What to do in Banff National Park when you don’t want to hike
Banff National Park is a hikers paradise, you could hike a new trail every day of every summer and never do the same trail twice. However, some people can’t be assed getting up at the crack of dawn to go log their way up a mountain. I am often one of those people. So let me a Banff local walk you through some of my favourite activities in and around Banff where you won’t exhaust yourself.
Rent a Canoe/Kayak or Paddleboard.
There are any number of options for renting some sort of water craft in Banff, as a non hiker this can be some of the most fun you can have without using your legs. Some of my favourite locations to paddle are:
Lake Louise (Canoe only)
Emerald Lake (Canoe, kayak or paddle board)
Lake Minnewanka (canoe, Kayak or rent a motorboat)
Banff Canoe Club (Canoe, Kayak, Paddle board or whatever really)
Renting a paddle board from Ski Big 3 and taking it to lesser known lakes like Two Jack or Johnson
Drive the Icefields Parkway
Taking a drive along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is one of the most scenic drives in the world. I have been all over this planet and driven through large portions of Canada, the USA and Europe and this is by far my favourite road in the world. This road is open 12 months of the year but always check road conditions before you go.
A stop at the glacier adventure centre where you can be driven out into the middle of a glacier is one of the highlights, but can be crowded and touristy.
Places worth stopping that require minimal walking:
Herbert Lake
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake (10 minute walk but less if you have a disabled parking permit)
Waterfowl Lakes
Athabasca Glacier
Stutfield Glacer
Tangle Falls
Sunwapta Falls
Athabasca Falls
Bow Lake at Sunset
Restaurant and Bar Hop
While Banff is known for its stunning views and incredible scenery, what it is lesser known for is the amazing culinary experiences you can enjoy. We have everything from 5 Diamond Restaurants to local dive bars worth a visit.
Personal Favourites:
Hello Sunshine - Japanese fusion with some amazing cocktails and a Karaoke room. super fun, cool vibes and if you have a few friends the private Karaoke room is a vibe.
Three Bears Brewery - Local beers, great food and amazing atmosphere. Not to mention a dog friendly patio and live music 5 days a week.
Eden at the Rimrock Hotel - This 5 diamond dining experience is immaculate, not cheap but worth every cent. I would recommend requesting Matt as your server for the full Eden experience.
Eddie Burger - a local dive bar that walks the line between being too divey and acceptable perfectly. Always good vibes and cheap drinks.
Melissas Misteak - I don’t go for the food, I go for the cheap drinks and the fact that its a lively late night venue where I fit in even though I am in my 30’s
Farm and Fire - really the only place that does a decent brunch in Banff, and decent is really under selling it.
Wildlife Tours
While there are companies that offer wildlife safaris in Banff, if you have your own car I would highly recommend going to check out some spots for yourself.
I will just write a whole blog on this, so link will be below.
Helicopter Tours
While not cheap, a helicopter ride will be a trip you will remember for the rest of your life. I personally love the heli flights around Mt Assiniboine from Canmore. this 20-30 minute flight takes you over some of the most incredible terrain in the world and short of hiking, is only accessible by helicopter.
While these are some of my favourite non hiking activities in and around Banff, there is so much more to explore without setting foot on a hiking trail, from spa days to Via Feratta. So feel free to email me for more recommendations at any time!
