Things to Do in Banff: Tours, Tickets & Day Trips
Wondering what to do in Banff? Start with the two lakes: the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour (about $54–73) is the most-reviewed experience in the Canadian Rockies, and since Moraine Lake Road closed to private cars a shuttle ($27) or tour is the only way in. Then the Banff Gondola ($69) up Sulphur Mountain, the Icefields Parkway full-day tour to the Columbia Icefield ($163), the hop-on-hop-off Banff bus ($81) and the Johnston Canyon walk or winter icewalk ($81). Give yourself three to four days — one for Lake Louise and Moraine, one for the town, the gondola, Lake Minnewanka and the hot springs, one for Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway, one for the Icefields Parkway or Yoho’s Emerald Lake. Most of the park is free once you have the daily park pass: Bow Falls, Vermilion Lakes, Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Lake and Peyto Lake cost nothing. Below you can compare every Banff tour and ticket by rating and price, with free cancellation on most.
526 tours · prices per person, book with partner
All experiences in Banff — FAQ
What are the top things to do in Banff?
By traveller reviews: the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour, the Banff Gondola, the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake day trip from Banff and Calgary, the Icefields Parkway full-day tour, the hop-on-hop-off Banff bus, the Emerald Lake add-on to the lakes tour, the Discover Banff National Park day trip, the Johnston Canyon walk and winter icewalk, the Big Canoe tour on the Bow River and the Moraine Lake shuttle. Compare all of them below.
How many days do you need in Banff?
Three to four days. Day one: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake at sunrise, then the Lake Agnes Tea House hike. Day two: the Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka’s cruise and the Upper Hot Springs. Day three: Johnston Canyon, the Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife and Two Jack Lake. Day four: the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier, or Yoho’s Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls. Add days for hiking or a run to Jasper.
What can you do in Banff for free?
With the park pass (about CA$11 per adult per day), almost everything outdoors is free: Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, the Vermilion Lakes at sunrise, the Tunnel Mountain and Sulphur Mountain hikes, the Johnston Canyon catwalks, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka’s shore, the Fenland and Hoodoos trails, the Bow Valley Parkway wildlife drive, Peyto Lake’s lookout and the Lake Louise shoreline (paid parking or shuttle). The Banff Park Museum and Cave and Basin charge small fees.
Do Banff tours offer free cancellation?
Most experiences listed here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. The policy is shown on each tour before you book.