Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Banff

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"A glacial lake, the Lake Minnewanka is famous for its scenic drive that is a 15 mile loop. Going clockwise, you can begin by exploring the abandoned coal mines and the mining community and head up to the Lake, the largest lake in the park. The natural beauty you’ll see here is par excellence."

"I recommend you walk eastward along the shore of Banff’s biggest lake. That’s where the lake usually thaws first and offers up a reflection of the surrounding peaks. Paul’s Photography Tip: Look for natural frames to add depth to your compositions (try shooting through trees, for example)."

"For those who do not wish to hike, you can take the famous Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of Banff as well as the surrounding mountain peaks. The Banff Sighting seeing Gondola is an 8 minute ride that takes you 2281m (~7500ft) above ground to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a 4 people cabin. There are restaurants, cafes, an interpretive center and short hiking trails at the Sulphur Mountain Board Walk. The price for adults is CAD 58 per ticket, and for children aged 6-15 is CAD 29."

"Next on our list is one of the most famous things to do in Banff and that’s taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. From the top, the views are absolutely stunning!. To me, the Banff Gondola is the most spectacular gondola ride in Canada."

"After exploring the Banff town, head to the Sulphur mountains. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located 5 minutes from the Town of Banff."

"Sitting at the foot of Mount Rundle and a 5-minute drive from the township of Banff, Vermilion Lakes are a series of 3 shallow lakes. To reach them, take Vermilion Lakes Road, a scenic 4.3-kilometre route. When the water is calm, the lakes provide a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains."

"The trail follows the south shore of the Bow River from Banff Pedestrian Bridge to Bow Falls, the famous waterfall below Banff Springs Hotel. The trail has some up and down but nothing that little ones can’t handle. You can budget about an hour return for walking Bow Falls trail with kids."

"The Bow Falls trail is just a few minutes away from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It is a section of the Bow River that is easily accessible by car for you to quickly be able to watch this magnificent river flows through the Rockies. So quick, so clear and so cold!"

"I love natural playgrounds, and this one does a great job of blending into the stunning scenery. The playground features slides, a climbing wall, and several fallen trees and tree stumps for climbing. On the other side of the park, there’s a faux-mountain that kids can climb or run underneath (there’s a small opening in the middle)."

"Banff gets hip with a microdistillery to complement its microbrewery, plying spirits (gin, vodka and whiskey) and beer made from Alberta's foothills' grain. It all goes down perfectly with a mesquite beef hoagie,..."

"Banff’s newest brewery is known for bringing the great outdoors – indoors. Featuring a retractable roof for stargazing, a beer garden, and cozy patio spaces; you’ll find the atmosphere as appealing as the fare. Perfectly pair salads, sandwiches, and pizzas with craft beer and creative cocktails."

"This is the new patio on the block and you don’t want to miss it. Complete with personal fires and a ‘winter warmer’ cocktail menu, this is a great spot to have your après back in town. Located on Bear Street, dogs welcome!"

"Though it’s only steps away from Banff Avenue, the newest ramen shop, Amu Ramen Bar, feels more like a classic lunch spot on a Tokyo street. Get a welcome dose of culture and warm hospitality with your tan-tan, miso or shoyu-paitan ramen. Don’t Miss: For something different, try the mabo-tofu rice bowl with spicy miso-marinated pork and homemade chili oil."

"Commonly known as ‘Sushi Train’, this restaurant serves up a wide assortment of sushi, sashimi, and small plate Japanese eats on – you guessed it – a model train!. It will circle the track around a chef crafting the pieces right before your eyes. Cozy up to your dinner mate and even make a few new friends at their bar-style seating for up to 18 people."

"We love sushi, and we love a good deal, so Banff Sushi is a slam dunk for us. The novelty of the sushi train was definitely appreciated and brought us back to Japan as we nabbed tantalizing bites of sushi off the Canadian train engine. If you like sushi, this may be one of the best deals in Banff."

"For cheap sushi that is authentic and high quality check out Banff Sushi House. It’s a pretty small hole in the wall spot and there isn’t much of an ambiance. However, the sushi is cheap, delicious, and the staff is very friendly."

"Banff’s newest brewery is known for bringing the great outdoors – indoors. Featuring a retractable roof for stargazing, a beer garden, and cozy patio spaces; you’ll find the atmosphere as appealing as the fare. Perfectly pair salads, sandwiches, and pizzas with craft beer and creative cocktails."

"This is the new patio on the block and you don’t want to miss it. Complete with personal fires and a ‘winter warmer’ cocktail menu, this is a great spot to have your après back in town. Located on Bear Street, dogs welcome!"

"For a more upscale experience, why not take your apres to a castle?. The best part of this quaint wine and charcuterie cellar in the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is the artistic creation of your house-cured meat and artisan cheese board right before your eyes. If you’re not seated near the chef’s station, the historic and classic ambience is still sure to charm the senses."