Banff

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Banff National Park
2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Banff National Park

8.3
4.9/5
396 reviews
Banff National Park is Canada's first and the world's third national park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranking only behind Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and Australia's Royal National Park. As the saying goes, "One Banff equals twenty Switzerlands," which speaks volumes about its breathtaking beauty. Located in a small town west of Calgary, Alberta, the park nestles at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, enveloped and intersected by their towering peaks. It is a masterpiece of nature, floating among blue skies, majestic mountains, lush greenery, and winding rivers, earning its reputation as the soul of the Rockies. The national park encompasses two charming towns: Banff and Lake Louise. With its valleys, towering peaks, glacial rivers, and forested meadows, it is a world-renowned travel destination. Vast glaciers stretch across the mountain ranges, while emerald lakes glisten like jewels amidst the dark green coniferous forests. Must-see attractions within Banff National Park include the town of Banff, Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Icefields Parkway, and the Columbia Icefield. Additionally, the park is home to five iconic Rocky Mountain wildlife species, such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears. Visitors to Banff National Park can enjoy a wide array of outdoor adventures, including alpine skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, mountain golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, and cave exploration, as well as indoor entertainment like soaking in natural hot springs, shopping, savoring local cuisine, and museum cultural tours. The park also offers a diverse range of well-equipped accommodations, from the historic and elegant Fairmont Banff Springs to budget-friendly chain hotels, cozy family-run lodges, and rustic mountain cabins beloved by hikers. No matter where you stay, the view outside your window will be equally stunning. Falling asleep under the embrace of the mighty Rockies and waking up to crystal-clear mornings and crisp mountain air makes for an unforgettable travel experience. A must-try culinary delight in Banff is the renowned Alberta beef, prized for its tenderness, rich flavor, and natural purity. Other local delicacies include artisanal cheeses, fresh fish, and wild game like elk. For more information on lodging, dining, and entertainment options, visitors can contact the Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Information Centers: **Banff Visitor Information Centre** Address: 224 Banff Ave Phone: 403-762-8421 Email: Info@banfflakelouise.com **Lake Louise Visitor Information Centre** Address: Samson Mall, Village of Lake LouiseImprovement District No. 9 · 43.2km from Banff
Icefields Parkway
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Columbia-Shuswap

Icefields Parkway

6.2
4.8/5
87 reviews
Icefields Parkwayis a scenic highway in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, also known as Highway 93. It runs from Lake Louise in the south to the town of Jasper in the north, traversing both Banff and Jasper national parks. The entire route spans over 200 km, with the road traveling primarily through mountainous terrain at an elevation of over 1,500 m. On one side of the road are snow-capped mountains and glaciers, while the other side connects to lakes, forests, and meadows. Along the way, you can see hundreds of glaciers and snow-capped peaks over 3,000 m high, making it one of the most famous scenic highways in North America. Icefields Parkwayhighlights are concentrated in the densely distributed glacial lakes and stops along the way. Peyto Lake displays a rich blue-green hue due to glacial rock flour suspended in the water, and when viewed from the observation deck, the lake shape resembles a wolf's head. Bow Lake is the source of the Bow River, and when the lake surface is calm in the early morning, the reflections of the snow-capped mountains are clear. Hector Lake, Herbert Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls are also located right next to the highway. The Columbia Icefield area in the middle section is the highlight of the entire journey, where you can see the Athabasca Glacier cascading down from between the snow-capped peaks right from the roadside. Wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears are also frequently spotted along the way.Canada · Improvement District No. 9

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Featured Culture & history in Banff

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Banff Town: Guided Town Walking Tour with Snack
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5.0/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 399.28DKK 420.3
Banff: Paranormal History Walking Ghost Tour
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4.8/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 105 mins
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 185.52DKK 195.29
Banff: Grotto Canyon Icewalk
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Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 494.66DKK 520.7
Banff Morning Tour Scenic Highlights and Gondola Ride
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4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 942.21DKK 991.8
Louise, Moraine & Banff Full Day From Calgary/Canmore/Banff
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 484.94DKK 510.47
Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise Sunrise, Wildlife, Falls & Canyon
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FromDKK 615.43

Featured Spa & wellness in Banff

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Gondola,Hot springs Lakes, Banff Town Tour from Calgary Canmore
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Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromDKK 521.38
Banff:Explore 9 Iconic Banff Spots in 1 Day with Lake Louise
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 403.33DKK 424.56
Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs and Lake Louise Day Tour
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4.4/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 10.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 317.67DKK 334.39
Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Gondola, Hot Springs Tour
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4.6/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 8–11 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 399.28DKK 420.3
Banff: Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Hot Springs & Lakes
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 611.83DKK 644.04

Featured Day tours in Banff

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Canada Banff Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles + Sunwapta Falls + Bow River [English Tour]
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 9.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 803.7
2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town
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4.8/5
· 163 reviews· 102 booked
Duration: 8–11 hrs
Free cancellation
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21 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 430.44
Banff National Park: Lake Louise + Emerald Lake + Johnston Canyon 1-day tour: English-speaking join-in tour
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FromDKK 753.47
Lake Louise,Emerald Lake and Seasonal Moraine Lake Day Trip from Banff/Calgary/Canmore
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews· 74 booked
Duration: 8.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 528.52
Canada: Banff National Park small join-in tour & optional private charter | multiple departure points available
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FromDKK 703.24
A Deep Dive into Banff National Park, Canada | Cable Car Unlocks Aerial Views of Banff Town
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FromDKK 763.52
Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon Day Trip from Banff/Calgary/Canmore
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FromDKK 426.91

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Banff Today's weatherMostly clear -7-2℃
Banff weather for the next 2 days11/1: -6-8℃, 11/2: -7-8℃

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What travellers say about Banff

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Salvere420 September 2026
5.0
Worth it. Beautiful and amazing experience with my 76 yrs old mother.

Banff Gondola

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Hossain Hoq Prohor7 October 2026
5.0
Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination where turquoise lakes, towering mountains, peaceful forests, and dramatic landscapes create an unforgettable experience. The scenery feels almost unreal, especially around the crystal-clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Scenic roads, hiking trails, waterfalls, and quiet viewpoints offer countless opportunities to enjoy nature and capture beautiful photographs. In autumn, golden larch trees and colorful foliage add an extra layer of magic to the landscape. Whether you love hiking, photography, wildlife, or simply peaceful mountain views, Banff has something special to offer. It’s truly a dream destination for anyone who wants to experience Canada’s spectacular natural beauty.

Banff National Park

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Kimi_jm15 January 2020
4.0
When I went to Banff in early October, it was snowing heavily. From Jasper to Banff, I truly appreciated the beauty of the Icefield Parkway. There were beautiful snow-capped mountains on both sides. It felt great to drive a Wrangler along the smooth road!

Icefields Parkway

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西溪老翁9 March 2020
5.0
Sulphur Mountain is a mountain located near the town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, with an altitude of about 2,450 meters. Climbing to the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can overlook Banff Town, the Bow River, the Banff Springs Hotel at the foot of the mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and the Canadian Rockies. Sulphur Mountain is named after the sulfur hot springs found on its slopes. You can choose to climb Sulphur Mountain by cable car (Banff Gondola) or hiking trails. It takes a long time to hike up the rugged and winding trails. It usually takes about an hour to reach the top of the mountain. Therefore, tourists usually choose to take the cable car to the mountain, and you can enjoy the scenery at different heights as the cable car gradually rises. The mountain cable car station is located about three kilometers south of Banff Town. There is a bus from Banff Town to here. The cable car has an elevation difference of about 680 meters. It takes about 8 minutes to climb to the top of the mountain with an elevation of 2,250 meters. Sulphur Mountain is the best place to overlook the town of Banff. There is a four-story building (Upper Terminal) on the top of the mountain. Each floor has different functions, including a coffee shop, souvenir shop, and Canada's highest restaurant. The fourth floor is an open-air observation deck with a better view. Going up along the trail on the top of the mountain, you can reach a meteorological observatory built in 1903. The building still exists and visitors can see its interior through the windows.

Sulphur Mountain

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新-云26 February 2020
5.0
It is a swimming pool-style hot spring located on Sulphur Mountain near the town of Banff in Alberta, Canada. You can enjoy the fun of hot springs surrounded by mountains and overlook Mount Lundal from here. Enjoy it.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

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M36***2214 June 2020
4.0
There are three very famous ski resorts in Banff Town, and Banff Ski Resort is one of them. It is simply a paradise bestowed by nature for ski lovers. It not only has beautiful scenery, but also has great ski slopes.

Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort

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nj荇菜23 November 2019
5.0
In winter, it is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.

Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola

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fz5706287 March 2020
5.0
The trip to the Rocky Mountains in eastern and western Canada has been completed. The lakes and mountains in the Rocky Mountains are so beautiful that people can't help but linger. I want to start with the "lakes", but it always takes "lakes and mountains" to show its overall momentum and beauty. The first article is Bow Falls, which became famous because the American movie star Monroe's movie "The River Flows East" was filmed here. Although it is far inferior to Niagara Falls, it is the first stop in the Rocky Mountains.

Bow Falls

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cparissh3 January 2020
4.0
It's just a platform without any special features. You have to climb more than a dozen steps to get to the platform. You can see the castle hotel in the distance, as well as the forest and snow-capped mountains in the distance. It feels just average. You can see the same scenery if you are not in this store.

Surprise Corner Viewpoint

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Banff?

Don't miss these attractions in Banff: Banff Gondola, Banff National Park, and Icefields Parkway. If you like Culture & history, try Banff Town: Guided Town Walking Tour with Snack. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Calgary/Banff National Park 1-day tour: Lake Louise + Lake Minnewanka + Banff town | English-speaking tour.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Canada Banff Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles + Sunwapta Falls + Bow River [English Tour], 2025 Winner-Lake Louise Moraine Lake Johnston Canyon Banff Town, and Banff National Park: Lake Louise + Emerald Lake + Johnston Canyon 1-day tour: English-speaking join-in tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 31 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Banff is around DKK 426.91 – DKK 803.7. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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