Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Kananaskis

"Lake Minnewanka is another lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff and right next to Two Jack. The lake is 21 km long, and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta. In the summertime in Banff, it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing, and in the winter, it’s a sight to behold."

"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."

"The lakes in Banff National Park are really some of the most beautiful places to visit. Lake Minnewanka is no different and everyone who comes to Banff to get amazing photos should visit. Lake Minnewanka is located only 15 minutes from Banff town and is most famous for the Lake Minnewanka cruise."

"The gondola in Banff takes you up almost 3000ft up above the town and is a great place to take photos, especially at sunset. If you like hiking then it's possible to walk up there too. It takes around 2.5 hours to get to the top and you can reward yourself with a soak in the Banff hot springs when you come back down."

"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."

"Head west of Banff and you will arrive at a gorgeous set of lakes known as the Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes are formed in the Bow River Valley and this is a real hotspot for wildlife sightings, possibly one of the best-known locations throughout the national park. Mount Rundle in the background is a towering sight but anyone visiting this part of Banff National Park would be hard-pressed to take their eyes away from this spectacular series of lakes."

"Vermilion Lakes is largely a marsh, so it doesn’t hold the brilliant blue waters like many of the other lakes around Banff, but it still makes for an incredible place to enjoy the park. These Banff lakes are well protected by the winds, and the shallow water means that the waters remain calm on most days, so it’s an easier place to canoe, kayak, or SUP. The Vermilion Lakes are prime habitat for wildlife, and it’s a well-known spot for birders."

"This is perhaps the most heavily photographed location in the Canadian Rockies next to Lake Louise. Take the classic shot of Mt. Rundle, but see if you can challenge yourself to create an image of Vermilion Lakes that is unique to you. Paul’s Photography Tip: For a more balanced composition, look for foregrounds that can compete with Rundle in the background."

"Movie buffs may recognize Bow Falls as the falls Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum went over while escaping from Indians in 1953’s River of No Return. The 9-meter (30-foot) high falls is a major waterfall on the scenic Bow River that joins with the Spray River just outside of Banff. Visitors can get a better view of the roaring rapids by taking a ¾-mile trail along the river to the falls."

"A popular tourist attraction, Bow Falls can be accessed from a parking lot or by hiking a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail from the town of Banff. Combining Bow Falls with a trip downtown to ice cream at COWS is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Insider Tip for Families: The trail has minimal elevation but does have a few sets of stairs to traverse."

"A wider and shorter waterfall than most, Bow Falls is a scenic attraction that is not quite easily accessible without prior knowledge, or planning ahead. It is a peaceful location that can be enjoyed by either simply sightseeing, or venturing around the water's edge."

"Before you reach Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka, you’ll come across Cascade Ponds. Which are literally a series of ponds that air under Cascade Mountain. There are plenty of picnic benches and firepits here to enjoy a picnic at, but it’s also a fantastic place to come year-round and grab some photos of the bridges that make walking between the ponds accessible."

"Also located off the Minnewanka Loop, Cascade Ponds has nearby picnic tables, fire pits, and public bathrooms. Swimming in lakes is unsupervised, so visitors swim at their own risk. Most other lakes in Banff National Park are glacier-fed, and are usually too cold for swimming."

"We were so glad to stumble on Cascade Pond. This was one of the most scenic spots for a picnic. We also saw a few people biking on the trail. It was a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll."

"This small lake has a nice 1 km loop around it plus a small beach where kids can play. Quarry Lake is a fun place to stand up paddle board in Canmore. Quarry Lake parking fees: Effective May 14, 2021 visitors will have to pay to park at Quarry Lake."

"You've finally made it to the Bow Valley!!!. I bet Whistler seems like an age away. Canmore is where I spent majority of my time when living in Canada. Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later!"

"This is a very little known spot in Banff that has all the views and none of the crowds. It’s perfect for a wedding, which is why you can rent it for one from the town for next to nothing (check here for rates). It’s also a great spot for a quick photoshoot with the bridal party, and can easily be accessed through the back streets even on the busiest days of summer."

"You've finally made it to the Bow Valley!!!. I bet Whistler seems like an age away. Canmore is where I spent majority of my time when living in Canada. Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later!"

"The Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB (403) 762-6801. If you’re looking for a special or romantic evening out the Waldhaus Restaurant at the Banff Springs Hotel specializes in authentic Swiss fondues in a cozy setting. For more casual fare there’s the Waldhaus Pub & Biergarten located below the restaurant and situated on the edge of the Bow River and the picturesque golf course."

"Literally translated as “house in the forest,” this cottage-style building set behind the Fairmont Banff Springs offers German-influenced cuisine (schnitzel, sptzle and fondue) in a rustic and cozy space."

"Banff’s best hideaway, Waldhaus Restaurant is serving the best Bavarian food in the Canadian Rockies. Make a Reservation on Open Table"

"Bear Street Tavern is a great place to hang out in the afternoon in Banff and is best for known for the pizza and beer. The restaurant has an amazing dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy your meal directly under the sun. A unique customer favorite is the Godfather pizza; topped with truffle oil, confit garlic, prosciutto, arugula, and finished off with herbed panko, giving it a satisfying crunch."

"This gastropub hits a double whammy: ingeniously flavored pizzas washed down with locally brewed pints. Banffites head here in droves for a plate of pulled-pork nachos or a bison-and-onion pizza, accompanied by..."

"Winter activities often mean you’re burning plenty of calories, so if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and some tasty grub, head to this tavern to replenish."

"Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, CanadaReservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiWine Bar, Canadian, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, DrinksHK$126 - HK$267+1 403-762-6860"

"Sporting original crown molding and dark wood paneling from its early days as a ladies' writing salon, this intimate wine bar in Banff's Fairmont makes an elegant spot for afternoon aperitifs. British Columbian..."

"Artisan cheeses, cured meats, house-made bread and so much more at the cozy and intimate Grapes. Make a Reservation on Open Table"