Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a captivating town and the gateway to Canada’s oldest national park. This city is a place where towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes and endless wilderness come together to create a breathtaking escape. As the highest-elevation town in Canada, Banff offers not just stunning scenery but an unforgettable adventure in one of nature's most beautiful playgrounds.
Whether you’re craving thrilling outdoor pursuits or peaceful moments surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Banff and the surrounding national park is a destination that promises to leave you inspired and in awe of one of our 50 most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2025.
There are so many things to see and so much to do in the Banff area that you may not know where to begin. This is why many people choose from AAA's Canadian vacation packages to help them make the best use of their time. From hiking to picnicking, camping to horseback riding, Banff is a paradise where you can stay busy all day.
Top Reasons to Visit Banff
Banff is more than just a mountain town. It’s a vibrant community where rich history meets modern charm. From cozy cafes and boutique shops to world-class hiking trails and wildlife spotting, Banff offers a perfect blend of culture and nature.
This a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the wild beauty of the Canadian landscape, earning a spot as a top AAA vacation in North America.
Here are some of the top reasons to make sure you visit Banff on your Canadian vacation:
1. Witness Nature’s Masterpiece at Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of Banff's most popular locations. The stunning turquoise waters and iconic views draw people from all over the world. The area around the lake shore is an excellent place for hiking, with trails ranging from beginner to advanced.
Moraine Lake is open from June to October and is only available by shuttle. Want to know more about the area? Sign up for a shuttle and tour of Moraine Lake, where you can learn all about the lake and its one-of-a-kind views from an expert guide.
2. See the Panoramic Views of Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most famous lakes in Banff. With stunning sea green water and soaring peaks encircling the shores, Lake Louise is one of the major draws at Banff National Park.
Hiking and canoeing are popular at Lake Louise, and in winter, you'll find cross-country skiers and ice climbers. You can enjoy Lake Louise through a guided tour or a shuttle bus tour.
3. Ride Horses Along Bow River
Banff is a cowboy's paradise! Spend an afternoon riding horses along Bow River, and you'll see why. During your hour-long horseback ride, you'll enjoy the park at a relaxed pace.
During the tour, you'll see sulfur springs, Bow River, and the historic Cave and Basin site. Horses are perfectly suited to the terrain and make enjoying Banff more relaxing and exciting.
4. Go On a Wildlife Adventure
Banff is teeming with wildlife and beautiful viewpoints, and you can see it for yourself on a wildlife adventure tour. During your journey, you'll hear about the history of Banff's indigenous people, learn more about the animals that live in the park, explore the back roads of Banff and hopefully catch glimpses of animals.
Deer, lynx, moose, bears, elk, cougars, coyotes, foxes and more are known to be seen in these areas so keep a watchful eye. These tours are only conducted with groups of small sizes, so sign up quickly before spots run out.
5. Ride in a Banff Gondola
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in the Banff gondola, an iconic year-round activity everyone can enjoy. Each gondola has a glass bottom, so you can enjoy beautiful views from side to side, above and below.
The ride to the top is 8 minutes long and all gondolas are wheelchair friendly. Gondolas are also powered by electricity, which makes them better for the environment. Once at the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views inside the center as well as on the outdoor boardwalk.
6. Enjoy Stunning Views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are the heart and soul of Banff National Park. These mountains are known for their historic hot springs, numerous high peaks, major river systems and jagged formations of sedimentary rock. This is substantially different from the American Rockies, which are made of metamorphic and igneous rock.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are substantially more jagged than the American Rockies because they are more heavily glaciated. The result? The Canadian Rockies have a dramatic and imposing profile that makes for stunning photo opportunities and a one-of-a-kind landscape.
7. Ice Skate or Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is a source of entertainment and activity for people who live in the Banff area. In the summer, the lake is a place to picnic, hike and go canoeing. In the winter, it's a fantastic ice-skating rink!
You can see the lake for yourself on a Lake Minnewanka Cruise. During the cruise, you'll learn about the human and natural history of the lake. You'll get the opportunity to see the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
8. Walk On a Glacier
Glaciers are what made Banff National Park what it is today. Many of those glaciers are long gone, but some are still present. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive ice formation you can visit at Banff.
You can enjoy viewing the glacier in a 3-hour Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk. During the tour, you can walk along the ice, see the world from the Glacier Skywalk, fill your water bottle with snow melt and then head back with your guide and group.
9. Enjoy a Sunrise Tour
Are you an early riser? If so, you can watch the sunrise over the Rockies with a special sunrise tour. During your tour, you'll visit Moraine Lake before dawn, see a dramatic sunrise over the mountains, and then enjoy a hot drink while your tour guide points out the best viewpoints in the park.
During your sunrise tour, you'll also stroll along the shore of Lake Louise. Dawn is a peaceful time at Banff. This tour is one you'll surely never forget.
10. Ride in a Covered Wagon
Long ago, people explored the West in covered wagons. Today, you can do the same with a covered wagon ride. During your tour, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Bow River and Sulphur Mountain, a BBQ with your group and learn about the area. This family-friendly activity makes exploring Banff more fun!
11. Take a Premium Day Tour of Banff National Park
Banff National Park is huge, and sometimes it's hard to know which areas are most important to see. This is why many people choose to enjoy the park with a premium guided tour. Let your experienced tour guide take you through the Canadian Rockies, exploring the park in just one day.
You'll enjoy endless photo opportunities, including major attractions and off-the-beaten-path landmarks. Tell your guide which areas interest you the most, then sit back and explore the park without worrying about driving, parking or getting lost.
12. Hike Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a part of the park accessible all year round, with a well-maintained trail that winds through the beautiful greenery. In winter, Johnston Canyon is snow-covered and frozen, a winter wonderland.
There are many ways to explore Johnston Canyon, including guided tours, independent hiking and even e-bikes.
13. Go Canyoning
Have you ever heard the term "canyoning"? Canyoning is the art of traveling through canyons using techniques like climbing, jumping, scrambling, walking, rappelling, swimming and climbing. In other words, it's the ultimate outdoor adventure.
You can go canyoning through Heart Creek Canyon, where you'll have a chance to do rappels, develop rope skills and more. It's a real thrill, the perfect challenge for someone physically fit and adventurous.
14. Ride a Canoe down Bow River
Do you love water sports? Then you'll enjoy this ride in a canoe on Bow River. You'll journey upstream as your guide tells you stories of the area, the history of canoeing, and more. Tours include life jackets and paddles.
No experience canoeing is necessary. Your tour guide will tell you everything you need to know. This activity is great for families.
15. Go Via Ferrata Climbing
Via ferrata is an activity that combines climbing, mountaineering and hiking. When you engage in via ferrata climbing, you use metal cables and ladders as well as steps that have been attached to the rocks to climb the mountains safely. Your guide will show you the way as you enjoy panoramic views of the park.
How to Get Around Banff
Banff National Park is open to cars, but traffic can be congested, and parking is limited from mid-May through mid-October. Many people who visit the park choose alternatives.
- Walking and Biking: Roads and trails are open and available to hikers in Banff. If you choose to bike in Banff, you'll have access to bike fix-it stations where you can make small repairs and pump up your tires. There are more than 10 locations in Banff town where you can rent e-bikes.
- Public Transit: Roam is Banff town's public transit bus system. You can use the bus system to get you around town and to most of the major attractions in the park. Learn more on the Banff website.
- Shuttle: Shuttles and tours are available to take visitors to Banff National Park. Many people enjoy visiting the park via shuttle or tour instead of driving themselves.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Banff?
The most popular time of year to visit Banff is from June to October when the temperatures are the most pleasant and all the scenic parts of the park are open. Fall is the perfect season to see striking fall foliage, and at this time of year, there are fewer people in the parks as well. This gorgeous city can also be enjoyed during the winter, making the list of our best winter vacation spots for families.
If there is a time of year to avoid Banff, it may be early spring. Winter activities are largely finished by early spring, but it's still too cold to enjoy later spring and summer activities. The early spring weather can be unpredictable as well!
FAQs About Banff
Still have some questions about visiting this beautiful city and national park? AAA has answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What are the best photo opportunities in Banff?
Banff is one huge photo opportunity, but if you're looking for the best spots, check out Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The turquoise waters make for surreal, stunning photo opportunities.
Why are the lakes in Banff National Park so blue?
Lakes in Banff National Park are fed by glacier water. As glaciers slide across rock, they grind rocks down and pick up minerals. These minerals flow into nearby lakes and refract light, creating the bold blue in Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Banff?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Banff. The lights shine brightest from November to April, especially around the end of March. Bring your cameras, as modern cameras pick up the lights easily. You'll be able to take some amazing pictures!
How can you get to Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so you'll have to take the Parks Canada shuttles or sign up for a private tour. Private tours tend to be very worthwhile, giving you an excellent chance to learn more about the lake, the geography and the surrounding area.
To learn more about how you can prepare for your trip to Banff in advance to make your vacation easier, check out our nine things to know before visiting Banff.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Banff?
Many places in Banff will allow you to use US dollars. However, the exchange rate varies. You'll save money if you change your dollars to Canadian dollars. You can make the exchange at exchange offices and banks.
What's the weather like in Banff?
Summers in Banff National Park are mild, and the winters are cold and snowy. The weather in the area can be very unpredictable. Watch the weather forecasts and bring layers. If you're going to the park in winter, be prepared for very cold temperatures. Cool temperatures at night are not uncommon, even in summer. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 72°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures of 5°F.
What are some recommended places to stay in Banff?
There are many places to stay in Banff town, as the National Park attracts many tourists throughout the year. Trip Canvas has some excellent hotels available at good prices. Here are some excellent hotels that travelers enjoy staying at when they visit Banff:
- For old-world elegance: Fairmont Banff Springs
- For a secluded, serene experience: The Rimrock Resort Hotel
- For a casual, homey vibe: Charlton's Banff
- For somewhere relaxed and woodsy: Rundlestone Lodge
What are some of the best places to eat in Banff?
Canadian cuisine is not well-known around the world, but there are some Canadian foods to watch out for while you're in Banff. Poutine is a dish you may encounter: French fries, cheese curds, and hot brown gravy. This dish originated in Quebec in the late 1950s and has spread around Canada since that time.
Maple syrup is, of course, an important product made in Canada and can be found in candies, fudge and on every breakfast table in town. Watch for the Alberta beef, too, as beef is one of Alberta's most important industries.
One more suggestion: if Banff didn't already feel like the Wild West, then it certainly would if you ordered bison or elk from a local restaurant. Try it! Here are a few restaurants you might try in the area.
- For modern Canadian cuisine: änkôr
- For a farm-to-table Canadian experience: The Bison Restaurant & Patio
- For contemporary Canadian food: Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen
Want to learn more about great restaurants in Banff? Check out the Trip Canvas website for some excellent options in the Banff area.
Do you need a car in Banff?
A car can be very helpful while you're visiting Banff. While shuttles and tours can be used to get you to many of the areas in the park, many people want a car for traveling around Banff town. Check out our nine things to know before visiting Banff to make sure you're prepared for anything.
Ready to Visit Banff?
Banff is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, and a trip to Banff is sure to be memorable. A good vacation starts with research. If you're ready to start planning your trip, Trip Canvas can help you find the best tours at discounted prices.
The AAA Travel Experts can make your research easy. Our team can help you create the best itinerary for your trip. Whether you're going to Banff for a day, a week or more, we can help our members enjoy discounts on hotels, rental cars and more. Going to Banff is better when you're saving money and seeing all the best sites! That's why members turn to AAA.