The Banff National Park Travel Guide: the best things to do and see

This stunner is a glacial lake nestled into the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Ten snowcapped mountains encircle this azure lake, which gets its spectacular color from the fine rock dust deposited in the water by nearby glaciers. “The color of the lake was unbelievable,” said traveler Rebecca after returning from our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour. “The water really is bluer in Banff!” (Please note: The road to Lake Moraine is only accessible from June through September.)

Located a short walk from the town of Banff, Bow Falls is a short, wide waterfall formed by the winding Bow River. The falls are accessible year-round and are equally arresting in both the summer and winter, when they’re either frothy or frozen. Fun fact: Bow Falls is one of the scenic spots used as a filming location for the Marilyn Monroe movie “River of No Return.” Want another perspective of the falls? Join our Banff River Float excursion on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour and float down the Bow River by raft, passing stunning mountain scenery as you go.

The discovery of Cave and Basin’s natural thermal springs sparked the founding of Canada’s first national park: the Rocky Mountains Park of Canada, which eventually became Banff. When you visit on a tour of Banff, walk through the tunnels to see the hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity. You can’t bathe in the pools, but you can head to the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs during your free time to soak in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying a mountain view.

Turquoise-hued Lake Louise is one of the most iconic landmarks in Alberta, Canada. Known as “a diamond in the wilderness,” this icy lake is surrounded by lush, forested mountains and offers some of the best views in Canada. Take some time to walk along some of this glacial lake’s many trails, or head out on the water in a canoe (in the summer) or on ice skates (in the winter).

“Take the hike around Lake Louise,” urged traveler Suzie after returning from our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour. “Jump on the ski lifts or the tram rides to the top of the mountains! There is more to do at the top. You can eat, you can hike, or you can just sit and enjoy the breathtaking views. Everywhere you turn is another beautiful picture.”

Taking an enclosed gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain is an unforgettable experience to have in the Canadian Rockies. Join us on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride excursion on our National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone tour for sweeping views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains.

Want to get an even closer look at the mountainous terrain surrounding Banff? Use your free day in the Banff region to add our Icefields Parkway & Glacier Experience excursion on The Canadian Rockies Walking Tour: Banff & Lake Louise. You’ll board a snow coach to travel up the Athabasca Glacier—which technically lies within the border of Jasper National Park—and take a short walk on the ice. This glacier is a remnant of the mass that once covered most of the Canadian Rockies and has rapidly retreated over the last century due to climate change.

When you join us on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour, you’ll spend two days traveling in the glass-domed coach of a Rocky Mountaineer train and be treated to excellent service and spectacular views. You’ll soon see why we consider it one of our top scenic train ride tours.

“What a glorious two days; they ended too soon,” said traveler Jean Ann after disembarking. “Great food, drinks, and crew. From our dome car, we saw osprey, eagles, and bighorn sheep on the hillside, plus [had] great photo opportunities of the beautiful scenery.”

This wouldn’t be much of a Banff Travel Guide if we didn’t tell you how to dress! The weather changes quickly in the mountains, and it’s not unusual to experience multiple “seasons” within a few hours. Take a tip from traveler Tracey, who returned from our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour with this recommendation: “Pack for unpredictable weather, as even in June we had 75 degrees and sun, snow, and rain!” she said.

You won’t need anything too heavy duty, since many of the trails you might want to explore around Banff are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels. We recommend packing footwear that is lightweight and comfortable with a good grip—and don’t forget to include high-cut, cushioned socks to keep your feet happy and protect your ankles from bugs and scratches.

UV exposure gets stronger at higher altitudes, so be sure to pack plenty of sun protection for your trip to Banff. Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses are always a good idea. We also recommend lip balm with SPF and lightweight, long layers, even in the summer.

Sure, you could just use the camera on your phone, but to really capture the Canadian Rockies, you may want to consider bringing along a DSLR camera. There’s so much beauty to snap photos of, from stunning landscapes to iconic wildlife. One of our best Banff travel tips? Make sure to look up from the viewfinder once in a while—the majesty of Banff is beautiful in photos, but even better in person.