Canoers paddling the Vermilion Lakes below Mount Rundle
Do

Things to do in Banff

A short decision board: easy activities first, outdoor anchors, rainy-day backups, then current event-style listings.This page is not a ranked best-of list. Use it to pick a direction, then confirm details before going.

Easy things to do

6 spots
Gondola cabin over winter forest.
Family Friendly

Banff Gondola

Paid sightseeing gondola to the Sulphur Mountain summit area, best on clear-weather days.

first-time visitorsscenic views+2

Verify access before you go. Check the official operator page for tickets, hours, maintenance closures, and visibility before booking.

Wellness

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Outdoor mineral hot springs pool in the Sulphur Mountain area, useful for a low-effort recovery plan.

relaxationrecovery day+2

Confirm before you go. Confirm current hours, fees, admission process, capacity notes, and pool advisories before going.

Misty mountain view across Lake Minnewanka.

Photo: Jakub Fryš / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Family Friendly

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Seasonal Lake Minnewanka boat cruise for mountain views without a demanding trail day.

summer activityfamilies+4
Shuttle recommended

Confirm hours. Seasonal operation, booking inventory, and lake weather can affect availability.

Family Friendly

Banff Adventures

Banff-owned activity booking hub for tours, rentals, packages, and classic day-trip ideas.

first-time visitorsactivity booking+4

Confirm hours. Tour inventory, pickup points, included suppliers, prices, and seasonal availability change; confirm directly before booking.

Skiers under gondola on winter slope.
Family Friendly

SkiBig3

Lift-ticket and trip-planning hub for Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay.

ski tripswinter planning+2

Verify access before you go. Mountain conditions, lift operations, shuttle details, lessons, rentals, and ticket rules can change quickly.

Rainy Day

Nibble Tours

Guided walking food tour that turns downtown Banff into a curated tasting route.

food-focused visitorssmall groups+4

Check current details. Tour routes, participating stops, tasting menus, timing, stairs, and dietary options can change.

Outdoor anchors

2 spots
Family Friendly

Tunnel Mountain

Short town-adjacent summit hike with Banff and valley views.

short hikeviews near townactive half-day

Check trail report. Can be icy, muddy, hot, or exposed depending on season and weather.

Family Friendly

Johnston Canyon

Popular canyon walk with catwalks, waterfalls, and easy-to-moderate extensions.

waterfallsfamiliesclassic first trip

Check trail report. Very busy in peak windows; parking, trail advisories, and winter traction can affect the plan.

Rainy-day and low-effort backups

6 spots
Workshop

Cheryl L'Hirondelle: where the voice touches (((acts, utterances, transmissions for freedom)))

Walter Phillips Gallery at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity opens where the voice touches (((acts, utterances, transmission for freedom))), celebrating Cheryl...

Free eventIndoor planwinter
Event

Bloom & Brunch

Celebrate the arrival of a new season atop Sulphur Mountain with the Bloom & Brunch festival at the Banff Gondola.

What's onCulturespring
Workshop

Natural Drawing: Basics (April-May 2026)

Participants of all artistic abilities (ages 14+) are invited to join this free beginner-level, five week drawing class for adults. Free to attend.

Free eventIndoor planspring
Workshop

Summer Exhibition Opening at The Whyte: Thick as Thieves and When our eyes touch

Join The Whyte on Friday, May 1st from 7–9 PM for the opening of our summer exhibitions, Thick as Thieves and When our eyes touch. This free, public event requires no...

Free eventIndoor planspring
Live Music

FUSE In Concert

A presentation of short interdisciplinary works created by FUSE participants and faculty, combining music, movement, storytelling, and visual elements.

What's onCulturespring
Workshop

Thick as Thieves: Curator’s Talk

Thick as Thieves is an exhibition full of intrigue, layered meaning, and subtle connections. Come and hear from the exhibition Curator, Crystal Mowry, as she describes her...

What's onCulturespring

Event-style picks

Current listings that behave more like a date or evening plan than a standing activity.

Event
$

Banff Farmers Market

Seasonal Wednesday market for food, makers, music, and an easy low-cost wander.

local favourite+2
Wednesdays 10am - 6pm · May 20 - Sept 30, 2026