Banff

Our most recommended things to do in Banff

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  1. Banff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket

  Climb aboard this iconic 4-person gondola cabin with large windows, sit back and relax. During the 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain take in the views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and six different mountain ranges. While on the top of the mountain, you will be amazed by 360-degree views. Explore the interactive and family-friendly Above Banff Interpretative Center to learn about the early explorers, wildlife and local area. Take a hike across the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to explore the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station - a National Historic Site of Canada. Knowledgeable, friendly hosts are standing by to make sure you get the most out of your visit. Before you leave for your trip down the mountain, stop at the coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops.

  The view is spectacular, can't get enough of it, want to keep on coming back again.

  Reviewed by , 9/18/2021
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  2. Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

  Start the tour in Banff where you will meet a member of the riding office, who will check you in and provide you a helmet for your ride. From here, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse. Using a step, climb onto your horse under the direction of your guide, and learn some basic horseback riding techniques. Follow your guide along the tranquil Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin Hot springs - the original birthplace of Banff National Park. This area is home to wildlife in amongst the thick marshes and grassy meadows. Enjoy unspoiled views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains along the way. After a 1 hour of scenic horseback riding, return to the stables, where you'll disembark and say goodbye to your horse with some farewell pats.

  This was our first time horseback riding so we were a bit nervous but the team was so good at explaining everything and the horses were extremely well-trained!!!! It was soooo easy to navigate them. We absolutely enjoyed ourselves.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/28/2021
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  3. Canadian Rockies: Helicopter Flight with Exploration Hike

  Get ready for an awe-inspiring experience of the Rocky Mountain with this scenic helicopter flight and hiking tour. See the Rockies from a bird's-eye view. Admire the stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and glaciers from above. Then explore the region’s natural beauty on foot.

  Choose from a 20, 30, or 55-minute scenic flight. Each option includes incredible panoramas of waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and mountain ridges. With the 55-minute flight, approach the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Rocky Mountains.

  After the flight, land at the confluence of the Cline River and Waterfalls Creek. Continue to explore the wild beauty of this region on foot, hiking to the Twin Falls waterfall.

  Then climb back on board the helicopter and fly back to the heliport, enjoying the fantasti...

  Everyone was super friendly. The whole experience was even better than expected. Definitely recommended.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 8/8/2021
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  4. Banff: Mount Norquay 2.5 or 4-Hour Guided Via Ferrata Climb

  Join this fun alpine climbing tour that's perfect for all abilities, including those with no previous experience. Experience the thrill of climbing a via ferrata with an expert guide and delight in bird’s-eye views of Banff National Park. Choose between a 2.5-hour Explorer Route or a 4-hour Ridgewalker Route. Upon arrival to Mount Norquay, located just 10 minutes from Banff, check in and meet your guide. Get equipped with a harness, lanyards, and helmet, then ride the sightseeing chairlift to where your adventure begins. After an equipment check and training is complete, a short 5-minute walk takes you to your first via ferrata buttress to climb. The 2.5-hour Explorer Route is a great choice for those who are slightly limited on time or looking for an introduction to via ferrata. Spend some time with your guide and get introduced to the equipment before heading up a few pitches and cro...

  Sara was my guide. She was calm and clear with her directions. We had a good but chilly weather day. Climbing was moderately hard but I’m 70 and found it fun! I took the 2 1/2 hour climb which was perfect for me because I had done a 6 mile hike the day before. The views and the exercise were outstanding. I highly recommend this climb for anyone that enjoys a slight challenge and a great time!!

  Reviewed by Sally, 9/16/2021
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  5. Banff National Park: 1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

  Embark on a horseback riding adventure as you breathe in the pine-spiced mountain air. Approach the Bow Falls and enjoy spectacular views. Pass by the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course known as one of the most immaculately manicured courses in Canada. Continue along the edge of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and cross through the waters once more. A partial climb up Sulphur Mountain brings you through a wooded residential area and back to the corrals. Enjoy a unique experience and cross the Spray River. On hotter days, your horse may even decide to cool itself off by splashing water onto its belly. Have an experience unlike anything else.

  Honestly, it was a good experience... the 2 ladies were very helpful and friendly. It was my first time ever riding a horse and getting near to a horse. Instructions were simple. My horse though was so hungry and kept stopping to eat. It was very strong that when he decided to eat, my arm strength was not enough to pull his head up ( and i was worried to upset him too). Also my horse kept hitting the horse in front him and run toward the horse in front of him.( even if i keep space and try to stop him) I was thinking maybe i was doing something wrong, but i observed all other horses were quite and obedient. Overall i think it was good experience and staff were helpful. I just think my luck qas not the best of getting a hungry horse who was in a mood haha.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/7/2021
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  6. From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour

  Enjoy the drive from Banff in a modern minibus after your friendly guide picks you up from the meeting point. Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, elk, and bears as you drive along scenic, winding Bow Valley Parkway. Your guide will share stories on Banff National Park, its history and the local animals on the way. Arrive at iconic Lake Louise after a scenic stop along the Bow Valley Parkway to admire the views of Castle Mountain. Your 30-minute visit at the lake gives you plenty of time to wander the famous shoreline, take photos of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains and Victoria Glacier, and admire the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. Next, your guide will take you to Moraine Lake, set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks with waterfalls and rock piles. Enjoy a short guided walk to the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks viewpoint, or relax and take in the lake...

  Wonderful sunny day for the tour. The tour guide Rob was very good at story telling the whole ride there and back. The tour bus goes slowly on the highway which is good otherwise we'd be bounching off our seats.

  Reviewed by Cecilia, 9/25/2021
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  7. Banff: Sightseeing Chairlift Ride High Above Banff

  Treat yourself to the best seat in Banff National Park and possibly the whole of Canada. More than just a chairlift ride, this famous scenic journey is your ticket to an unforgettable, open-air experience.  Take in legendary, panoramic views as you glide above the clouds. Cruise over wilderness which teams with life and natural splendor. Revel in the endless, picture-perfect scenery stretching out over the horizon.  Soar to nearly 7,000 feet and then settle in for a high-alpine dining experience at the Cliffhouse Bistro. Keep an eye out for some of the more wild neighbors, among them black and grizzly bears, as well as bighorn sheep, elk, and deer.

  This was a thrill! Easy booking and customer service. Hospitable and Helpful staff! The ride was smooth (you have to be comfortable with heights). We got to see some wild life on our way up the mountain too! The cream of the cake was the Clifftop Bistro at the end of the ride, oh yum! No complaints here, highly recommended.

  Reviewed by Akintunde, 9/7/2021
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  8. Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

  Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River on a family-friendly canoe tour. Get ready to be amazed by extraordinary views of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies around you. This sightseeing tour is perfect for the whole family and doesn't require any previous experience. Meet at the Banff Canoe Club, just a 5-minute walk from downtown Banff. As you journey upstream, your expert guide will entertain you with stories of the past, history of canoeing, and interesting local facts. Admire the scenery around you, while learning how to paddle as a team. After 1 and a half hours of fun, enjoy a complimentary, refreshing lemonade on the shore.

  We loved our tour - there was 9 of us for a work trip and went canoeing to see some sights. Some in our group had never been and we all had a great time. Our guide, Ryan, was knowledgeable and funny. He pointed out the mountains in the area and provided lots of information about Banff and the surrounding area. I would definitely recommend the tour.

  Reviewed by Shannon, 8/23/2021
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  9. Banff: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

  Go on an evening wildlife safari tour and discover the animals of Banff. Led by your expert guide, experience twilight wildlife encounters.  As the sun sets behind the craggy peaks, the wildlife of Banff National Park become more active in the cool hours before dark. Get the chance to be up close with some of Banff’s wildest residents. Spot an elk sauntering across a clearing or a bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow. Sometimes, you may even see a grizzly bear snuffling through a berry bush.  Have your guide take you on a paved road bus tour where you are most likely to see Rocky Mountain creatures. Learn about how the park protects these animals and their natural habitat from many threats to the ecosystem.

  We had a great evening. Our guide had a great sense of humour. He was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and area.

  Reviewed by Lisa, 9/22/2021
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  10. Banff: Family Friendly Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

  Start your tour in Banff, where you will meet a member of the riding office, who will check you in for your sleigh ride. Now it's time to climb into the sleigh and get cozy with your loved ones under a cozy wool blanket. Hear the tinkling of sleigh bells, as the horses lead you on a journey through Banff's mountain meadows. Along the way, listen to stories from your guide and soak in the spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains, while keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as elk and deer. Finish your memorable excursion with a fireside warm-up stop after the ride, where you can toast a marshmallow and enjoy a warm drink back at the stables.

  this was a beautiful scenery, beautiful horses, very relaxing and learned a bit about our mountains as well. Really enjoyed it.

  Reviewed by Paulo, 3/15/2021