Attractions Nearby Banff, Day Trips and Excursions

(Banff, Alberta - AB, Canada)

With the Banff National Park containing a host of natural attractions, visitors to the Banff townsite are well placed for exploring the surrounding countryside. Just a short trip from Banff lie many superb attractions, including the Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake.

Those looking for more upbeat, manmade attractions close to Banff should consider a visit to the neighboring metropolis that is Calgary, a major city full of must-see sights.

Calgary

Calgary is one of the largest cities in the whole of Canada and has a population of around one million. Home to a huge number of world-class attractions, Calgary is around 80 miles / 128 km from Banff and can be reached by car in approximately 90 minutes. Highlights in Calgary include the Olympic Plaza, Calgary Tower, the Science Center, the Glenbow Museum and a large selection of art galleries. A popular excursion from the Banff area, Calgary also offers exceptional shopping facilities and some of Alberta's best restaurants.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Bow Lake

Address: Icefields Parkway, Alberta (AB), Canada
Located along the extensive Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is just part of an enormous icefield, which covers an area known as the Great Divide. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks and glaciers, Bow Lake is close to Banff. Other attractions here include hiking trails, picnic areas, a restaurant and a lodge.

Columbia Icefield

Address: Icefields Parkway, Alberta (AB), Canada
The Columbia Icefield is a vast area, covering in excess of 115 square miles / 30 square kilometers. An important ice plateau, attractions here include a number of notable glaciers, guided tours and simply spectacular views.

Canmore Caverns

Address: 1009 Larch Place, Canmore, Alberta (AB), T1W 1S7, Canada
Tel: +1 877 317 1178
Standing in nearby Canmore, just 16 miles / 26 km from central Banff, the Canmore Caverns are an extensive network of caves, passages, water-worn tunnels and an underground pool. Standing beneath Grotto Mountain, guided tours of the Canmore Caverns network are available, lasting around half a day or longer. Cavern tours begin with a short hike through the surrounding forest and include caving equipment,
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discount for children, minimum age of visitors is ten years old

Crowfoot Glacier

Address: Icefields Parkway, Alberta (AB), Canada
Close to Banff, the Crowfoot Glacier is an awesome sight and rates as one of the area's top attractions. Many years ago, this famous glacier had three distinctive claw-like structures, although one has since worn away. The Crowfoot Glacier can be found on the way to Peyto Lake, from Lake Louise.