Banff trips and vacations

Your winter vacation to Banff will undoubtedly involve hitting the slopes in one of the world-class ski resorts. Take advantage of primo snow conditions and crisp mountain air as you carve through alpine landscapes. Banff Sunshine Village is one of the top ski destinations to explore, with endless skiable terrain spread across three mountains.

For nature lovers, Banff offers plenty of opportunities to spot indigenous wildlife species in their Rocky Mountain habitats. Book a guided wildlife safari with a knowledgeable local, keep watch, and have a camera ready for grazing bighorn sheep, towering moose and formidable grizzly bears feasting on buffaloberries.

For serious trail treaders, trips to Banff offer a variety of long-distance hikes and loop walks in Banff National Park. Winding trails catering to various ability levels traverse alpine lakes, lush pine forests and icy blue glaciers. Check out the popular Plain of Six Glaciers trail, which meanders through wild terrain and offers impressive Lake Louise views.

This compact downtown is where to stay in Banff if you’re looking for things to do between all the outdoor adventures. Spanning a few blocks along Banff Avenue, this pedestrian-friendly area has a mountainous backdrop and is home to boutiques, galleries and specialty stores showcasing local artwork, crafts and outdoor gear.

Good for: Shopping, dining, convenience

This is the best area to stay in Banff if you’re craving a little basecamp bliss. The Sulphur Mountain area offers a host of wellness activities and upscale resorts where you can chill out and get pampered. Swim in heated outdoor pools with mountain views, take a cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and soak in mineral-rich waters in the Upper Hot Springs.

Good for: Resorts, hot springs, spas

Just outside of town, the Lake Louise area has remarkable alpine scenery with turquoise lakes and towering glaciers. It’s an ideal hub if you want to explore Banff’s hiking and ski trails. Cool off in summer with a dip in the lake, and enjoy afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.

Good for: Hiking, skiing, swimming

The nightlife in Banff has a vibrant, apres-ski feel, with plenty of after-dark festivities and lively bars. In the downtown core you can eat, drink local ales and shoot pool in cozy pubs with mountain views. Many bars also have live music sessions and open mic nights, if crooning to crowds of strangers is your ticket.

Some of the best things to do with family in Banff happen outdoors. The free Johnston Canyon walk is where you’ll see frozen waterfalls in winter and flowing rivers during the summer. Pack a picnic, and let the kids burn some energy at Banff’s recreation grounds, which offer a skate park, basketball court and playground.

For the best shopping in Banff, head to Banff Avenue and Bear Street to browse souvenir-filled boutiques and stock up on hiking and ski gear at outdoor shops. If you love homegrown food and crafts, the Banff Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from late May to early October. It’s packed with artisanal foods, handmade crafts and local produce, including honey and jams.

For a small resort town, there’s a decent selection of galleries and museums in Banff. The landmark Banff Park Museum is protected as a National Historic Site, and its original collection covers natural history in Canada. Stop by the Whyte Museum for Rocky Mountain exhibits, and visit the historical Mount Royal Hotel for public art and a small museum.

The wild rocky mountain landscapes offer plenty of free things to do in Banff to keep costs down. Pack a picnic and head to Banff’s Central Park, where the kids can play on a rocky playground while parents take a breather. Join the Bow River Loop and Tunnel Mountain trails for a chance to spot elk in the wild and photograph cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

Feast on Rocky Mountain cuisine at restaurants in Banff that take full advantage of the bountiful local produce. Creative chefs incorporate trout, elk, venison, Saskatoon berries and mushrooms into mountain-to-plate dishes. Make sure you also try Canadian favorites like poutine. Head to The Bison restaurant for sizzling ribs and steaks paired with live music and classic cocktails.