Activities & Events
Hiking, Rock Climbing and Day Tours
Many day trips in the mountains are easily accessible from Banff. Plan your route easily with a visit to the Banff Visitor Centre in downtown Banff. Buffalo Mountain Lodge can also arrange guides or provide maps and directions. The surrounding mountains and wilderness offer something for every level of hiking/mountaineering experience and fitness.
White Water Rafting
White water raft down the Bow, Kananaskis or the Kicking Horse River, exhilarating and wet! Numerous outfitters available.
Canoeing
Take a scenic paddle, as the first tourists to Banff did, on Lake Minnewanka or Vermilion Lakes.
Horseback Riding
Trail riding is available in Banff, Kananaskis, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake.
Fishing
Fish the Bow River for cutthroat and bull trout plus brown and brook trout. Guided fly fishing is also available. Other nearby fishing spots are: Lake Minnewanka, Spray Lakes, Mt. Lorette and Barrier Lake ponds, Kananaskis River and Lakes, and Chief Hector Lake.
Golfing
Silvertip Resort is located just 20 minutes east of Banff National Park, offering breath-taking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Other Summer Activities
- Mountain Biking
- Sightseeing
- Off Road Vehicles
Winter Activities
X-Country Skiing
Lots of trails everywhere if you have your own equipment! Equipment can be rented in downtown Banff at various cross-country outlets. For cross-country tours - BACK OF BEYOND ADVENTURE COMPANY 403-678-6606.
Downhill Skiing
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to some of the best skiing in North America, consistently ranked alongside Whistler/Blackcomb and Vail/Aspen. During the ski season a shuttle bus operates to Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. Other nearby ski resorts are:
Dog Sled Rides
Dog sled companies offer authentic dog sled rides from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. The experience is exhilarating and the dogs are adorable. They love to run!
Sitting in the Lounge
Having a single malt scotch, reading the paper and relaxing by the fire. This activity is highly recommended at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, in any season.
Ice Skating
The Banff Springs Hotel and the high school ice rink offer ice skating.
Other Winter Activities
- Heli Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Sleigh Rides
- Snowmobiling
- Waterfall Ice Climbing
- Tobogganing
- Mountaineering