What to do in Banff: the must-sees of the Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park covers over 6,600 km² in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This protected area benefits from the double status of National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, a rare distinction that testifies to the richness of this natural space. It is precisely this blend of wild grandeur and cultural heritage that makes it an exceptional destination, appreciated by travelers from around the world.

The town of Banff, nestled in the Bow River valley, is the ideal starting point to explore the park. Just minutes from Banff town centre, Vermilion Lakes reflect the foot of Mount Rundle with striking clarity, offering one of the park's most photographed viewpoints. Further afield, Minnewanka Lake is the largest body of water in the region, framed by steep cliffs and hiking trails ideal for wildlife viewing. The landscapes renew themselves at every bend, inviting you to slow down and savor every memory.

Our Travel Planners' advice: plan for at least three days on-site to avoid having to choose between sites and to fully enjoy each discovery.

Banff is experienced year-round, and that's one of its strengths. In summer, hiking trails and glacier-fed lakes are at the heart of the experience. In winter, winter sports at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort attract families and mountain enthusiasts. The town of Banff has a convenient public transit network, linking Banff's downtown to the main sights. For the most popular lakes, Parks Canada shuttles provide access without renting a car, an option particularly suited for families and travelers seeking to simplify their logistics.

Contact us to arrange your stay in Banff tailored to the date and pace that suit you.

Between mythical lakes, wild canyons and natural springs, the must-sees in Banff are numerous. Each place deserves special attention, both for its beauty and for the unique experience it offers. Here are the sites that absolutely deserve a place in your itinerary:

• Lake Louise: mandatory shuttle access in high season, to be booked several months in advance on Parks Canada's site;
• Moraine Lake: arrive early in the morning to catch the light over the Valley of the Ten Peaks;
• Johnston Canyon: between suspended walkways and geothermal pools, allow two to four hours depending on the route;
• Peyto Lake: accessible from the Glacier Promenade, after a short fifteen-minute climb.

It is impossible to discuss what you can see in Banff without mentioning Lake Louise. Framed by snowy peaks and the Six Glaciers Glacier, this lake with deep green waters is one of Canada's most iconic images. Access to the lake in July or August requires using Parks Canada's shuttles, private vehicles no longer being allowed on the access road. Paddling a canoe on these calm waters remains one of the most memorable experiences Banff National Park can offer.

A few kilometers away, Moraine Lake stands as one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Western Canada. Its emerald-blue waters, framed by ten imposing peaks in the heart of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, seem unreal. The sunset over Moraine Lake offers a particularly enchanting light, but it is early in the morning that the site reveals its full intimacy, before the crowds arrive.

About thirty minutes from downtown Banff, Johnston Canyon is one of the park's most beloved sites. Suspended bridges along Johnston Creek allow you to reach the lower falls, then the upper falls. For those who wish to extend the adventure, the trail then leads to the Ink Pots, small turquoise-colored geothermal basins hidden in the heart of a wild meadow. The full hike takes about four hours round trip.

Further north, the Icefields Parkway connects Banff to Jasper over more than 230 kilometers of scenic road. Along this spectacular drive, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake each deserve a longer stop. Two Jack Lake, meanwhile, charms with its more intimate atmosphere. Wildlife viewing — moose, deer, bears — is common on these sections, especially early in the day.

Between two excursions, the Upper Hot Springs offer a welcome moment of serenity. Located five minutes from the Banff townsite, they maintain water at around 38 degrees Celsius, ideal for recharging after a busy day. Nearby, Cave and Basin is a national historic site that tells the very origin of Banff National Park: it was the discovery of these sulfur springs in 1883 that led to the creation of Canada's first national park, a fascinating story to discover during the visit.

For panorama enthusiasts, the Banff Gondola climbs to 2,285 metres above sea level on Sulphur Mountain in under ten minutes. The town of Banff below, the Bow River winding between the mountains, the snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see: the display there is worth the detour on its own.

Book your trip to Banff now and let us craft an itinerary that lives up to your expectations.

Beyond natural sites, Banff stands out for the diversity of experiences it offers. Whether you travel with family, as a couple, or solo, each season opens a palette of activities suited to you, blending outdoors, culture, and relaxation.

The Banff National Park hiking trails are accessible to all levels, from family strolls along the Bow River to more challenging climbs toward the ridges. Canoeing on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake remains one of the park's most appreciated experiences, for the peaceful atmosphere it provides as well as for the landscapes it reveals. A horseback ride in the environs of Banff town centre offers, for its part, a unique viewpoint on these grand landscapes. At the end of the day, the art galleries in Banff's town centre invite a cultural pause, in touch with local creations inspired by the surrounding nature.

In winter, Banff turns into a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay offer slopes for all levels, from family-friendly first runs to technical descents for experienced skiers. Snowshoeing and strolls beneath a starry sky complete a winter experience of exceptional quality. Did you know? The Upper Hot Springs remains open year-round, making it a particularly popular stop after a day on the slopes.

Contact us for more information on the best times to visit Banff and to tailor a stay that suits you.