on foot, try these ideas: Explore the Lake Louise area on a dogsled tour, ride the Banff Gondola, check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, stroll through the town of Banff—for restaurants, museums, and more—or canoe on the region’s lakes.
...MoreYes. Many consider Banff to be Canada’s most expensive destination. If you visit in summer (June–Aug.), you’ll run into high-season pricing for lodging, tours, and dining. When prices fall (Sep.–May), you can get deals, and not just at hotels. It depends on how (and when) you prefer to travel.
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