Curator’s statement
The Canadian Rockies is a haven of majestic nature that took my breath away from the first moment I arrived. With beautiful mountains and glacier lakes galore, my family and I explored many of Canada’s national parks that include Banff, Jasper and Yoho. This is a vacation where you can truly unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature. A trip to visit the Canadian Rockies should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The Fora Difference
Book with Tracy to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Banff
Unlock perks by contacting Tracy to book your trip.
Things to do in Banff
Explore downtown Banff. Whether you stay in Banff or nearby Canmore, take the time to walk along the cutest main street in the town of Banff to eat, drink and shop for souvenirs.
Ride up Banff Gondola. You can easily add this to your time exploring downtown Banff. Some adventurers prefer to take the trek up Sulphur Mountain, while others like to take it easy and ride the gondola. If you prefer to skip the hike, you can take a short gondola ride by booking via their main website. No matter how you get up there, you will be rewarded with a lovely observation deck overlooking the Banff valley and beyond.
Visit Moraine Lake. As one of my personal favorites, this lake gives you that beautiful view of the bright blue lake with dramatic mountains. It feels like you’re stepping into a Bob Ross painting. Tip: To get the best (and bluest) view of Moraine Lake, I recommend taking a quick trek up the rock pile. Most people visit Moraine Lake first before visiting Lake Louise, as there are more activities at Lake Louise.
Explore Lake Louise. This is inarguably one of the most popular stops in Banff National Park. This glacier lake’s beauty is truly unreal. You can enjoy this lake in many ways, such as walking along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail or renting a canoe from the boathouse. Check out the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with Afternoon Tea. By reserving your shuttle seats ahead of time, you can visit both lakes on the same day. Tip: It is recommended to utilize the shuttle service to visit both of the lakes. During peak season, you can reserve shuttle seats by creating an account and purchasing tickets 48 hours prior to your anticipated visit on the website.
Spend a day in Yoho National Park. Less than an hour away from the town of Banff, you can cross into British Columbia to explore this national park.
Explore Emerald Lake by taking an easy walk along the green-hued lake or rent a canoe from Emerald Sports Boathouse. Walk near Takakkaw Falls, the biggest glacier-fed waterfall in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Visit the Natural Bridge, which is a naturally formed stone bridge surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.
Drive the famous Icefield Parkway. From Banff or Canmore, prepare to take a unique and beautiful journey towards Jasper National Park. Plan to make some scenic stops that can include Herbert Lake, Bow Lake Viewpoint, and Peyto Lake. Tip: Be sure to pack snacks for the drive. The drive to Jasper National Park is upward of 3 hours without stops, and there are limited restaurants on Icefield Parkway.
Partake in the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. Explore a couple of highlights of Jasper National Park, like Athabasca Glacier via all-terrain vehicle and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Tip: It is recommended to customize and book your adventure ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Raft the Bow River. Take a break from the land and soak in the beauty of Bow Valley on a guided tour on a scenic float. Book one of the variety of tours offered from Canmore Raft Tours.
Places to eat & drink in Banff
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar: Right on Banff Ave, you have amazing views of downtown Banff to enjoy your food and beverage of choice. Ask for a seat on the upstairs patio to get the best view. They are most famous for their gin, but the vodka and rye are also great.
The Eddie Burger + Bar: Great casual spot to fulfill your burger and poutine cravings. The burgers are very creative. I highly recommend the Stampeder and the Rocky Mountain.
Ramen Arashi Banff: Cozy spot with many ramen variations that include vegetarian and vegan options.
BeaverTails Banff: A Canadian staple that serves sweet and savory treats I can only describe as fried flat donut bread with a variety of delectable toppings. I really enjoyed the BrWOWnie and the Hazel Amour, but I’m sure you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Banff Ave Brewing Co: Fun brew pub with offerings from beer, cocktails and more to quench your thirst.
Whitebark Cafe: Great spot with patio to grab a good cup of coffee with a light breakfast or lunch.
Communitea Cafe: Counter-service cafe with light & healthy options for breakfast like the Brekkie BLT Panini or Rise & Shine Panini.
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company: Start your day off with a deliciously warm bagel sandwich, like the Eggel or the Amigo.
Need to know
What to know before you go:
You need to purchase a Park Pass and display in your car in order to enter any of Canada's National Parks (Banff, Yoho, Jasper, etc.)
To avoid the crowds, start your day early or stay our later.
If possible, download or print your tickets for the scheduled activities (i.e., gondola, shuttle, icefield/skywalk) prior to leaving your accommodation each day. Internet connection can be very limited while out in the national park.
No need to buy bottled water. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Pack and wear layers every day.
Bring a packable down jacket, thermals, durable shoes (i.e., hiking boots or shoes) every day. Even in the summer, it can get cold in the mountains.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Tracy Delossantos
Get in touch with Tracy
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Tracy within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Banff. For more travel tips, check out Alicia Bailey's guide, Best of Banff Travel Guide