In the Banff area there is no shortage of activities, whether you come to hike, ski, snowmobile or just spend some time away from home you will find plenty of things to do. In this section we will tell you about the most popular things to do in or around the town of Banff.

Biking

Most, although not all hiking trails near the town allow for bikes. Be sure to look out for hikers when biking on shared trails. Bike rentals are available at a number of places downtown. Visit the park information center to ensure the trail is in good conditions and to find out about bear activity in the area.

Climbing
The Rocky Mountains have some of the greatest climbing opportunities in the world. Sport, Traditional, aid climbing and mountaineering are all possible in the park. Numerous route books are available for each style of climbing and guides are for hire teach, lead or assist on your weekend trip or expedition. The Banff Center also has an indoor climbing wall for rainy days or if you just want to punish your tendons on the campus wall.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in many areas of the national parks however a parks fishing license must be purchased. National Park fishing licenses are free for youths under 16 accompanied by an adult. An annual adult license costs $13.00, a 4 day pass costs $7.00 and they can be obtained at the Banff National Park information center or Home Hardware on Bear Street.

Golf

There are 6 golf courses within driving distance of Banff. The famous 18- hole Banff Springs course, featured in many computer golf simulators, lies along the Bow river below the Banff Springs Hotel. Only 15minutes away from Banff, in Canmore, are the Silver Tip, Stewart Creek and The Canmore Golf Course. In Kananskis Provincial Park are the Kananaskis Ranch & The Kananaskis Golf Course only 45 minutes away.

Hiking

There is no shortage of hiking trails near the town of Banff. Whether you want a long hard challenge or an easy stroll all the trail heads are either in accessable from Banff or are very near to it. Always check the trail conditions prior to departure at the Parks Canada Information Center, particularily for bear activity. Always hike with a partner and if there is a registration for the trail be sure to sign in with your route and estimated time for completion.

Horseback Riding

You don't have to be a cowboy (or girl) to ride a horse! Horseback riding is a fun way to see trails and scenery that you may otherwise miss. Trips can range from a couple of hours to a few days in length and these trips can be booked through Holiday on Horseback located on Banff avenue.

Hot Springs

Had a long hard day pounding the trails, or the pavement? Try soaking your bones in the historic Upper Hot Springs. Rent a period bathing suit to complete your journey through the past!! Located at the base of Sulphur Mountain it is only a short taxi ride away or an invigorating walk up Sulphur Mountain Trail.

Interpretive hikes

When you want to see the mountains but also want to learn about what your looking at hire a hiking guide to lead you along the trail. Discover Banff Tours has hiking guides available to lead you on and back off the trail and we can arrange custom guided trips for your group as well. Japanese guiding is also available.

Museums

Banff has lots of museums (a huge benefit for rainy days). The Banff Park Natural Museum building is a historic landmark itself and is located right next to the Bow River Bridge. They have many wildlife specimens on display and lots of information about flora and fauna in the Rockies. The Whyte Museum has a gallery of Banff history and rotating artist displays in the main gallery. There is also a natural museum in the clocktower mall. For addresses and more information on museums visit our museums page.

Skiing

During the winter we have the best skiing in the Rockies. We have three ski hills within Banff National Park all under an hours drive. Just outside the park are 4 more resorts all under a 3 hour drive. All resorts provide transportation so you can enjoy a beer at the end of the day and leave the driving to the professionals. Thousands of skiers come for the champagne powder every year and our season begins in December and ends in late May.

Tennis

If you're looking for a relaxing day off from all the other activities but still need to unload some energy tennis may be the answer. Free outdoor public tennis courts are located at the Banff Recreation Grounds as well as the Banff Springs Hotel which require a user fee.

Water Sports & Canoeing

From high energy water skiing & wake boarding to relaxing canoeing, you can do it all. Any water sports involving motorboats must be done on Lake Minnewanka (the largest lake in the park, 15 minutes from town). While you can canoe on nearly any lake or river around. Canoe rentals are available along the bow river by the hour or by the day.