About 125 km west of Calgary lies one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in Alberta, but all of Canada, the small Rocky Mountain town of Banff. A vacation or day trip to Banff presents the visitor with a near-endless list of possibilities, but we have selected these as the top 10 things to do in Banff:

Tour Banff's Museums

There are four museums in Banff alone, Banff Park Museum, with wildlife specimens housed in a log cabin; the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, where the ways of the first inhabitants are exhibited; the Canadian Ski Museum West, which covers the history of Banff skiing; and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, which art displays and exhibits on the early settlers.

Tour Banff's Historic Sites

Banff became the first Canadian national park in 1885, and it is place that abounds in history. In addition to the amazing museums in the area, the two other must-sees are the Cosmic Ray Station, where cosmic-ray research was done in the 1970's and Howse Pass, which was a gateway to the Rockies and to native hunting grounds.

Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs

There are nine high-quality hot springs within Banff Park, but the Upper Hot Springs is the most developed and most popular outdoor spring’s attraction. The spring water is captured into a swimming pool, where it is maintained at a soothingly warm 100ºF (38ºC). 

Go Spelunking in Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This sulphurous cave and its hot-spring-fed pool is the original reason that Banff National Park was created. It is spacious enough to accommodate large tour groups and still ranks among the park's top attractions.

Stay Overnight at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Here, you can treat your body to Canada's number-one spa, Willow Stream Spa, the most popular indoor hot spring at Banff.

Visit the Lake Louise Ski Area

Lake Louise is considered by many to be among the most beautiful ski resorts on the continent. Besides skiing, the panoramic view of the mountains and lake, and in summer of lush alpine meadows, is well worth the ride up the gondola.

Tour Banff's Beautiful Lakes

In addition to the well-known Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake along Icefields Parkway are pristine natural beauties that you have to see for yourself if visiting Banff. Lake Minnewanka offers fishing and scuba diving to visitors, and Johnson Lake offers ice skating during the winter.

Experience Tunnel Mountain

There are many mountains to explore in Banff, but Tunnel Mountain is unique as it sits alone in the midst of the valley with the town of Banff wrapping around it. Camping and hiking are the main activities, and the gentle grade makes it easy to reach the summit.

Appreciate the Wildlife

There are overpasses in Banff National Park where animals migrate over the highway. Near the town, elk, bighorn sheep, and wild goats are often sighted. Hiking in the woods, you may catch a look at a grizzly, a moose, or a bald eagle flying overhead.

Watch the Northern Lights

People come from all over the world to see the Northern Lights in Banff. The best months are August and September, and the best time is between midnight and sunrise. Lake Minnewanka is a good viewing location.

If you lack transportation to get to and get around within Banff, do not hesitate to reserve a rental vehicle with Discount Car & Truck Rentals, and feel free to contact us for more information.