Banff is a small town with big experiences. Known for its stunning mountain vistas and vibrant outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and modern indulgence.
With just 48 hours to explore, you’ll embark on a journey through some of Banff’s best offerings – culinary delights, historical landmarks, rejuvenating hot springs and exhilarating outdoor pursuits.
If you were us and we were you, this is what a weekend in Banff could look like!
Saturday
8 a.m. breakfast at Farm & Fire
A great day of travel and adventure must start with a healthy meal and our choice would have to be a Farm & Fire restaurant.
Start your day with a wide selection of delicious brekky items, including our fave, the Classic Breakfast, featuring two free-run eggs of any style, bacon or chicken sausage, artisanal toast, house preserve, and perfectly crispy potatoes.
Or you might want to indulge in the rich flavours of the Bison Benny, with braised bison, poached eggs, haskap compote and hollandaise on crispy brioche. And for a savoury twist, try the Lox to Look Forward to bowl with smoked salmon, horseradish caper cream cheese, arugula, pickled red onion, and house potatoes.
- Where: Farm and Fire, 333 Banff Ave.
- When: Brunch served daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9 a.m. – stroll downtown
Get to know the town with an easy stroll through downtown Banff’s picturesque streets and along the Bow River. Be sure to bring your camera and don’t forget your toque and a pair of touch screen thermal gloves to ward off the chill!
11 a.m. – Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Cave and Basin has been a special place for Indigenous Peoples for more than 10,000 years and continues to be so to this day. In 1883, three railway workers, Frank McCabe and brothers Tom and William McCardell, happened upon the thermal springs, sparking a series of events that led to the creation of the first national park in Canada.
Today, the site is a gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, short films, seasonal activities and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Plan your visit:
To fully experience the Cave and Basin, gift shop and the surrounding boardwalks, plan at least two to three hours. Special programs should be booked ahead of time. Combine it with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs just a short drive around Sulphur Mountain.
- When: To May 14, Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: 311 Cave Ave., Banff
3 p.m. Relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
One of Banff National Park’s greatest traditions is visiting the Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the hot, mineral-rich water.
One of Banff National Park’s greatest traditions is visiting the Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the hot, mineral-rich water.
The bath house is a federal heritage building. Relaxing in the outdoor pool among the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains is a magical experience that has drawn visitors to Banff since 1886.
- When: Open daily at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with last entry at 9:30 p.m.
- Where: 1 Mountain Ave., Banff
6 p.m. See the summit in a whole new light
Explore the mountaintop beneath the moonlit sky during Nightrise, a Banff Gondola experience created with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Connect with Sulphur Mountain through the Four Wonders – a series of immersive, interactive art displays that reimagine the summit.
Throughout the winter, travellers can join special events exploring the lunar cycle and the stories of each full moon, from the December Cold Moon to the January Wolf Moon, February’s Snow Moon and March’s Worm Moon.
Ride to the top for sunset
The best time to start this adventure is by heading on a late afternoon ride to Sulphur Mountain’s peak on the Banff Gondola. At the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking Alberta sunset while surrounded by six stunning mountain ranges.
Banff sunsets can happen anywhere from 4:30 to 8 p.m. during winter. Take note of when the sun will set on the day of your visit to ensure you’ll make it to the top in time. You can also plan to get there early to walk the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak for a different viewpoint as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
- When: Two tour times every Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.
- Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
7 p.m. Enjoy a summit dinner at Sky Bistro
Once you’ve had your fill of scenery, head into one of the Banff Gondola’s summit restaurants for a mouthwatering meal.
The Nightrise Sky Experience features regionally inspired, elevated dining at the renowned Sky Bistro. This experience consists of a three-course meal, including a starter, main and dessert. Find romance with your partner or enjoy great conversation with a friend over an incredible meal.
Sunday
7:30 am breakfast at Slopeside Coffee
If you are looking to jump straight into the action and skip the Gondola lines, the earlier you can hit the hills the better! With that in mind, Slopeside Coffee will be your best bet to stock up on food and snacks before spending your day on the slopes.
Slopeside is the perfect place to pick up your favourite hot or cold beverage, beer, cider, or wine. Choose from a variety of tasty treats, from fresh baked goods, hot buttered popcorn, to an assortment of candy snacks.
- When: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Lake Louise Dr.
8 a.m. Ski or snowboard at Lake Louise
Mother Nature has delivered this ski season with 35 cm of fresh snow over the past week. With 11 lifts, four terrain parks, and 154 runs open across four mountain faces, the adventures are practically endless!
Whether you’re here to carve up the groomers, explore the bowls, take on the terrain parks or start out on beginner-friendly slopes, there’s truly something for everyone! Be sure to check the weather report before you head out – layers top and bottom can help you navigate whatever the day brings.
2 p.m. Canada House Gallery
After an exhilarating morning on the hills, take in the artistic culture of Banff by visiting Canada House Gallery.
To keep things simple, guests are welcome to visit the gallery in their ski gear, cycling wear, hiking or cowboy boots. You’ll find an array of original paintings, stone and bronze sculpture plus a selection of one-of-a-kind jewellery.
Established in 1974, this gallery proudly showcases 55 painters, 20 sculptors and three jewellers plus a comprehensive collection of Inuit art from Canada’s Arctic. Five of their artists are local, reflecting their passion for Banff’s beautiful surroundings. Many of the artists are nationally and internationally recognized, exhibiting across Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia.
- When: Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: 201 Bear St, Banff.
3 p.m. Park Distillery Restaurant +Bar
Take the edge off of a jam packed day with a delicious meal and beverage at Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar.
Awarded OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice in 2024, the Distillery Park Restaurant serves delicious burgers, chicken and ribs, shareables for friends and meals for kids.
While there, if you have the time and energy, consider booking your exclusive free look into the restaurant’s on-site working distillery and learn how their award-winning spirits are made right here in Banff.
- When: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: 219 Banff Ave.
5 p.m. Sunset and star gazing tour
Explore Banff National Park like never before and see nature by night. Be escorted by professional mountain guides and see more of the area with the use of headlamps and lanterns. Hike along local trails around Banff and take the unique opportunity to watch the nocturnal world come to life.
- Where: 311 Cave Ave., Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
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