Banff
About
This magical resort town is nestled within Banff National Park and provides the best access to the area's world-class outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Top Spots
Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff
Banff, Alberta
5.0
3 mi
/ 295.3 ft gain
The beginning of this hike is easily accessed from the town center of Banff by the Bow river. Perfect for those without a car! Follow the trail on the side closest to town as it leads up the Bow River and into the forest following the signs for Hoodoos Loop.The hike is 4.8km one way, leading around the base of Tunnel Mountain and along the Bow River, to eventually reach the multiple lookouts o...
Hike Tunnel Mountain, Banff
Banff, Alberta
4.0
2.7 mi
/ 984.3 ft gain
The lower trailhead is only a short walk from Downtown Banff. Head east on Wolf street and up St. Julien Road and you will see the trailhead shortly after passing Wolverine street.There is also a upper trailhead on Tunnel Mountain Drive across from the carpark and viewpoint. Although this is closed to vehicles in winter.This trail is popular for all ages and abilities, with a well-maintained pa...
Rock Climb Plutonian Shores in Banff
Banff, Alberta
1.0
To get to the base of the climb, you must brave the (hordes of) tourists at the Cave and Basin Historical Site in Banff. This requires a park pass and calloused elbows fit for pushing your way through crowds. Or an alarm clock to get up early - the visitor centre is only open after 9 AM and this climb sees a lot of traffic so it's a good idea to get there early. Once you're parked and geared up...
Explore Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park
Banff, Alberta
4.7
Vermillion Lakes is one of the best spot's in Banff to catch a sunrise or sunset depending on the season. Although it's one of the most popular locations for photographers, there are so many different areas around the lakes that you'll never feel like it's too crowded. Mount Rundle can be photographed during anytime during the year, but be sure to check for ideal conditions to capture that perf...
Rock Climb Escargot Corner
Banff, Alberta
6 Pitches5.6-5.8 Climbing
Sustained climbing for the grade. You follow up 2 right facing corners with some face climbing.I really enjoyed this route and found it worth the long approach.
Approach requires a few hours of consistent elevation gain and fair bit of scrambling. If you don’t know where you are going it is very easy to get lost on this approach. Traveling eastbound on the TransCanada ...
Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot
Banff, Alberta
3.5
The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle. There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy the sunset.
Getting there from downtown Banff is easy. You'll head north up Mt. Norquay Road passing...
Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park
Banff, Alberta
5.0
6.8 mi
This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day!
Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs where the Sulphur Mountain Trailhead begins. A 5.5km switchback trail will ...
Hike Cascade Mountain, Banff NP
Banff, Alberta
7.5 mi
/ 4800 ft gain
From Banff, follow the Norquay Road (the west access road to Banff) up to Mt. Norquay Ski Area. The trail begins from the day lodge at the far end of the first parking lot on the right.Walk by the front of the day lodge and follow a service roaddown through the ski area past the base of three chairlifts. A fewmetres beyond the Mystic Chair pick up the trail headingdownhill to Forty Mile Creek.A...
Ski at Mount Norquay
Banff, Alberta
5.0
Oh, small but mighty Norquay! You might not hear as much about this gem as you do its larger siblings in the area, but don’t underestimate its charm or gnarly terrain. While we couldn’t quite access all of the nooks and crannies at the beginning of the season, old-timers regaled us with tales comparing Norquay’s steeps to heli-skiing terrain. I believe them from the looks of it – from ample beg...
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Banff
- The best backpacking in Banff
- The best camping in Banff
- Top adventures in Banff