From hiking the mountains to swimming and to craft beer, Banff offers something for everyone. Here in Calgary, we’re lucky to be a short drive away from a place that people travel from all over the world to see.
Visit Banff’s Farmers’ Market
Every Wednesday from May to October, more than 70 vendors are in Banff’s Central Park with local produce, fresh food, and handmade jewelry along with live music by local talent.
Visit Cascade of Time Garden
Hide from the sun on hot days under the gazebos and sitting shelters at this garden just steps away from the main roads in Banff. To make it even better, admission to the garden is free.
Learn about wildlife on a canoe
Banff Canoe Club offers tours on the Bow River where you just might spot an elk, a muskrat, or a beaver while learning about best practices for wildlife interactions.
A Few of My Favourites: Alison Brewster
Guest Curator Alison Brewster’s popular exhibit is back by popular demand. Inspired by her family’s 100-plus year history in Banff, she has chosen to showcase the artist Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius. Amazed by the Rockies, Rungius painted beautiful portraits of animals and landscapes of the lakes and rivers on display at the Whyte Museum until October 2019.
Go Bowling at High Rollers
You can also get New York style pizza and 48 kinds of craft beer.
Take a dip in the rooftop hot pool
Moose Hotel has not one, but two hot rooftop pools with spectacular mountain views and an outdoor firepit to warm you up.
Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
With clear blue waters and never-ending views of the Rockies, Stand Up paddleboarding on one of the many lakes in Banff National Park may just be the most relaxing thing you can do this summer.
Visit an art gallery
The Carter-Ryan gallery features the works of Indigenous visual artist Jason Carter. This is the gallery’s second location and opened in 2017. The first location is in Canmore.
Drink locally brewed beer
From Banff Ave. Brewing to Park Distillery, Banff is home to a range of craft beers to try and to take home.
Go fishing in Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is seasonally open and those with a fishing license can take advantage of the largest lake in Banff, which is home to Rocky Mountain whitefish.
Try pottery painting at Crock A Doodle
Crock A Doodle offers drop-in pottery for all ages with no reservation required. They also professionally glaze and kiln-fire the pieces so you get to take them home after.
Drop in for a yoga class
Rocky Mountain Yoga offers all types of yoga classes from yin to flow, as well as meditation sessions. Drop by a class before, in-between, or after other activities in Banff to refresh and relax.
Visit Banff Public Library
Banff Public Library has programming for all ages, including ‘Super Saturday’ for everyone every Saturday.
Try a Greek Sangria at Balkan
You can also try other funky drinks like Pineapple Express and Mint Julep. Or stick to a classic Manhattan or Mojito.
Go stargazing at Two Jack Lake
It may not be Hawaii, but Banff is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Drive to Two Jack Lake (pictured above), grab a blanket and a warm beverage and spend the dark hours of the night looking at the clear sky.
Visit The Banff Centre
The Banff Centre has a fully packed calendar all summer, so make sure to check out events like “Creative Music: Cabaret”, during the month of August.
Host a picnic at Tunnel Mountain
Tunnel Mountain is Banff’s smallest summit, meaning that while it may still get your heart rate up, it won’t be too difficult to haul your picnic supplies up the mountain. Up top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Banff.
Swim in Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is surrounded by a picnic area and low elevation trail. All lakes in Banff are chilly – but within those standards, Johnson Lake is one of the warmer ones.
Try farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine
Nourish Bistro also offers cocktails made with fresh, organic ingredients.
Buy hand-crafted accessories at Branches Market Place
You can find jewellery, ceramics, and home decor, among other things, made by local artisans.
Have a picnic at the Central Park
Central Park is the perfect spot for a family picnic with a playground nearby. View of the mountains along the Bow River is just the cherry on top.
Jog the Fenland Trail
This scenic run can also take you Vermillion Lakes Road if you’re looking for a tougher workout. You can also take your favourite running body, your dog, on this trail.
Get dinner with a view at Three Ravens
Located at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Three Ravens offers fresh food, great wine, and unbeatable views.
Go canoeing
Canoeing in Banff will never be out of style. And it’s always more fun than you think it will be. You can rent equipment from the Banff Canoe Club.
Get chocolate fondue at The Grizzly House
The Grizzly House is considered a classic too many. And rightfully so – the chocolate fondue is one of the best you’ll find.
Take the gondola
Taking the Banff gondola up Sulfur Mountain is another classic activity. The ride is almost as pretty as the views up top.
Go on a lantern tour at Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Cave and Basin is how national parks in Canada got their start. Walk through the tunnels to the cave with only a lantern as your light while learning about the history of Cave and Basin.
Try a Lavender Mule at the Block Kitchen + Bar
The Lavender Mule is made with lavender syrup and fresh ginger. If you’re not into lavender, the Block offers a ton of other creative cocktails.
Visit Lux Cinema
You’ve probably walked by Lux Cinema many times. Next time, pop in for an afternoon movie and snacks.
Get crepes at Skokis Waffle Crepes & Frozen Yogurt
The strawberry sauce, crepe dough, apple pie filling and other ingredients at Skokis are all handmade.
Try indoor climbing at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Both experienced and new climbers can take advantage of Banff’s only indoor climbing facility. You can cool off in the pool, which has clear views of Sulfur Mountain, afterward.
Attend an outdoor concert
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is hosting an abundance of outdoor music shows for all ages and interests this summer.
Fuel up on caffeine at Little Wild
This local favourite offers $1 drip coffee during its happy hour every morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Ride a horse to Sundance Lodge
This log cabin was built in 1991 and the only way to get to it is through a 16 kilometre hike, horseback ride, or bike ride.
Visit a rooftop patio
Rose & Crown’s renovated rooftop patio offers a great option for those really looking to take advantage of patio season.
Take a wine and cheese cruise on Lake Minnewanka
This tour offers pairings of Canadian cheese and wine during an interpretive tour on Lake Minnewanka surrounded by the mountains.
Try mountain biking
Spray River Loop is a good beginner trail, as long as you’re prepared to share the road with horses.
Sip artisan tea
You can try mountain-inspired blends in local shop Natur’el Tea.
Watch the sunrise or the sunset
You can catch the sunrise or the sunset by one of the many lakes in Banff. If you’re an experienced hiker, gear up with extra safety equipment and flashlight for a (very) early morning hike up one of the easier trails to catch the sunrise.
Try an ATV tour
Banff ATV tours are fully guided to suit various levels of experience and you can pick between full-day and half-day offerings.
Visit Cows
This Canadian company makes delicious ice cream and adorable cow-themed clothing and accessories. The Banff store is its only one in Alberta.
Drive up Mount Norquay
As an alternative to the gondola, take this scenic drive for amazing views of Banff and the mountains.
Try pastries at Wild Flour
Grab organic, artisan treats at this local favourite that makes fresh bread and pastries each day.
Treat yourself to a spa day
If you’re looking to pamper yourself, Banff is home to many world-class spas. Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the tried and true ones.
Stay at a backcountry lodge
If you’re looking to tune out the outside world and spend a few days unplugged, consider staying at a backcountry lodge like Shadow Lake, which is a day-hike away from ‘any conveniences.’
Try horseback riding
Choose between one of the hourly or full-day rides, explore scenic trails, and learn about life in the west.
Visit the Walter Phillips Gallery
The Walter Phillips Gallery in the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a space committed to contemporary art and displays paintings, drawings, sculptures, textiles, photography and much more.
Go camping at Tunnel Mountain Village
Located only 8 kilometers from downtown Banff, this campsite means you can experience solitude but still hop into town for coffee if needed.
Try assisted climbing
It’s called Via Ferrata and it takes you through an exhilarating experience along Mount Norquay.