What to do on a weekend getaway in Banff
Are you in the early stages of planning your next weekend escape to beautiful Banff, Alberta? Located just 4 hrs away from Edmonton and approximately 90 minutes away from Calgary, this bustling mountain local is the perfect place to get away from it all and reconnect with each other while surrounded by the great outdoors.
Banff Adventures is proud to be your all-access pass to unforgettable experiences in the Rockies, all year round. Since we know many of our visitors come into town for a short getaway and often find themselves wondering how to make the most of their time in the mountains, below, we’ll give you a quick rundown of things you can do during a weekend trip to the Rockies. Read on to learn more!
Arriving
Depending on where you’re driving from, you may find yourself arriving on a Friday evening with some time to spare before it’s time for bed. Banff & Canmore (just 30 minutes away) have a wonderful food scene and are quickly becoming a hotspot for the craft beer scene with multiple breweries in town, including the Three Bears, Grizzly Paw, Banff Ave. Brewing Co, and the Canmore Brewing Company. If you fancy a snack and a tasty drink to unwind from the road, there are plenty of places to stop and relax while gearing up for your next day’s adventures!
Day One
The beauty of visiting Banff is that no matter what season you’re in, there’s always something new to experience. During the summer, for example, you can try your hand at ziplining (we triple dog dare you to get a new perspective by hanging upside down!), conquer the Kicking Horse River on a white water rafting expedition (one of our most popular summer activities, book early!), or take to the skies on an awe-inspiring helicopter tour of the Rockies.
During the fall, Banff quiets down some leaving you with the luxury of having more time and space for yourself. Take a hike as the trees turn into a gorgeous collage of red, orange, and gold, snag a canoe rental and paddle on a serene lake, or saddle up and ride off into the sunset on a relaxing horseback ride!
During Winter Banff springs to life in a new way and becomes the winter wonderland it’s known as all around the world. Hit the slopes of our world-class ski hills, mush through the snow on a dog sled adventure, or slip and slide while tubing on Mt. Norquay.
Day Two
If you’re wanting to relax a little before you head back into town, there’s ample opportunity to do so. Treat yourself to brunch at one of the many local restaurants, book a spa treatment, or, if you’re up for one last adventure, you can consider one of the following:
All Year Round
- Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in soaring views from the peak, then explore the state-of-the-art interpretive centre.
- Sneak in one last hike on the many trails within in the park.
Winter
- Book a sleigh ride and give the whole family the chance to dance across the snow on a fun-filled adventure that they’re sure to remember forever.
- Stop by the Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary on your way back home and learn about the incredible work they do with these beautiful creatures.
Summer
- Take the long way home and visit a grizzly bear refuge in Golden combined with a breathtaking Gondola ride.
- Shop the many boutiques along Banff Ave.
- Rent a mountain bike for a few hours for one last ride!
What Does Your Dream Getaway Look Like?
No matter what your sense of adventure looks like, Banff Adventures is here to help you create the perfect trip, full of memories and experiences you’ll cherish forever. From zooming through the trees on a zipline to ice climbing, helicopter tours, and so much more, we’re here to be your passport to fun, all year round. Contact us today to learn more!
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