Banff National Park is incredible, but some of the most memorable experiences in the Canadian Rockies are actually outside of Banff town. If you’re willing to hop in the car and explore a bit, you’ll find waterfalls, alpine meadows, historic railway marvels, and charming mountain towns that make perfect half-day or full-day adventures.
There is so much to do in the vicinity of Banff town that you could spend an entire summer here and never get bored, but these are some of our top recommendations, including the ones shared with us by a friend who grew up going to Banff every summer.
Day Trip to Yoho National Park in Beautiful British Columbia
Sure, you came to Banff for the sites in Banff National Park, but as long as you are here, why not explore part of another neighboring national park that is just as beautiful! The drive itself is part of the adventure.
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada and absolutely worth the 1.5 hour scenic drive. Fed by melting glaciers high above, the water thunders down a sheer rock face and is especially powerful in late spring and early summer. Our kids enjoyed hiking the rocks below the waterfall and feeling the cool spray on their faces. And the view back to the valley is stunning.
The final stretch up Yoho Valley Road is scenic but winding, with switchbacks and towering cliffs. Once you reach the parking area, the walk to the base of the falls is short and mostly flat—perfect if you want a big payoff without a long hike.
This is a great spot to entertain your family by posing for optical illusion photos where it looks like you are swallowing the waterfall or catching it in a hat.
Or just sit on a bench and enjoy the sites and sounds of this stunning waterfall.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—the mist near the falls can feel icy even on warm days.
We spotted this mama moose and her calf in the shrubs on the side of the mountain just off the road while we were driving to Takakkaw Falls, so keep an eye out for wildlife!
Spiral Tunnels
Just west of the Alberta–British Columbia border near the town of Field, the Spiral Tunnels are one of Canada’s most impressive feats of engineering. Built in the early 1900s for the Canadian Pacific Railway, these tunnels allow trains to climb steep mountain grades by looping through the mountains themselves.
There are several roadside viewpoints where you can safely watch long freight trains disappear into one tunnel and emerge far below from another. If you’re lucky, you might catch a train mid-spiral. There is no set schedule, so it’s hard to plan, but that makes it even more special when you do see a train going through.
We were very lucky and were there reading signs about the engineering that went into the spiral tunnels when we heard a train approaching and we got to see the whole process. It is fascinating for kids and adults alike!
Good to know: Pair this stop with other Yoho National Park sights like Emerald Lakes or Takakkaw Falls for an easy day trip.
The Town of Field (and Nearby Sights)
Field is a tiny railway town right by Spiral Tunnels nestled in Yoho National Park. While it’s small, it’s full of character and a great place to stop for a delicious meal at Truffle Pig’s Bistro (make a reservation!) before heading to Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls. They have a very good Yoho National Park Visitor Center that is small, but informative.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is only about 1 hour from Banff and it is one of those places that truly looks unreal. The vibrant green color comes from glacial silt reflecting sunlight, and on calm days the surrounding mountains mirror perfectly in the water.
There’s an easy 3 mile) loop trail around the lake that’s mostly flat, making it great for families. You can also rent canoes in summer or simply enjoy the view from the shoreline. We thought they had one of the cutest gift shops and cafés, so you might want to check those out as well.
Bonus: Emerald Lake Lodge is a lovely spot for lunch or hot chocolate if you want to linger.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hikes near Banff for good reason. It’s only about 30 minutes from town and has a really unique trail with a great reward of two waterfalls to enjoy.
This beautiful canyon walk has multiple waterfalls and is one of the most approachable and rewarding walks in Banff National Park. The trail follows the edge of a dramatic limestone canyon, with the path literally hugging the canyon walls as turquoise water rushes below. Elevated catwalks and railings keep the walk safe, while the sound of the rushing creek builds anticipation as you approach the waterfall.
When you reach the Lower Falls, you can step into a short tunnel for an up-close view of the powerful cascade. It’s a great payoff for a relatively short, scenic hike that feels far more adventurous than the distance suggests. This ended up being my favorite hike of the entire trip!
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or save this hike for the evening after an early dinner. The parking lot is huge and tour buses show up during the day with loads of people but by the evening hours it is empty and serene. We met a hiker who had been there earlier the same day and she told us that there was a long line and over an hour long wait to duck into the tunnel to see the waterfall up close. She came back after the crowds had left and we literally walked right in and had it to ourselves.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is one of the easiest and closest scenic drives from Banff. This long glacial lake sits just about 15 to 20 minutes northeast of town and offers boat cruises, lakeside walks, and picnic areas with sweeping mountain views.
Because it’s so close, Lake Minnewanka is ideal if you want something beautiful without committing to a full day in the car. This area is known for bighorn sheep, so drive slowly and keep your camera ready!
Johnson Lake
If you’re looking for a scenic lake near Banff that feels peaceful and local rather than busy and overrun, Johnson Lake is a wonderful option. Tucked into the trees just outside town, this small mountain lake offers easy access, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for families. We saw large school groups of young children picnicking here on the day we visited, so you know it’s more popular with the locals than the tourists.
Johnson Lake is warmer than most lakes in Banff National Park, thanks to its smaller size and sheltered location. The water can warm up enough in summer to make it one of the best swimming spots in the area and locals often come here on hot days to swim, wade, or relax along the shoreline. That’s not nearly as fun in the colder, glacial-fed lakes that Banff is famous for like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, where it’s less of a swim and more of a polar plunge!
A mostly flat 1.7 mile loop trail circles the shoreline, making it ideal for casual walks for anyone wanting a low-effort stroll with mountain views. You’ll also find picnic areas and frequent wildlife sightings, including birds and the occasional elk nearby.
Sunshine Meadows (via Sunshine Village)
Sunshine Village is only about 25 minutes from Banff to the base area where you can get tickets to ride a gondola to the top of the mountain where you’ll find Sunshine Meadows. If you have already done the Banff Gondola, the experience here is totally different!
This spot has some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the Banff area, with rolling wildflower fields, mountain peaks, and panoramic views. There are also good wildlife viewing opportunities and a ranger told us that bears and even wolves are sometimes seen here.
Once you’re up top, there are several well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to longer alpine routes. There is also a viewing platforms where you can see the alpine lakes without needing to hike down (and back up later), if you prefer.
The meadows are filled with wildflowers, shimmering alpine lakes, and panoramic hiking trails in summer. The glacial lakes are framed by towering Rocky Mountains, including views toward iconic summits like Mount Assiniboine.
We even had a magical moment when two deer cautiously approached the water’s edge of Rock Isle Lake!
Our only complaint was that the bugs here were pretty bad in August and our bug spray didn’t seem to be affecting them very much, so I recommend coming prepared with long pants and long sleeves, even if the weather is nice.
Mount Norquay Lookout
The Mount Norquay Lookout offers one of the most accessible panoramic views near Banff, making it an easy stop with a big visual payoff. Located partway up the Mount Norquay road, this roadside viewpoint looks out over the town of Banff, the winding Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges layered into the distance. From here, you can clearly see Cascade Mountain rising above town, with the Bow River snaking through the valley below.
Because it requires little effort to reach, the lookout is perfect for a quick photo stop, a short break between activities, a picnic, or a golden-hour visit when the light softens and the entire valley seems to glow. It’s a great way to get sweeping views without riding a gondola or committing to a hike.
Other Summer Adventures
This post is just scratching the surface of what there is to do around Banff. Some other ideas that we just weren’t able to get to on this trip include:
- Biking or canoeing at Vermillion Lakes
- Horseback riding
- Tunnel Mountain Trail
- Biking the Sundance Canyon Trail and hiking to the waterfall
- Lake O’Hara with the Lake Oesa hike (supposed to be a good alternative to Sunshine Meadows with amazing views but requires advance reservations)
- Banff Farmer’s Market
- Ice Line Trail (a challenging glacier hike)
- Point Lace Falls (this is in Yoho National Park)
- Whitewater rafting on nearby rivers
- Fishing in lakes and rivers (permits required)
- Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay (guided climbing routes using fixed cables, ladders, and bridges)
Have more ideas for us for our next visit? Please share in the comments below!
