Banff: what's actually worth it
Top things to do in Banff
Banff National Park
National Park · ★ 4.8 (29,785 reviews)
Rocky Mountain park offering year-round activities & glacial lakes such as Lake Louise, also a town.
Check tours & tickets →Banff Gondola
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (16,277 reviews)
Calm gondola ride to a mountaintop for sweeping views of surrounding peaks, plus dining & a museum.
Check tours & tickets →Johnston Canyon
Hiking Area · ★ 4.7 (13,377 reviews)
National park with hiking trails & bridges to waterfalls, ridges & blue 'ink pot' spring pools.
Check tours & tickets →Bow Falls Viewpoint
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.7 (6,736 reviews)
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
Check tours & tickets →Cascade of Time Garden
Garden · ★ 4.7 (3,734 reviews)
Tranquil, terraced gardens featuring landscaped paths & sitting areas amid diverse trees & flowers.
Check tours & tickets →Banff Upper Hot Springs
Public Bath · ★ 4.2 (7,873 reviews)
Canada's highest thermal mineral springs, with a preserved 1930s bathhouse & Rockies panoramas.
Check tours & tickets →Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (2,245 reviews)
Remains of a high-altitude geophysical laboratory built in 1957, with interpretive panels & views.
Check tours & tickets →Cave and Basin National Historic Site
National Park · ★ 4.3 (5,065 reviews)
Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.
Check tours & tickets →Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.6 (1,798 reviews)
Scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1888 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Sulphur Mountain.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Hankki (Banff + Dessert)
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (2,670 reviews)
Website →El Toro Restaurant
Mexican Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (3,066 reviews)
Upscale eatery serving Canadian, Mexican & Spanish-influenced cuisine, including breakfast & tapas.
Website →Cave and Basin National Historic Site
National Park · ★ 4.3 (5,065 reviews)
Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.
Website →The Grizzly House
Fondue Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (4,744 reviews)
Landmark eatery serving fondue & exotic meats like alligator & rattlesnake in a lodgelike setting.
Website →The Eddie Burger + Bar
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,243 reviews)
Creative burgers are served at this casual nook, which also offers poutine, craft beers & shakes.
Website →Sky Bistro
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (3,861 reviews)
Panoramic venue atop the Banff Gondola's 7,510-ft. summit station serving high-end Canadian cuisine.
Website →Bear Street Tavern
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,908 reviews)
Rustic, laid-back hangout offering thin-crust pizza, Canadian pub grub, craft beer on tap & a patio.
Website →Añejo Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (1,975 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Banff Visitor Centre
Visitor Center · ★ 4.6 (4,233 reviews)
Information on regional hikes, parks & other local activities, plus a souvenir shop.
Check tours & tickets →Farm & Fire
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,380 reviews)
Contemporary restaurant offering farm-to-fork specialties & cocktails, plus happy-hour specials.
Check tours & tickets →Explore Banff Tours & Transfers
transportation_service, point_of_interest · ★ 5 (506 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Banff National Park
National Park · ★ 4.8 (29,785 reviews)
Rocky Mountain park offering year-round activities & glacial lakes such as Lake Louise, also a town.
Website →Bow Falls Viewpoint
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.7 (6,736 reviews)
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
Website →Hoodoos Viewpoint
Hiking Area · ★ 4.6 (1,849 reviews)
Website →Quarry Lake Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,232 reviews)
Relaxed lake with a small, rocky beach, a grassy area & a dog park with panoramic mountain views.
Website →Johnston Canyon, Upper Falls
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.8 (796 reviews)
After dark
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,980 reviews)
Mesquite-grilled meats, gourmet comfort eats & small-batch spirits in a hip & rustic space.
Website →Bear Street Tavern
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,908 reviews)
Rustic, laid-back hangout offering thin-crust pizza, Canadian pub grub, craft beer on tap & a patio.
Website →Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (2,210 reviews)
Creative pub eats & house beers in a cool, wood-lined hangout with wildlife statues & a pine tree.
Website →Melissa's MisSteak
Steak House · ★ 4.3 (3,180 reviews)
Long-running restaurant serving steaks, pizza & burgers in a space reminiscent of a giant log cabin.
Website →More guides
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