17 Epic Things To Do In Banff, Alberta
Here is the list made by local in Banff of the 17 most epic things to do in Banff. We love to travel to Banff and do the trip at least twice a year with our two kids. It is absolutely stunning and there is so much to do year round that you will never get bored. Banff is located 45 minutes east of Calgary, Alberta. It is a mountainous range attached to Jasper that stretches all the way to BC.
17 Epic things to do in Banff, Alberta
17 Epic Things To Do In Banff, Alberta
Go Camping On A Mountain
This year we camped at the tunnel mountain village campground, and it was awesome. The views are incredible, they have running water and there is hiking nearby. Our kids loved it!
2. Have High Tea At Fairmont Banff Springs
The Banff springs Hotel has always been close to my heart and I have been visiting this place since I was a child. It is the castle that you can see from any high point in Banff. Located at the end of Banff ave, it is walking distance to all of the amenities in Banff. If you are there, you should at the very least go for tea here. Sounds weird, but is actually a cool thing to do. The restaurant has panoramic windows and the views of the mountains are amazing from here.
3. White Water Rafting On The Bow River
Ohh, this is a rush. There are a couple of companies that offer white water rafting here. We tried doing the easy skill level and it was crazy. You start out getting safety instructions, then you get geared up with helmets and life vests. You start out very slowly and then the water speeds up in the white water. It is thrilling and there are guides that control the boat. So it felt pretty safe.
Banff waterfalls and Hikes
4. Skiing at Sunshine Village
Sunshine village has always been a favourite ski destination of mine. It is really good for all skill levels and a great place to learn how to ski. One of the coolest things about sunshine village is that you can ski all the way down the mountain to your car.
5. Visit the Candy Stores on Banff Avenue
There are candy shops all over Banff ave where they make fresh fudge and candies. It tastes and smells great. The main candy shop that has been there for like 50 years is on the north side of Banff ave right in the middle. It has like every type of retro candy that you can find.
6. Eat on a Hot Stone at the Grizzly House
The grizzly house is my fav restaurant in Banff, on our must recent trip we popped in even though we were camping because we love it so much.
This is a fondue restaurant where they let you cook your food on a hot stone or in an oil fondue. They have some really need things on the menu including rattlesnake, alligator and other exotic meats. I stay away from most of that and stick with the shrimp, steak and chicken. When they serve it to you it comes with a plate of sauces made in their kitchen. It is to die for.
7. Take a Gondola Ride
The gondola ride up sulphur mountain is the best way to get a great view with the least effort. It is top class all the way up, and there is a restaurant at the top. You will have the option of hiking down on a nice path or taking the gondola back down.
Camping in Banff, tunnel mountain village
8. Ski At Lake Louise
The lake louise ski resort is badass. It is right up there with sunshine village and is one of the best places to ski in Banff.
9. Hike up Johnston Canyon
This is our favourite hike in Banff and highly recommended for all levels of hikers including children. There are multiple waterfalls, streams, and the ink pots at the top. Not to mention that much of the trail is paved and it is really safe.
Read about the Johnston canyon hike here.
10. Have Morning Coffee People watching on Banff Avenue
I like to just sit outside of the coffee shops in Banff and enjoy people watching. It is super relaxing, and Banff has some really good coffee.
11. Party at one of the nightclubs
There are a couple of awesome nightclubs here. The locals all party along with the tourists. I found that even the people from Edmonton and Calgary party like they were on vacation here.
12. Horse Back Riding
There are several places that offer horse back riding in the winter and the summer. They take you beside some of the streams and rivers. It is really beautiful, and kids love it.
13. Kayaking on one of the many lakes in Banff
Banff has some of the bluest lakes in Alberta. Take your kayak or canoe out and hit them. It is tranquil and the fishing is pretty good. You can even rent Canoes and kayaks here.
14. Learn how to Fly Fish
This is the place to fly fish. The common fish in Banff is the rainbow trout, and it is a jumper. They feast on flies.
15. Back country hiking
If you really want to get away from it all try back country hiking. I did this 2 years ago and it was an epic experience. Basically you head up a mountain hiking until there is no one left near you. Then you keep going. When you are tired, pitch your tent and relax.
16. Take Epic Pictures
Banff is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, there are tons of great spots to get the perfect picture. While I was there this week I saw a lot of videographers and people flying drones in the area. One guy even lost his drone in Banff or it may have crashed.
17. Visit Morraine Lake
Morraine lake is about an hours drive from Banff. This is the super blue lake you see instagram models posing at. If you have not been there, check it out. It is a sight to see.
Throwing rocks at the Bow river waterfall in Banff, Alberta
Common questions About Banff and the things to do In Banff
Is Banff Wheelchair accessible?
Yes most places in Banff are wheelchair accessible.
2. Is Banff Safe For Kids
Yes Banff is safe for kids. Just follow the safety guidelines that they give you upon entrance.
3. What animals will I see in Banff?
You can see elk, caribou, squirrels, chipmunks, mountain goats, bears, eagles and more.
4. Do Bears attack in Banff?
Bears can attack anywhere, Banff included. Please follow the rules and you will most likely be safe.
5. Why are there so many Japanese people in Banff?
There are so many Japanese and asian people in Banff because this location is one of the most beautiful and developed places in Canada. It is heavily advertised in their countries.
6. Is Banff Nice?
Hell yeah, Banff is so nice, you are going to love it.
7. Is Banff a Good Place to get Engaged?
Yes I got engaged in Banff, my wife found it super romantic.
You can also check out the travel Alberta website with more cool Banff info.
Here is the actual Tunnel Mountain Website
If you have any more insight or questions about Banff or the sulphur mountain hot springs, please shoot us an email or comment. We want our Canadian Travel blogs to be the most comprehensive source of information about Banff on the internet.
The Rampersauds at Lio Beach
Check Out Some of Our Other Articles and Reviews:
Banf
