The vibrant downtown streets are filled with unique restaurants, cafés, bars and stores that encapsulate the friendly, local vibe that makes it so hard to leave. Nestled deep in the rugged mountains, Banff is enveloped by dazzling snow-covered peaks and stunning natural phenomenon on all sides, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and wildlife.
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The list of things to do in Banff is both varied and endless. If you’re only there for a day or two—fear not—we’ve got you covered! These are our suggestions of what to explore in downtown Banff that will leave you feeling rejuvenated yet hungry for more.
Just minutes from downtown Banff, tucked behind the understated Administration Building, lies Cascade of Time Gardens. This 4-acre park was built in the 1930s and features gardens terraced into the hillside. Visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town can wander along the garden’s many pathways and discover numerous water features, and timber and stone pavilions. Gazebos and other shelters offer a break from rain or sun, and a place to stop for a picnic. The garden is free to the public and flowers from late June until early September.
Experience a world of adventure and beauty at the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Exploration abounds at the gondola, from a theatre and interpretive centre inside to epic snowy views from the rooftop deck and mountain boardwalk outside .
Discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain summit.
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Gondola Rooftop View.
The vista on display below the torrent of Bow Falls exemplifies the wild diversity of the Rockies. Rocky canyon turns to rushing falls and then to serene river, gliding off down the Bow Valley. The setting is one made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film The River of No Return, and it’s no less dramatic today.
Follow the Bow Falls trail for a view from above the cascading waters or sit on the rocky river shore and watch rafting trips take off into the calm waters below the falls.
The vista on display below the torrent of Bow Falls exemplifies the wild diversity of the Rockies. Rocky canyon turns to rushing falls and then to serene river, gliding off down the Bow Valley. The setting is one made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film The River of No Return, and it’s no less dramatic today.
Follow the Bow Falls trail for a view from above the cascading waters or sit on the rocky river shore and watch rafting trips take off into the calm waters below the falls.
Cave and Basin has been a special place for Indigenous peoples since time immemorial and continues to be so to this day. In 1883, three railway workers stumbled upon the thermal springs, sparking a series of events that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park. Today, the site is a gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land in Parks Canada administered places. Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and learn about the natural and cultural history of the mountains. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, short films, seasonal activities, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Visit their website for up-to-date information.
