Things to do in Banff this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Banff this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Banff
Banff Gondola
FamilySulphur Mountain
8-minute ride to a boardwalk above town.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
OutdoorsSulphur Mountain
Soak in mineral pools with mountain views, open year-round.
Johnston Canyon
OutdoorsBow Valley Pkwy
Catwalks over waterfalls; ice-walks in winter.
Lake Louise
OutdoorsDay trip
Glacial turquoise lake under Victoria Glacier — canoe or hike Plain of Six.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
OutdoorsLake Louise
4,200 acres of powder across four faces.
Larch Valley
OutdoorsMoraine area
Golden larches peak late Sept.
Moraine Lake
OutdoorsDay trip
Valley of the Ten Peaks — shuttle-only, go for sunrise.
Where to eat
Bear Street Tavern
$$Pizza / Pub · Bear St
Wood-fired pies and 24 beers on tap.
Eden
$$$$French tasting · Rimrock Resort
Alberta's only AAA 5-Diamond — tasting menu with a view.
Park Distillery
$$Campfire-style · Banff Ave
Rotisserie chicken and house-made vodka.
Three Ravens
$$$Modern Canadian · Banff Centre
Top-floor windows looking at Cascade Mountain.
Tooloulou's
$$Cajun / Brunch · Caribou St
Line out the door for beignets and jambalaya.
Live & on stage
Banff Centre Summer Arts
Banff Centre · Jun–Aug · Classical / Indie
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Banff Centre · Oct 25 – Nov 2 · Film
SnowDays Festival
Banff Ave · Jan 17 – Feb 2 · Winter Festival
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Gondola. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.