Do Banff the way locals do: start slow at Banff National Park, eat where the regulars do at Hankki, let the evening run long at PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar.
Top things to do in Banff
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Banff National Park
Rocky Mountain park offering year-round activities & glacial lakes such as Lake Louise, also a town.
Check tours & tickets2
Fairmont Banff Springs
Upscale lodging in a castle-like building, offering a golf course, refined restaurants & a spa.
Check tours & tickets3
Banff Gondola
Calm gondola ride to a mountaintop for sweeping views of surrounding peaks, plus dining & a museum.
Check tours & tickets4
Johnston Canyon
National park with hiking trails & bridges to waterfalls, ridges & blue 'ink pot' spring pools.
Check tours & tickets5
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
Check tours & tickets6
Cascade of Time Garden
Tranquil, terraced gardens featuring landscaped paths & sitting areas amid diverse trees & flowers.
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Banff Visitor Centre
Information on regional hikes, parks & other local activities, plus a souvenir shop.
Check tours & tickets8
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Canada's highest thermal mineral springs, with a preserved 1930s bathhouse & Rockies panoramas.
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Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
Remains of a high-altitude geophysical laboratory built in 1957, with interpretive panels & views.
Check tours & tickets10
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Hankki
Website12
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Mesquite-grilled meats, gourmet comfort eats & small-batch spirits in a hip & rustic space.
Website13
ElToro Restaurant
Upscale eatery serving Canadian, Mexican & Spanish-influenced cuisine, including breakfast & tapas.
Website14
The Eddie Burger + Bar
Creative burgers are served at this casual nook, which also offers poutine, craft beers & shakes.
Website15
The Grizzly House
Landmark eatery serving fondue & exotic meats like alligator & rattlesnake in a lodgelike setting.
Website16
Sky Bistro
Panoramic venue atop the Banff Gondola's 7,510-ft. summit station serving high-end Canadian cuisine.
Website17
Añejo Restaurant
Website18
Bear Street Tavern
Rustic, laid-back hangout offering thin-crust pizza, Canadian pub grub, craft beer on tap & a patio.
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Tours worth booking ahead
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19
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
Check tours & tickets20
Radventures
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Lake Minnewanka Cruise
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Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1888 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Sulphur Mountain.
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Discover Banff Tours
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Banff Canoe Club
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Banff National Park
Rocky Mountain park offering year-round activities & glacial lakes such as Lake Louise, also a town.
Website26
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
Website27
Hoodoos Viewpoint
Website28
Quarry Lake Park
Relaxed lake with a small, rocky beach, a grassy area & a dog park with panoramic mountain views.
Website29
Johnston Canyon, Upper Falls
After dark
30
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Mesquite-grilled meats, gourmet comfort eats & small-batch spirits in a hip & rustic space.
Website31
Bear Street Tavern
Rustic, laid-back hangout offering thin-crust pizza, Canadian pub grub, craft beer on tap & a patio.
Website32
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Creative pub eats & house beers in a cool, wood-lined hangout with wildlife statues & a pine tree.
Website33
The Boss Kitchen & Bar
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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