The Best Things To Do In Banff, Canada In 2023

Banff National Park

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BANFF, CANADA IN 2023

Experience the abundance of incredible activities waiting for you at Banff National Park. This serene destination resides in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, boasting a natural beauty that fascinates travelers from all over the globe. Banff is an adventure wonderland where visitors can witness majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a variety of wildlife.

Activities range from skiing down snow-covered slopes and hiking along scenic paths, to indulging in natural hot springs. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil getaway from urban life or a thrilling outdoor excursion, Banff offers something for everyone. So, are you excited to explore the enchantment of Banff and Lake Louise?

7 Best Things To Do In Banff

Banff and Lake Louise, two communities nestled in a massive 6,641 square kilometer (2,564 square miles) protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide a great base for tourism. While Banff town itself may be small, the surrounding national park is where the region truly shines.

With famous sights like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Columbia Icefield, choosing what to do in Banff can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to purchase your national park pass ahead of time, as rangers strictly ticket parking lots without exception. You can obtain one at the kiosks on Highway 1 or order it online beforehand.

1-Lake Louise

During the summer months, Lake Louise is the preeminent tourist attraction at Banff National Park. Its emerald lake is pristine and offers an ideal location for canoeing, while the view of Victoria Glacier, which feeds the lake, is simply magnificent. Rental of canoes for day visitors is available for $145.

If budget is not a concern, staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located directly on the lake, is an experience worth having. To avoid the overwhelming crowds during mid-summer, we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. These seasons also make for a more comfortable experience, especially if you are into hiking around the lake.

Banff National Park

2-Lake Louise in Winter

Like many attractions in Banff National Park, Lake Louise, a world-renowned destination, is open year-round. During winter, the lake surface freezes, and visitors can enjoy ice skating on what is often considered the world’s most beautiful rink.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of many places to rent skates, while Wilson Mountain Sports in downtown Lake Louise offers all the necessary equipment.

3-Moraine Lake

It’s almost unthinkable to visit Banff National Park and skip a trip to Moraine Lake.

Locals affectionately refer to it as Lake Moraine, which was immortalized on the back of our old $20 bill. Trust me when I say that the lake is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Conveniently located just an hour’s drive away from Banff town and near Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is best experienced during sunrise.

The sun illuminates the Ten Peaks Valley and casts a magnificent reflection on the mirror-like surface of the lake, making it one of the most photographed spots in North America.

Unfortunately, access to Moraine Lake for sunrise has been restricted due to new regulations in 2023. However, you can still join a tour or bike to access the lake during sunrise. Make sure to take on the hiking trails after getting your iconic sunrise picture.

One particular trail worth exploring is the Moraine Lake Shore Trail, which offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies in the park. While most visitors usually stick to the crowded rockpile trails, the shore trail is a perfect opportunity to escape the crowd.

4-Lake Agnus Tea House Trail

Since 1905, the Lake Agnes Tea House has been an enduring favorite among hikers in Banff. The tea house can be accessed via the Lake Agnes Trail, which begins on a paved path at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and offers breathtaking views of the Victoria Glacier and the North Shore of Lake Louise.

Originally constructed in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a resting spot for hikers on the way to the stunning turquoise lakes of Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, the tea house began serving tea in 1905 and has continued doing so ever since.

5-Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff National Park

Banff is home to the renowned Banff Hot Springs, which is the most prominent natural hot spring in the area.

For an added vintage touch, visitors can indulge in renting old-timer bathing suits and experience the feel of a 1920s bathhouse.

At an affordable price range of just $10-15 CAD, it’s among the most budget-friendly activities one can partake in in Banff.

Banff Upper Hot Springs, adjacent to Banff Gondola, offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding valley and Mount Rundle from its location at an elevation of 1585 meters.

The springs’ natural mineral water, kept at 98-104 Fahrenheit, makes for a heavenly experience, making it a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

6-Take The Banff Gondola To Sulphur Mountain

Taking the gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a must-do activity in Banff that offers breathtaking views of the area’s natural beauty.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find a restaurant, an interactive museum, and several viewing platforms allowing you to admire different angles of the Canadian Rockies and the Bow River Valley below.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can embark on a short hike on the boardwalk toward the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Keep in mind that the gondola ride can be quite pricey at $62 per person, but the half-day spent at the top of Sulphur Mountain is well worth it.

7-The Legendary Fairmont Hotels

The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are the iconic hotels of Banff, known as the “grand dames” of the town. These hotels were primarily constructed for the passengers of the Canadian Pacific Railway who traveled across Canada, but with time they have evolved into luxury properties.

Even if you are not lodging there, these hotels are a must-see when visiting Banff. Both of these hotels were established by the Canadian Pacific Railway to allure tourists to the western part of Canada. Through the years, they have been renovated multiple times and offer a lavish stay in Banff.