GREAT THINGS TO DO IN THE TOWN OF BANFF

We stayed in Banff for four days as part of a larger trip to the Canadian Rockies.  Here is our list of great things to do while in Banff.

EXPLORE THE TOWN

The town of Banff is actually the highest town in Canada with an elevation of 4,537 feet!  Banff Avenue runs along the middle of the town.  This is where there are a bevy of retailers, gear outfitters, souvenir shops, and great restaurants.  At the end of Banff Avenue, you have incredible views looking back down Banff and Cascade Mountain.  

Looking down Banff Ave towards Cascade Mountain | Banff

Our dining experiences in Banff:

Brazen – Location:  Mount Royal Hotel | Banff Avenue

Brazen pays homage to the “brazen” folks who built the town of Banff.  We had a delicious steak dinner and a wine pairing.  Service here was great and we really enjoyed our meal here.

Brazen

Farm & Fire – Location:  Elk + Avenue Hotel | Banff Avenue

Farm & Fire was located very close to our hotel, the Moose Hotel, on Banff Avenue.  The dinner was a bit unique in that its considered family style so portions are large.  Mike and I split a steak dinner plus salad.  We dined here on a Wednesday, which happens to be the night they have live music.  It was a fun touch, although a bit loud.  The restaurant was cozy and the service was great.  And our food and drinks were excellent.

Larkspur Lounge – Location:  Rimrock Hotel | Mountain Avenue, Banff

We had an especially great dining experience at Larkspur Lounge.  Seated outside on the patio overlooking the mountains, we enjoyed craft cocktails, charcuterie, and other small plates.  We liked it so much we came back for drinks after our gondola ride, since it is so close to the Banff Gondola.

Rundle Bar – Location:  Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Spray Avenue, Banff

We returned our rental car at the Fairmont Banff Springs after our Icefields Parkway day.  We no longer needed the vehicle so it worked out to drop the car here and walk back to our hotel, The Moose Hotel, on Banff Avenue.  However, we were hungry and decided to stop in to grab a bit to eat.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

We were in hiking clothes so opted to skip the fine dining options and head to the Rundle Bar, where we were seated on the outdoor patio.  What a view!  We had a lovely seat next to beautiful flowers with mountains in the distance.  Aperol Spritzes and apps completed our meal, which was perfect. 

Aperol Spritz on the deck of the Rundle Bar | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

I highly recommend a stop here, especially in the months where you can dine outside.

Starbucks – Location:  Banff Avenue

I know, I know, Starbucks!  But I thought I’d include it here because it was a great option for our early morning jaunts.  While in Banff we had several early morning days and Starbucks was one of the places that was consistently open.  Located just a short distance from our hotel, we parked around the corner and got our items to go so that we could have our breakfast during our early morning drives.  Its location is great, right on Banff Avenue.

Sky Bistro – Location:  Banff Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain

We had plans to dine here when we went on the Banff Gondola, however it was closed for a private event during the date we visited.  I wanted to include it as the views are unmatched due to its location on Sulphur Mountain.  On all the days we were in Banff, it was actually closed to private events, however, so I highly recommend checking the schedule if dining at Sky Bistro is something you want to do. 

RIDE THE BANFF GONDOLA

The Banff Gondola is located at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff.  As the gondola slowly takes you up 2300 feet to the top of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the scenic views and be on the lookout for wildlife.  Once at the top, take in the views from the multiple levels of the observation decks. 

Top of the Mountain | Banff Gondola

Below you see the town of Banff, the Bow River, and mountains.  

Views of Banff down below from the top of Sulfur Mountain

We enjoyed coffee from Castle Mountain Coffee while taking in the views.

Castle Mountain Coffee | Banff Gondola

There are also interpretive signs and areas for kids to explore in an indoor area. 

Indoor Museum | Banff Gondola

The area is accessible with either stairs or elevators taking you to the different levels.

Want to go even further?  Begin on the boardwalk and walk about 0.6 miles to the Cosmic Ray Station. 

The boardwalk and steps that take you to the Cosmic Ray Station | Banff Gondola

There is a series of walkways and lots of steps to take you up to the station.  We did not do this as we had hiked a lot already this day.  We also heard that the best part of reaching the station was the view…which we had plenty of at the gondola viewing area, so that also solidified our decision to skip it.

VISIT BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS

The discovery of Banff Upper Hot Springs in the late 1880s is what led to the development of the Canadian National Park System.  The hot mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties so a soak is a must, especially after a long day of hiking.  The hot springs are actually the highest hot springs in all of Canada at an elevation of 5,200 feet!

Visit the website for up-to-date operating hours and ticket information.

VISIT CASCADE GARDENS

Walk to the end of Banff Avenue and cross the Bow River.  Across the street is the large Banff National Park Administration Building and in front of it, the beautiful Cascade Gardens.

The Banff National Park Building with Cascade Gardens | Banff

The gardens make for a beautiful setting, especially as the sun sets.  Walk all around, taking in the the flowers and waterscapes. 

Cascade Garden

And be sure to check out the view from straight down Banff Avenue to Cascade Mountain, what a stunner!

CHECK OUT CAVE & BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Located just a little over one mile from the Banff National Park Administration Building & Cascade Gardens is the Cave & Basin National Historic Site.  This is considered the birthplace of Banff National Park.  Here you can take a peek at exhibits, walk an interpretive trail, and more, all to learn about this special place that kicked off the national parks as we know them today.

HIT THE TRAILS

Banff contains many miles of hiking trails.  We hiked out of the town of Banff, at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and also at Johnston Canyon and Mistaya Canyon.  

One of the many hikes we went on while staying in Banff

Sulphur Mountain Trail is one of the more strenuous trails in Banff.  This will take you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, a longer, albeit more rewarding, alternative to the Banff Gondola.  It’s 3.5 miles one way, and you have the option of taking the gondola up or down the other way.  Or, hike all seven miles!

Tunnel Mountain Trail is another trail that is worth a mention.  Almost three miles round-trip, this trail will take you up to get amazing views of Banff.  I had wanted to do this to see sunset, but our only day that allowed this was the day we opted to do the gondola.  Guess that is more reason to come back!

There are so many hiking trails, it would be impossible to list them all!  My suggestion is plan 1-2 a day.  For example, we hiked at Lake Louise, hiked at Moraine Lake, and had two shorter hikes on our day of driving the Icefields Parkway.  All Trails is a great resource for hikes, their estimated time, distance, and difficulty ratings.  In order to see the beauty in the area, hitting the trails is a must.