As road trip experts, we believe the best way to experience Banff, Alberta is by mixing its iconic highlights with quieter trails and local-approved stops that show you a different side of the Rockies.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Banff, including some must-see experiences with hidden gems that help you escape the crowds and explore at your own pace.
Banff is also a featured stop on our Rocky Mountain Route mystery road trip which takes you on one of the most iconic road trips in the world, with a few secret surprises along the way.
What is a one day surprise road trip?
At Guess Where Trips, we plan one day surprise road trips that get you out of the house and exploring new things! This small town is just one of many that we recommend on our trips.
The map below marks each stop we recommend during your visit!
💡 Travel Tip 💡
You must have a National Parks Pass to visit Banff. You can purchase one at the gates on Highway 1 in between Canmore and Banff.
Table of Contents
1. Chase Waterfalls at Johnston Canyon
Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most popular and rewarding year-round hikes, offering gorgeous turquoise waters in the summer and frozen waterfalls in the winter. We highly recommend going on the 2.7 km trail (approximately 1-3 hours) that winds through sandstone cliffs and as well as suspended catwalks that lead you to the Lower Falls and the 30-metre high Upper Falls.
💡 Travel Tip 💡
If you want to avoid the crowds in the summer months, we recommend hitting the trailhead before 8AM or after 6PM.
2.Take a Peaceful Stroll Through the Cascade of Time Garden
Address: Cave Ave, Banff, AB
Located just minutes from downtown Banff, the Cascade of Time Garden is a peaceful 4 acre retreat if you want to escape the crowds in the high tourism seasons. There you’ll find a walkway that takes you through pretty flower beds, gazebos, and ponds. Overlooking the gardens you’ll also find the heritage-status Parks Administration building from the 1930s, which makes for a great photo-op!
💡 Travel Tip 💡
Peak blooming season is from May-September, but it’s still worth a visit year-round. Admission is also free!
3. Go For a Hike Up Tunnel Mountain
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Tunnel Mountainis a short but rewarding hike in Banff that offers sweeping views of the Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and the surrounding peaks. If you're looking for an easy introduction to mountain climbing, this is it. Starting right from the town of Banff, this short 2.3 km hike takes you to the top of the mountain. From the top, you get an incredible view of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
💡 Travel Tip 💡
Tunnel Mountain Road is closed to vehicles in the winter so it makes for a peaceful walk anytime of the day.
4. Snap Insta-Worthy Photos at Two Jack & Johnson Lake
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Just a short drive from Banff, Johnson Lake is a calm, scenic lake that has an easy flat loop trail that circles the lake making it ideal for an easy walk, a quick bike ride, or a peaceful picnic with views of the surrounding mountains. In the warmer months, the water warms up enough that you can swim in the lake or lounge on the shoreline, while in the winter months you can even ice skate on the lake! Many visitors pair their stop here with the nearby Two Jack Lake, a lake known for its wide-open views and Rocky Mountain Scenery, which also offers swimming in summar and skating once frozen in the winter.
💡 Travel Tip 💡
Johnson Lake has a 3km trail that typically takes an hour to walk, which is a great option if you’re with kids as it’s quite flat and not too strenuous.
Rocky Mountain Route
Explore Banff and more iconic locations in Alberta on this one-day mystery road trip that can be taken from Calgary, AB.
5. Try Our Favourite Restaurants & Bars in Banff
The town of Banff itself is home to lots of great restaurants and bars. Here is our list of the ones we have tried and love:
Offers campfire-inspired cuisine and delicious spirits that are distilled with glacier water from the surrounding Rockies. We highly recommend ordering a Park Spirits Tasting Flight Board!
Address: 219 Banff Ave, Banff AB
Hours: 11:30AM-9PM, Daily
Featured on the Food Network Show You Gotta Eat Here, this cozy pub is best known for its thin-crust pizzas drizzled with honey and chili oil.
Address: 211 Bear St, Banff, AB
Hours: 11:30AM-9PM, Daily
The first brewery that opened in Banff National Park, Banff Ave Brewing Co. offers a seasonal menu, with its most popular item being the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich as well as the infamous ‘Ninja Poison’, a mixed cocktail drink!
Address: 110 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Hours: 12PM-12AM, Daily
Known as Banff’s oldest pub, this laidback spot offers cocktails, brews, and classing pub food. They also host live music every night of the week along with a great patio during the summer months.
Address: 93 Hurontario St Unit 3, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L9
Hours: 1PM-2AM, Daily
6. Soak Up the Scenery at Bow Falls & Bow Pedestrian Bridge
Address: Buffalo St at Muskrat St
Bow Falls is a powerful and picturesque waterfall just outside the town of Banff, where the Bow River cascades over wide limestone steps. Nearby, the Bow Pedestrian Bridge offers a scenic way to experience the area on foot, with views of the rushing water, surrounding forest, and Cascade Mountain in the distance. Together, they make for an easy and rewarding stop - perfect for stretching your legs, snapping photos, and following the river along a peaceful trail that connects some of Banff’s most iconic scenery.
7. Spot An Iconic Hotel at Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Address: Buffalo St, Banff, AB
Surprise Corner Viewpoint is a pull-off just outside of Banff that offers an unexpected, postcard-worthy view. Here, you’ll find an amazing view of the Bow River, Sulphur Mountain, and the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It’s an easy stop with minimal walking, and we highly recommend visiting during the early morning or golden hour.
💡 Travel Tip 💡
The viewpoint has a very small parking lot so be prepared that it may be full depending on the time of day.
8. Escape the Crowds at Stewart Canyon Trail (Near Banff)
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Located near Banff in Lake Minnewanka, Stewart Canyon is a quieter, simple trail (3km round trip) that winds through a forest, following Lake Minnewanka, and leading to a canyon with incredible views. Along the way you’ll also find a small footbridge that spans the Cascade River, which is a great place to stop to snap some photos. It's the perfect beginner-friendly trail that feels more secluded and peaceful compared to other nearby spots.
Our Rocky Mountain Route mystery road trip has lots of "want to keep going" suggestions for those who want to make their way toward Jasper, AB.
Staying Overnight in Banff?
Doing the Rocky Mountain Route and want to stay overnight in Banff? Every Guess Where Trip includes several recommendations for places to stay in the area of your fourth stop!
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