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Town in Canada
Photo: Antony Stanley from Gloucester, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The town of Banff in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies, is the larger of the two populated areas in Banff National Park, about an hour and a half drive west of Calgary and four hours south of Jasper. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like many mountain towns, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer. There is a decent selection of bars and restaurants but predictably a few too many souvenir shops and boutiques. European travellers will especially welcome the sidewalks that facilitate exploration of the town on foot.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Come and learn about the animals you may see on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings! This historic "cabinet museum" is full of Banff wildlife preserved through taxidermy. Most of the animals on display were killed roughly a century ago.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Banff Springs Hotel is a working hotel, and a recognized national historic site. The oldest part of the famous "Castle in the Rockies" was built between 1911 and 1914 using local Rundle stone (dark limestone) on the exterior, while the interior is that of a grand hotel. Fossils can be seen in the stone flooring. Visitors are welcome to see the public parts of the hotel, while guided tours may be available to show you some of the closed areas.
Housed in a reproduction of a fur trading post, this museum focuses on the history of the First Nations in the Banff area.
See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails that are free to access that explain the origin and the give you a view over the pools that are free to access.
Offers something for the whole family: art, culture and the human and natural history of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the heritage homes or take a guided walk.
As you drive the winding road up to the Mt Norquay ski area, there are several viewpoints that let you see the town of Banff below, Vermilion Lakes, and the surrounding mountains.
You can see the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow River, and Sulphur Mountain from this viewpoint on the lower slopes of Tunnel Mountain.
Below the iconic Banff Springs Hotel is the beautiful Bow Falls. It's not the most dramatic waterfall in Banff National Park, but Bow Falls is in the town of Banff and is worth a visit. Easily accessible with plenty of parking for private vehicles and tour buses. You can take in the view from either side of the river.
Cascade Gardens
Designed and built in the 1930s, the Cascades of Time gardens cover 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in the Banff townsite, in front of the Administration Building and behind it. The rustic timber and stone pavilions in the garden are Recognized Federal Heritage Buildings.
This scenic driving loop is a short distance from the Banff townsite. It goes up the side of Cascade Mountain to Lake Minnewanka, and back down by a different route. Sights along the way include Cascade Ponds, Bankhead (former site of a coal mining town and the mine), Lake Minnewanka (picnic area, hiking, boat cruises, motor boat rentals), Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake. The area is also well known for the bighorn sheep that can be seen on and near the road.
These three shallow lakes make a marvellous foreground to dramatic Mount Rundle in the background. Come at sunrise or sunset to see muskrat and beaver and get great lighting for photos.
A globally respected arts and cultural centre featuring performances and events with dance, music, theatre, opera, film, books, new media, and visual arts.
Banff Gondola
Banff's sightseeing gondola provides visitors with great views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. The gondola takes you up 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft). At the top, there is a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck, photo opportunities, and a boardwalk to nearby Sanson Peak, at the top of Sulphur Mountain. On most Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience a sunset "Alpine Lights" dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top of the gondola.
At the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets on Tunnel Mountain. Open only to hotel guests on F & Sa, open to non-guests Su-Th.
Canadian 5-pin bowling, neon black-light bowling, an HD golf simulator, and a pool table.
Four-screen movie theatre showing first-run movies.
Facilities include a climbing wall, spin studio, aquatics centre (25-m pool with view of Sulphur Mountain, hot tub, whirlpool, wading pool, steam room, and sun deck), massage, physiotherapy, drop-in classes (e.g. spin, yoga, zumba) and more.
All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this historic spa and bathhouse, with a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Relax in soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra apres ski laugh, guests wishing to amuse can rent a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume. The outdoor hot pool is a great place to soak and watch falling snowflakes or the stars. Can be quite busy at times. In late spring, the hot springs flow sometimes drops significantly and must be supplemented with artificially-heated water. The Upper Hot Springs website's "Water" page states whether they are using all hot springs water or are supplementing.
Mineral pool, hot tub, eucalyptus steam room. Massages and other treatments available.
Access to hotel hot pool, steam rooms, and exercise rooms. Massage, body wraps, various other treatments.
There are two individual massage rooms, one facial/Vichy room, a second facial room, 2 manicure stations, and 3 pedicure stations in the spa. Two couples/double massage rooms are located on the 4th and 5th floors. Spa guests may also use the hotel pool, whirlpool, sauna, and outdoor patio decks.
Banff's most luxurious spa has a huge variety of treatments on offer. Reservations are recommended.
The closest mountain to the Banff townsite, and it is much used by the locals. It is unique in the area because you can pay for skiing by the hour, and night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a tube park for non-skiers (and non-boarders.) The ski season is a little shorter at Norquay, because it is at a lower altitude than Sunshine and Lake Louise, and snowfall is less consistent. The trails here lean more towards steep and difficult, although there is still plenty of easy terrain. Giv'er Grandi (formerly Excalibur, accessed via Mystic Express lift) is North America's steepest groomed piste. The lodge is not much good for breakfast; lunch and beer on the deck can't be beat however!
20 minutes west of the Banff townsite. It also receives more snow than the other two resorts and benefits from a higher elevation and a generally longer ski season. All natural snow, no snow-making. Also fantastic scenery. It is the only resort of the three to have on-hill accommodation. Buffet breakfast served in the lodge at the bottom of the gondola - not much else until lunchtime once you get to the top.
Renting equipment for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing (skate-skiing & classic). They also rent snowshoes, ice skates, hockey sticks & pucks.
Rents snowboarding equipment only. Second location at 205 Caribou St.
In addition to downhill ski equipment, they rent cross country skis, light touring skis, skate skis, telemark skis, ski clothing & helmets, ice skates, crampons, snowshoes, winter boots, and sleds.
Downhill ski and snowboard equipment.
Ski and snowboard equipment for rent. They have a second location at Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Avenue.
Snowboard equipment, goggles and outerwear.
Their 12- and 18-passenger sleighs do hourly trips near the Banff townsite. Rides are roughly 45 minutes. They will provide hats & mittens if needed, blankets are also supplied to bundle up in. Couples can book a private 2-seater sleigh ride for $182 per couple.
Tube parks at Mt Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Resort.
formerly Blue Canoe
Three minutes walk from the centre of Banff, you can find the canoe docks. There, you can rent canoe or kayak to take a tranquil journey on the Bow River. 1- and 2-person kayaks available; canoes seat three. Guided tours in large voyageur canoes are offered twice daily. Purchase canoe vouchers at 211 Bear Street.
Trail rides, western cookouts (trail ride and campfire meal), and back-country rides. Wagons are available so that your whole group can go together, including non-riders.
Float trips down the Bow River starting near the base of Bow Falls. The only rafting trips that take place inside Banff National Park; other rafting operators will pick you up in Banff and then start the trip somewhere outside the park. Season is from mid-May to late Sept.
22-km cycle path between Banff and Canmore.
Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails in Banff National Park, most of which have trail-heads in or near the town of Banff. Bike trails are also used by hikers, equestrians, bears, and other wildlife. Freeriding and downhilling are not permitted in the national park.
The area around Banff offers climbing for climbers of all levels — all climbs will happen with certified guides. Good places for beginners are Rundle Rock near the golf course and Yamnuska Bluffs and Zygote Crag. Advanced climbers should head to Wasootch Creek, Heart Creek and a site near Lake Louise. Prices for climbing tours are a few hundred dollars for one person, but the per person price is less if there are two or more of you.
A bit safer way of climbing, also performed with guides. You go up the mountain along a sort of ladders on the mountain wall.
Companies arrange fishing tours on Lake Minnewanka. There are both boat and wading tours. Some tours include equipment and/or the mandatory fishing permit ($36.36+GST), inquire beforehand!
If you'd like to play golf, there's a 27-hole public golf course near to and operated by the landmark hotel. Along the season, several golf tournaments are arranged there.
Rather than taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, you can hike the trail up to the top of the ridge and catch the gondola down. (It's half price to just take the gondola down, but it's free before 10AM and after 7PM.) The trail is steep but manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Note that there is a little-used road that goes down the side of Sulphur Mountain that is away from the town, which has been mistaken for the hiking trail; the road is much longer than the hiking trail. If you opt to hike down after taking the gondola up, you should be able to see the gondola towers and cables on your way down, as the hiking trail zigzags below the gondola lift.
A hike of 4.3 km, ranked as "easy". It starts from downtown Banff and takes you up the Tunnel Mountain, from where you have a nice view over the surroundings. You won't find any tunnel along the trail; when the Canadian Pacific railway was constructed in the late 19th century a plan was to build a tunnel through this mountain but it never happened.
A very good spot for birdwatching all year, and you may also see beaver or muskrat in 40 Mile Creek. May be closed in spring due to calving elk. (Cow elk are very protective of calves.)
An easy walk of 2.4 km through the marshlands near Banff. This is a good place for birdwatching and there are good views of Mount Norquay.
The Bow River Trail is a riverside trail of 0.9 or 1.4 km, which are paved and according to the home page of the Town of Banff even wheelchair accessible.
A popular walk to the hoodoos (a kind of rock formations) east of Banff.
An alpine park with trails with varying difficulty levels. There are guided walks too, and the area offers good views of the highest mountains in the Banff National Park. Shuttle bus access from Banff.
Great spot to see bighorn sheep next to the road, especially when you get to Lake Minnewanka and the area around Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake.
A scenic route from Banff to Lake Louise, running parallel to Highway 1. You have a good chance at seeing different mammals like bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, deer and grizzly bears. There are seasonal travel restrictions.
Great place to find elk all year round. They love grazing on the lush grass.
Look for bighorn sheep here, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a mountain goat along the cliffs.
Tiny Japanese noodle shop.
For those that need a supermarket instead of a restaurant, Nesters has a great range of organic products.
This large grocery store also sells ready-to-eat meals to take away.
Artisanal bakery cafe. Their menu includes sandwiches, croissants and different soups.
The Balkan restaurant first fired up its grill on Banff Avenue in 1982. The restaurant was the creation of Greek families out of their element in the cold Canadian Rockies who wished to bring the authentic flavors and warm festive atmosphere of the Mediterranean to this high mountain town. Check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing.
A Mexican restaurant that specializes in margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where margaritas are half-price, and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late.
Truth in advertising: the dinner menu includes pizza, pasta, and some creative meatball options. Several different takes on bacon, sausage, & eggs for breakfast, alongside the offer of a boozy start to the day if one so desires. Vegetarian choices available too.
This Korean BBQ restaurant smells fantastic as you enter. Value for money.
Serves a substantial, eclectic menu, along with 11 beers and one cider on tap.
This buffet restaurant in the Banff Centre shares a floor with The Three Ravens (see below), but provides more food for less money.
A must-see, this was once a swinger's bar. This uniquely shaped restaurant downtown has telephones at every table with placemats that serve as a map so you can call tables to chat through your dinner. It is a laid-back, fun atmosphere and the food does not disappoint. A typical meal may consist of a Caesar salad to start, then a cheese fondue served with freshly steamed veggies and mouth-watering bread for dipping. The second course is where things get exciting; opt for the hot-rock style of fondue. Rocks are brought to the table and heated to . Each rock gets its own pot of garlic butter smeared on, first by your server and then by you; each person receives a customized plate of raw fish, chicken, bison, frog legs, AAA-beef, shark, snake, whatever you wish, or dare, to try. Accompanying the exotic mix of possibilities are dipping sauces like chipotle and teriyaki.
Steaks and a casual ambiance.
The Keg steakhouse also has another restaurant downtown.
Seafood and chophouse showcasing salmon, duck, bison, and Alberta beef, amongst other offerings. Impressive wine list that runs to some 40 pages.
Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs.
French restaurant using many local ingredients, with some Asian influences. Choice of several set menus (prix fixe) that change seasonally, one of which is vegetarian. 10-time winner of CAA 5-Diamond and "Best of Award of Excellence" Wine Spectator awards.
High-end steak and dining.
Fine dining with fine views. The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients and has an ambitious and creative kitchen that mostly succeeds in meeting its goals. The service is reportedly superb. Expect about $100 per person for a decent meal.
Deep-fried pastry topped with many sweet options.
Ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, and fun cow-related novelty t-shirts and mooooer.
Hand-made fudge and chocolates.
Reportedly the only chocolate shop in town where the products are manufactured on site. They also have caramel apples, ice cream and other sweet things.
The Banff Candy Store
Candy and chocolates from all over the world. Ice cream cones, fudge, and locally-made chocolate treats.
Irish pub.
Wild Bill's offers bands, a dance hall, line dancing & two stepping. Can accommodate groups of all sizes.
English pub.
Canadian-style pubs.
Bar featuring four bowling lanes, pizza, and a selection of craft beers.
Samesun Backpackers Lodges
Banff's liveliest and most central Backpacker bar. Nightly drink specials, $3 cocktails, $3.25 pints until 7PM every night. Open mic, trivia, live music and theme parties.
British pub. Looking to watch the footie game or cricket match?
Very popular with the locals who like to party and with tourists. Be there by 10PM to avoid long lines on weekends and holidays.
The local brewery in Banff operates out a darkened second floor space downtown. A good IPA for the craft beer snob, and a selection of other milder beers here for the tourist market. Elk pie and bison stew are on the menu.
Local distillery, serving their own liquors, flights, and cocktails, together with comfort food. Space opens to outside in summer.
A block from downtown, it offers a great location.
Not associated with Hostelling International
The Banff International Hostel offers bunks in dorm rooms or private bedrooms all with lockers and with private bathrooms. 2 blocks from downtown on a bus route it connects guests with most sights in town. It offers free Wi-Fi and 3 internet work stations. For updates, check the hostel's blog as it keeps adding new services!
The Banff Y has a fully licensed bistro with an outdoor patio and a variety of meeting space. Internet ($1 for 10 minutes on a computer or $12 for 24 hours of Wi-Fi), laundry, common kitchen (it is not sparkling clean), and quiet sitting room all on the premises.
With private rooms, 2 spacious kitchens and lounge areas, 2 fireplaces and restaurant Cougar Pete's Lookout & Kitchen. 20-minute walk to downtown Banff. "The Storm Cellar, Banff's Pub and Game house" features drink specials, games (pool, darts, foosball) and an eclectic bunch of servers.
The King Eddie, as the locals call it, is at the most central point in Banff. The hotel offers private rooms with all major amenities, like free wireless internet, in-room coffee and tea, private bathrooms and 32" flat screen cable TV. Concierge service is available at the front desk.
A 100-bed hostel with a private room. Each room has an en suite bathroom. Lockers, laundry, common lounge and kitchen, free Wi-Fi and Internet kiosks, video games, nightly activities, BBQs, local tours, patio. Breakfast (self-serve pancakes, toast, porridge, fruit, juice, coffee, tea) included. Daily activities, including open mic, trivia, ice skating, bands, and theme parties.
Two sites, one of them operating around the year (Tunnel Mountain I is just open during the summer). The other has a 34-site "walk in" tenting area and a total of 188 sites.
Self-described "boutique motel" with an artistic theme showcasing pioneering mountain women. Rooms include microwave, mini-fridge, parking, wi-fi. Some rooms pet friendly at an additional $25/night; phone ahead if bringing a pet. Check in on your mobile phone or in person at the nearby Hotel Canoe, 600 Banff Ave.
This mountain-themed lodge offers luxury bedding, large jetted hotpool, underground parking, The Keg Steakhouse & Lounge, and The Red Earth Spa.
The Banff Inn features standard guest rooms, rooms with jacuzzi tubs, loft units, king rooms and honeymoon suites.
This resort features suite-style accommodation with kitchens and fireplaces. The resort also offers an indoor pool, tennis courts, Wi-Fi, and complimentary shuttle to and from downtown.
Breakfast included, heated indoor pool, balconies with mountain views, jacuzzi suites, heated parking and pet-friendly.
The Fox offers one- and two-bedroom suites and hotel rooms. The hotel's centrepiece is the hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Site.
This resort features condo style accommodation with full kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. The resort also offers two outdoor hot pools, BBQ and picnic areas and Wi-Fi. It is located on the Banff transit route.
formerly Inns of Banff
Accommodation options include not just rooms but also 3- and 4-bedroom condos. Offers outdoor hot pool & firepit as well as an onsite restaurant.
One of the grand old hotels, few hotels can compare to the majesty of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Nestled in the trees overlooking the rest of the town and valley, it is a magnificent location for a magnificent building. Multiple restaurants, a heated outdoor pool and a wide range of accommodation. All this comes at a price, though, and the Banff Springs is an expensive hotel. Also, booking very early is required. Among the luxurious amenities, you can indulge in their three waterfall treatments whirlpools and indoor Hungarian mineral pool (that actually has music underwater to soothe you as you float into complete relaxation) or enjoy treatments at the onsite Willow Stream Spa. Bike and ski rentals are available at the hotel and can be booked in advance.
Perched dramatically on the edge of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock has a spa and several fine dining restaurants.
By car
From Calgary, take the Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) west. The first exit to Banff is about an hour and a half from the airport.
By bus
By train
Regularly scheduled passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but luxury Rocky Mountaineer sightseeing trains run from Vancouver between late April and early October…
Park entry fees
All visitors stopping in Banff National Park (even just for gas or in the town) require a park permit. If you are driving through non-stop, the pass is not required.
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