Itineraries
Where to stay
Downtown on and around Banff Avenue for restaurants and Roam buses; the Tunnel Mountain area for quieter stays; Lake Louise for early starts at the lakes.
The areas: Downtown Banff, Tunnel Mountain area, Lake Louise.
Where to stay in Banff: areas and adviceHotels in BanffPlaces to see
All things to do in CanadaFoodBanff AvenueThe main street of Banff, lined with restaurants, cafes and shops.Entry: Pay as you go
ViewpointBanff GondolaA gondola up Sulphur Mountain to summit restaurants and a 2 km boardwalk to Sanson's Peak.Entry: Book online, C$[fee]
NatureBanff Upper Hot SpringsCanada's highest outdoor hot pool, run by Parks Canada and drawing bathers since 1886.Entry: Buy a ticket
FoodBear StreetA downtown Banff street of bakeries, cafes and restaurants, also home to the Whyte Museum.Entry: Pay as you go
ViewpointBig Beehive, Lake LouiseA switchback side trail beyond Lake Agnes to a panorama of Lake Louise and the Chateau.Entry: Park pass needed
NatureBow FallsFalls on the Bow River beside Surprise Corner, southeast of downtown Banff.Entry: Park pass needed
TransportCalgary International Airport (YYC)The main airport for Banff, about 90 minutes and 130 km away by road, with shuttle buses to town.Entry: Transport hub
NatureCascade of Time GardenGardens across the Bow River bridge from the shops of Banff Avenue.Entry: Free to visit
MuseumCave and Basin National Historic SiteThermal waters in an underground cave, the birthplace of Canada's national parks, with exhibits.Entry: Buy a ticket
ViewpointFairview Lookout, Lake LouiseA 1.2 km trail from the lakeshore up to a lookout over Lake Louise.Entry: Park pass needed
FoodLake Agnes Tea House, Lake LouiseA tea house serving since 1905 by Lake Agnes, a 3.9 km climb from Lake Louise, open in summer.Entry: Pay as you go
NatureLake Louise Lakeshore, Lake LouiseThe park's best-known lake, with an easy 2.3 km shore trail to the milky creek at its far end.Entry: Park pass and shuttle or Roam pass needed
NatureLake MinnewankaA lake whose day-use area is 10 km northeast of Banff, with a shoreline trail to Stewart Canyon.Entry: Park pass needed
NatureMoraine Lake, Lake LouiseA lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, reached only by shuttle or tour; the road is closed to private cars.Entry: Park pass and shuttle needed
ViewpointSurprise CornerA viewpoint at the end of Buffalo Street, about 20 min on foot from downtown Banff.Entry: Park pass needed
ViewpointTunnel Mountain Summit TrailA 2.3 km switchback trail to a low summit over the town, the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.Entry: Park pass needed
NatureTwo Jack LakeA small lake on the Lake Minnewanka loop known for mountain reflections, reached by Roam Route 6 in summer.Entry: Park pass needed
NatureVermilion LakesA year-round 4.3 km scenic road on the edge of town, with docks and benches facing Mount Rundle.Entry: Park pass needed
MuseumWhyte Museum of the Canadian RockiesA museum, gallery and archive of mountain art and history on Bear Street, open daily 10 AM to 5 PM.Entry: Buy a ticket