Categories > Guides and Tips
9 Unique Things to Do in Banff (That You May Have Missed On Your First Trip!)
- Explore the Cave and Basin with your trusty lantern
- Admire heavenly bodies at Lake Minnewanka
- Conquer the icewalk at Johnston Canyon
- Wait for the sunset while canoeing at Vermilion Lakes
- Meet the Merman at the Banff Trading Post
- Hunt for the best hot chocolate
- Get warm and cosy at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Marvel at Silverton Falls
- Cross the Golden Skybridge
For our winter vacations, my family and I have an unspoken agreement that we’ll spend our holidays in Banff. I fondly remember several childhood memories from this place, from canoeing to hiking, and fishing!
We’ve been to Banff as many times as I can remember, and naturally, we’ve run out of things to do. However, we discovered that our mistake was focusing on the touristy activities you find in brochures.
You’ll be surprised at just how many unique things you can do in Banff’s hidden gems, and we’re here to share them all with you! Whether you love trekking, stargazing, going on cruises, etc., you’ll find something here to your liking in our list below, so read on!
Explore the Cave and Basin with your trusty lantern
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Address: 311 Cave Ave
Contact details: +1 403-762-1566
Operating hours: Thursday to Monday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website
Rates: CAD10.80 per person
Although the Cave and Basin in Banff National Park is one of the most significant tourist attractions in town, not everyone plans to visit it at night! This is the beauty of the lantern tour, as it allows you to enjoy a more private and serene tour of the wonderful rock formations.
As you may have gleaned from its name, this tour will require you to light your way using lanterns, which is equal parts spooky and exciting. Regardless of whether you fear the dark or not, however, you’ll be in safe hands with the tour guides!
Speaking of guides, they’ll also educate you on Cave and Basin, and how it’s the birthplace of all the National Parks in Canada. The cave itself is filled with awe-inspiring sights, from its indoor pool to its limestone walls.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, hit two birds with one stone by exploring the Marsh Loop Trailhead, which is one of the most scenic trekking spots in Banff.
Admire heavenly bodies at Lake Minnewanka
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Address: Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-1566
Operating hours: Thursday to Monday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website
Rates (National Park):
- Adult: CAD10.50
- Senior: CAD9
- Youth aged 17 and below: Free
If you’re looking to try an out-of-body experience that isn’t too touristy, stargazing at Lake Minnewanka should be on your to-do list in Banff! You can choose from various spots in the National Park, but this lake is extra special because of its remote location.
You can expect minimal light pollution and full visibility of the starry night sky. This is also the reason why you may encounter astrophotographers during your visit to this magnificent park.
We also recommend coming here because, during the daytime, this place will treat you to magnificent views of the mountain range. Of course, there’s also the titular lake, which is especially beautiful in the afternoon, as it mirrors the sky!
Pro tip:
If you want to try your hand at fishing on this lake, consider visiting from mid-May to early September to be just in time for the fishing tours. This lake features a healthy population of trout, salmon, whitefish, and bass.
Conquer the icewalk at Johnston Canyon
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Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates (National Park):
- Adult: CAD10.50
- Senior: CAD9
- Youth aged 17 and below: Free
Johnston Canyon is a great destination all year long, but the best time to visit it is during the wintertime to check out its ice walk. During this season, the waterfalls of the canyon will be frozen over, allowing you to wander through them—keep an eye out for icicles!
The biggest highlight of this tour is the frozen Upper Falls, which spans 30 metres tall! Since it’s winter, however, this will turn into gigantic ice pillars that look ripped straight out of a Disney movie.
What’s even better is that there are designated viewing platforms throughout the tour that will give you unobstructed views of the frozen falls as well as their surroundings! Furthermore, most tours will also include a stopover at the nearby wildlife habitat, so be sure to bring your camera.
Pro tip:
Consider Banff Tours if you’re planning on experiencing the ice walk at Johnston Canyon. They offer transportation services that can pick you up from your hotel or any preferred destination within Banff.
Wait for the sunset while canoeing at Vermilion Lakes
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Address: Improvement District No. 9
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates (National Park):
- Adult: CAD10.50
- Senior: CAD9
- Youth aged 17 and below: Free
Canoeing is big in Banff, and rightly so since the town is filled with picturesque lakes—case in point, Vermillion Lakes. This is one of the most serene places in Banff, offering nothing but the sounds of nature and the sights of mountains and trees.
The most magical time to try this activity, however, is during the golden hour when the sky starts to bleed orange. What makes this sight better is that it’s completely reflected on the lake’s surface, creating a natural mirror that’s perfect for photoshoots!
Once you see this view for yourself, it’s hard to walk away from it! Don’t worry, though, as you can take one last look from the Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint by the Trans-Canada Highway.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, you might as well check out Bow River, which is located near Vermillion Lakes. It’s among the top fishing spots in Alberta, where you can reel in brown trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, rainbow trout, and more.
Meet the Merman at the Banff Trading Post
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Address: 101 Birch Ave.
Contact details: +1 403-762-2456
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website
Rates: Free
With all the beautiful natural landscapes that Banff has to offer, locals may forget to recommend visiting the Merman located at the town’s trading post. Also known as “Mr Banff,” this taxidermy creation features a weird combination of mammalian and aquatic creatures.
Its origins are still debated to this day, which is part of the fun, as it adds a shroud of mystery to the attraction. With that being said, we think that it’s a great attraction not only because of its sheer weirdness but also because it attracts people to the trading post!
The trading post is worthy of your attention because it features some of the best indigenous products in town. It’s the perfect place to go shopping for unique souvenirs like moccasins, raw leather bags, artisan soap bars, etc.
Pro tip:
If you don’t have the time to make a side trip to Banff but want to support the Indigenous community, you can also do your souvenir shopping on their official online store! Just be sure to place your order days in advance before your last day in town.
Hunt for the best hot chocolate
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It wouldn’t be a complete list of things to do without including something about food, right? Well, Banff offers something more than just iconic food because come wintertime, visitors can set out on the famous Hot Chocolate Trail.
As the name suggests, this trail lets you discover some of the top cafes and restaurants that offer hot chocolate in Banff, and your job is to find the best one! Don’t worry, though, as it’s a purely subjective answer, and it doesn’t help that there are over 30 places to choose from.
It’s just like how the saying goes: ” The journey is just as important as the destination.” In this case, the journey is a sweet tooth’s dream!
Pro tip:
If you want to bask in stunning views while you enjoy your hot cocoa, we recommend checking out Banff Gondola: Castle Mountain Coffee Company. It’s located on top of a mountain and offers a by-the-book hot cocoa, complete with marshmallows!
Get warm and cosy at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
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Address: 1 Mountain Ave.
Contact details: +1 800-767-1611
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Website
Rates:
- Adults: CAD17.50
- Youth (3 to 17): CAD 15.25
- Children (under 3): Free
- Senior (65+): CAD 15.25
If you visit Banff during the wintertime, swimming may not be at the top of your things-to-do list, but do reconsider! The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a hidden gem in Alberta that deserves more spotlight because of its 100% natural mineral water pools!
Relaxing here hits differently, especially with the unobstructed views of the snowy Rundle and Cascade Mountains right across the resort. The pool is also large enough to accommodate several guests without it feeling cramped.
Moreover, you’re paying for more than just the views and the hot springs, as this place also features various exhibits that will let you take a trip down memory lane. Who knew that this place had been around since 1886?
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to commute from Downtown, Banff, one of the easiest things you can do is ride the bus that goes to Sulphur Mountain. These buses pass Downtown every 20 minutes, and they’ll take you directly to the resort.
Marvel at Silverton Falls
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Address: Banff National Park, Rockbound Lake Trail
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates (National Park):
- Adult: CAD10.50
- Senior: CAD9
- Youth aged 17 and below: Free
Silverton Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Banff, which is a shame because it’s among the most accessible ones! To reach it, you must only go through a moderately challenging 2 km trail.
The rewarding views make the hike all the more worthwhile as well, featuring beautiful natural cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. Silverton’s waters aren’t just for show either, as you can jump, rappel, and slide down its canyons.
Facilities-wise, you’ll find limited parking spots, as well as washrooms by Silverton’s trailhead.
Pro tip:
We recommend visiting this waterfall between May and September to avoid slippery steps and snow.
Cross the Golden Skybridge
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Address: 503 Golden Donald Upper Rd.
Contact details: +1 800-270-1238
Rates:
- Adults: CAD 44.99
- Children: CAD 29.24
The Golden Skybridge offers some of the most breathtaking views in Banff, but it does require some courage to enjoy! It’s a fun yet unique activity for thrill-seekers alike because the bridge is located 426 feet above the ground—the highest suspension bridge in Canada!
We say it’s unique because it’s not for everyone, especially those who fear heights. It’s a worthwhile experience to face your fears, though, as there aren’t many places in Banff or Canada, in general, that offer these types of views.
While you’re here, you can also try your hand at various fun outdoor activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and axe throwing!
Pro tip:
You can also check out the mountain coaster and ride your way down the trail the fun (and fast) way!
