Banff is known for its variety of year-round outdoor adventures, from rock climbing to wildlife safaris. Visit this Canadian resort town to hike in the national park, go white-water rafting, and ride in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Banff.
Start your Banff adventure with an introductory tour. Choose between a ride on the Banff Gondola for mountain and river views or a trip on the hop-on hop-off bus to move quickly between destinations like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.
Experience the adventurous side of Banff on an afternoon tour. Choices might include an alpine climbing adventure along Via Ferrata, a national park tour focused on seeing grizzly bears, and a guided hike in Banff National Park. See glaciers, mountains, and lakes on the hike.
Set out at dusk on an evening wildlife safari. Maximize time with a bus tour that keeps a lookout for bears, deer, elk, and more. Another way to see this landscape at dusk is with a scenic helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies.
Explore Banff by water with a peaceful lake cruise or an adrenaline-pumping Kicking Horse River white-water rafting tour. Paddle along a calm section of the river and tackle class IV rapids during a rafting adventure that may include a hearty lunch.
Continue the outdoor adventure with a horseback ride in Kananaskis or an ice walk in Johnston Canyon to see ice-covered waterfalls and winter wildlife. Travelers interested in photography may want to seek out tours led by professional photographers.
Discover the romantic side of Banff with a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies at dusk or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Cruise along the snow-covered meadows of Banff in the back of a sleigh and get cozy beneath warm blankets during the ride.