With snow-capped mountain peaks reflected in turquoise lakes, exploring the picture-postcard sights of Banff National Park is a must when visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take in those iconic views, paddle the lakes, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Just taking a walk or hiking among the alpine surroundings is an experience here, but there’s so much more to do. Here’s a list of beest things to do when visiting Banff and Lake Louise.
The park is home to two of Rocky Mountaineer’s destinations, Banff and Lake Louise, making it easy to spend time here either before or after your Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey. Our top picks: Candian Rockies First Passage West Grand Adventure (Vancouver to Jasper), First Passage To The West Classic (Vancouver to Banff) and Journey Through The Clouds Discovery (Vancouver to Calgary) are great train journeys to experience Banff and Lake Louise at leisure.
Photo credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Banff Gondola
Head up Sulphur Mountain for a jaw-dropping view of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff itself. Once you’re up there, take the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for the ultimate view, then indulge in lunch at the award-winning Sky Bistro. The glass-encased lift offers the ultimate view of the dynamic landscape of the Rockies as it ascends up Sulphur Mountain along the 1.6km (1 mile). At the top, take in the interpretive centre, walk along the scenic boardwalk, or dine at one of the two delicious restaurants found on the summit. It’s open year-round!
Photo credit: Pixabay
Lake Minnewanka
This glacial lake offers you the rugged, wild beauty you came to the Canadian Rockies to see. Stretch your legs on the Stewart Canyon Trail, an easy, flat one-hour hike. Or take to the water on a Lake Minnewanka cruise, an hour-long guided tour where you’ll get a stunning view of mountains rising vertically from the water’s edge, and likely glimpse the bighorn sheep, bald eagles, osprey and deer that call Lake Minnewanka home.
Photo credit: Rocky Mountaineer
Banff Upper Hot Springs
The bathhouse at these natural hot springs might date from 1932, but local Indigenous Peoples have a much longer history of soaking in the restorative waters, naturally full of minerals like sulfate, calcium and magnesium. Popular with locals as well as visitors, the steamy waters at Banff Upper Hot Springs are pushed up two kilometres (1.25 miles) from the earth’s crust, and are kept between 37°C and 40°C (98°F and 104°F). Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest operating hot spring in Canada and is the only one open to the public for bathing in Banff National Park. The water is geothermal heated and bubbles to the surface from a fracture in Sulphur Mountain. Aim to arrive at the hot springs first thing in the morning for the most relaxing experience.
Local Flavour of Banff
Local flavours of Banff: After you’ve worked up an appetite in that fresh mountain air, enjoy a real taste of the Canadian Rockies. Alberta’s beef is justifiably famous, and you’ll find it lovingly prepared at Chuck’s Steakhouse wiht delicious mountain views to match. Locally sourced ingredients take centre stage at Eden at The Rimrock Hotel, and at Three Ravens at the Banff Centre. Or toast your time in Banff National Park with craft spirits at Park Distillery, or a local brew from Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Cycling
There are plenty of cycling and mountain biking trails to take advantage of in Banff National Park. The Banff Legacy Trail connects the Town of Banff and Canmore. It’s a very popular route and activity with the entire trail spanning a distance of 26.8km (16.6 mile) and a 30m (3.2ft) elevation gain taking a cyclist an estimated 2–3 hour round trip. There are numerous rest stops along the way and countless photo opportunities. Another popular cycling route is the Bow Valley Parkway. The parkway winds from Banff and all the way to Lake Louise, and is an extremely popular with cyclists. From May until the end of August, Banff National Park has introduced the “Enhanced Cycling Experience” for visitors. 17km (10.5 miles) of the Bow Valley Parkway starting at Fireside Day Use area to Johnston Canyon will be restricted to public vehicles.
Golfing
Playing a round at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course will challenge any golfer along with providing breathtaking views on every hole. Originally built in 1911 and expanded to an 18 hole golf course in 1924, Stanley Thompson designed and created one of the world’s most stunning courses. It’s a traditional links style course which winds its way through the Bow Valley and gives emphasis to the surrounding mountain landscape. It will thrill any golfer who plays 18 here.
Spa
The pampering options in Banff are abundant! If the ultimate relaxing experience is what you are looking for, the best place to start is the Willow Stream Spa located at the Fairmont Banff Springs. For a more central option, Cedar and Sage Co. is located right in the downtown and pride themselves for offering the perfect massage. If you prefer your pampering with a side of adventure, make your way 14km into the backcountry to visit the sauna at Shadow Lake Lodge.
Want to book other adventures with the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train? Explore our guide to the Three Different Rail Routes Into The Canadian Rockies in both eastbound and westbound directions, add on extra nights in the various regions including Banff and Lake Louise— make this next vacation a trip of a lifetime!
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The majestic hotel that stands today is a far cry from the modest log cabin that originally opened on the site in 1890, but it’s still faithful to tradition. A classic way to spend an afternoon, you can sip tea (or Champagne!) and nibble on finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets as you take in the spectacular view of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. If you’re arriving later in the day, visit the Walliser Stube restaurant for its famous fondue.
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