The oldest national park in Canada is endowed with abundant natural attractions and amazing scenery. With an area of 2,564 square miles, the park consists of stunning mountain peaks, vast stretches of lush rainforests, numerous hot springs, and beautiful lakes which all combine to create a huge list of amazing things one can enjoy on a vacation here. While hiking remains one of the most amazing things to experience in Banff national park, other activities such as these are just as rewarding and enjoyable.
10 A Relaxing Soak In Banff Upper Hot Spring
Getting a soak in Banff upper hot springs is both exciting and beneficial to one’s health. The mineral component of the water includes - sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfate, and bicarbonate which have been proved to be beneficial in the treatments of various diseases and health conditions. The hot springs present a large pool filled with natural hot water and guests can request a towel and locker.
9 Paddle A Canoe On Bow River
While there is nowhere within the national park to engage in the more thrilling whitewater rafting, the bow river presents the stage for an enjoyable river float. The peaceful paddle on this river takes travelers through scenic sights of mountains, lush forests, and the park’s wildlife. For those who want a more thrilling experience, there are rivers near Banff National Park that offer exciting rapids and some of the most popular ones include - The kicking horse river and Kananaskis river.
8 Watch Sunset
Banff national park is gorgeous during the day but the views at sunset are magical and amazing. There are lots of great places to watch the sunset at Banff and some of the best places not to miss out on include - Vermilion lakes and Moraine lake.
7 Explore The Park’s Wildlife
The wildlife in Banff national park is diverse and abundant. Wild animals such as - bull elks, coyotes, Grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, cougars, and mountain goats are usually sighted here. Sightings can sometimes be rare which is why wildlife tours are recommended for the best wildlife experience in Banff National park.
6 Go Biking On A Trail
Biking is no doubt one of the best ways to explore the beauty of Banff National park. With more than 100 miles of bike trails, there is so much exploring to do with a bike here. Visitors can choose to experience the scenery of the park from the paved trails or take the more challenging mountain biking trails for some thrilling adventure and the gorgeous views of wildlife, and scenic landscape from the mountain's elevated viewpoints.
5 Ride Lake Louise Gondola
Lake Louise Gondola offers a bird’s eye view of Lake Louise and the surrounding landscape from the 2,000 meters high ride. The experience lasts more than 10 minutes which is long enough for visitors to enjoy the view of the colossal snow-capped mountains, and also the area’s wildlife.
4 Mountain Climbing
Beginners and expert climbers all have spots to experience thrilling mountain climbing adventures at Banff national park. Besides the adrenaline rush it promises, the views of the town of Banff and Lake Louisa from the mountain’s elevated viewpoints are nothing short of amazing. Some of the most popular peaks to explore in the park include; Mount Temple - for a view of Lake Louisa and Cascade Mountain for a view of the town of Banff.
3 Take A Scenic Road Trip On Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway in Banff national park is one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Stretching for 144 miles from Lake Louise in Banff national park to the town of Jasper in Jasper national park, this highway passes through some really impressive scenery. Things to see along the way range from beautiful lakes, to stunning canyons, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife that occasionally wander into the road, creating exciting moments for some lucky travelers.
2 Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in Banff offers a way to explore the park naturally without any wheels. There are ranches all over the town of Banff and Lake Louise offers this amazing experience, taking travelers through scenic places in the park such as - the Bow River, spray river, and sulfur mountain among others.
1 Camp In Nature
While there are so many resorts and hotels to stay at Banff National park, camping outdoors is a great way to stay in nature and explore the park's flora and fauna more closely. The beautiful views of the lakes and mountains, the surrounding lush forest, and the melodious tweets of birds are all things campers enjoy while camping in Banff National park. The park features up to 14 campgrounds, which all consist of lots of campsites where visitors can pitch their tents or park their RVs.