Here are my recommendations as a local who goes to Banff often. I've taken my visiting friends and family on this exact 'top hits of Banff' tour a few times and it never fails. It's a great quick intro to the city and best of all, fits any budget.
Reminder: Right before you drive into the Banff National Park road border, you'll have to pass through Parks Canada stalls to either pay for a day admission or have the annual Parks Canada pass.
First Stop: Admire the Bow Falls and River view
It's a lookout point with mountain, waterfall, river and castle (hotel) views. And best of all it's free and accessible. Park the car and step outside, it's right there!
Sweeping views of the source river that cuts Calgary in half, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and the hotel. Stay by the shore or walk up the stairs to see the waterfalls from a higher viewpoint. In the summertime, you may also see climbers on the rock wall across the river!
Second Stop: Explore the Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont Banff Springs)
It's free to explore this historic hotel. Check out the display on the floor above the lobby that walks you through the foundation and history of the hotel, including pictures of when Marilyn Monroe filmed there, the fancy balls hosted and menus they would serve to guests in the 1920s. Very charming. Tip: If you have money to spend, it's very well spent here.
My recommendations on how to spend money at the Banff Springs Hotel: $$: Grapes, the wine bar, has fantastic wine list, cheese & meat selection, and a rare privacy you don't get in super touristy places, making it a perfect intimate date spot. However, it's often not open so be sure to check its hours ahead of time.
$$$: The Hawthorn Dining Room is where I celebrated my 10th anniversary because it can be THAT upscale. But I have also seen many lost tourists stop in for a meal, so it's pretty approachable too. The cocktails stun me every time. It's also great for both the unparalleled views and people watching. Last time I was there, I listened in on some kind of business meeting, and was seated across a bachelorette party.
$$$$: Visit the private hot springs at the hotel. Obviously it's pricey and I've only been once as a kid, but it left a hell of an impression. It's world-class luxury with indoor and outdoor hot springs. There is nothing quite like sitting in an outdoor hot tub while snow falls around you, gazing out at mountains. Check the prices and restrictions before committing to this - if you aren't staying at the hotel, you'll have to plan ahead.
Final stop: Walk the main street of Banff (Banff Ave)
Wherever you are visiting from, you'll recognize many of the shops that are on the main street these days. It's international-visitor friendly, had a ton of traffic pass through during pandemic times and has since built up its infrastructure to accommodate larger numbers of visitors.
A few specific places you'd find me:
High Rollers is a solid bowling bar with good pub food
Wandering the Cascade of Time Garden in the Spring/Summer
Tip: This free garden is THE spot to get the best pictures. It overlooks the main avenue, has ponds, fountains, flowers, knobbly wooden benches, and historical buildings all surrounded by the mountains.
Banff Ave Brewing taproom for the fresh beer and good deals
Banff Western Outfitters, often because my visiting family want to gawk at the cowboy gear
Mary's Popcorn Shop because someone usually gives in to the smell that hits as you walk by
Spirit of Christmas is a year-round Christmas decoration shop and a very cute visit
Bonus: Where I won't bring visitors, having done them before (and why)
It's a museum that walks through the history and foundation of the Parks Canada department, of which Banff is the first park created to that status. It used to be a swimming pool that was spring-fed, it's now a protected habitat to protect the fragile species that depend on that ecosystem. No swimming allowed nowadays.
Pros: It has great viewpoints, it's free to access if you have a yearly Parks Canada pass.
Cons: It's a seen-it-once-and-I'm-done museum, not one that blows my mind and justifies repeat visits.
Pros: It's the only affordable, public alternative to the one in the hotel. You can even rent swimsuits on site if you forgot yours. They are funny modest ones, but it adds to the feeling of going back in time.
Cons: As a very spoiled local, I'd rather spend the extra time driving to the Radium hot springs instead. The Banff hot springs were smaller than I expected, and crowded.
Tacking on Lake Louise if I'm short on time
Lake Louise is a 45 minute drive away from Banff city. I only push along to it if it's on someone's bucket list.
Pros: The gorgeous lake views, skating in the winter, rentable water activities in the summer.
Cons: Parking is a massive hassle, it's a paid lot and often full. There aren't a ton of affordable things to do on a whim in Lake Louise. It doesn't have a city centre, the hotel is gorgeous and very expensive, and the surrounding lakes (Moraine Lake, namely) are not accessible unless you plan ahead.
Happy travels!
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