In this family travel guide, we share our top 5 things to see and do in Banff, Alberta, Canada in 5 days and 4 nights.
We’re often told, “don’t believe everything you hear.” But if you’ve heard Banff, Alberta, is a magical place; this is one time you can believe the hype. Banff is a destination everyone should see in their lifetime. Stunning scenery, fabulous restaurants, awe-inspiring attractions, and friendly vibes make Banff a winning choice for any getaway.
For our family of four, Banff was hands down one of our best vacations.
The problem is, there’s so much to see and do in Banff and neighbouring towns such as Jasper, Canmore, Lake Louise and more. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when planning a quick trip.
My suggestion for anyone visiting Banff for the first time: make your trip simple by not overscheduling or running yourself ragged trying to do too much. With so much to experience, a good time is guaranteed no matter what you get up to.
We had 5 days and 4 nights to fill, and we made the most of it.
We took our trip in the spring, in what’s considered the off-season. Off-season in Banff, commonly referred to as “shoulder season,” runs from May to June and again from September to October. Crowds are less at these times, and accommodations are cheaper. However, you may find that everything you want to visit may not be accessible because of seasonal closures. But in my opinion, it was the best time to visit.
We loved the less crowded atmosphere (though every site had ample visitors) and the cooler weather. But for me, I think nothing could beat the majestic sight of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains.
While everyone’s experience will be different, as it should be. Here’s a peek at our itinerary and best recommendations on what to see and do in Banff when you’ve only got a few days to work with.
Banff, Alberta – Just the facts
Let’s start with some interesting facts about Banff. Banff is a resort town in Banff National Park. The park covers an enormous amount of land, over 6000 square kilometres. And it encompasses many natural wonders, including various mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies, hot springs, lakes, dense forests, glaciers, waterfalls, ice fields, canyons, caves, and so much more.
Banff National Park and other neighbouring national parks (Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho) and provincial parks (Mount Robson, Hamber, and Mount Assiniboine) are collectively known as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (CRMP). The CRMP is home to The Burgess Shale, an important and world-renowned discovery of fossil remains that have significantly contributed to evolutionary research. In 1984, the CRMP was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Banff is Canada’s first National Park. It is also home to abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Some animals you will find there include black bears, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, wolves, deer, elk, and others. You will also find many species of birds, fish, and flora.
The population of Banff is small, with just over 8000 people. But the 4 million tourists visiting this world-class resort area every year ensure the town is always bustling.
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5 Places to Visit in Banff, Alberta
Johnston Canyon: Upper and lower falls
We started day one of our stay with a trip to Johnson Canyon to hike the Lower and Upper Falls. The hike is a popular tourist destination, so it didn’t surprise us to see many people along the path.
This easily traversable terrain is complete with bridges, elevated walkways, catwalks, steep cliff walls, and picturesque views of the waterfalls and the gaping canyon below. You can even get an up-close view of the Lower Falls via a tunnel that leads to an observation platform. But be careful; you may get sprayed with water.
If you want more, continue to the Upper Falls, just another 1.3 km from the Lower Falls. Here you’ll find a large viewing platform that features the top of the falls as its backdrop.
In total (ascending and descending), the hike to the upper falls is approximately 5 km. Depending on how fast you walk and how many stops you make, it should take around 2 to 3 hours to complete. The hike is easily manageable for kids and those who may have some mobility issues.
Lake Louise
If you only have time to do one thing during your stay in Banff, make sure it’s a trip to see Lake Louise. The panoramic view will take your breath away.
Lake Louise is 61 km away from Banff. If you want to get there in a hurry, take the Trans-Canada Highway for a short 35-minute drive.
But if you’ve got time to spare, you’ll want to take the scenic route on the Bow Valley Parkway. Towering mountain ranges, thick forests, and impossibly beautiful waterways make a surreal setting for this drive. The Bow Valley Parkway provides many opportunities to stop and check out the sights along the way and is worth the extra time.
Lake Louise is known for its turquoise water, best displayed in the summer months. But on our visit, the mountains were covered in snow and ice, and the lake was still frozen, though sections were thawing. I, honestly, couldn’t imagine a more beautiful or impressive sight. The vastness of the icy lake and the enormity of the snow-capped mountains touching the blue skies above was nature at its very best.
Make sure to snap some pics at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. This world-famous luxury resort sits at the bank of the lake and is rooted in Canadian railway history.
Sulphur Mountain
Are you ready to test your endurance? Take a hike up Sulphur Mountain.
The trail up Sulphur Mountain is over 5 km long and takes approximately 2 hours to climb. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Banff and six neighbouring mountain ranges. In the winter and early spring, renting snow cleats is recommended if you don’t have your own.
Don’t worry if hiking’s not your thing, though. Thankfully, the gondola makes Sulphur Mountain accessible for everyone.
Tickets to ride the gondola are sold at both the mountain’s base and at the top. The gondola ride is smooth, fast (coming in at just 8 minutes long in either direction), and comfortable, even for those afraid of heights, like myself.
The 360-degree observation deck at the summit means there is never a bad view and ample opportunity for the perfect pic. But if you still want to see more, walk an extra half a kilometre along the boardwalk and head for the weather station at Sanson’s Peak.
At the summit, you’ll also find an interpretive centre where you can learn more about the history of Banff National Park and a gift shop. You’re bound to be hungry after your hike; luckily, Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offer delicious dining options to satiate your hunger.
Tunnel Mountain
The only mountain accessible from Banff City Centre, Tunnel Mountain, is a family-friendly hike you won’t want to miss. This 4 km (round trip) hike takes about an hour to complete. It’s a great activity to start the day or one you can enjoy when you have extra time on your hands.
On this scenic hike, expect to be treated to more spectacular views, including the city of Banff, the Bow Valley, and the Bow Valley River. You can even spy the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, the “Castle of the Rockies,” nestled in the mountainside, surrounded by forests. The Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic structure constructed in 1888 as one of the many grand hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Tunnel Mountain is well travelled, so expect to see many people on your walk. Overall, it’s a manageable terrain with a gentle to moderate incline. But bear in mind the steepest part of the climb is at the beginning. Also, keep your eyes open for narrow sections of the trail.
Lake Minnewanka
On our last day, we visited Lake Minnewanka. The lake is just a short 10-minute drive from Banff City Centre, but you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world when you gaze upon this beautiful glacial lake with its rocky shores. In the background, the mountains soar high above this lake, the largest in Banff.
Enjoy the great outdoors and plan to stay awhile at this beautiful locale. You can hike, picnic, mountain bike, canoe, fish, and much more. You can even enjoy a guided boat cruise or just sit by the lake and take it all in.
In Lake Minnewanka, we spotted a family of Big Horn Sheep. Wow! They walked (or some ran) alongside the cars parked along the roadway without a care for all the tourists trying to take a pic or video of them.
Pro Travel Tips for Banff, Alberta
Now that you know where to go during your stay in Banff. Here are some helpful tips that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Bear spray is highly recommended for your hikes. Although we didn’t encounter bears during our stay in Banff, many people do. So, it’s best to be prepared.
- Plan to get to your destinations early. Banff is always busy, and the attractions are popular and well-visited, especially during peak seasons. Parking spaces are limited, so if you drive and want to snag a parking spot, get an early start.
- Take public transportation. Renting a car made getting around easier for us in the off-season. But using Roam—the local transportation system—is encouraged and highly recommended, especially during the high season.
- Prepare for weather fluctuations if you’re travelling in early spring or late fall. We travelled in mid-May, and temperatures at night were between -6º and 1º Celsius. In the daytime, temperatures vary. At least one day, it was bone-chilling cold and snowed. While on other days, we just needed a light jacket, and there was the day when all we needed was the shirt on our backs. My best advice: dress in layers.
- Bring hiking boots or shoes. Hiking shoes offer the best protection against rough terrain, uneven ground, and wet or muddy conditions. And they provide maximum traction.
Where to Stay in Banff, Alberta
And there you have it; a few fun and exciting things to do in Banff during a brief stay. Of course, there’s so much more (the list is endless), but remember, don’t overdo it. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Banff and surrounding areas have so much to offer, and it’s all beautiful.
If you’ve been thinking about Banff and you’ve stumbled across this post, consider it a sign to go. Don’t hesitate, don’t second guess. Book it and enjoy!
