Situated in Banff National Park, this town is the perfect location from which to explore the wonderful natural surroundings of the Rockies. Banff is a hugely popular destination, with its 10,000 permanent residents welcoming over four million visitors every single year!The landscape is cloaked in white throughout the winter making this one of the best places in the country to go skiing! Ski resorts at Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village offer a wide range of the best that a downhill enthusiast could wish for. Mt Norquay is the big favourite with the locals, as it has the most challenging slopes and attracts smaller crowds, while a wide range of beginners, intermediate and advanced slopes are catered for at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The best way to get out to the ski resorts is to take a shuttle bus. These run from all of the hotels in Banff.Unspoilt green wilderness surrounds the town as summer comes around and lovers of the outdoors have a whole new range of choices. Hundreds of walking trails are marked out throughout the countryside, ranging from gentle walks through the valleys to strenuous hikes up into the heights, exploring hidden mountainsides and spectacular lakes. Mountain biking is also a huge favourite here, with lots of exciting routes available. Maps can be obtained from Banff's bike rental companies. Crystalline blue lakes draw thousands of kayakers to the area too, and there are plenty of kayaking spots to choose from.When you've finished your day's exertions, you can settle back and enjoy a beer in one of the many bars and nightclubs in Banff. The town is famous for its party atmosphere, so make sure to bring a little bit of energy back with you from the hillsides and enjoy your night! The Dancing Sasquatch is known far and wide and is open until late.Banff is located an hour and a half from Calgary, and is four hours south of Jasper by car.
Banff Travel Guide
Where to stay in Banff
Downtown District
If you're spending some time in Downtown District, Banff Legacy Trail and Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies are top sights worth seeing.
Banff Centre District
While visiting Banff Centre District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Walter Phillips Gallery.
Uptown District
While Uptown District isn't home to many top sights, Tunnel Mountain and Banff Legacy Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.
Tunnel Mountain District
Though Tunnel Mountain District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Banff Springs Golf Club and Tunnel Mountain.
Banff Springs District
If you're spending some time in Banff Springs District, Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Bow Falls are top sights worth seeing.
Sulphur Mountain District
While visiting Sulphur Mountain District, you might make a stop by sights like Upper Hot Springs and Sulphur Mountain.
Reviewed on 10 May 2024
Reviewed on 10 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 7 May 2024
Popular places to visit
Upper Hot Springs
Rejuvenate your body in the geothermal waters of these historic hot springs while admiring the exquisite views of Banff National Park.
Banff Gondola
Picturesque views over bright snow-covered mountaintops make this ascent to the summit of Sulphur Mountain a top trip.
Banff National Park Information Centre
After visiting Banff National Park Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Banff. Discover the area's mountain views or seek out its ski slopes.
Banff Springs Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Banff at Banff Springs Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as skiing. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Explore the lovely green spaces of Cave and Basin National Historic Site and enjoy the ski slopes in Banff. Discover the area's mountain views or seek out its hiking trails.
Vermilion Lakes
Mountain scenery, wildlife-spotting opportunities, hiking trails and canoeing adventures await you at this series of lakes in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
Activities
Banff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket
Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour
Banff: Sunset and Stars Evening Walking Tour
Banff: Best of Banff Nature Walk - 2hrs
Banff Cave and Hot Springs Self-Guided Walking Tour
Tunnel Mountain Trail: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour
Reviews of Banff
5/5 - Excellent
We absolutely loved Banff and hope to come back every year or 2 from Australia!!
4/5 - Good
Very cold in march. Bring lots clothes
5/5 - Excellent
Banff is a must for anyone travelling to Alberta. A beautiful little town with great daytime activities and an abundance of great restaurants.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Banff plenty to do and see in winter, will be back.
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing scenery pretty little town.
5/5 - Excellent
For travellers not familiar with the area, temperatures may suddenly go well below monthly average even in early Oct. And pack shoes suitable for walking in snow/ice unless you're ok with accidental spontaneous ice skating like we did.