57 FREE Things to do in Banff in 2026

Banff National Park isn’t known for being a cheap place to travel, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend money on every experience. There are plenty of amazing free things to do in Banff, from scenic viewpoints and lake visits to hikes, picnic areas, wildlife watching, winter activities and some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies.

If you’re planning to visit Banff on a budget, this guide will help you find ways to save money in Banff without feeling like you’re missing out. Some of our favourite Banff experiences don’t involve a gondola ticket, guided tour or paid attraction at all. You can walk to waterfalls, visit turquoise lakes, hike to incredible viewpoints, explore historic sites, cycle scenic roads, skate on frozen lakes in winter and enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities with very little added cost.

That said, Banff is not a place where “free” always means completely cost-free. You may still need a Banff National Park pass, and some free Banff activities come with related costs like paid parking, shuttle reservations, transit fares or equipment rentals if you don’t already have your own gear. I’ll point those out where they matter, so you can plan realistically and avoid surprises.

You also don’t need a car for every activity on this list. While some places are much easier to reach with your own vehicle, there are still plenty of free and budget-friendly things to do in Banff without a car, especially around the Banff townsite, along Roam Transit routes, and on some of the easier walking and biking trails.

Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission to Parks Canada places is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026, and no entry pass is required during those dates. Outside this period, you’ll need to purchase a Banff National Park pass if you stop anywhere in the park, including the Banff townsite, Lake Louise, scenic viewpoints, day-use areas, trails and parkways.

Our list of the best free things to do in Banff covers everything you need to know, from the top attractions in the park, the Banff townsite, scenic drives and stops, the best free hikes and cycling route and the best lakes in Banff. We even cover the best free things to do in Banff in the winter and a few gems from the surrounding areas.

This post contains compensated links.

What Free Means in This Guide

When I say these are free things to do in Banff, I mean the activity itself does not require a paid attraction ticket, tour booking or admission fee. These are places you can visit, trails you can hike, viewpoints you can enjoy, scenic drives you can take, or winter activities you can do without paying for the experience itself.

But there are a few important costs to keep in mind. Some activities may still require a Banff National Park pass outside the Canada Strong Pass dates. Others may involve paid parking, transit or shuttle fares, equipment rentals, if you don’t already have what you need.

For example, walking around Lake Louise is free, but parking at the lakeshore is paid during peak busy season. Hiking Sulphur Mountain is free, but parking may cost extra. Paddling on an approved lake can be free if you have your own gear, but it is no longer free if you need to rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

The goal of this guide is to help you find the best free Banff activities while being honest about the extra costs that can come with visiting a national park. Some options are truly free aside from your park pass, while others are best described as free if you already have transportation, parking sorted out, or the right gear. Either way, these are some of the best ways to enjoy Banff on a budget.

Best Free Things to Do in Banff National Park

Hike at Moraine Lake

Cost note: Free to visit, but shuttles/transit may cost extra.

Getting a picture of famous Moraine Lake and its turquoise-blue colour is at the top of almost everyone’s Banff list. It looks fake, but it’s really not. Even us locals can’t help but be amazed at the beauty of Moraine Lake.

There are many free things to do at Moraine Lake, but in our opinion, one of the best ways to experience its beauty is to enjoy one of the best hikes at Moraine Lake.

Not planning shuttles properly is one of the biggest Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Banff. For that reason, getting to Moraine Lake will probably be one of the first things you’ll want to book when planning your visit to Banff National Park. You will need to pay to get to Moraine Lake since private vehicles are not allowed on Moraine Lake Road.

We recommend you start by trying to book an inexpensive Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake. If those are full, you can try one of the other commercial operators, especially if you want to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise.

If you’re wondering when do Banff lakes thaw, due to its high alpine location Moraine Lake is one of the last to become ice free. The good news for people visiting Banff in June, is that Moraine Lake road opens in early June each year. The road typically stays open until Canadian Thanksgiving, so if you are visiting Banff in October be sure to check your dates.

Visit Lake Louise

Cost note: Free to visit, but paid parking applies seasonally and shuttles/transit may cost extra.

There are so many things to do at Lake Louise that you can easily spend an entire day here. You can walk the easy Lake Louise Lakeshore trail, take photos from the shoreline, enjoy a picnic with one of the best views in Banff, or simply find a spot to sit and take it all in. If you want to canoe on Lake Louise, it’s a classic Banff experience, though canoe rentals are definitely not one of the free activities.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a free activity once you arrive, the Lake Louise Lakeshore walk is beautiful, easy and manageable for most visitors. For something more challenging, try one of these scenic Lake Louise hiking trails, where you’ll be rewarded with even better views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

It used to be completely free to visit Lake Louise, but now there’s a seasonal parking fee in effect at the Lake Louise lakeshore. This is due to the limited parking and the popularity of Lake Louise. Paid parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore is $42 per vehicle per day during the paid parking season.

If you want to visit Lake Louise, with or without a car, it’s vital that you understand how to get to Lake Louise. Most visitors now take an inexpensive Parks Canada shuttle bus to Lake Louise, but there are public transit options available as well.

Even with the added cost, visiting this iconic Banff lake is well worth the parking fee or the bus fare. Lake Louise is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype, especially if it’s your first trip to Banff National Park. The turquoise water, mountain backdrop and Victoria Glacier views are what many people picture when they dream of visiting the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

Cost note: Free to visit, but paid parking applies seasonally and shuttles/transit may cost extra.

Once you arrive at Lake Louise, the first thing you will likely notice is the massive crowd of people standing at the very first viewpoint for Lake Louise. Do yourself a favour and don’t stop here, but continue along to the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail.

People complain about the crowds at Lake Louise, but I’m always amazed at how little effort it takes to get away from them. The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail is one of my favourite easy hikes in Banff for this very reason. The scenery is outstanding too!

Hike Plain of Six Glaciers

Cost note: Free to visit, but paid parking applies seasonally and shuttles/transit may cost extra.

One of the very best hikes in Banff National Park, the Plain of Six Glaciers hike has it all! You start by soaking in the scenery along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. Then you make your way up to the Plain of Six Glaciers tea house. If you have the energy, we recommend going past the tea house. There’s a rock pile where you can spot pikas, and hiking further gets you closer to the Lake Louise glaciers.

If you’d like more details on this iconic Lake Louise hiking trail, check out our post on the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.

Lake Agnes Tea House

Cost note: Free to visit, but paid parking applies seasonally and shuttles/transit may cost extra.

Likely the most popular of the Lake Louise hikes, the Lake Agnes Tea House hike is an easy-to-moderate hike that gets quite busy in the summer. Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House also takes you by Mirror Lake and a waterfall.

To keep costs down, pack a lunch and eat it on the rocks overlooking Lake Agnes and the tea house.

If you’d like more details on this excellent Lake Louise tea house hike, check out our post on the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail.

Johnston Canyon

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Johnston Canyon is one of the national park’s most popular attractions and one of the best truly free activities in Banff. It’s popular for good reason, with waterfalls, canyon walls, rushing water and elevated boardwalks that make the Johnston Canyon hike one of the most enjoyable easy hikes in Banff.

The Johnston Canyon hike is easy as far as the Lower Falls, making it a great option for families and most visitors. There are some small steep sections as you continue to the Upper Falls, but if you are able, we recommend doing the entire distance. The Upper Falls give you a much better sense of the canyon, and it’s well worth the extra effort if you have the time and energy.

Kids will love hiking on the elevated boardwalk and getting sprayed in the cave while looking at the Lower Falls. If you are visiting Banff in winter, Johnston Canyon is also one of the best places to see a frozen waterfall in Banff, though traction devices are strongly recommended when the trail is icy.

As you’d expect, the Johnston Canyon hike can get quite busy. We recommend planning your visit during off-peak hours, ideally on a weekday or early/late in the day. This is especially true in summer, when the trail gets very crowded through the narrow canyon sections.

We cover everything you need to know in our post on the Johnston Canyon hike.

Bankhead Ghost Town

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

A visit to the Bankhead ghost town in Banff National Park is a unique opportunity to take an easy walk through a fascinating piece of Alberta history. In its heyday in the early 1900s, Bankhead, Alberta was a thriving town of nearly 1,000 citizens built next to the operations site of an anthracite coal mine.

What remains on the former site of Bankhead, Alberta is now the Bankhead ghost town. Today, visitors to the Bankhead ghost town can enjoy a fun, educational interpretive walk around the remains of the former Banff coal mining operation.

The Bankhead ghost town is found along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive just a few minutes down the road from Lake Minnewanka.

Get all the details in our post on the Bankhead Ghost Town.

Free Things to Do in Banff Townsite

Surprise Corner

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

See the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from this scenic Banff viewpoint! Surprise Corner is a worthwhile stop in Banff. You can either drive and park at Surprise Corner or walk along the Bow River Trail to Buffalo Street. From Surprise Corner, you can do a hike along the Bow River all the way to the Hoodoos on Tunnel Mountain Road.

Banff Hoodoos

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Whether you hike the Hoodoos Trail from Surprise Corner or park in the parking lot at the Hoodoos Viewpoint, make sure to take the time to see these interesting rock formations. Take a moment to sit in the Parks Canada red chairs while you take in the great views of Tunnel Mountain and Mt. Rundle.

The Hoodoos Trail from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos Viewpoint is a 10 km out and back trail that is also an easy winter hike in Banff.

Bow Falls

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Bow Falls is a must see when visiting Banff. This large waterfall on the Bow River is easy to visit. You can park at the lot and walk the trail above the falls. Alternatively, we prefer to walk from downtown Banff along the Bow River. It’s an easy flat walk, until you reach the stairs which allow you to look down on Bow Falls.

Tunnel Mountain Hike

Cost note: Free to park and free to hike.

We always like to start a trip doing an activity that gets us up high to see our surroundings. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a location. The Tunnel Mountain hike is perfect for that.

From the top of Tunnel Mountain you’ll get excellent views of the Banff Townsite, the Banff Springs Hotel, the Bow Valley and the surrounding mountains.

This is one of our favourite hikes in Banff you can do without a car. You can learn more about this Banff townsite hike in our blog post on the Tunnel Mountain hike, or you can watch our Tunnel Mountain YouTube video.

Sulphur Mountain Hike

Cost note: Paid parking or inexpensive public transit, and free to hike.

While the Banff Gondola is far from free, you can still enjoy almost everything it has to offer by hiking up Sulphur Mountain. You’ll miss out on the actual gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, but once at the top most of the amenities are free for hikers and gondola riders alike.

At the top, you can walk the Sanson Peak Boardwalk to get some truly incredible mountain views. At the end, stop at the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site. The interpretive centre inside the Upper Terminal is also free to hikers.

If you’ve got the budget, you can splurge at one of the mountaintop restaurants for a truly incredible dining experience in Banff. Otherwise, bring a packed lunch and enjoy it on one of the benches with the same stunning mountain views along the boardwalk.  

It’s worthwhile to note that one-way down tickets for the Banff Gondola are available to purchase at the top for 50% off from regular day-time ticket. Also, Bow Valley Locals can get ride down for free after Thanksgiving long weekend until May with proof of residency at time of getting your ticket. One-way down tickets are not guaranteed.

A daily parking fee of $17.50 is in effect for the Sulphur Mountain parking lots from mid-May to mid-October.

Primarily due to the significant cost savings with amazing amenities at the top, this is one of our favourite hikes in the Town of Banff. Get all the details on the hike, and how to get there by public transit, in our full post on the Sulphur Mountain hike.

Stroll the Streets of Banff

Cost note: Variety of free and paid parking and free to visit.

It’s easy to pack your days full when visiting Banff National Park, but make sure to leave some time to meander the streets of the Banff townsite. Whether you’re up for some shopping or looking for a delicious meal, this is where you’ll find it.

Note: most of the convenient parking spots around the Banff townsite are paid, there are plenty of places to find free parking in Banff.

Visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Cost note: Free to park. Free admission with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site in the town of Banff is the birthplace of national parks in Canada. Entry to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site is free with the annual Discovery Pass.

After learning about the area and taking in the interpretive walk through the underground cavern, don’t miss the other walking trails nearby. The Discovery Trail above the Cave & Basin is an especially interesting and historically significant walking trail.

Learn about all the fun things to see and do at this historic site in our post on the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Visit Sundance Canyon

Cost note: Free to park and free to hike.

Plan some extra time during your visit to the Cave and Basin to go see Sundance Canyon. There is a paved pathway, called the Sundance Trail, that leads to the Sundance Canyon.

We recommend riding bikes on the Sundance Trail, especially if you are visiting Banff with kids, as this is a fun kid-friendly bike trail in Banff! At the entrance of Sundance Canyon, you’ll find bike racks to lock your bike as you complete the short loop hike.

Sundance Canyon features one of the most impressive waterfalls in Banff National Park. Seeing the power of this waterfall rushing through the canyon never ceases to impress me!

Get distances, difficulty and more in our full post on visiting Sundance Canyon, it’s a fun experience for the whole family!

Take a Stroll Through the Forest

Cost note: Parking may be free, depending on location. The hikes are free.

One of our favourite easy hikes in Banff is easily reachable from the Townsite. Grab a coffee and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the lush forest on the Fenland Trail. From here, you can continue your walk along Vermilion Lake Road and enjoy the stunning reflection of Mt. Rundle on the Vermilion Lakes.

If you are looking for kid-friendly hikes in Banff, try the Johnston Canyon Trail, Fenland Trail or the Johnson Lake Trail.

Walk through Cascade of Time Garden

Cost note: Parking may be free, depending on location. It’s free to visit the gardens.

Cascade of Time Garden offers visitors a bit of tranquility amongst the bustle of the Banff townsite. Walk through the terraced garden, with plenty of places to stop to relax along the way.

Walk Through the Famous Banff Springs Hotel

Cost note: Paid parking and free to visit.

The Banff Springs Hotel has been a beacon of luxury in the Canadian Rocky Mountains for over 130 years. After a devastating fire destroyed the original hotel in 1926, the Banff Springs Hotel was rebuilt in the majestic Scottish Baronial style. Today, this historic railway hotel is known as the Castle in the Rockies and is one of the best luxury hotels in Banff.

Even if you aren’t staying at the Banff Springs Hotel, you can still walk through it exploring the photographs and exhibits while learning about the fascinating history of the Banff Springs Hotel.

There are many things to do from the Banff Springs Hotel. One of our favourites is the beautiful walk down to the nearby Bow River, where you can stand on the shore and witness the power of the majestic Bow Falls.

Staying here definitely isn’t cheap, but if you’d like to see if it’s worth it, check out our review of the Banff Springs Hotel. You can save some money on your stay with these Banff Springs Hotel deals.

Visit the Banff Farmers Market

Cost note: Park at the Train Station for free parking and free to visit.

Once a week in late-May through early-October, locals and guests to the region visit the Banff Farmers Market. The Banff Farmers Market is the perfect spot to grab some grub or a souvenir from your trip to Banff. It doesn’t cost anything to take a walk around and see if anything catches your eye.

Free Scenic Drives and Cycling Routes

Drive the Icefields Parkway

Cost note: Parking is free along the Icefields Parkway and it’s free to drive (Banff Park Pass required).

The Icefields Parkway links Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and is one of the most scenic drives in Banff. Along this highway you’ll find stunning lakes, waterfalls, sweeping views and massive glaciers along this 232 km stretch of highway!

Some of our favourite free things to do on the Icefields Parkway include Peyto Lake, the Parker Ridge hike and the enjoying the glacier views from the Columbia Icefield.

Viewing the many glaciers from the visitor centre is completely free, but if you’d like to venture out onto one of the glaciers, we highly recommend the Columbia Icefield Adventure. If you are looking for one splurge in Banff, this deserves your consideration.

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway

Cost note: Free to drive.

With incredible mountain scenery and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, the Bow Valley Parkway is one of the best scenic drives in Banff National Park.

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48 kilometre secondary highway that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway and connects Banff to Lake Louise. In fact, prior to the Trans-Canada Highway, this stretch was the main highway between the two mountain towns.

With a multitude of places to stop and things to do along the Bow Valley Parkway, leave time for this scenic drive when you visit Banff.

For a list of all the stops and things to do, don’t miss our complete guide to the Bow Valley Parkway.

Cycle the Bow Valley Parkway

Cost note: Park at the Train Station for free parking and free to ride.

If you’d rather be on a bike than driving, then cycling the Bow Valley Parkway makes for an incredible road ride in Banff. At certain times of year, Parks Canada closes portions of the road to vehicles, opening it up for cyclists. Riding a bike on the Bow Valley Parkway without vehicle traffic is a cycling opportunity like no other in Banff National Park.

If you’d like to learn more about this unique cycling opportunity in Banff, don’t miss our post on cycling the Bow Valley Parkway.

Cycle the Legacy Trail

Cost note: Free parking in Canmore and potentially Banff. It’s free to ride but you may require a bike rental.

The Legacy Trail is a paved bike path that connects the two mountain towns of Banff and Canmore, making it one of the best free things to do in Banff if you’re looking for an active day. It’s a great option for cyclists who want mountain views, fresh air and a fun way to travel between the two towns. Even if you haven’t brought your own bike, it’s easy to find bike rentals in Banff or Canmore to cycle the Legacy Trail.

Get full details on cycling the Banff Legacy Trail.

Cycle the Lake Minnewanka Loop

Cost note: Parking may be free, depending on location. It’s free to cycle the loop.

Cycling the Lake Minnewanka road is best for people comfortable cycling on roads with cars, but this is a very scenic road for cycling! There are plenty of places to stop along the way and keep an eye out for wildlife!

Get everything you need to know about this Banff cycling route in our post on cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop.

Free Lakes in Banff

Visiting one of the many beautiful lakes in Banff is one of the best things to do in Banff for non-hikers.

Johnson Lake

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Johnson Lake is one of three lakes found on the Minnewanka Loop (Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack being the other two). With Cascade mountain looming above, this Banff lake not only has incredible scenery but there are plenty of things to do at Johnson Lake.

Johnson Lake is a local favourite all year long. In the summer, you can paddle on Johnson Lake and kids will enjoy the small sandy beach. The easy Johnson Lake hike can be done during any season, as you can see from our YouTube video we shot in spring.

If you are visiting Banff in winter, Johnson Lake is one of the first lakes to freeze over in the winter for some wild skating in Banff.

To see the full list of activities here, check out our post on Things to do at Johnson Lake.

Two Jack Lake

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Continuing with the lakes along the Minnewanka Loop, Two Jack Lake offers similar activities like a picnic or paddling on the lake. While it might seem repetitive, we highly recommend visiting all three lakes, as the mountain scenery changes with each one.

Two Jack Lake has incredible views of Mt. Rundle, especially on a calm day. There is also camping at Two Jack Lake (both at the Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main campgrounds). If you plan to kayak or stand-up paddle board on Two Jack Lake, the canal offers calmer waters on a windy day.

Visit the Vermilion Lakes

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Vermilion Lakes is one of the easiest free places to visit in Banff, especially if you’re staying in town and want beautiful mountain views without much effort. You can drive, walk or bike along Vermilion Lakes Road, with plenty of places to stop for photos of Mount Rundle reflected in the water.

It’s a great option early in the morning or later in the evening, when the light is better and you may have a chance of seeing wildlife. The Vermilion Lakes also make an excellent place for a kayak or stand-up paddle board in Banff

You can also enjoy the beauty of the lakes from the Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway 1, which offers an incredible view looking down on the lakes.

Lake Minnewanka

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

If you want excellent mountain scenery with little effort, Lake Minnewanka is another must-visit in Banff. There is no shortage of things to do at Lake Minnewanka that are free, from walking part of the lakeshore trail and seeking out the Parks Canada red chairs to enjoying a picnic, taking photos, or simply spending time by the water.

Lake Minnewanka is a place where you can slow down and enjoy the scenery, with wide-open lake views. If you have the budget, a scenic boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka is a great way to get out on the lake and learn more about the history of the area, but you can still have a very worthwhile visit without paying for the cruise.

If you’d like to hit the hiking trails, there are many enjoyable hikes near Lake Minnewanka, One of our favourites is the Stewart Canyon Trail, which takes you along the lakeshore, before entering a beautiful forest on the way to a canyon.

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is one of the best free stops along the Icefields Parkway and well worth adding to your Banff itinerary if you’re driving north of Lake Louise. It’s easy to visit without a big time commitment, but the views are a great payoff, with turquoise water, mountain scenery and the Bow Glacier in the distance.

At Bow Lake, you can simply stop for photos, walk along the lakeshore, or spend more time here for a quieter lake experience than Lake Louise or Moraine Lake.

Visit Four Banff Lakes on one Hike

Cost note: Free to park and free to hike.

There’s something truly incredible about coming up to a stunning blue lake tucked in the mountains on a hike. Hiking to one of the many Banff lakes is one of the best free things to do in Banff in summer. We recently enjoyed a full day hike in Banff National Park that allowed us to enjoy four beautiful lakes in one outing!

This hiking trail starts with the trail descending to Vista Lake, then after a short hike in the forest you start to get some incredible views of the surrounding mountains. After under 5 km of hiking, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Arnica Lake. Another couple kilometres of hiking will get you to the Upper Twin Lake and just one more kilometre to the Lower Twin Lake.

For more details on this outing, including distance, difficulty and how to get there, see our posts on the Arnica Lake Trail and hiking to Twin Lakes.

Paddle on Herbert Lake

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

We’ve already covered paddling on the main lakes in Banff National Park, but if you drive a short ways up the Icefields Parkway you’ll reach Herbert Lake. The lake isn’t big, but its amazing greenish water makes for a fun outing on the lake.

On a hot summer day, you might even be tempted to take a dip in this small, glacial lake.

Swim in a Mountain Lake

Cost note: Parking may be free, depending on location. It’s free to swim.

I’m not going to lie, you’ll likely never find me in one of the lakes in Banff National Park, especially one of the glacier fed lakes. But taking a quick dip in a mountain lake finds its way onto many Banff bucket lists.

In all honesty, I think the glacier-fed lakes are much too cold for swimming. If you are looking to beat the heat in the summer, try Johnson Lake, Cascade Ponds or Herbert Lake. Just know that the water is cold (rarely above 10°C) and being in them too long can result in hypothermia.

Hike and Have Lunch at a Lake

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

Banff has so many incredible lakes to visit, though I doubt anyone gets tired of visiting one more lake. The scenery changes for each one, as does the colour.

Hiking to a lake then enjoying a warm afternoon by the lake is one of the best free things to do in Banff. We recommend either the Boom Lake hike or the Taylor Lake hike.

Free Scenic Stops in Banff

Picnic at Cascade Ponds

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

The thing about Banff is that anywhere you put your picnic blanket down will probably be an incredible spot with great mountain views. If you want more amenities for your picnic, the best Banff picnic areas have picnic tables and some even have shelters or fire pits.

Cascade Ponds is a favourite for picnics with nearby toilets, shelters and fire pits. The views are stunning and on a hot summer day, dip into the ponds to cool off!

Take a Picture at Morant’s Curve

You’ve likely seen the amazing pictures of a train snaking its way through the Rocky Mountains along the river. If you’ve ever wondered where this was taken, it’s from Morant’s Curve. Morant’s Curve is just one of the many stops along the Bow Valley Parkway.

See a Sunrise in Banff

Cost note: Parking may be free, depending on location.

I’m always in awe of the beauty of the sunrises we get here in the mountains. Granted, this is much easier for anyone who is visiting Banff in the fall or winter, but if you can stand the early mornings then you should make an effort to see a sunrise in Banff.

Two of my favourite places to experience the sunrise in Banff is at one of the many lakes like Vermilion Lakes or Two Jack Lake. You won’t be disappointed.

Spot Banff Wildlife

Cost note: Free!

One of the most exciting things to do in Banff is to spot the local wildlife. While elk, bighorn sheep and deer are the most common animals to see in Banff, there are so many more that you might get to see. Bears, mountain goats and wolves are less common and animals like a cougar and lynx are even more rare.

Don’t discount the small animals though! We’ve gotten pretty excited to spot pikas, hoary marmots and even foxes!

If you’d like to learn how to see these exciting animals, and how to treat them with respect, don’t miss our tips on spotting Banff wildlife.

Find the Banff Red Chairs

Cost note: Varies by location, but most are free to park and free to visit.

Parks Canada has placed sets of red Adirondack chairs in some of the most scenic spots around Banff National Park. These red chairs in Banff give visitors an opportunity to slow down and take in their surroundings.

Get the locations of all the Parks Canada red chairs in Banff.

Free Scenic Hiking Trails in Banff

Hiking is one of our favourite free things to do in Banff National Park. If you are new to hiking in a mountain environment, be sure to educate yourself before hitting the trails. We have some useful resources for you including our tips for first-time hikers in Banff, essential hiking gear for Banff and what to wear hiking in Banff.

Larch Valley Trail

Cost note: Free to visit, but shuttles/transit may cost extra.

Banff National Park is home to a special species of tree. In the spring and summer, the larch trees around Banff look like any other coniferous tree with needles, but in the fall their needles turn a beautiful gold colour before the needles fall off for the winter. If you can find a large forest of larches with golden needles, it’s one of the most breathtaking sights in Banff National Park.

While the Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake is famous for its high density of larch trees, there are plenty of other incredible larch hikes in Alberta. Many are around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but there are others which can be visited at no cost.

If you’ve never experienced Larch Valley, then it’s worth the effort of getting a shuttle to see what makes this place such a draw in late September. You’ll need to be visiting Banff in September some time between the 3rd week of September and the end of the month to experience peak larch season.

Get all the details on how and when to visit in our post on the Larch Valley hike.

Aylmer Lookout Hike

Cost note: Free to park and free to hike.

There are easier hikes in the area, but our favourite Lake Minnewanka hiking trail is the Aylmer Lookout Trail. It begins along the Lake Minnewanka Lakeshore Trail, but eventually transitions to a challenging uphill climb. The payoff for this effort is amazing views of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding mountains. This is one of my favourite viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies.

Learn more about this amazing Lake Minnewanka hiking trail, including some seasonal restrictions, in our post on the Aylmer Lookout hike.

Castle Mountain Lookout Hike

The Castle Mountain Lookout hike is found along the Bow Valley Parkway. This moderate Banff hike is one of the best panoramic viewpoint hikes and it should be on everyone’s list.

Once you arrive at the Castle Mountain Lookout point, you’ll not only be treated to an up-close view of the huge rock slabs that make Castle Mountain so compelling, but a complete panorama of the Bow Valley.

For more details on this scenic Banff hike, check out our post on the Castle Lookout hike.

Hike to the Ink Pots

Cost note: Free to park and free to visit.

The hike to the Ink Pots is also found along the Bow Valley Parkway. If you have the time and energy after visiting the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon, we recommend continuing your hike up to the Ink Pots.

So what are the Ink Pots? The Ink Pots are a series of natural springs where water percolates up through the sand and gravel. You can see circles in the deep blue-green pools where the water and air bubbles up.

The blue-green colour of the ponds never ceases to amaze and the surrounding mountain scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

For all the details, see our post on hiking to the Ink Pots from Johnston Canyon.

The C Level Cirque Hike

Cost note: Free to park and free to hike.

If we’re not up for the effort that the Aylmer Lookout requires, the C Level Cirque trail is our favourite moderate hike on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. The trail starts a few minutes away from the Bankhead Ghost Town and climbs steadily through the forest before opening up to views of the old mining area and the surrounding mountains.

One of the best parts of C Level Cirque is the variety. You get forest, mountain views and some fascinating coal mining history. It’s not the easiest hike on this list, so it’s best for hikers who are comfortable with steady uphill sections, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

For all the details, visit our post on the C Level Cirque hike near Lake Minnewanka.

Free Things to Do in Banff in Winter

Most of the free things to do discussed so far are geared towards visiting Banff in summer, but there are many great things to do in Banff in winter as well!

Skate on a Frozen Lake

Cost note: Varies by location, but most are free to park and free to skate.

If you are visiting Banff in the winter, another must-do activity is to skate on a frozen lake. Ice skating at Lake Louise is your safest bet, as they clear the lake for skating in the winter. Skating on Lake Louise is one of the best free things to do in Banff in winter.

If you get lucky with timing, there are other opportunities to go wild skating on a Banff lake when it’s cold enough that the water freezes but it hasn’t been covered in snow yet. This is truly a magical experience!

Snowshoeing in Banff

Cost note: Varies by location, but most are free to park and free to skate.

In the middle of winter, there are plenty of places to go snowshoeing in Banff, from easy outings to snowshoeing trails that are more difficult.

Snowshoeing to the Cascade Amphitheatre is a great workout with an incredible reward! This one leaves right from the Mt Norquay Ski Resort. There are also some great snowshoe trails in Lake Louise that leave right from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.

To see your other snowshoeing options, check out our favourite snowshoe trails in Banff National Park.

Nordic Skiing

Cost note: Varies by location, but most are free to park and free to skate.

Another popular activity in Banff in winter is cross-country skiing. If you are new to the sport, there are plenty of easy cross-country ski trails in Banff and the surrounding area to give it a try.

Lake Louise has a groomed track for cross-country skiing in the winter. There’s also the nearby Great Divide trail that is excellent for a day out Nordic skiing.

See the Ice Castle at Lake Louise

Cost note: Free to visit and free Lake Louise lakeshore parking in winter.

For anyone visiting Lake Louise in winter, there is an international ice carving event held at Lake Louise in January. The Ice Magic International Ice Carving competition is truly something to experience. Unfortunately, you now need to pay to see the ice sculptures at Lake Louise.

If you miss getting tickets to the ice sculptures or don’t want to pay for them, you can still see the impressive ice castle on Lake Louise!

Banff SnowDays

Cost note: Variety of free and paid parking and free to visit.

See live snow carving in Banff during SnowDays! And there are plenty more activities taking place throughout Banff during this winter carnival. You’ll be in for a treat if you are visiting Banff in January!

See the Northern Lights

Cost note: Free!

It’s true, you can see the Northern Lights in Banff. Keep an eye on websites like Aurora Watch to see if there’s a chance of seeing them during your visit.

Hike to a Frozen Waterfall

Cost note: Varies by location, but most are free to park and free to visit.

While Johnston Canyon has already been mentioned in this list, it deserves a second mention. As much as we love Johnston Canyon in the summer, it’s equally impressive in the winter. Johnston Canyon is the perfect place to see a frozen waterfall in Banff!

Try Fat Biking

Gaining popularity in Banff is riding a fat bike in the winter. It’s impossible to keep the smile off your face while fat biking in Banff! Just be prepared with extra warm clothes!

And don’t worry if you don’t have your own, there are places to rent fat bikes in Banff!

Free Things to Do Near Banff

Visit Neighbouring Mountain Town of Canmore

Cost note: Most parking spots in Canmore are paid. Most of the things to do are free.

Just 25-30 minutes from Banff, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Canmore and equally impressive mountain scenery! Take a walk through town and treat yourself to some of Canmore’s best ice cream. Then head towards the Bow River to see the Engine Bridge and walk along the Bow River Trail.

There are lots of excellent easy walks in Canmore, but if you want some mountain adventure, Canmore has some incredible hikes just outside the town. Some our favourites include the Ha Ling Peak Trail and the Wind Ridge Trail.

Mountain Bike at the Canmore Nordic Centre

Cost note: Parking at the Canmore Nordic Centre requires the purchase of a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Mountain biking is free.

The Canmore Nordic Centre was the host venue for the cross-country skiing and biathlon events at the 1988 Winter Olympics. It has a multitude of trails for mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.

While there is no charge to use the trails for mountain biking, you are required to purchase a pass for cross-country skiing in the winter. You can find rentals for all the equipment at Trail Sports at the Nordic Centre.

Swim in Quarry Lake in Canmore

Cost note: Paid parking at Quarry Lake. Visiting the lake is free.

Do as the locals do and cool off with a swim in Quarry Lake. Just get here early on weekends as it gets quite busy! It’s expensive to park at Quarry Lake, but local public transit is free in Canmore is free.

Find out how to get to Quarry Lake for free and all the fun things to do there in our post on visiting Quarry Lake in Canmore.

Hike Grassi Lakes

Cost note: Parking requires Kananaskis Conservation Pass. It’s free to hike.

Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular Canmore hiking trails. Hiking to Grassi Lakes is an easy stroll through an evergreen forest to a pair of stunning mountain lakes. When the sun is shining, you simply won’t believe the incredible colour of the water.

Get all the details including distance, difficulty and how to get there in our post on the Grassi Lakes Hike.

Hike Ha Ling Peak

Cost note: Parking requires Kananaskis Conservation Pass. It’s free to hike.

If you love Canadian Rocky Mountain scenery, hiking Ha Ling Peak trail is a very rewarding hike. It’s a difficult hike and is not for everyone, but if it’s within your physical capabilities, chances are good that you’ll love it. The Ha Ling Peak trail is one of the best hikes in Canmore.

Get all the details including distance, difficulty and how to get there in our post on the Ha Ling Peak Hike.

Visit Nearby Kananaskis Country

Cost note: Parking requires Kananaskis Conservation Pass. It’s free to hike.

We could easily make this list much longer with all the incredible hikes in Kananaskis. If you are spending enough time in the area, you’ll want to pack your hiking essentials and get on the trail in Kananaskis.

Note: Vehicles parked in Kananaskis require the purchase of a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Where to Stay in Banff

Regardless of how you get to Banff National Park, you’ll want to find a spot that makes it easy to get out and explore! As you’ll quickly find out, our list of the best hotels in Banff has something for every budget.

For those traveling to Banff on a budget, here are some of the best options: