Explore Banff National Park

6 Things To Do Inside Banff National Park

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a stunning expanse of breathtaking landscapes, pristine wilderness, and outdoor adventure. Lets take a look at popular things there is to do at Banff National Park.

There are many things to do in Banff, Canada’s oldest national park. Banff National Park offers a an array of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors. With iconic turquoise lakes, staggering majestic mountain peaks, and no shortage of abundant wildlife, Banff offers an endless number of amazing things to do, and is a must-visit destination for those who love nature.

There's no way to list all the things you can do inside park without writing a book, so we're just going to cover 6 of the most popular things to do inside Banff that keeps 4 million visitors returning each year.

Hiking

Banff National Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. From leisurely walks along the shores of Lake Louise to challenging climbs up the rugged slopes of Mount Rundle, there's something for everyone.

Popular Banff hiking trails in Banff include the Johnston Canyon Trail, which features stunning waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, offering spectacular views of glaciers and alpine scenery. Each trail provides a unique way to experience the park's natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Spotting Wildlife

A large bull Elk standing in a field inside Banff National Park.

Lots of wildlife call Banff home, so it makes Banff a prime location for animal enthusiasts. Visitors may encounter grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and even the elusive wolf.

The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of species, and several areas are renowned for wildlife sightings, including the Bow Valley Parkway and the Icefields Parkway. Guided tours and wildlife safaris are available for those looking to learn more about the park's inhabitants and their conservation.

Winter Sports

People walking with snowboards across a snow covered street inside Banff National Park.

When the snow falls, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a plethora of activities for snow enthusiasts. Skiing and snowboarding are major draws, with world-class resorts such as Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay providing excellent slopes and facilities.

For a more leisurely pace, visitors can enjoy ice skating on frozen lakes, snowshoeing through tranquil forests, or taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride. The annual Ice Magic Festival showcases incredible ice sculptures and adds a festive atmosphere to the winter season.

Hot Springs

For those seeking relaxation, Banff's natural hot springs offer a perfect retreat. The Banff Upper Hot Springs, located on Sulphur Mountain, provide soothing thermal waters with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

These hot springs have been a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation since their discovery in the late 19th century. After a day of exploring, soaking in these warm, mineral-rich waters is an ideal way to unwind and take in the beauty of the park.

Camping

A person inside of a yellow tent with a view looking outside the tents door showing a beautiful lake and mountain below their campsite.

Banff National park as 14 camp grounds with over 2400 camping sites to choose from, offering everything from tent camping to RV sites with full hook ups. Even if you are not the great outdoorsman, Banff is such a popular National Park that some camp grounds offer full equipped camping sites with porter potties, drinking water, fire pits, wood, food locker storage, and 6 person canvas tents.

So if you are arriving by plane and don't want to have to bring a ton of luggage, you can pack the necessities and let some of the campgrounds handle the rest. There is obviously an additonal charge for these campsites, but it is going to be less expensive than packing 5 suit cases of camping luggage.

Fishing

A man posing next to his father and holding a large trout he just caught.

There is some incredible fishing in Banff National Park, with anglers being able to fish the beautiful Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka. However, there are over 450 lakes and 4 major rivers inside Banff National Park that you can try your luck.

Actually, the fishing is so good that if you know what you are doing you're going to catch a lot of fish, there are so many there are literally no fishing limits on size or how many you can keep.

Banff is truly an anglers dream, with so many places to throw a line in if their not biting in one lake or river, switch to another.

Whether you're hiking through breathtaking landscapes, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, enjoying winter sports, or simply relaxing in the hot springs, Banff provides an unforgettable experience.

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