Activities & Tours
With such an active tourist trade, there are plenty of things to do in and around Banff, including shopping which in itself could keep you entertained for hours.
If the skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts hasn’t been enough exercise for you, you can go snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing to further appreciate the scenic wilderness around Banff. There is a guided Johnson Canyon ice walk that offers information about the wildlife and cultural perspectives of the Banff National Park.
There are also snowmobiling tours that also offer the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape and the wildlife (although you might also see that walking down the main street of Banff).
At the Recreation Centre and the Banff Springs Hotel there are ice-skating rinks, but if you’re going to Lake Louise it’s worth saving yourself for a skate on the lake outside the chateau.
For adrenaline related activities, you can go heli-skiing or heli-boarding, which is suitable for riders of intermediate level or above.
Leisurely activities include dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleighs or visiting museums such as the Canadian Ski Museum.
For complete rest and relaxation, it seems essential to have a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs after a strenuous day of skiing. The hygiene habits of some of the international visitors leaves a little to be desired, but if you can ignore this you can enjoy the relaxation. It’s cheap, and against the backdrop of spectacular scenery, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Alternatively the Red Earth Spa offers spa and beauty treatments, and a hot pool and steam room.
There are also various
Lake Louise activities, and things to do in Calgary such as shopping, shopping and more shopping. Otherwise you can visit the Olympic sites such as the ski jump, bobsled track and the Olympic museum. If you get the chance, it’s worth seeing an ice-hockey match to lap up some Canadian culture.