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Experience the best of Banff
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Three days in Banff is enough to experience everything it has to offer - beautiful mountain hikes, hot springs, high-quality dining and small-town atmosphere.
 Day Note
Begin your first day with one of the most popular hikes in the area - Johnston Canyon. This hike begins just outside of Banff and is suitable for almost everyone, as it's not too strenuous, but the scenery is still amazing. Get a map from the visitor's centre before you go and check on hiking conditions - the trail gets slippery in the winter.
After your hike, head back into Banff and have dinner at the Rose and Crown pub on Banff Ave. This pub is popular amongst locals and tourists and is always lively, no matter what time of year you go.
Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots
Day Note
The Upper Hot Springs are especially enjoyable in the middle of the cold winter. Not too far away, this is an excellent activity to do in the morning to get your blood flowing.
After your dip, head back to Banff Ave. to eat at one of the unique, healthy cafes. One I would recommend is Sunfood Cafe, where you'll find an excellent selection of vegetarian dishes.
Take the time to do a thorough walk up and down, in and around Banff Ave., and be sure to visit the Fudgery, which you'll probably smell before you see. Watch the chocolatier make fudge through the windows and then go in and browse through all the different kinds of fudge.
The Banff Centre is also nearby if you want to check out unique arts and information on the local mountain culture.
Finally, end your day with an amazing fondue meal at the Grizzly House. Order the three-course fondue meal and save room for the chocolate fondue dessert.
Two miles south of downtown Banff, the Upper Hot Springs are a favorite spot for locals and visitors to soak, be soothed and relax. The water is kept at about 40 degrees C and is infused with the top five minerals found in the area. The Upper Hot Springs are located in the midst of breathtaking views of the Rockies and amenities include a restored 1930s heritage bathhouse, a children’s wading pool, change rooms with heated floors, a spa, restaurant and cafe and more.
Grizzly House
Cuisine: Austrian, German & Swiss, Central European
This restaurant is an institution in Banff. The interior looks as if it was carved from the inside of a tree, with highly varnished wooden walls hanging with a whole herd of buffalo heads. The bizarre menu specializes in expensive fondue dinners featuring morsels of beef, ostrich, buffalo, rattlesnake, alligator, venison and assorted other meats. The wine list features over 100 selections including a special list of Canadian wines. Dinner at the Grizzly House is an event to remember.
This charming vegetarian gem is hidden on the upper level of Sundance Mall. It is a great place to escape from the bustle and hubbub of downtown and is one of the only restaurants in town that has a menu focusing on vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Selections include Teriyaki Tofu, Portabella Pasta and a tasty veggie stir fry. Sandwiches, salads and wraps are also available and it routinely offers weekly specials.
The management of this sweet shop must have to spend a fortune on window washers. There is always a crowd of people with their faces pressed up against the front window watching chocolate and caramel delights being prepared. The Fudgery makes up sticky caramel apples, big slabs of chocolate bark, nutty treats, ice cream and bricks of fudge. And its location on Banff Avenue means they are always busy. Be warned: just the smell of this place could rot your teeth.
All the creativity and inspiration of the mountains comes together at the Banff Centre, which has been around for almost 75 years. The Centre offers art showcases, concerts, exhibitions and events, including the well-known Banff Summer Arts Festival. The Centre also offers cultural events including the Banff Mountain Film and Book festivals, photography competitions, leadership development programs, conferences services and accommodations, with over 400 guest rooms and 60 meeting spaces. Check their website for seasonal events taking place during your visit.
Upper Hot Springs
Day Note
Finish up your tour through Banff with one more popular hike - Tunnell Mountain. This trail begins within Banff so you can walk there from your hotel, or drive and park your car at the bottom. Again, make sure to check hiking conditions before you go.
Once you're finished the day's activity, head to the Sushi House Banff for a unique and interactive sushi experience.
This tiny restaurant, located just off Banff Avenue, offers a quirky approach to sushi dining. Patrons are seated around a circular counter that is serviced by a model train. If any of the cars is hauling something that looks tempting, just lift the plate off the train and dig in. The regular array of sushi items is available, such as shrimp roll, red tuna and BBQ eel. Each dish is priced according to the color of the plate. At the end of your meal, your server will count your plates to tally up your bill.
Even though it’s called Tunnel Mountain, there is no tunnel involved. The mountain got its name when CPR proposed a train route there in 1882. But the lack of tunnel doesn’t make this hike any less enjoyable. It starts within city limits so it’s easily accessible – you can walk there from Banff Ave., and makes for a great day, or half-day excursion. The trail is well-maintained, heavily used and an ideal spot for visitors to get to know the area. You’ll often see wildlife in and around the trail as well. The top offers a great view of the town and surrounding area, so bring your camera.
Tunnell Mountain
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