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TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada

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Top 25 Places to Visit in

Banff | Alberta

The page created by Rylan Ewen | Anmoldeep Sekhon | Dylan Gow | Manpreet Kaur | Kupaw Wah | Red River College | Photo by Vlad Umnov

Banff | Alberta Classified

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01

Fairmont Banff Springs

National Historic Site

In the heart of Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies, the luxury Fairmont Banff Springs hotel has provided legendary hospitality for over 130 years.

The hotel was opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was one of the earliest of Canada’s grand railway hotels. They served passengers on the country’s then-expanding rail network and celebrated rail travel in style.

The building was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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02

Banff Gondola

Timeless Rocky Mountain views

Soar 698 metres on an 8-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Glide over the treetops and arrive at a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience.

The epic mountain views are truly endless from the rooftop deck or with a stroll along the mountain boardwalk.

Photo and videos: Vlad Umnov

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Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

Several scenic hiking trails lead away from the summit complex. One of the most popular is the self-guided interpretive Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. The Sulphur Mountain boardwalk sits 2,300 m in the sky and spans one full kilometre of scenic sights.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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04

Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station

National Historic Site

At the peak, step back in time and experience the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station.

The cosmic ray station was completed by the National Research Council in 1956. The study of cosmic rays held a prominent place, with 99 cosmic ray stations (nine in Canada) in operation worldwide. Due to its high elevation, Sulphur Mountain was the most important Canadian station.

The station was closed in 1978.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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05

Sulphur Mountain Weather Station

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Follow in the footsteps of Norman Sanson, who walked to the top of Sulphur Mountain weekly for 30 years to check the weather until 1945, when he was 84 years old.

The station was constructed in 1902 for the collection of meteorological data.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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06

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Europeans first became aware of the springs in 1883. In 1886, the first hot springs were open for visitors.

Now, the hot pool is outdoors. While in the pool, you can look across the valley to Mount Rundle.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located at 1,585 metres elevation. It makes it the highest hot spring in Canada.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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06
07
Banff Sunshine Village, ski resort

Banff Sunshine Village

Longest non-glacial ski season in Canada

Banff Sunshine Village’s unique location will make you feel miles away from civilization, even though it is only a 15-minute drive from Banff town.

The village is located 7,200 feet high on the Continental Divide in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Three mountains offer vast terrain and will wow you with 360-degree uninterrupted mountain views.

Banff Sunshine provides terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. You can even ski two provinces (Alberta and British Columbia) in one run!

Skiers and snowboarders love Sunshine for snow and extra-long winter. The seven-month ski season stretches from early November until late May, making it the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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08

Mount Norquay Ski

Don’t miss this ski resort & tubing park. It is not so big as Sunshine Village, but it offers year-round recreation activities. Locals name it “Banff’s Backyard”.

Mount Norquay offers a cozy, local-friendly atmosphere. Known for its family-friendly vibe and shorter lift lines, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a relaxed and authentic winter experience.

Norquay will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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09

Mount Norquay Lookout

Don’t miss the fantastic panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Banff and the Canadian Rockies. This iconic spot is accessible via a scenic drive.

If you are lucky, you have a lot of chances to meet wildlife.

Photos and video: Vlad Umnov

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10

Town of Banff

The town of Banff is a spirited place, alive with adventure and wonder. In all directions, you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground.

You might see a herd of deer wandering down the main street during your early morning jog. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. The locals are warm, open, and genuinely connected to the inspiring environment in which they live.

The Town of Banff was the first municipality in Canada to be incorporated inside a national park.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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Banff Town Sign

One of the best places for selfies. Be ready to stay in line!

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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12

Bow Falls

Not like your typical waterfalls, the Bow Falls is wide and short. You might feel some mist from the waterfalls during the mid-summer due to the high water levels.

You can also see the valley eroded by glacier activity and the Bow River over the years.

Across the bridge from the town, turn left onto Spray Avenue, then take a left on Bow Falls Drive.

Photos and video: Vlad Umnov

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Bow River Trail

This quiet riverside trail, mostly paved, is only a few steps away from downtown. Plenty of benches allow you to take in the views or enjoy a picnic lunch.

Bow River Trail is wheelchair-friendly from the Muskrat Street access to the northwest end of this trail.

Photos and video: Vlad Umnov

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14

Hoodoos

Over thousands of years, rain, snowmelt and wind have scoured the glacial material that makes up the ridge you can see there, creating deep and narrow gullies. These hoodoos were once partially protected from erosion by caps of sod or harder rock material, which acted like umbrellas for the pillars.

The origin of the word “hoodoo” is unclear, but we know that these odd features have had a place in people’s imaginations for thousands of years.

Find the best view on Tunnel Mountain Road.

Photo and video: Vlad Umnov

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15

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies serves as a gathering place to explore the evolving history, peoples, cultures, environment, and ideas of mountain cultures.

Historically, there is a longstanding connection to the Bow Valley around Banff for many Indigenous nations – the Iyârhe (Stoney Nakoda), Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Ktunaxa (Kootenay), Secwépemc (Shuswap), Dene, Mountain Cree, and Métis.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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16

Banff Park Museum

National Historic Site

Built in 1903 and dignified with heritage status for being the oldest park facility in the Canadian National Park system, the Banff Park Museum is also the oldest natural history museum in western Canada.

Located on Banff Avenue in the heart of the town of Banff, the Museum – a.k.a. the “University of the Hills” – houses more than 5,000 historic botanical and zoological specimens. Explore the Victorian-era collection, while admiring the stately 1903 museum, a log masterpiece and the oldest surviving federal building in any Canadian national park.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Cave and Basin

National Historic Site

Cave and Basin has been a special place for Indigenous peoples for over ten thousand years and continues to be so to this day. In 1883, three railway workers found the thermal springs, sparking a series of events that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.

Visit the Cave and Basin to experience the birthplace of Canada’s national parks. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks, smell the minerals and explore the trails.

Photos: Vlad Umnov, wowabouts.com/explore/post-cave-and-basin-national-historic-site-banff

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18

Buffalo Nations Museum

Journey into the extraordinary heritage of the First Nations People of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies, at the Buffalo Nations Museum.

Visit the museum and see the richly ornamented regalia, beautifully decorated tipi, exquisite quillwork, and unique hunting equipment. The museum displays a wealth of native arts and daily life.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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19

Cascade of Time Garden

An iconic Banff view, seen on many postcards, is taken from the front of the Cascade of Time Garden building. This spot offers a great view down Banff Avenue towards Cascade Mountain, which towers at the end of it.

Peak blooming season runs from late May to early September, but you can enjoy a stroll through the grounds during other months when it’s not fully snowbound.

Admission to the gardens is free.

Photos: Vlad Umnov, Google Street View

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20

Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course

Don’t miss the fantastic old road around the golf course.

From 1911, this Alberta golf course offers just two simple things for the perfect golf vacation. First, a breathtaking view in every direction and second, a magnificent layout that thrills every golfer fortunate enough to spend a day hereFrom hole design to optical illusions created by the surrounding mountains, this Alberta golf course will delight and tempt you.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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20
21

Bankhead Railway Station

After the coal mines closed and the town of Bankhead was deserted, many buildings were moved to nearby towns.

The Bankhead Railway Station is now located at the HI Banff Alpine Hostel on Tunnel Mountain Road. This hostel has outstanding views of the Rocky Mountains, a café, a bar, a full-service restaurant, equipment rentals and discounted travel activity packages. You can also find a map of Bankhead at the front door!

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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22

Old Banff Cemetery

Established in 1890, Old Banff Cemetery is now the resting place for over two thousand souls. This cemetery also served the nearby community of Bankhead and is home to the Bankhead Miners Memorial, which honours the fifteen miners killed during its operations. At the time, mourners would travel nine kilometres by foot to the cemetery from Bankhead and were often led by the Bankhead Mine Band.

The cemetery is home to many historical figures, along with the 189 victims of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster.

Old Banff Cemetery is the second cemetery in Alberta to be declared a historic municipal resource.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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23

TransCanada Highway

TransCanada Highway is the fastest way from Calgary to Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and other gems of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the fantastic mountain views all the way!

Photo and video: Vlad Umnov

  • TransCanada Highway, Banff AB
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24

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church

Recommended by Mark

St. Paul’s Presbyterian is a church located in Banff, Alberta which perfectly fits in with the picturesque resort town. The tall and intricately detailed spire is unique and nicely complements the white snow-topped mountains behind the church.

The interior of the church is nothing remarkable, yet one would still feel connected to the church.

Photos: Google Maps, Jacky Iml; Vlad Umnov

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25

St. Mary’s Church

Recommended by Mark

St. Mary’s of The Assumption is a Catholic church surrounded by beautiful scenery, including towering mountains, beautiful green forests, and angelic white snow in the winter.

The church is not very tall, and the inside is warm and comforting. The altar is relatively simplistic yet stunning nonetheless with artificial light making the altar the center of the church in every aspect.

Photos: Vlad Umnov; https://www.stmarysparishbanff.ca

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Top 25 Places to Visit in

Banff | Alberta

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