Banff and Canmore – Top Activities, Attractions, Tours

The beauty of Banff National Park is beyond the realm of imagination. It’s the manifestation of heaven on earth. There is so much beauty to take in, one could never have enough time. There are so many wonderful things to do in Canmore and Banff that you could spend a week just in that area. So, the best way to experience the Canadian Rockies in Banff and Canmore is by doing activities, taking tours and visiting natural attractions.

This article is the first in a series for things to do in the Canadian Rockies. I’ve shared our experiences on hikes, tours, attractions, and more in Canmore and Banff National Parks. More importantly, I’ve included Banff and Canmore experiences shared by bloggers around the world.

Following is an interactive map of top things to do in the Canadian Rockies from Calgary to Jasper. This article covers the southern section.

On our trips to the Rockies, we took a flight into Calgary, rented a car and toured the Canadian Rockies in 7 days. Alternatively, one can fly into Edmonton, drive west to Jasper and south to Banff. Another popular route is to fly to Vancouver and take one of the most scenic train rides of the world through the Canadian Rockies.

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Check our 7 Day Itinerary of Canadian Rockies and

3-Day Itinerary of Banff in Winter and more Itineraries of the Canadian Rockies from my friends.

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Canmore – Top Hikes and Dog Sledding

In the shadows of the more popular Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks, Canmore is a lesser-visited town in the Canadian Rockies. Canmore offers gorgeous hikes, activities, hotels and many things to do. Its conveniently located on the freeway from Calgary to Banff. One could stay in Canmore and visit Banff, Lake Louise and Yoho or make a stop for activities on the way to Banff. Here are a few things to do in Canmore worth stopping for.

Go Dog Sledding in Canmore

by Lora from Explore with Lora

The Canadian Rockies are full of outdoor adventure all-year but one of my favorite activities is dog sledding during the winter.

Dog sledding tours run from Canmore, a beautiful small town just outside of Banff National Park. There are a few companies that run dog sledding tours through the area but I recommend Howling Dog Tours for their commitment to sled dog ethics.

The tour takes about two hours and goes through Spray Lakes Provincial Park. It’s a scenic trail through the forest with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Half-way through the sled dog ride, there is a break with hot chocolate to warm up. I loved this as it gave me a chance to pet all the amazing dogs!

Dog sledding is a wonderful way to experience a uniquely Canadian tradition while seeing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Since dog-sledding is only available during the winter season, the best time to enjoy this tour is from December-April. It’s very popular so I recommend booking a few weeks in advance.

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Hike Ha Ling Peak

by Alyssa from Like Where You’re Going

Alberta is an incredible province with many bucket list items to experience, and heading to the mountains is a must. One of my favorite things to do in the Canadian Rockies is to seek out places that are often overlooked by most tourists. Lately, I love spending time in and Canmore instead of Banff.

Canmore is only 15 minutes away from Banff and still has all the incredible mountain views, glacier lakes, and a cute downtown shopping area. However, one of the best outdoor activities to enjoy is to check out the alpine hiking trails, and my favorite one is Ha Ling Peak. Depending on your skill level, it will take you anywhere from one to two hours to get to the top. While it’s quite a steep ascent, there are many switchbacks that help with the climb. Once you reach the end of the tree line, it’s a final scramble over some large rocks if you want to make it to the very top. It’s steep and it gets windy up here, but as long as you’re careful anyone can do it (we saw families with kids and grandparents tackle this)! You’re rewarded with panoramic views of sweeping mountain vistas, lakes and the townsite below.

If you’re an early riser, start this hike at 4:00 am for the most incredible sunrise you will ever witness! And lastly, I love this hike because it’s a great introduction to an intermediate mountain hike, but since it’s a popular trail it gets busy enough that you don’t have to worry about bears.

Find Alyssa on Instagram.

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Hike Grassi Lake Trail

by Lotte from Phenomenal Globe

There are so many great hiking opportunities in Banff and Jasper, one would almost forget Canmore and its surroundings. That would be a mistake, however, as this is where you can find the stunning Grassi Lakes. Accessible via two trails (an easy one and a slightly more difficult one), this 4km hike is suitable for families as well.

We did both trails, the easy one on the way up and the other one on the way down. The ‘difficult’ trail isn’t actually difficult, but it’s narrow and there can be some slippery bits as it passes a waterfall. The Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes have a very pretty green-blue color and are crystal clear, I could see all the way to the bottom of these beautiful lakes!

This spot is also popular with rock climbers, who like to scale the Cairn Formation cliffs (about 75 meters high). As I’m not a climber I didn’t do this myself, but it looked pretty spectacular!

The trail is best done in Spring, Summer or Autumn. While the easy route is sometimes accessible during winter, often there is too much snow and ice making it too dangerous (unless you are an experienced hiker with proper equipment).

Definitely add this trail to your list of things to do in the Canadian Rockies, it was one of the prettiest ones I did in the area.

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Banff Attractions, Activities and Top Things to do

Banff National Park and the town of Banff are probably the most visited in all Canadian Rockies. Once a little town, Banff is now a happening tourist attraction on its own, with awesome restaurants, shopping, activities and amazing views.

We’ve put assembled this list of favorites for you. If you have a favorite, do let us know and we’ll love to include it.

Ride Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

by Sam from My Flying Leap

The Canadian Rockies are absolutely majestic tapestry filled with breathtaking beauty. One of the most incredible views of the area is from the top of Sulfur Mountain overlooking the resort town of Banff. This vantage point is spectacular looking down on a pine forest, the surrounding mountains, and the Bow River snaking through the valley and around the town of Banff.

It’s only an 8-minute ride to the top of Sulfur Mountain in the Banff Gondola. You can buy tickets in advance, which I recommend as the word is out about this great attraction in the area and the line gets quite long. I’m terrified of heights and braved it if that tells you anything! I have been on other gondolas that are much more clunky and wobbly but this one is smooth and it is completely enclosed as well. It’s also easy to get lost in the scenery as the views open up the higher you get.

If you’re not a fan of snow, June to September is the best time to go. Even in the summer, you can see a sprinkling of snow on some of the peaks which make for some really nice views. The area is so beautiful, but there’s something about seeing it from above that really makes it memorable.

On the peak, there is a four-story building with views from two of the floors. You can walk around to get different vantage points, every view more breathtaking than the last.

The Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Taking in the amazing views riding up the gondola and standing on the peak of Sulfur Mountain looking over this incredible area was an amazing experience.

Find Sam on Pinterest

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Also, check our Sulfur Mountain Experience as part of our 7-day trip to the Canadian Rockies.

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Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Banff Springs

by Emma of For Ever Lost in Travel

Picture the most beautiful hotel in the Canadian Rockies, a view to die for, and a dining event like no other. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs is the ultimate luxury foodie experience. So when I visited the Rockies with my parents I wanted to treat them to something they wouldn’t forget. I am English, yet I don’t really know much about tea. Therefore, what I really liked was that our server explained everything to us including how to pick out our tea flavor from the tea menu (complete with samples to smell). Each food item was described to us, so we knew what we were eating, and accommodations were made for my vegetarian needs.

The menu changes seasonally but always includes a variety of sandwiches and savory items, freshly baked scones, and outrageously delicious desserts. Don’t force yourself to eat it all, you can pack some up to go too. It was world-class service from start to finish, and we had the most magnificent views of the Bow Valley from the dining room.

Afternoon tea runs at around $55 CAD per person, so it’s not a cheap activity. But you won’t walk away hungry, and it’s something I think everyone should experience at least once.

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Relax in Cascade Gardens

by Mayuri from To Some Place New

Banff National Park may be a hiker’s paradise, but many don’t know that there are tons of things to do in Banff that are excellent for those who like to enjoy slow travel, breathe healthily and pretty much soak in the mountain views.

The Cascade of Time Gardens is that perfect oasis, surrounded by Edwardian style garden structures and tons of greenery.

Located a short distance away from the Banff downtown area, the Cascade of Gardens is perfect for families and couples. You can go on a stroll, picnic or even get married – it is a popular wedding spot!

The best time to visit the Cascade of Gardens is summer, late spring, and early fall. Winters are not a good time to visit this oasis. Entry to the gardens is completely free, and it definitely deserves a place in your Banff itinerary.

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Hike Banff Sunshine Meadows

by Michelle from Travel After Five

Last summer, my husband and I did the Banff Sunshine Meadows hike. It was easily the most beautiful hike I have done in Banff to date! For $45 a person you can take a gondola and then a chairlift up to the top of the sightseeing area.  Here, you get a phenomenal view of the valley below, including the three different alpine lakes that you have the option of visiting on your hike. From the chairlift drop off, it is a two-hour hike downhill back to the gondola, which can then take you back to the parking lot. On this hike we strolled through the most picturesque valley I have ever seen!

My husband and I went at the end of August, and the weather was perfect. I would recommend going during the week so that there are fewer people on the hike. We had so much fun taking pictures and videos. Looking back on our hike, I still can’t believe a place so beautiful exists.

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Drive Scenic Bow Parkway Hwy 1A

by Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

Bow Valley Parkway or Highway 1A is the small road between Banff and Lake Louise, parallel to the larger Trans Canada highway. If you have the time to go slow and soak in the beauty of the forest, this is the road for you.

If you’re a fan of seeing wildlife in the wild, this road is said to be great for wildlife spotting. We drove there on a rainy afternoon and didn’t spot and large animals. However, the drive was worth it for the sights we could only see on the Bow Valley Parkway.

There are many vista points along the Bow Valley Parkway. On one such pullout on the east side of the road, we stopped to see the perfect view that summarizes the region’s beauty and human history. The meandering river in the foreground with its glacial blue color is framed by the dark green alpine forest. The Bow Valley is nestled in the dramatic mountain ranges that form the mighty Canadian Rockies.

While we stood there breathing in the breathtaking beauty, a shiny red train appeared to complete the picture. For many decades, trains have been the lifeline that connects the distant parts of Canada. The trains of Canada transport resources across Canada to the shores for trade around the world. For decades the trains brought in workers, tourists, adventurers, explorers and everyone else to the Canadian Rockies. Today they are a quintessential part of the scenery.

Pullovers on the west side of Bow Valley Parkway offer incredible views of the majestic Castle Mountain, emerging above the forests up into the blue sky. Many hikes start from Bow Valley Parkway such as the famous Johnston Canyon hike.

I highly recommend driving on Bow Valley Parkway at least once during your trip.

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Hike Johnston Canyon

by Danik from Danik the Explorer

One of the popular day hikes near Banff has to be the Johnston Canyon which is located on the Bow Valley Parkway road heading towards Lake Louise. A lot of people plan to take on the main hike (which is one of my favorites) to the Lower and Upper Johnston Falls.

The route goes through woodland and then through a canyon. There is not much elevation so this part of the hike was pretty quick and easy. Eventually, the Lower Johnston Falls is reached where water can be seen rushing down from above, plunging into a pool down below. There are a couple of viewpoints here, one of which is the bridge that crosses the creek, however, the best one is from the platform which is just a few meters away from the waterfall itself.

The hike from the lower to upper falls has a bit more elevation in it, however, the scenic views over the canyon keep you focused and forget about all the uphill struggles (to be honest, it’s not that bad of a climb). There are some small waterfalls to see whilst walking along the trail.

At the Upper Falls, there are two viewing platforms, one at the bottom of the falls but another is reachable by hiking a steeper trail. There is a platform from above looking down into the gorge. This route is pretty easy and can be done by anyone due to the wooden walkway.

From my personal experience, I would recommend two hours to complete this hike (for the average person, this isn’t two hours worth of walking. This is walking plus time to stop at places and take those awesome photographs).

A little tip from me which is handy for hiking in the Rockies: at the start of the trail there are toilets and a cafe selling some hot snacks and cold food plus drinks. Use them.

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Ski the Big 3 in Banff National Park

by Christina from Travel 2 Next

One of the most stunning places to go skiing in Canada is the Canadian Rockies, where the charming ski villages of Banff and Lake Louise are vibrant winter hubs in Alberta. The three ski resorts known as the Big 3 are Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. This trio provides a unique experience of skiing within a national park and UNESCO World Heritage area.

With almost 8,000 acres of slopes, pristine wilderness, two gondolas and carved trails accessed via 26 chairlifts, you can ski all three with one lift ticket taking advantage of the best ski conditions. It’s a convenient way to ski a variety of resorts and the SkiBig3 Lift Ticket also includes free transport between the ski areas.

Another unique aspect of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay is they are located within Canada’s first National Park. Banff National Park is a pristine wilderness home to more than 50 species of mammals such as beavers, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, and bears. An assortment of wildlife is often spotted on the slopes! One year, when I was skiing at Lake Louise, I saw a lynx on the slopes. It was a fantastic sight that stopped all the skiers and snowboarders in their tracks.

Another good reason to ski here is the season is a long one, usually lasting from early November until late May. Spring skiing is fantastic, and most seasons, you’ll get fluffy powder snow.

If you want to stay on the mountain, Banff Sunshine is the one to choose but for a luxurious treat book yourself into the Castle in the Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs or Fairmont Lake Louise.

Find Christina on Facebook.

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Drive Scenic Mount Norquay Road

by Jyoti of Story at Every Corner

In winter Mount Norquay Road leads up the ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, the mountain offers hikes and scenic drives with promise of wildlife sightings. The slopes are also fun for family picnics with food, games, and unparalleled vistas.

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Cruise on Lake Minnewanka

by Jyoti of Story at Every Corner

Lake Minnewanka is one of the larger lakes close to Banff town. It offers many activities close to Banff, like camping, kayaking, cruising and wildlife viewing. We had originally planned to take the cruise by Pursuit but ran out of time. So we stopped by one evening for a lovely drive and walk by the lake.

The Canadian Rockies are home to many bird species, along with the large mammals. They may be harder to spot without a powerful lens but they are there.

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Wildlife Viewing around Banff

by Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

One of the most popular things to do in Banff and Jasper is wildlife viewing in their natural habitat. The easiest way to see elk, moose, deer, and grizzly bears are at the town’s entrance. However, wildlife is wild and can be anywhere and is generally on the move. Here are some places our guides suggested we visit for a high probability to view wildlife.

• In Banff downtown, some animals show up around in the evening around sunset. During our visit, people saw a grizzly bear, black bear, elk, mule deer, and moose.
• Mt Norquay Drive
• Near Lake Louise
• Gold course loop
• Lake Miniwanka loop
• Highway 1A, particularly around Radium by Castle Rock Mountain and Sunshine drive.

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Stay or Dine in Banff Downtown

by Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

Banff is a vibrant touristy downtown with numerous awesome restaurants for vegans, vegetarians, and everyone. There are nice boutique shops, including lulu lemon in Canadian dollars and low Alberta taxes. But true to its Canadian Rockies characters the hotels are privately owned and there are no billboards or bigs signs in or around Banff. I shared our accommodations in Banff and Jasper in detail.

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Disclaimer: Our Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour was sponsored by Pursuit but the idea to share my experience is entirely my own.

Tour Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls of Banff, Lake Louise, and Yoho NP

by Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

If you’re in a time crunch and want to see all the highlights in a day, this is a great tour for you. It’s also a good idea to take a tour if you want to get an orientation, loads of information, sample the highlights and don’t want to deal with driving & parking in busy attractions. We took the Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour on our first day in Banff. Once we knew the tips and tricks we returned to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and other locations in leisure to enjoy the activities.

This is a very comprehensive tour of all highlights of Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Yoho National Park. Our tour guide and driver were exceptionally knowledgable about the entire region. They knew everything about highlights, the geological history of the Rockies, human history, fun stories from the past, wildlife, flora, fauna, and current events.

A side benefit of taking the tour was that it offered the fabulous views of mountains, lakes, and rivers of Banff from an elevated spot, compared to our vehicle. The tour was on a large luxury bus with huge windows. We sat in the first row to get the best experience.

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Read the details of Mountain Lakes and Waters Tour.

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Learn about Wildlife Crossings

by Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

While you’re in Banff, you’ll surely notice the unusual bridges on the highway. They are mysterious, to say the least. There are no roads leading to or from the bridges. They just stand on their own among the tall trees. We came across several bridges in Banff and one in Yoho National Park.

We learned about them in our mountains, lakes, and water tour and shared in the article about animal crossings in Banff. Do let me know if you know of a way to get a tour of any of the bridges.

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Read about Banff’s wildlife crossings.

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Related Articles

Canadian Rockies

• 7 Day Itinerary of Canadian Rockies
• 3-Day Itinerary of Banff in Winter
• Itineraries of the Canadian Rockies
• Accommodations in Jasper and Banff
• Rafting in Jasper National Park
• Banff’s wildlife crossing
• Red forests in Jasper National Park
• Calgary to Banff to Jasper Drive
• Jasper to Banff Drive
• Things to do in Banff and Canmore
• Things to do in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
• Things to do in Jasper
• Things to do on Icefields Parkway
• Things to do in Yoho National Park

Rockies in the United States

• Colorado 6-Day Itinerary
• Rocky Mountain National Park with hikes, view points, and itineraries.
• National Park travels during Covid Pandemic
• Pikes Peak Drive or Hike
• Outdoor rock climbing in Colorado Springs
• Glacier National Park Gallery
• Yellowknife, Canada in Winter and Northern Lights – Picture gallery

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