Banff National Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is famous for its vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds. The park spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of striking mountainous terrain in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Canada’s first national park and the world’s third, it has a rich heritage as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. Ski, bike, hike and so much more, no matter your preference, there's something for everyone.
Please click here for some recommendations from the Canadian Chair, Jeffrey Simpson O.C.
Attractions and Activities
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies provides an excellent overview of the Banff region’s mountain ethos through exhibits that explore art, history, nature, outdoor recreation and more.
Mount Norquay is Banff’s original ski area, opened in 1926, and today offers 60 runs on 190 acres.
Lake Minnewanka, a 10-minute drive from Banff, is a favorite spot for star-gazing and viewing the northern lights.
Johnston Canyon, 15.5 miles west of Banff, includes a winter hiking trail popular for its up-close views of fantastical frozen waterfalls and cascades.
Vermilion Lakes is a good spot to ice skate near town and offers stellar views of high peaks.
Key Stops
The Banff Gondola whisks you to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes and, on winter evenings, the experience includes an immersive multimedia art exhibit called Nightrise. On Saturday, we will have a group excursion in the afternoon for the Gondola ride & reception.
Banff Sunshine ski area, five miles from town, has 138 trails on more than 3,300 acres across three peaks and a season that lasts into May.
The region’s biggest ski resort is Lake Louise, 32 miles from Banff, with 164 runs on 4,200 acres and extensive open bowls. Fairmont Lake Louise features a beautiful property & lots of great restaurants.
Banff Upper Hot Springs has drawn visitors since the late 1800s to its mineral-rich pool on the side of Sulphur Mountain.
Restaurants & Bars
The Post Restaurant, awarded “Best Food in the Americas” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold list, The Dining Room is a destination unto itself. Come savour the exquisite talents of European-trained Executive Chef Hans Sauter and the warm glow of the grand fireplace.
The Fat Ox, opened in summer 2024, specializes in northern Italian dishes amid a lively atmosphere.
The Rundle Bar, at the sprawling Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, is a particularly elegant spot for sipping cocktails.
Rose and Crown is a downtown nightlife staple, with pool tables, live music nightly and a casual vibe.
The midmountain Whitehorn Bistro at Lake Louise ski area offers sit-down service for lunch and cheese fondue.
Mad Trapper’s, at Banff Sunshine’s midmountain village, serves standards like burgers and poutine in a vintage log building.
Block Kitchen and Bar offers a creative menu of Asian- and Mediterranean-inflected dishes amid the genial feel of a neighborhood bar.
Wildflour Bakery is a long-time favorite downtown spot for fresh bread, pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
In the Banff Aspen Lodge, Whitebark Café has delicious house-made baked goods and coffee drinks.
Shopping and Art Galleries
Willock and Sax Gallery carries artwork in various media from established and emerging western Canadian artists.
For more than 50 years, Canada House Gallery has been a go-to resource for contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography and more from Canadian artists.
Brandon T. Brown Gallery offers captivating, large-format wildlife photography from a local photographer.
Carter-Ryan Gallery features representations of the natural world by the prominent Indigenous painter and sculptor Jason Carter.
The Paper Den, owned by two local artists, has graphic-art prints and cards of local mountains and trails.
Housed in a restored log cabin from the late 1800s, Jolene’s Tea House sells more than 60 varieties of hand-blended organic tea.
Banff Tea Co. offers dozens of fragrant tea blends, most available in bulk.
Banff & Lake Louise official tourism website can be accessed here.
Click here for the New York Times guide to 36 hours in Banff.
