BANFF
A beautiful small, tourist town nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff Avenue is where the main shops and restaurants are: be wary, it is a tourist spot. It’s worth a look around and through, but Canmore is slower-paced and less touristy in the area. Banff prices will be expensive.
You need to purchase entry to Banff, as a national park. You can either do this at the park gates (a seasons pass or a day-entry) or you can buy a seasons pass beforehand, so you don’t have to wait in line at the gates.
To Drink
Caffeinated
Wild Flour
Tasty coffee and delicious pastries (go for the croissant!).
Boozy
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Right on Banff Avenue.
to Eat
Dinner
Nourish Bistro
A delicious spot for vegan and vegetarian eats.
Dessert & Snacks
COWS
Cows ice cream is an institution from PEI. This small spot will have a line up, but I promise it’s worth the wait. Creamy and delicious.
To See & Do
Banff Springs Hotel
The Banff Springs hotel is a beautiful Fairmont hotel tucked away from town. I recommend a walk there to get away from the tourists and see the beautiful grounds.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Go for a scenic soak in the hot springs! I especially recommend this in winter—when it’s snowing, it’s pure magic. You can rent towels and swimsuits there, if needed.
To HIKE
Cave and Basin Hot Springs
These are a walk around the national historic site of the Cave & Basin, hot springs that are important to the indigenous tribes of the area. You can’t go into these ones but they’re beautiful to see and have significance to the area. Miette Hot Springs or Banff Hot Springs are the places to go for a dip!
Tunnel Mountain
The biggest Sunday farmers market in the city. Lovely spot to wander!
Lake Minnewonka & Two-Jack Lake
A beautiful lake and a great spot for a picnic. There’s parking there for you.
Johnston Canyon
A limestone canyon with trails to either the lower or upper canyons. It gets busy in tourist season, so be wary of this for parking. The upper falls trail is steeper than the lower.
To Shop
Rocks & Gems
An independently owned rocks and gems shop (surprise!) owned by a friend of mine. Beautiful rings, trinkets, and mementos.