Banff National Park is one of the most spectacular destinations on Earth — and 2026 is shaping up to be the best year yet to visit. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning Rockies addict, this guide covers the 20 best things to do in Banff, complete with booking links so you can lock in experiences before they sell out.
From riding the iconic gondola to cruising glacier-fed lakes, every activity on this list is something we've personally done and loved. Let's dive in.
1. Ride the Banff Gondola Up Sulphur Mountain
The Banff Gondola is the single most popular attraction in the park — and for good reason. The 8-minute ride whisks you 698 metres up Sulphur Mountain to a summit station at 2,281 metres, where you'll find 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff far below.
At the top, walk the interpretive boardwalk to Sanson's Peak, explore the interactive exhibits, or dine at Sky Bistro, one of Canada's highest-elevation restaurants. Adult tickets are $76 CAD and sell out in peak season — book Banff Gondola tickets on GetYourGuide to guarantee your spot.
2. Cruise Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the longest lake in the Canadian Rockies at 21 kilometres, and a scenic boat cruise is one of the best ways to experience it. The 60-minute guided cruise takes you past towering limestone cliffs, glacier-carved bays, and — if you're lucky — mountain goats and bald eagles along the shoreline.
Cruises run from mid-May to mid-October. Tickets sell out fast on summer weekends, so we recommend booking ahead: book Lake Minnewanka cruise.
3. Hike Johnston Canyon
Banff's most popular trail follows steel catwalks bolted into the limestone canyon walls above a turquoise creek. Walk 1.1 km to the Lower Falls (easy, 30 minutes) or continue 2.7 km to the Upper Falls (moderate, 1.5 hours). For a real adventure, push on to the Ink Pots — five mineral springs bubbling through vivid blue-green pools in an alpine meadow.
Arrive before 8am or after 5pm to beat the crowds. The trail is open year-round; in winter, you can walk the frozen canyon with ice cleats.
4. Visit Lake Louise
The "Jewel of the Rockies" needs no introduction. Lake Louise is a turquoise glacial lake framed by Victoria Glacier and towering peaks. Walk the 2 km lakeshore path, rent a canoe ($135/hour from the boathouse), or hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House for scones and mountain views at 2,135 metres.
Arrive before 8am in summer — the parking lot fills by 9am. Alternatively, take Roam Transit Route 8X from Banff.
5. See Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks
Moraine Lake may be even more stunning than Lake Louise. The vivid blue water, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the Rockpile viewpoint (the image from the old Canadian $20 bill) are unforgettable. Private vehicles are restricted in peak season — take the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park & Ride (reservation required).
6. Drive the Icefields Parkway
Highway 93N from Lake Louise to Jasper is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. In 232 km, you'll pass glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Key stops include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and the Columbia Icefield.
Want to walk on a glacier? You can book Columbia Icefield tours to experience the Athabasca Glacier and the glass-floored Skywalk firsthand.
7. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Perched on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, the Banff Upper Hot Springs offer naturally heated mineral pools at 37-40°C with panoramic mountain views. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking. Admission is $8.30 CAD for adults, and towel and swimsuit rentals are available on-site.
8. Explore the Cave and Basin National Historic Site
This is where it all started. The discovery of thermal hot springs here in 1883 led to the creation of Canada's first national park. Explore the original cave, learn about the park's history through interactive exhibits, and walk the Discovery Trail through the surrounding marsh.
9. Take a Wildlife Safari
Banff is home to grizzly bears, black bears, elk, wolves, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. While you can spot wildlife on your own along the Bow Valley Parkway and at Vermilion Lakes, a guided wildlife tour dramatically increases your chances — expert guides know exactly where and when animals are most active. Browse wildlife tour options on GetYourGuide.
10. Canoe on the Bow River
Paddle through the heart of the Bow Valley on one of the most scenic rivers in the Rockies. Several outfitters in Banff town rent canoes and kayaks for gentle stretches of the Bow River, with Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain towering overhead. It's peaceful, beautiful, and suitable for all skill levels.
11. Ride the Lake Louise Gondola
Not to be confused with the Banff Gondola, the Lake Louise Gondola operates in summer and takes you up to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding peaks. Watch for grizzly bears in the valley below — sightings are common from the gondola. There's also a wildlife interpretive centre at the top.
12. Hike Sentinel Pass
At 2,611 metres, Sentinel Pass is the highest point reachable by maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies. The 11.6 km round trip from Moraine Lake climbs through stunning Larch Valley (spectacular gold in late September) before reaching the narrow pass between towering peaks. Challenging but incredibly rewarding.
13. Visit Peyto Lake
One of the most photographed lakes in the Rockies, Peyto Lake is famous for its wolf-head shape and impossibly vivid turquoise colour. A short 10-minute walk from the Icefields Parkway parking area brings you to the viewpoint. Best visited in the morning for the most vivid colours and softest light.
14. Walk the Banff Legacy Trail
This 26 km paved pathway connects Banff to Canmore along the Bow Valley with mountain views the entire way. Rent a bike in town and ride one way, then shuttle back. It's mostly flat, fully paved, and separated from highway traffic — perfect for families and casual cyclists.
15. Go White Water Rafting
Get your adrenaline pumping on the Kicking Horse River (Class III-IV rapids) or enjoy a mellower float on the Bow River. Multiple outfitters run daily trips from Banff and Lake Louise between May and September. Half-day trips start around $90 CAD.
16. Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
The Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay is a fixed-cable climbing route that takes you along cliff faces and across suspension bridges with spectacular views. Four routes range from beginner-friendly (Explorer Ridge, 2.5 hours) to advanced (Skyline Summit, 6 hours). No climbing experience needed — guides provide all equipment and instruction.
17. Stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve
Banff National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning minimal light pollution and spectacular night skies. Head to Vermilion Lakes or Two Jack Lake after dark for views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and — during solar maximum years — the northern lights. Summer and fall offer the darkest skies.
18. Try a Banff Food Tour
Banff's culinary scene is booming, and a food tour is the best way to taste the highlights. Sample Alberta beef, bison, craft beer, and mountain-inspired cuisine at top restaurants with a local guide. Book Banff food tours to eat your way through the best of the Rockies.
19. Explore Bear Street
While most tourists crowd Banff Avenue, locals head to Bear Street — a quieter, more charming block one street over. Here you'll find The Bison Restaurant, Bear Street Tavern, independent boutiques, bookshops, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's the heart of local Banff.
20. Watch Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes
Three shallow lakes just west of Banff townsite offer the most photogenic sunrise in the park. The calm water reflects Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain in perfect mirror images. Get there 30 minutes before sunrise, bring a coffee, and enjoy one of the most peaceful moments you'll ever experience.
Where to Stay
Banff offers accommodation for every budget, from hostels and campgrounds to luxury lodges. Downtown Banff puts you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and trailheads, while Canmore (20 minutes east) offers lower prices with easy park access.
Compare hotel deals and book your Banff accommodation on Expedia — booking early is essential, especially for peak summer and ski season.
Final Thoughts
Banff National Park consistently ranks among the top destinations in the world, and these 20 activities represent the very best the park has to offer in 2026. Whether you're chasing turquoise lakes, mountain summits, or incredible food, Banff delivers on every front.
Start planning your trip today: browse tours and experiences on GetYourGuide, and lock in your hotel on Expedia. The mountains are calling.