If you’re visiting Banff you’re going to want to use your time wisely and see as much as possible in the days you spend there. There are a ton of options and definitely something for everyone – not to mention stunning, picturesque views no matter where you look. I’ve put together a Banff National Park Bucket list to help you make the most of your trip!
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Banff Bucket List
I have lived 4 hours from Banff my entire life, and have been visiting frequently ever since I could drive! If you have any questions after reading this guide, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on Instagram 🙂 .
1. Explore the Town of Banff
The Town of Banff is beautiful, and if you are in the National Park you should definitely spend at least a little bit of time exploring the town! Find a parking spot and take a walk down Banff Ave. A nice hike that leaves near Banff town is Tunnel Mountain – a really popular hike that offers great views!
2. Go Canoeing
A classic thing to do while in the mountains is going canoeing! I have seen so many Instagram shots of people canoeing on lakes in Canada – and it does make a really pretty picture! It’s also a really peaceful activity to do while in Banff and a great way to take in the nature and beauty Banff has to offer.
Check out: Banff Canoe Club Rentals (canoeing on the Bow River, the cheapest option!), Lake Louise Rentals, Moraine Lake Canoe Rentals.
3. Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
This lake is huge and it’s one of the only lakes that allow powerboats in the National Park. Here you can take a scenic boat ride, explore some of the trails by walking/hiking or biking, rent a boat, snowshoe, even scuba dive!
Lake Minnewanka Cruise Tickets
4. Visit Vermillion Lakes
The Vermilion Lakes are a great (and cheaper!) option to canoe on and still get beautiful mountain views – plus the Banff Canoe Club Rentals are right nearby! Otherwise, the Vermillion Lakes are another great option if you want to explore one of Canada’s lakes but don’t have a lot of time (it’s only a 5 minute drive from town).
5. Banff Upper Hot Springs
These hot springs are a commercial hot spring, but are the closest springs you’ll find to Banff! If you’re looking to enjoy the hot springs while in Banff, I would suggest getting there right when it opens because the crowds get pretty busy as the day goes on!
6. Two Jack Lake
Another lake in Banff, Two Jack Lake is a beautiful place to spend some time. Plus, the Two Jack Lakeside Campground is my favourite campground in Banff! You can visit the day use area to picnic, take in the views, if you have a stand up paddleboard you can do that here, or float on the lake if you want to brave the cold!
Tip: Buy tubes from Dollarama (317 Banff Ave in the Cascade Shops) and use them to float on the lake!
7. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
The Banff Gondola offers stunning views of the Town of Banff, and the mountain landscapes that Banff National Park has to offer. If you don’t want to pay the full price to ride, you can hike up to the top and pay for a one-way ticket down to save some money and enjoy nature!
There is a restaurant at the top, trailheads for more hikes, and amazing viewpoints.
Tip: Take ROAM Transit Route 1 to get to the Gondola. Parking your vehicle here now costs $17.50 for the 2026 season.
Check ticket availability here!
8. Discover Johnston Canyon
Beautiful in any month, Johnston Canyon is an iconic trail in Banff National Park – and because of this it can super busy (so like always – arrive as early as possible!). The canyon has a few waterfalls to enjoy on a well-marked trail, and there is the option to continue on to the ink pots (small fairy pools on a less-marked trail).
Tip: If you’re visiting Banff in the winter, wear shoes with grips or bring/rent some ice cleats – the trails can get very slippery!
9. Castle Mountain Viewpoint
A great viewpoint to stop at on your way from Banff to Lake Louise! There is a cattle gate you can go through to get down to the riverside for even better views (just make sure to close the gate behind you).
10. Kananaskis & The Blackshale Suspension Bridge
Kananaskis is a region outside of Banff National Park, but it’s close enough to visit if you have access to a car (no public transportation goes to Kananaskis). The region of Kananaskis has amazing hikes, and a super simple one leads you to the incredible (and free!) Blackshale Suspension Bridge. This hike is a must for your Banff Bucket List!
11. Morant’s Curve
This is the famous photo location spot where you see the train coming around a curve with the mountains in the background. A great spot if you’re into photography – it can be hard to get the timing right though, so be patient!
12. See Iconic Lake Louise
Another iconic spot in Banff, Lake Louise cannot be missed. Ice skate here in the winter, visit the small ice castle they build, and see the ice sculptures at the end of January at the Ice Magic Festival, or canoe on the lake in the summertime! A very popular hike to do in the area is the hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse as well.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise a very fancy, popular hotel to stay at right on Lake Louise, and if it’s within your budget it looks absolutely amazing!
13. And Moraine Lake!
A classic spot on any Banff National Park Bucket List. The road up to Moraine Lake is open from mid-May to mid-October (depending on the snowfall), but new in 2023 (and continuing for 2026) it is only open to Parks Canada Shuttles and commercial transportation (like tours). Book your transportation to Moraine Lake in advance to guarantee your visit, it’s a “must-do” on any Banff National Park Bucket List.
If you want to book a commercial shuttle to Moraine Lake, I have used and love Moraine Lake Bus Company in the past!
READ MORE: Biking to Moraine Lake Before the Road Opens to Cars
14. Surprise Corner Viewpoint
If you type this viewpoint into google maps you’ll be able to find it right away, but this offers a great view of the Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River!
15. Try Beavertails
A delicious dish to try while in the town of Banff. Beavertails offers fried pastries with different toppings you can choose from, like Oreo, Skor, Lucky Charms, and so many others! You can also find other types of food here as well!
Visiting more than just Banff? Read our Travel Alberta Guide here.
16. Enjoy Tim Hortons
Another Canadian classic. If you’ve never had Tim Hortons, you have to try it at least once while in Canada! Grab some breakfast or lunch here, or grab some dessert/snacks to have while exploring or to enjoy during your road trip!
My favourites include Timbits, donuts, and chocolate milk ice caps!
17. The Frozen Bubbles of Abraham Lake
If you’re visiting in the wintertime, you may want to add a stop at the Abraham Lake frozen ice bubbles! As the lake freezes over, methane bubbles from decaying plants are trapped in the ice below to make the lake look super cool. This spot is a little bit of a drive from Banff, but it’s close enough that it’s possible to fit it into your itinerary.
18. Visit Bow Falls
Another site to add to your Banff National Park Bucket List is Bow Falls. You can visit easily from a trail that starts in the town of Banff and is a short journey to the viewpoint of the falls!
Bow Falls is not to be confused with Bow Glacier Falls, which is the waterfall by Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway.
19. Skiing/Snowboarding/Snow Tubing
If you’re visiting Banff in the wintertime, you can’t not ski or snowboard while in the mountains. You’ll get amazing views while having a ton of fun.
If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you can go snow tubing down a designated area at Mt. Norquay that is specifically designated for tubing!
Ski/snowboarding hills in Banff: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise.
20. Visit the Sled Dogs and/or go Dogsledding
In the summertime, you can take a tour of the dog sled kennels and hang out with the sled dogs even though there’s no snow! You can also book a tour with Snowy Owl Dogsled Tours to visit the kennels and they even offer white water rafting!
In the winter, go dog sledding for an amazing experience and hang out with the sled dogs!
A few popular companies: Kingmik Dogsled Tours, Snowy Owl Dogsled Tours, Howling Dog Tours
21. Wild Ice Skate
Wild ice skating is skating on a frozen lake – something that is so incredible and memorable to do if you are visiting Banff in the wintertime! There is a sweet spot – around late November and early December when most lakes are completely frozen, but it hasn’t snowed yet so the ice is so super clear. As winter progresses, it gets snowy and you can’t see the bottom or even really the lake – but it is still so fun and something to add to the Banff Bucketlist!
22. Hike!
Hiking in Banff is free and there are so many different hiking trails to choose from! There are also hikes for all skill levels – ranging from easy Banff hikes to more difficult ones. A few of my favourite hikes are:
Lake Agnes Teahouse
The hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse starts at Lake Louise and can be super super busy. Start early and bring cash so you can buy a snack at the teahouse! (The carrot cake is really good!). If you’re interested in a longer hike, continue on to the Little Beehive and/or Big Beehive viewpoint as well.
Sunshine Meadows
Hiking Sunshine Meadows is stunning and one of my favourite places in Banff National Park, meaning it has to be on your Banff bucket list! Pay for the gondola to the top (an experience in itself) and explore the most amazing area – the best part being you took the gondola up to the top, so the hardest part of gaining elevation is done for you! The Sunshine Meadows hike is one of the best to see wildflowers in July as well.
Healy Pass
If you’re visiting Banff in the autumn you have to do this hike. The Healy Pass hike is so picturesque when the larch trees turn golden. In the summer the fields are filled with wildflowers, which is also amazing! Whatever season you visit, the views will always be beautiful :).
23. Camp!
Camping is a great way to experience nature and really enjoy everything the mountains have to offer. You can backcountry camp or front-country camp, whichever you feel more comfortable with. Reservations typically open in January and do fill up fast, but you can always watch for cancellations or try for one of the first-come-first-serve sites!
24. Visit or Stay in Canmore
A 20 minute drive from Banff, Canmore is like Banff’s little sister! It’s another mountain town where a lot of hiking trails start, and it can typically be a lot cheaper to stay at hotels in Canmore rather than staying in the heart of the town of Banff. Canmore is usually where I stay in the winter months (I camp in the summer).
Tip: Check out the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co for delicious bagels and sandwiches!
25. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
So the Wolfdog Sanctuary isn’t actually in Banff National Park, but I thought I would mention it anyway! It’s an hour drive from the town of Banff and is located just outside of the town of Cochrane, AB. It’s a sanctuary where you can visit wolfdogs and learn about them, walk with them, and even adopt them. If you do visit, make sure you check out their website and dress properly for a great visit!
Check ticket availability here
26. Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park
If you have time, you have to drive the Icefields Parkway. It’s known as one of the most scenic drives in the world and I would completely agree. You’re constantly looking at beautiful landscapes, there are a bunch of amazing viewpoints and so many sites to stop at along the way. It’s just so worth your time. You don’t have to drive all the way to Jasper either, even seeing a little bit is better than none!
A few of the best stops include: Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Bow Lake, and the Columbia Icefield/Athabasca Glacier.
27. Take a Day Trip to Emerald Lake Lodge
An hour from the Town of Banff is where you’ll find the Instagram famous Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. If you’ve always wanted to visit this lake and you’re in the Banff area – add this to your list of places to stop!
28. Or, Day Trip to Radium Hotsprings, BC
Another possible day trip if you’re in Banff is the Radium Hotsprings in BC. It’s a commercial hot spring and about an hour and 45 minute drive from the town of Banff. It’s always an option if you’re looking for a day trip from Banff!
29. Cycle the Bow Valley Parkway
If you’re visiting Banff National Park in the Spring (May-June) or the Fall (September), the Bow Valley Parkway highway is closed to vehicle traffic and only open to bikes. If you’re up for an adventure, plan a day to cycle the Bow Valley Parkway!
30. Have a Picnic at the Cascade Ponds
The Cascade Ponds are a beautiful day-use spot just outside of the Town of Banff. There are multiple ponds here, picnic tables, amazing mountain views, and everything you need to have a beautiful picnic in Banff National Park. If it’s hot outside, some people even jump in for a swim!
31. Hike to a Waterfall
There are so many amazing hikes in Banff National Park (a few of my favourites are mentioned above). One thing to add to your Banff bucket list is hiking to a waterfall! A great option is to hike to Silverton Falls on the Bow Valley Parkway (pictured), or to Bow Glacier Falls which is on the Icefields Parkway at Bow Lake (not to be confused with Bow Falls which is in the Town of Banff).
Check out our 4 day Banff Itinerary!
32. Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a unique place to visit in Banff with a ton of history. It has a thermal bath that has important ties to Indigenous Culture, was used as an Internment camp in 1915, and is also the spot of Canada’s first National Park. There is a fee to visit (find more info on Parks Canada), but so worth it to learn about its incredible past.
33. Rent a SUP (or bring your own) and Paddle on a Lake
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has taken the Canadian Rockies by storm and is a great way to enjoy time in nature on the alpine lakes! My favourite places to SUP in Banff National Park are Two Jack Lake, Vermillion Lakes, and Johnson Lake. Some lakes in Banff prohibit personal use of SUPs, make sure to double check before heading out!
Rent SUP from the Banff Canoe Club or Radventures in Banff Town.
Banff Bucket List Wrap-up
There are so many amazing things to do in Banff National Park! If I had to pick just three, I would highly recommend going on a hike (Lake Agnes Teahouse and Big Beehive if in your skill level!), renting a canoe (Banff Canoe Club is the most budget-friendly canoe rental), and driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Two bonus ones are riding a gondola (Sunshine Meadows is my favourite if your body is able to hike around at the top!) and of course, Moraine Lake is my absolute favourite lake to visit.
Remember if you’re driving your own vehicle, you will need a Canadian National Park pass displayed at all times in your windshield. You can purchase your pass on the way into the National Park (there are toll booths you cannot miss). BUT, don’t forget that it is free between June 19-September 7, 2026, just be sure to still stop so they can keep a tally of how many vehicles access the park.
Remember to be a responsible visitor to Banff National Park, respect the wildlife, and Leave No Trace.
And, always have your cameras charged and anything downloaded you might need! Sometimes the reception/access to data in Banff is limited or non-existent.
Hopefully, this Banff National Park Bucket List helps you plan your trip to the area or inspires you to visit!
Have you visited Banff or are planning a trip there? Leave any questions you might have below, send me an email or message on Instagram!
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Read More on Alberta:
- Jasper National Park Bucket List
- Where to Stop on Canada’s Icefields Parkway
- Banff & Jasper National Park: 14 Tips for Planning
- Your Guide for Planning a Trip to the Canadian Rockies
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Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada I love to travel to the Rockies and explore new places around the world. Follow along on my adventures and find inspiration and tips for your own travels.
