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Best Things to Do in Banff: 15 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors

BySara Reimers Hours Updated on
Best Things to Do in Banff

Discover the best things to do in Banff, from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to the Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

If Banff is your first introduction to the Canadian Rockies, there’s a good chance it will completely ruin mountains for you.

That’s not an exaggeration.

I’ve visited a lot of national parks over the years—Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton, Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Utah Mighty 5, and more. Banff still managed to surprise me.

The scale is bigger.

The lakes are bluer.

The mountain scenery somehow seems more dramatic around every corner.

The challenge for most visitors isn’t finding things to do in Banff. It’s figuring out which experiences are actually worth your limited vacation time.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not looking to spend your entire trip on strenuous backcountry hikes. You want incredible scenery, memorable experiences, wildlife sightings, and iconic Canadian Rockies views without needing to train for a marathon first.

That’s exactly what this guide focuses on.

These are the best things to do in Banff for first-time visitors, families, casual travelers, and anyone who wants to experience the highlights of Banff National Park without turning their vacation into an endurance event.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning, you may also want to read my Canadian Rockies for First-Time Visitors guide, which covers everything from reservations and park passes to weather, crowds, and common mistakes first-time travelers make.

Quick List: Best Things to Do in Banff

If you’re short on time, these are my top recommendations:

  1. Ride the Banff Gondola
  2. Visit Lake Louise
  3. See Moraine Lake
  4. Drive the Icefields Parkway
  5. Take a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise
  6. Walk Johnston Canyon
  7. Watch sunset at Vermilion Lakes
  8. Explore downtown Banff
  9. Visit Bow Lake
  10. Stop at Peyto Lake
  11. Take an Athabasca Glacier tour
  12. Walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
  13. Go wildlife spotting
  14. Visit Two Jack Lake
  15. Enjoy a scenic meal with mountain views

Now let’s dive into the details.

Best Things to Do in Banff by Travel Style

One of the reasons Banff appeals to such a wide range of travelers is that there isn’t one “right” way to experience it.

Some visitors want iconic bucket-list views. Others are traveling with kids, grandparents, or family members who aren’t interested in long hikes. And some people simply want to soak in the scenery without spending every day on the trail.

If that’s you, here’s where I’d start.

For First-Time Visitors

If this is your first trip to Banff, prioritize the experiences that deliver the biggest wow factor:

  • Banff Gondola
  • Lake Louise
  • Moraine Lake
  • Icefields Parkway
  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise
  • Peyto Lake

These are the attractions that made me stop and say, “Okay, now I understand why everyone talks about Banff.”

For Families

Traveling with kids often means balancing incredible scenery with activities that don’t involve hours of hiking.

Some of the best family-friendly experiences include:

  • Banff Gondola
  • Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Downtown Banff
  • Two Jack Lake

Most offer easy access, restrooms, and plenty of opportunities to keep everyone engaged.

For Non-Hikers

Good news: some of Banff’s most spectacular scenery requires surprisingly little effort.

I’d prioritize:

  • Banff Gondola
  • Icefields Parkway
  • Bow Lake
  • Athabasca Glacier Tour
  • Columbia Icefield Skywalk
  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise

You can experience world-class mountain scenery without tackling a strenuous trail.

For Photographers

Banff is one of those rare places where it feels impossible to take a bad photo.

Some of the most photogenic locations include:

  • Moraine Lake
  • Peyto Lake
  • Vermilion Lakes
  • Bow Lake
  • Lake Louise
  • Icefields Parkway overlooks

Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular, but honestly, even midday can produce incredible images when the lakes are glowing turquoise.

1. Ride the Banff Gondola

If you’re only going to splurge on one major attraction in Banff, this would be my choice.

The Banff Gondola takes visitors from the base of Sulphur Mountain to the summit in about eight minutes. What makes it special isn’t just the ride—it’s what you see once you get there.

The views are absolutely ridiculous.

From the top, you can see:

  • The town of Banff
  • Bow Valley
  • Mount Rundle
  • Cascade Mountain
  • Endless Canadian Rockies peaks stretching into the distance

On a clear day, the panorama feels almost unreal.

One thing I appreciated was that you don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy the experience. Once at the summit, elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms make it easy for visitors of all ages and mobility levels to access spectacular scenery.

Don’t skip the boardwalk leading to the Cosmic Ray Station. The views get better the farther you walk.

Time Needed: 2–3 hours

Best For: First-time visitors, families, photographers, casual travelers

2. Visit Lake Louise

No list of Banff attractions would be complete without Lake Louise.

Yes, it’s famous.

Yes, it’s crowded.

And yes—it absolutely lives up to the hype.

The turquoise water surrounded by towering mountain peaks is every bit as stunning in person as it looks in photos.

What surprised me most wasn’t the color of the lake—it was the setting. The mountains seem to rise straight out of the water, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in North America.

Popular activities include:

  • Walking the lakeshore trail
  • Canoeing on the lake
  • Taking photos near the shoreline
  • Exploring the grounds around the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Even if you only spend an hour here, it’s worth the effort.

Just be prepared for parking and shuttle logistics.

3. Experience Moraine Lake

If Lake Louise is famous, Moraine Lake is legendary.

For many visitors—including me—Moraine Lake ends up becoming their favorite location in Banff National Park.

The water somehow looks even bluer.

The Valley of the Ten Peaks creates one of the most iconic mountain backdrops anywhere in Canada.

The biggest challenge is getting there.

Private vehicle access is restricted, so you’ll need:

  • Parks Canada shuttle
  • Commercial tour
  • Roam Transit
  • Guided excursion

We visited as part of a sunset tour that combined Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and it was one of the highlights of our entire Canadian Rockies trip.

The crowds thin out later in the evening, the lighting becomes softer, and the experience feels much more relaxed.

If you can only visit one of Banff’s famous lakes, I’d probably choose Moraine Lake.

That’s how impressive it is.

Time Needed: 2–3 hours

4. Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway isn’t just one of the best things to do in Banff.

It’s one of the greatest scenic drives in the world.

The route connects Banff and Jasper and is packed with:

  • Glaciers
  • Waterfalls
  • Turquoise lakes
  • Mountain overlooks
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities

Even people who aren’t normally excited about road trips tend to love this drive.

The scenery changes constantly.

One minute you’re beside a turquoise lake.

The next you’re staring at a massive glacier.

Then suddenly you’re pulling over for another overlook because the mountain views somehow got even better.

Plan an entire day for this drive.

Trust me—you’ll stop far more often than you expect.

5. Take a Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise

Lake Minnewanka ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Banff.

It’s often overshadowed by Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but it shouldn’t be.

The lake stretches for more than 13 miles through a spectacular mountain valley, creating scenery that’s difficult to appreciate from shore alone.

The boat cruise gives you access to views most visitors never see.

Along the way you’ll learn about:

  • The history of the area
  • The submerged town beneath the lake
  • Wildlife that inhabits the region
  • Geological features surrounding the lake

The combination of mountain scenery, fresh air, and relaxing pace makes this one of the most enjoyable activities for families and casual travelers.

It was also one of the easiest experiences of our entire trip.

No hiking boots required.

6. Walk Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon might be the most accessible great hike in Banff.

Even people who don’t normally hike often enjoy this one.

The trail follows elevated catwalks attached to the canyon walls, allowing visitors to walk alongside rushing water as it carves through dramatic limestone cliffs.

Most visitors head to:

Lower Falls

The Lower Falls are only about a half-mile from the trailhead and are easily worth the walk.

A short tunnel even allows visitors to get surprisingly close to the waterfall.

Upper Falls

The Upper Falls require a longer walk but reward visitors with an impressive waterfall plunging into a deep canyon below.

For casual travelers, reaching the Lower Falls is often enough.

For those wanting a little more adventure, continuing to the Upper Falls is well worth the effort.

7. Explore Downtown Banff

Don’t make the mistake of treating Banff as simply a place to sleep.

The town itself is part of the experience.

Downtown Banff combines mountain-town charm with incredible scenery in every direction.

Some favorites include:

  • Banff Avenue
  • Local shops
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Mountain-view patios
  • Public art
  • River walks

One of my favorite moments was simply walking around town and enjoying the views.

In many places, mountain scenery is something you drive to.

In Banff, it’s just there.

Everywhere.

8. Watch Sunset at Vermilion Lakes

This was one of the biggest surprises of our trip.

Vermilion Lakes doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but it’s incredibly easy to visit and offers fantastic photography opportunities.

The calm water creates beautiful reflections of:

  • Mount Rundle
  • Surrounding peaks
  • Evening skies

Sunrise is particularly famous here, but sunset can also be spectacular.

It’s only minutes from town, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.

9. Stop at Bow Lake

Canadian Rockies Without Hardcore Hiking

Bow Lake sits along the Icefields Parkway and is one of the easiest scenic stops in the Canadian Rockies.

No major hike required.

No complicated planning.

Simply pull over and enjoy.

The lake’s vibrant blue water and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of the most photogenic locations along the parkway.

If you enjoy easy-access scenery, Bow Lake deserves a place on your itinerary.

10. See Peyto Lake

Canadian Rockies for First-Time Visitors Peyto Lake viewpoint in the Canadian Rockies near Banff National Park

If someone asked me which overlook offers the biggest “wow” factor in Banff, Peyto Lake would be near the top of the list.

The elevated viewpoint reveals one of the most recognizable lake shapes in the Rockies.

The color almost doesn’t look real.

What makes Peyto especially appealing is that the payoff comes quickly.

A short walk from the parking area delivers one of the most spectacular views in the entire region.

It’s one of the highest scenery-to-effort ratios you’ll find anywhere in Banff.

11. Take an Athabasca Glacier Tour

One of the most unique experiences in the Canadian Rockies is actually walking on a glacier.

The Athabasca Glacier, located along the Icefields Parkway, allows visitors to do exactly that.

Specialized Ice Explorer vehicles transport visitors onto the glacier where they can:

  • Walk on ancient ice
  • Learn about glacier formation
  • Experience a rapidly changing environment firsthand

This is one of those experiences that photographs simply don’t capture.

Standing on a glacier is something you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

12. Walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Skywalk is often paired with the glacier tour and offers a completely different perspective.

A glass-floored platform extends over a dramatic mountain valley hundreds of feet below.

Even if you’re not normally a fan of attractions like this, the surrounding scenery is impressive.

The views include:

  • Glacier-carved valleys
  • Waterfalls
  • Rugged mountain peaks
  • The Sunwapta Valley

It’s a quick stop but a memorable one.

13. Go Wildlife Spotting

One of the reasons people visit Banff is the chance to see wildlife.

Possible sightings include:

  • Elk
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Mountain goats
  • Deer
  • Black bears
  • Grizzly bears

The key is managing expectations.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

That said, early morning and evening often provide the best opportunities.

Always keep a safe distance and remember that these are wild animals, not roadside attractions.

14. Visit Two Jack Lake

Located near Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake often gets overlooked by first-time visitors.

That’s unfortunate because it’s beautiful.

The lake provides:

  • Mountain reflections
  • Easy shoreline access
  • Picnic opportunities
  • Smaller crowds than many famous Banff locations

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery, this is a great option.

15. Enjoy a Memorable Meal with Mountain Views

Sometimes the best travel memories happen around a dinner table.

Banff has no shortage of restaurants with incredible scenery.

Whether you’re dining at:

  • The summit of Sulphur Mountain
  • A lakeside lodge
  • A mountain-view patio
  • A cozy downtown restaurant

The setting often becomes part of the experience.

One of the joys of Banff is that even lunch can come with million-dollar views.

Best Free Things to Do in Banff

Banff isn’t exactly a budget destination, but some of the best experiences in the park don’t cost anything beyond your park admission.

In fact, many visitors are surprised by how much incredible scenery they can enjoy without paying for tours, attraction tickets, or guided excursions.

Some of my favorite free activities include:

  • Walking along the shoreline at Lake Louise
  • Visiting Moraine Lake via shuttle
  • Exploring downtown Banff
  • Driving portions of the Icefields Parkway
  • Watching sunset at Vermilion Lakes
  • Stopping at Bow Lake
  • Visiting Peyto Lake
  • Wildlife spotting throughout the park
  • Relaxing at Two Jack Lake

One of the things I love most about Banff is that some of the most memorable moments happen when you’re simply standing beside a lake or pulling over at a scenic overlook.

Not every great experience needs a ticket.

Things to Do in Banff Without Hiking

One of the biggest misconceptions about Banff is that you need to be a serious hiker to enjoy it.

You don’t.

While Banff certainly has plenty of incredible hiking trails, many of the park’s most iconic experiences require little or no hiking at all.

In fact, our own trip was focused heavily on sightseeing, scenic drives, lake cruises, and easy walks rather than challenging backcountry adventures.

If you’re traveling with young children, older adults, mobility limitations, or simply prefer comfortable vacations, Banff is still an amazing destination.

Some of the best low-effort, high-reward experiences include:

  • Riding the Banff Gondola
  • Taking a Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
  • Driving the Icefields Parkway
  • Visiting Peyto Lake (ok– technically there is a little bit of hiking to get to the best views.. but it’s not awful)
  • Stopping at Bow Lake
  • Walking around Lake Louise
  • Exploring Moraine Lake
  • Taking an Athabasca Glacier Tour
  • Walking the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
  • Exploring downtown Banff

Honestly, one of the things that surprised me most about Banff was how much spectacular scenery was accessible without a major hike.

Many of the most famous views in the Canadian Rockies are only a short walk from a parking lot, shuttle stop, or visitor area.

That’s great news for casual travelers who want unforgettable scenery without spending every day on the trail.

Best Things to Do in Banff by Season

Banff is one of those rare destinations that looks dramatically different depending on when you visit.

While summer is by far the most popular season, every time of year offers something unique.

Summer (June Through September)

Summer is when Banff is at its busiest.

This is the season for:

  • Lake Louise
  • Moraine Lake
  • Icefields Parkway road trips
  • Lake cruises
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Athabasca Glacier tours

You’ll also enjoy the longest daylight hours and the greatest access to attractions throughout the park.

Fall (September Through October)

Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful golden larch trees in the mountains.

This can be one of the most enjoyable times to visit if you prefer a quieter experience.

Wildlife activity often increases during this period as well.

Winter (November Through April)

Banff transforms into a completely different destination during winter.

Popular winter activities include:

  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Winter gondola rides
  • Frozen waterfalls
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Cozy mountain lodge stays

Even if you don’t ski, the snow-covered scenery alone can make winter worth considering.

Spring (May)

Spring is somewhat of a transition season.

Some higher-elevation areas may still have snow while lower elevations begin to thaw.

The weather can be unpredictable, but you’ll often find fewer visitors and lower lodging rates compared to peak summer.

Sample 3-Day Banff Priorities

If you only have a few days in Banff, here’s how I’d prioritize things:

First Day

  • Banff Gondola
  • Explore downtown Banff
  • Vermilion Lakes sunset

Second Day

  • Moraine Lake
  • Lake Louise
  • Johnston Canyon

Third Day

  • Icefields Parkway
  • Bow Lake
  • Peyto Lake
  • Athabasca Glacier

This combination covers most of Banff’s iconic highlights without requiring strenuous hiking.

Tips for Visiting Banff

Gondola tickets, boat cruises, glacier tours, and shuttle reservations can sell out during peak season.

Start Early

Crowds are significantly lighter in the morning.

Expect Rapid Weather Changes

Sunny skies can quickly become rain, smoke, or clouds.

Build Flexibility Into Your Plans

Some of the best moments happen when you stop unexpectedly at a scenic overlook.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

Banff rewards slowing down and soaking in the scenery.

Trying to see everything often means appreciating less.

If I Only Had Two Days in Banff

If someone told me I only had two days in Banff and had to narrow everything down to just a handful of experiences, these are the six things I would prioritize.

Not because they’re necessarily the most famous. Not because they’re the most expensive. But because they delivered the biggest “wow” moments during our trip.

1. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sunset Tour

If I could only choose one experience in Banff, this would probably be it.

The combination of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake gives you two of the most iconic locations in the Canadian Rockies, and visiting later in the day helps avoid some of the peak crowds and parking headaches.

Lake Louise is every bit as beautiful as you’ve heard.

But Moraine Lake completely stole the show for me.

Standing on the shoreline looking toward the Valley of the Ten Peaks felt like stepping into a postcard. If you’re trying to understand why people travel from around the world to visit Banff, this is the place that explains it.

2. Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon was one of the biggest surprises of our trip.

I expected a pleasant walk to a waterfall. What I got was one of the most memorable easy hikes I’ve done in any national park.

The elevated catwalks built directly into the canyon walls, the rushing water below, and the dramatic rock formations make the entire experience feel unique from start to finish.

The fact that it delivers so much scenery without requiring a strenuous hike makes it an easy recommendation for almost every visitor.

3. Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the entire park without requiring a major climb.

From the summit of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll see the town of Banff, the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and countless peaks stretching toward the horizon.

It’s one of those experiences where the photos don’t quite capture the scale of what you’re seeing.

The boardwalk at the summit is also excellent and provides even more panoramic viewpoints beyond the main observation deck.

4. Athabasca Glacier Tour

Walking on a glacier is something I had never done before this trip, and it ended up being one of the most unique experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

The massive Ice Explorer vehicles are impressive on their own, but the real highlight is stepping out onto the glacier and realizing you’re standing on ancient ice that has existed for centuries.

It’s not every day you get to walk on a glacier, and that’s what makes this experience so memorable.

5. Peyto Lake

Of all the scenic overlooks we visited, Peyto Lake delivered the biggest immediate wow factor.

The viewpoint is easy to reach, the walk is short, and the reward is extraordinary.

The vivid turquoise water almost looks artificial, and the elevated perspective allows you to fully appreciate the lake’s unique shape and surrounding mountain scenery.

If someone asked me for the single best overlook in the Canadian Rockies, Peyto Lake would be near the very top of my list.

6. Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise

Lake Minnewanka doesn’t receive the same level of attention as Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but it ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Banff.

The cruise takes visitors deep into a mountain valley that most people never see from shore. The scenery is spectacular, the pace is relaxing, and the experience offers a completely different perspective than simply stopping at viewpoints.

After several days of sightseeing, it was nice to slow down and simply enjoy being surrounded by the mountains.

If I were planning the perfect first-time Banff itinerary for casual travelers, these six experiences would form the backbone of the trip. Together they showcase the lakes, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and iconic scenery that make Banff special—without requiring hardcore hiking, backcountry camping, or extreme outdoor adventures.

If Banff is only part of your trip, don’t miss my complete 7-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, which combines Banff, Jasper, Maligne Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and several of the region’s most famous attractions.

Final Thoughts

The best things to do in Banff aren’t necessarily the most adventurous.

For many travelers, the magic of Banff comes from standing beside a turquoise lake, watching sunlight hit the mountains, spotting wildlife from the roadside, or simply enjoying a spectacular view without needing a strenuous hike to earn it.

That’s one reason Banff appeals to such a wide range of visitors.

You don’t have to be an elite hiker or hardcore outdoor enthusiast to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies.

You just need a little time, a camera, and a willingness to pull over whenever the scenery convinces you to stop.

And in Banff, that happens a lot.

More Canadian Rockies Travel Guides

Planning a larger Canadian Rockies adventure? These guides can help you build the perfect itinerary:

Planning Your Trip

Banff

the Icefields Parkway

Jasper

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