Banff, located in Alberta Canada, sits serenely among the Canadian Rockies, a shining jewel of Canada’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Banff is perfect for you. While many of the town’s best activities take place during the snowy season, there’s plenty to do and see year-round. Without further ado, here are ten of the best places to visit in Banff, Canada.
Banff National Park
Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and the third-oldest national park in the world. It’s also the most-visited tourist destination in Alberta, welcoming over three million tourists every year. Whether you want to hike, ski, or simply observe the wildlife, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Gondola
One of the most popular tourist activities in Banff is taking the Sulphur Mountain Gondola (also known as the Banff Gondola) up Sulphur Mountain. If you’re looking for the best view of Banff, the Sulphur Mountain summit is a good bet. The eight-minute gondola ride is breathtaking, and the summit offers three terrace decks as well as a mountaintop restaurant. If you’re feeling up for an easy hike, take the Banff Skywalk (Vista Trail) leading to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada.
Glacier Skywalk
Definitely not for those who are afraid of heights, but if you can handle it, the Glacier Skywalk provides a truly breathtaking and unforgettable experience. A cliff-edge walkway leads to a glass-floored observation deck sitting 918 feet above the beautiful Sunwapta Valley, and the view is incredible. Bring your camera, because you don’t want to miss this fantastic photo opportunity.
Banff Town
The town itself may be small, but it has a lot of character. Surrounded by elegant mountain peaks and boasting a welcoming alpine feel, Banff is quaint yet authentic. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and boutiques along Main Street, many of which provide uniquely Canadian offerings. Banff is also home to the elegant Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a grand, castle-like hotel complex located in a lush wooded area.
Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Sunshine Village Ski Resort gets more snow than its neighbors, which makes for an extended ski season. From November to late May, the 3,500 skiable acres welcome skiers of all skill levels, while the Sunshine Mountain Lodge provides warmth, comfort, and a great dining experience. Don’t think Sunshine is only worthwhile during ski season, however. For most of the summer, you can access the Sunshine Meadows, which are perfect for hiking.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
You can’t visit Banff and skip the hot springs. Gushing out from beneath the Sulphur Mountains, it was the hot springs that first attracted tourists to Banff. The water temperature is always about 100°F, and the surrounding scenery is stupendous. Your experience is also enhanced by modern additions such as railings, lockers, and changing areas, making the area reminiscent of a swimming pool. If you need some rest and relaxation, you won’t regret a trip to the hot springs.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park and a great place for recreation. Hiking? Check. Swimming? Check. Sailing, boating, and fishing? Check! Or, if you just want a relaxing walk, the trail around the lake is easy and enjoyable. The lake itself is gorgeous, surrounded by lush woodland and boasting picturesque views of the nearby mountains. Joining a Minnewanka Lake Cruise is a great way to experience it, providing 60 minutes of scenery and insight into the region’s history.
Columbia Icefield
The name may sound like something in a Star Wars movie, but the Columbia Icefield provides a truly unique opportunity. It’s the site of a triple continental divide, a rare geographical phenomenon. The icefield feeds eight major glaciers, which you can visit via snow coach tours. You can also venture along the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s best highways for sightseeing. Winding through beautiful mountain scenery and providing many overlooks, you’ll have ample opportunity to soak in the majesty all around you.
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise area is full of opportunity. The lake itself is magnificent, its clear, turquoise water reflecting the clear blue sky and surrounding mountain peaks. The water is too cold for comfortable swimming but perfect for a scenic canoe endeavor. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise provides incredible views and welcome relaxation but also serves as a starting point for many great hikes. Finally, the Lake Louise Ski Resort offers a plethora of skiing options for skiers of all levels of skill.
Dog sledding
Banff offers fantastic hiking, skiing, and boating, but it also provides a more atypical means of getting around—dogsled. A classically Canadian activity, dogsled trips can alternate between serene and exhilarating. The dog teams and mushers are incredibly impressive and know exactly how to give you the best dog sledding experience possible. There are multiple dogsledding companies in the Banff area, so be sure you don’t miss such a unique opportunity!
If you’re planning an executive meeting in Banff, Canada or considering a travel incentive to a winter wonderland, contact Gavel International.
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