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Top things to do in Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore, Canada
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items We've previously enjoyed a brilliant family road trip through Alberta and British Columbia and spent some in Canmore and Banff. This is a truly lovely part of the World. We've covered our trip on our instagram and youtube channels - @paradisefallsfam...
Banff gondola is a lovely way to see the town and the beautiful scenery from up above. The ride up to the top is quick and easy and you're rewarded with spectacular views. At the top there are walking trails and viewpoints galore!
Banff Gondola
A brilliant family friendly hike to a spectacular waterfall. It's just 30 minutes to the lower falls but you can continue on to the upper falls if you want. The route is flat and easy to navigate and a wonderful walk. Warning though it does get very ...
Hike Johnston Canyon
Lake Louise is around 40 minutes north of Banff and is a wonderful spot to visit. With it's iconic lake and the Fairmont Hotel right on the water. Don't forget to take in Morraine Lake and Emerald Lake nearby too.
Day Trip to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake
Venture even further north up the Icefields Parkway and take a walk on a glacier. Book the full tour and head out in one of the special vehicles, followed by a visit to the skywalk. We had a brilliant day here.
Columbia Icefield
Head out to Lake Minnewanka on the edge of Banff and spend some time by the water. Take a scenic cruise, or rent kayaks, or just relax by the water. As with most areas around Banff, watch out for bears and other cool wildlife.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Make a quick stop on the edge of town for a picture with the famous Banff sign. There's normally a queue but it moves fast!
Banff town sign
A wonderful spot just across the road from the Banff Gondola. Take a dip in the lovely hot springs. It was so relaxing surrounded by all the beautiful scenery. Be warned though it's first come first served so get here early to avoid a wait.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Another wonderful lake on the Icefield Parkway heading north from Lake Louise. This is an easy roadside stop off so don't miss this on the way up to Jasper or Columbia Icefield.
Peyto Lake
Head out of town on the back of a horse and explore the wonderful region. This looks such an amazing experience!
Horseback Riding
Try the Lake Louise gondola (this is also where the Lake Louise shuttle buses depart from) for spectacular views. You can often see bears down below on the mountain too. You have the option of riding an open or enclosed gondola and we booked a guided...
Lake Louise Gondola
The area around Banff is a wonderful area to try stargazing. Due to lack of light pollution you can see a lot more than usual so booking a guided excursion is a great way to enjoy this properly.
Stargazing
Do not miss the main street in Banff, a lovely place to wander, shop and get something to eat. Head down to the river and cross the bridge for the best views.
Banff Avenue
Wander further downriver from Banff town centre and you'll reach Bow Falls. A wonderful waterfall, close by the Fairmont hotel. You can also take a drive up onto the road above at Surprise Corner for spectacular views back down on the bend.
Bow Falls
A simple roadside stop off with brilliant views in all directions. If you time it right you can catch a train passing to for the iconic photograph.
Morant's Curve Viewpoint
On the outskirts of Banff there are a series of lakes you can enjoy. This is a great spot to spot wildlife too. Parking does fill up fast though so go early!
Johnson Lake, Two-Jack Lake, Cascade Ponds
Canmore is considerably quieter than it's neighbour Banff, but is a lovely (cheaper) place to base yourself. There is a brilliant boardwalk going right through town that could wander all or part of.
Policeman's Creek Boardwalk
A really cool cave and springs that you can visit and explore, just on the edge of town.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Given the abundance of bears in the region, it would be a shame not to see a bear on your visit. Book an excrusion with a guide to venture a bit further out and try and spot one.
Bear tours
A bit of a drive from Banff but doable in a day. It's a wonderful day out and we loved our time here. With suspension bridges over the gorge, high ropes courses, a woodland coaster, playground, panning for gold, axe throwing and so much more!
Golden Skybridge
Try your hand at white water rafting, with different grades for families or a more intense experience. This a great way to enjoy the river and the beautiful scenery.
White water rafting