Why Should You Visit Banff Tourist Spots?
Discover the must-visit tourist spots in Banff. From iconic national parks to stunning vistas, explore the natural wonders and attractions of this picturesque Canadian destination
Top 5 Tourist Spots in Banff
If you’ve got a Pinterest board for travel, chances are you’ve seen photos of iceberg-blue glacier lakes. Lake Louise is the most well-known of these stunning turquoise jewels, but Peyto and Moraine lakes are also worth a visit.
For a unique outdoor experience, head to the Glacier Skywalk. This cliff-edge walkway combines an educational story with jaw-dropping views over Sunwapta Valley.
1. Sulphur Mountain Gondola
The Sulphur Mountain Gondola is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views in Banff. The glass-enclosed gondola cabins hold 4 people and offer spectacular views throughout the entire ride. This is a great attraction for families because it is a safe and easy way to see the mountains without having to hike. The gondola also gives you the chance to visit the interpretive center at the top and see the mountains from different angles.
The gondola is located about 4 km south of Banff and is easily accessible by bus, which runs regularly from the town center. The price of the gondola is not cheap, but it’s well worth it for the views. During the peak summer season, you will want to book your tickets in advance, as the gondola can get quite crowded. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on the gondola, including purchasing a family package that comes with a treat for your kids.
You can also try to beat the crowds by arriving early or later on in the day. It is a popular attraction, so the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. The best time to take the gondola is in the morning before the park opens, or at sunset to watch the mountains light up.
Sulphur Mountain is the most famous attraction in Banff because it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Bow Valley. It’s the perfect place to take a picture or simply enjoy the scenery. You can even see the peaks of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain from here. If you visit on a clear night, you can also spot constellations and other celestial bodies in the sky.
2. Lake Louise
One of the most iconic sights to see in all of Banff, Lake Louise is one of those places that you’ve probably seen a million pictures of before, but seeing it for yourself makes your jaw drop and you will be instantly blown away. It is a breathtaking sight that will leave you speechless and wanting to take your friends and family there for the experience.
The ten peaks surrounding the glacial lake and Victoria Glacier are a postcard-perfect view that will have your camera rolling in no time. The Lake Louise area also boasts a number of other beautiful lakes including Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
Rent a canoe on the lake and you’ll find out what all the hype is about when it comes to this place. The water is vibrantly turquoise and the mountains rising up all around will leave you mesmerized. It is a really special way to spend a day on the lake, especially when you go early to watch sunrise over the mountain peaks.
A visit to Lake Louise is a must no matter the season. The winter is a wonderful time to visit as the lake is frozen and you can walk out on it, snowshoe or go ice skating. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of the famous grizzly bears and moose in their natural habitat as well!
Summer is another great time to visit Lake Louise as you can hike the lake’s scenic trail, or take a boat tour to explore the glacial peaks at the head of the lake. There are also many hiking trails to enjoy on the surrounding hills. Take a guided discovery tour with Radventures and they will help you to get the best photos at this incredible spot.
3. Whyte Museum
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Banff, this museum is a great place to learn about First Nations culture. Located in downtown Banff, this museum has been around for over 50 years and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. You can take a tour of the museum, watch short films and learn about the contributions made by the First Nations people to their surrounding environment.
Founded by local artists Catharine and Peter Whyte, the museum is dedicated to exploring the cultural landscape of the Rocky Mountains. It invites visitors to experience the mountain landscape through their exhibitions, events, heritage homes, archives, library, tours and a museum shop.
The museum has a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Canadian Rockies and is home to an impressive collection of art from 1800 to the present, including pieces by the Group of Seven. The museum also has a number of historic buildings on its property and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Banff.
Natural hot springs are a unique feature of Banff and are one of the most relaxing experiences you can have while visiting the city. The hot springs are fed by natural thermal waters and create a soothing atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing after a long day on the ski hill.
Banff is also known for its wildlife and spotting a critter is something that many tourists look forward to. The town is home to a large population of deer and elk, while you might also spot bears or cougars while hiking. If you’re lucky enough to visit the park during the winter, you may even get a chance to see the beautiful Alpenglow, a natural phenomenon where the top of the mountains turn red just as the sun sets.
4. Glacier Skywalk
In the world of gravity-defying viewing platforms, it’s hard to top Canada’s Glacier Skywalk. The U-shaped observation deck hangs 1,000 feet over the Athabasca Glacier, offering incredible views and a bit of education on the area’s geological formations. After a short interpretive walk, you’ll get to stroll out onto the glass-bottomed bridge and marvel at the view of the glacier beneath you (and the 918-foot drop).
The Skywalk takes about 30 minutes to complete and is open year-round. It’s a popular stop along the Icefield Parkway, with about a million visitors per year during the summer months. It’s also the most accessible glacier in the Rockies and one of the best things to do in Banff, so don’t miss it!
It’s best to book a tour to visit the Skywalk, which operates on a time slot system. You’ll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center, and your ticket includes shuttle transportation to and from the Skywalk itself.
Another great option is to go on a glacier experience with Rockaboo Glacier Adventures, which has a few options to choose from. You can take a guided walk around the glacier or rappel into a crevasse to get up close and personal with it. The tours are a little pricey, but worth the extra expense if you’re interested in seeing how big and powerful a glacier is.
There are also a number of tour companies that can provide you with the chance to walk on the Athabasca Glacier itself, but they tend to have longer wait times and higher prices. For a more affordable glacier experience, consider visiting Bow Lake, a stunningly blue glacial lake that sits against the Crowfoot Glacier. Alternatively, you can check out the lower Waterfowl Lake or the glacier-fed Peyto Lake along the Icefield Parkway.
5. Banff National Park
Whether you’re an adventurer or someone who simply wants to soak up the scenery, Banff National Park is sure to please. Its pristine landscape is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts: winding hiking trails, crystal-blue lakes—including the famed Lake Louise and Moraine—and snow-capped mountains all vie for your attention. It’s no wonder the park attracts over four million visitors a year.
Despite its popularity, you can still find peace and quiet here thanks to the wide variety of trails and campsites scattered across the park. There’s also a lot to see and do, including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, and skiing. If you’re looking for a little extra thrill, rafting the Kicking Horse River is a must! The class 5 rapids and spectacular gorges will surely get your heart pumping.
The park is also a feast for the eyes, with dazzling alpine wildflowers and dense emerald forests competing with each other for your attention. You can spot bears, deer, and elk in the woods and meadows while moose, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep roam higher mountain slopes.
The best time to experience Banff’s natural beauty is during “Larch March,” which takes place between mid-September and early October. This is when the larch trees turn gold and the entire town of Banff goes out to hike. It’s a magical time and one of the most popular things to do in Banff. If you’re lucky, you might even see a few Northern Lights displays, though that depends on the weather and how clear the sky is. The National Park has a number of great spots to see them, including the Cave and Basin Natural History Museum and Two Jack Lake.
Discover the must-visit tourist spots in Banff. From iconic national parks to stunning vistas, explore the natural wonders and attractions of this picturesque Canadian destination Top 5 Tourist Spots in Banff If you’ve got a Pinterest board for travel, chances are you’ve seen photos of iceberg-blue glacier lakes. Lake Louise is the most well-known of…