Banff National Park Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff National Park showing mountains, snow and tranquil scenes
Johnston Canyon featuring hiking or walking, a garden and snow
Johnston Canyon which includes a gorge or canyon and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Banff National Park showing a sandy beach, a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing


Canada’s oldest national park is a place for adventure-filled getaways and stunning mountain scenery.

Banff National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glacier-fed turquoise lakes and miles of untouched forests. Come for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Thrill seekers will find no shortage of activities, from white water rafting to mountain biking.The park’s lakes are a gorgeous aqua-blue colour in summer and their surfaces reflect the surrounding mountains. Hike the hills above Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake for two of the most photographed scenes in Canada. Lake Minnewanka isn’t fed by glaciers, but it’s one of only two lakes in the area that allows boats on the water. Take a boat cruise or rent a fishing rod.Hiking opportunities in the park abound. Tackle rocky mountain paths or enjoy man-made walkways. Johnston Canyon has a walkway built into the side of its sheer canyon walls. If you don’t want to hike, opt for the gondolas and chair lifts that go up some of the mountains. Banff Gondola rides to the summit of Sulphur Mountain just outside the town. There are three ski resorts within the national park. Sunshine Village is a short drive from Banff and encompasses three mountains. Skiing areas range from beginners’ slopes to advanced, off-piste areas. Finish the day with après-ski drinks in a restaurant on the mountain.The national park spans 2,564 square miles (6,641 square kilometres) in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are two towns in the park: Banff and Lake Louise. Both towns offer plenty of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury lodges. For an indulgent option, book a room at the century-old Fairmont Banff Springs.There are many places to rent equipment such as bicycles, skis, kayaks or fishing gear. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one or use the regular bus and shuttle services running between towns and major attractions.

Plan a trip to see Banff National Park

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Grande Rockies Resort - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Paradise Resort Club and Spa
Lake Louise Inn

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Best Lodging Options Near Banff National Park

Lake Louise Inn

Lake Louise Inn

3 out of 5
210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn
Mountaineer Lodge

Mountaineer Lodge

2.5 out of 5
101 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineer Lodge
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

4 out of 5
111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Baker Creek By Basecamp

Baker Creek By Basecamp

3 out of 5
Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, AB
Baker Creek By Basecamp
Post Hotel & Spa

Post Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Post Hotel & Spa
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin

Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin

Lake Louise
Family Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Baker Creek | Superior Two Bedroom Cabin

Baker Creek | Superior Two Bedroom Cabin

Lake Louise
Baker Creek | Superior Two Bedroom Cabin
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin

Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin

Lake Louise
Baker Creek | Two Bedroom Cabin
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Banff National Park

Banff National Park offers an array of exciting activities, including hiking, skiing, and sightseeing. You can explore stunning landscapes on scenic walks, enjoy wildlife tours, and even partake in night skiing for a unique experience. Don't forget to look into attraction tickets and plan your ski vacation to make the most of your visit to this breathtaking destination in Alberta.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in Banff National Park, visit Wilsons Mountain Sports and Samson Mall, both located 19.3km away. If you're up for a drive, these spots offer a variety of gifts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of the Canadian Rockies.

Recreation

Explore the Ink Pots Hiking Trail, a serene 20.9km from Banff National Park, where peaceful trails lead to natural hot springs, perfect for relaxation. At Sunshine Meadows, located 40.2km away, immerse yourself in stunning alpine views and rejuvenate in the tranquility of nature.

Adventure

Lake Louise Mountain Resort is an exhilarating ski destination located 17.7km from Banff National Park, offering breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities. Nearby, the Paradise Ski Lift and Ptarmigan Quad Ski Lift, both situated 14.5km away, provide thrilling access to stunning alpine terrain for skiing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre offers a unique nightlife experience with its fun atmosphere and lively bowling lanes. Located 41.8km from the park, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind after a day of adventure in the stunning Canadian Rockies.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Banff National Park

Banff National Park offers stunning lakes, impressive ski resorts, and majestic peaks, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. Explore Banff's attractions, including the Banff Centre, the Banff Museum, and the charming town of Banff itself. Don't miss the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you, and consider additional activities to fully experience the beauty of this remarkable national park.

  • Lake Louise Mountain Resort: Nestled 17.7km from Banff National Park, this ski resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences. With stunning mountain vistas and a variety of outdoor activities, it’s perfect for adventure seekers and families alike.
  • Lake Louise: Located 22.5km away, this iconic turquoise lake is famous for its breathtaking scenery and serene beach area. Ideal for romantic strolls and outdoor picnics, Lake Louise is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty.
  • Panorama Peak: Situated 24.1km from Banff, this peak boasts awe-inspiring views and excellent hiking opportunities. With its unspoiled wilderness, Panorama Peak is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Banff National Park

To save money on your trip to Banff National Park, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January, April, or November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Fridays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Sundays are pricier. Use Expedia's filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore the park's many free activities to make the most of your visit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Banff National Park is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Banff National Park are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Banff National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Banff National Park is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Banff National Park is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay in Banff National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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