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Sightseeing Banff, Alberta

This page presents suggestions for a day of sightseeing in Banff, Alberta. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff has to be on top of your list when travelling in Canada.

As a tour guide, I visit Banff on a regular schedule. From my experiences, I point out all the highlights in and around Banff.

On this page:

Map of Banff and vicinity

Highlights sightseeing Banff

Day itinerary sample

Related pages:

Destination Calgary

En route: Calgary to Banff

From Banff to Lake Louise, Alberta

My favourite spot for a picnic, including a spectacular view of Mount Rundle.

Map of Banff and vicinity

Description of the highlights in and around Banff

Lake Minnewanka scenic drive

This 13 km/ 8 mi scenic loop through the Bow Valley –a wildlife corridor-, offers some impressive views of several picturesque lakes and mountain peaks. Keep your eyes open for Bighorn sheep.

Two Jack Lake is my favourite spot for a picnic. On a sunny day you’ll have a spectacular view of massive Mount Rundle.

Lake Minnewanka means ‘water of the spirits’. Native people of the area –the Stoneys- heard voices whenever they travelled in the neighbourhood of the lake. Although they couldn’t see anything that made sounds, one day a strange creature rose out of the water. It seemed to be half fish and half human being....

Male bighorn sheep. Females have short pointy horns.

Hoodoos

Hoodoos are pillars, formed by erosion. They consist of sedimentary sandstone rock. Wind and water erosion shape these structures. Softer parts crumble down and harder parts stay behind like pillars.

From the Hoodoo viewpoint, you’ll have a splendid view of the Bow River and Mount Rundle (2948 m/ 9672 ft). In the distance, you’re able to see the Gondola and the Banff Spring Hotel.

From the Hoodoo viewpoint, you’ll have a splendid view of the Bow River

Surprise corner

Go up the stairs for a splendid view of the Banff Spring Hotel.

Bow Falls viewpoint

A lovely viewpoint of the 9 m/30 ft. high, 30 m/100 ft. wide, Bow falls.

Sightseeing Banff from above

On a clear or lightly clouded day, make sure to ride the Gondola! The fully enclosed 4-passenger cabin lifts you to an incredible view at the summit of Mount Sulphur (2,281 m/ 7,486 ft). On a bright day, you’ll have a SUPERB 360˚ view of 6 mountain ranges.

Visit the Banff Gondola website

View from Spray River at Banff Spring Hotel

Upper Hot Springs

The breathtaking setting of these commercially developed hot springs is the perfect facility to ease your sore muscles after a strenuous hike or after a day of skiing. The temperature for this outdoor hot pool is set to 37-40˚C / 98-104 ˚F. From the pool, you have an awesome view of –there he is again- Mount Rundle.

Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs website

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

It is 1880 when the Canadian Pacific Railway starts building it’s tracks through the Bow Valley. In 1883, three railway workers discover hot springs in a cave at the base of Sulphur Mountain.
In 1885 Canadian government protects an area of 26 km2 (16 mi2) around the hot spring and starts promoting the area as an international resort, trying to collect money for further development of the railway. In 1887 another 673 km2 (418 mi2) land is added to protection and called ‘Rocky Mountain Park’. Canada’s National Park system is born!

Visit the Cave and Basin website

Fenland Trail

I like to go here with travellers who just arrived in Calgary (usually after a long flight).
It’s a beautiful, diverse, short hike (more like a stroll) to get introduced to the Bow Valley wildlife corridor.

Visit Parks Canada Banff area trails

Day itinerary sample for sightseeing Banff, Alberta

View from the gondola in Banff

8.30 am. leave your accommodation
8.45 - 9.15 am. Lake Minnewanka scenic drive
9.15 –10.45 am. Tunnel Mountain Drive: - viewpoint Hoodoos- Surprise corner- Bow Falls
11 - 12.30 Fenland Trail
12.30 - 2 pm. lunch
2 – 5 pm. Banff Gondola (awesome!) or Upper Hot Springs and Cave Basin (National Historic Site)

Check beforehand the road conditions in Banff National Park