Top 5 incredible Banff experiences

At the top of every “Banff things to do” list is the popular Banff Gondola. Hop into the glass cabin and be amazed by the spectacular views of the mountains and valley as you soar above treetops to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy the 360-degree views from the observation deck, and walk along the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to fill your phone with spectacular photographs.

Lined with over a hundred glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, lush green pine and larch trees and mirror-like glacial lakes, Icefields Parkway is a wondrous experience you must add to your Banff things to see checklist. Connecting Banff National Park to the breathtaking Jasper National Park, this route is rightly considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. In winter, the parkway transforms into a winter wonderland giving you the impression of driving through Narnia. Be prepared to stop and capture photos of the native wildlife, including bears, bighorn sheep, and elk that thrive in the region. 

Just outside Banff lies the Yamanuka Wolfdog sanctuary, a unique and offbeat experience that is sure to enhance your Banff experience. Yamanuska Wolfdog Sanctuary rescues and rehomes abandoned wolfdogs. The sanctuary looks after 25 permanent wolfdogs, 10 ambassador wolfdogs, and several adoptable wolfdogs. Take a tour through the sanctuary to learn about these beautiful beasts and come away with a better understanding of their intriguing lives and the importance of wolves in our ecosystem.

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Canadian National Parks. The cavern was accidentally discovered by railway workers in the late 19th century when they stumbled upon natural hot spring water seeping through the rocks into the cave. The craggy interior, the cerulean thermal waters and the beam of light filtering in through a hole in the roof gives the cave a surreal charm. Swimming in the hot spring waters of Cave and Basin National Historic Site is not allowed, however you can always head up to the Upper Hot Springs to take a swim in the healing mineral waters.

Experience the many shades of the colour spectrum amidst the jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Louise. The pristine white of the snow on mountain peaks, the emerald green of the pine trees, the turquoise blue of the waters, the deep tan of elk fur, and the soft grey of the mist that descends upon the quiet lake. While there are several hiking trails you can go on around the site, even to sit quietly by the lake, watching the reflection of the mountains playing peek-a-boo in the changing blues is an ethereal experience. Little wonder Lake Louise came to be known as the “diamond in the wilderness”.