Banff Attractions Guide
10 Best Things to Do in the Rockies 2026

Canada's most photographed lake — turquoise water backed by the Victoria Glacier, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise right on the shore. Rent a red canoe in summer (~CAD 145/hr), or hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House or Plain of Six Glaciers for an elevated view. In winter the lake freezes into an outdoor skating rink.

The view once printed on the old Canadian $20 bill — a deeper blue than Lake Louise, framed by the ten peaks of the valley. The classic shot is from the "Rockpile Trail," a 10-minute climb onto the glacial moraine. ⚠️ The access road is closed to private vehicles all season — you must use the Parks Canada shuttle, Roam transit, or a tour/taxi. Open roughly mid-June to October.

An 8-minute cable car to the 2,281 m summit of Sulphur Mountain, where a 360° boardwalk reveals six mountain ranges and the whole Banff townsite. Walk the ridge to Sanson's Peak with its old weather observatory, and stop at the summit Sky Bistro. Fit hikers can climb the Sulphur Mountain Trail (5.5 km) and ride the gondola down for free.

A natural open-air hot pool at 37-40°C with a view of Mount Rundle — pure bliss after a day of hiking, and magical in winter when snow falls around the steaming water. Adult entry is about CAD 17, and you can rent a vintage-style swimsuit on site. Many visitors miss it even though it sits right beside the Gondola station — pair the two.

Banff's most fun easy hike — steel catwalks bolted to the cliffs follow a blue creek past the Lower Falls (1.1 km) and Upper Falls (2.7 km). At the Lower Falls a small cave lets you peek at the water up close. In winter the falls freeze into blue ice and people hike up in ice cleats. Great for families and less-fit walkers.

The longest lake in Banff National Park (28 km), its name means "water of the spirits" in the Stoney Nakoda language. Take the 1-hour interpretive cruise that tells the story of a town submerged beneath the lake. The Lake Minnewanka Loop drive passes Two Jack Lake, which mirrors Mount Rundle beautifully, and you'll often spot bighorn sheep roadside.

A wide, low waterfall on the Bow River within walking distance of Banff town — thundering powerfully after snowmelt. The famous photo spot is "Surprise Corner Viewpoint," which frames both the falls and the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs in one shot. It featured in the Marilyn Monroe film River of No Return.

The birthplace of Banff National Park and Canada's entire park system. In 1883 railway workers discovered hot mineral springs in this natural cave, leading to the park's founding in 1885. Step into the cave to see the sulphur-scented springs, plus a history museum. It's home to the endangered Banff Springs snail, found nowhere else. (You soak at Upper Hot Springs, not here.)

One of the world's most scenic drives — the 232 km Highway 93 from Banff to Jasper, lined with glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Highlights: Peyto Lake (a vivid blue, wolf-head-shaped lake), Bow Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier, where an Ice Explorer takes you out onto the ice. Do it as a full-day trip or continue to stay overnight in Jasper.

Three shallow lakes on the edge of town that are the best sunrise/sunset spot around Banff — still water mirrors Mount Rundle perfectly. A lakeside road lets you drive past with pull-out viewpoints. Dawn often brings mist over the water and the occasional moose grazing. Free, and walkable or bikeable from town.