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10 Hidden Gems in Banff Only TRUE Locals Will Recommend
Banff is a resort town in Alberta that looks straight out of a postcard with its picturesque mountain ranges, mirror-like lakes and tall trees. My family and I have been here several times, and Banff’s beautiful views never get old, especially the northern lights!
Although, I might say that you’re barely scratching the surface if your itinerary to Banff mainly focuses on these major attractions!
By no means am I an expert on the town, but if you want to go against the grain, I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ve listed some unique gems in Banff that aren’t as advertised in brochures, but you won’t regret visiting!
Bankhead Ghost Town
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Address: Banff National Park, Bankhead
Contact details: +1 519-253-1812
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates (National Park):
- Adult: CAD10.50
- Senior: CAD9
- Youth aged 17 and below: Free
The Banff National Park is one of the city’s most famous attractions, but a lesser-known spot that may fly under your radar while you’re here is Bankhead. It was a small mining town that operated from 1903 to 1922 and has been abandoned since.
Today, it’s dubbed a ghost town because of the ruins of the small buildings left behind that nature has taken back. It’s hard to be creeped out, though, as the town is still weirdly charming because of the backdrop of Banff’s National Park.
It also looks like it’s been frozen in time, as you’ll still find old-timey mining rigs and machinery, including a vintage train. You’ll also find some visual aids in some of the old mining equipment here that describe their use during the heyday of Bankhead.
Pro tip:
If you want to add more trekking to your visit, make sure to check out the Lower Bankhead Trail. It’s a 0.7-mile loop that will provide you with even more breathtaking views of the town as well as the National Park.
Cascade of Time Garden
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Address: Cave Ave.
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Website
Rates: Free
Even though the Cascade of Time Garden is only a couple of minutes away from Downtown Banff, it will make you feel like you’ve been transported far away. It’s a small but beautiful oasis filled with vibrant blooming flowers that are regularly maintained to maintain their tip-top shape.
Before reaching these flowerbeds, you’ll be walking through a meticulously designed stone pathway. The garden is also built by the hillside, so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful panoramic views.
You can also take Insta-worthy pictures by the pond in the middle of a garden along with its man made waterfall. Also, there’s a huge mirror-like lake that turns into ice come wintertime!
Pro tip:
You can commute here if you’re planning on saving money by taking the bus and departing at the Mountain Ave station. Alternatively, you can drive your way here, as there are more than ample parking spaces in the garden’s vicinity.
Hoodoos Viewpoint
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Address: Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates: CAD2 (Parking)
Hoodoos Viewpoint is one of the best spots for sightseeing in Banff, but getting there requires a bit of hiking. Don’t worry, though, as the trail is beginner-friendly and would only take around an hour to complete.
Furthermore, you won’t feel fatigued that much if you take breaks regularly, not just to catch your breath but to admire the beautiful surrounding views as well. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views of Mount Rundle.
You can also start your hike from the Surprise Corner trail, which starts at the parking lot. This way, you can catch stunning views of the Banff Spring Hotel before heading to Hoodoos Viewpoint.
Pro tip:
Although the trail is open all year round, we recommend hiking around mid-July to mid-September so that the pathways will be snow-free. Furthermore, be sure to carry a bear and know how to use it.
Johnson Lake
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Address: Improvement District No. 9
Rates: Free
Johnson Lake MUST be on your itinerary if you visit Banff during the summertime. It offers a different type of cooling down because instead of sandy beaches, you’ll be treated to a mirror-like lake surrounded by majestic mountain ranges.
It’s one of the few lakes in the city suitable for swimming because it’s protected from strong winds by the surrounding trees and mountain ranges. Furthermore, the water here is warmer compared to other lakes!
You can also rent a canoe or a paddleboard and row towards the middle of the lake for the best views. If you want to try something more exciting, there’s also a rope swing you can ride to splash into the lake!
Pro tip:
One of the easiest ways you can get here is by taking the Roam Route 6 bus from Banff. This will drop you directly at Johnson Lake’s parking lot.
Johnston Canyon and its Secret Cave
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Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates: Free
As you may have realised by now, hiking is one of the main draws of Banff, and Johnston Canyon is a huge reason why. The trails here are open all year round, and they’re generally considered beginner-friendly because they’re well-maintained.
Aside from flat ground, you’ll also be walking through suspended catwalks since the trail consists of multiple levels: the upper and lower falls. It will take you around one to three hours to complete the trail, but don’t worry because it will feel like a breeze thanks to the stunning views.
The cool thing about Johnston Canyon is it features a hidden cave that you can only access from around December to April. The cave is huge, and it overlooks a small but majestic waterfall that runs through a naturally-formed pool.
Pro tip:
The best time to hike Johnston Canyon is during December, as it transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trails.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
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Address: 1 Mountain Ave.
Contact details: +1 800-767-1611
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Website
Rates:
- Adults: CAD17.50
- Youth (3 to 17): CAD 15.25
- Children (under 3): Free
- Senior (65+): CAD 15.25
Banff Hot Springs is the city’s hottest (no pun intended) tourist spot come wintertime, thanks to its warm and rejuvenating pools. This place has been a staple for both locals and tourists of Banff since 1886!
These springs aren’t just relaxing, but they’re also rich in minerals, which are believed to provide health benefits like improved blood circulation! The springs’ mountainside location is also great, as it provides guests with unmatched views of the range while swimming.
Speaking of swimming, be sure to bring your swimsuit so you won’t have to pay additional for rentals! The average temperature of the pools is around 40 degrees Celsius, which is the perfect contrast your body needs during the harsh winters in Banff.
Pro tip:
If you want to stay overnight, the best thing you can do is book a room at The Rimrock Resort Hotel. It’s located across the springs, and it offers modern rooms with complete amenities as well as restaurants and cafes where you can chill while admiring the mountain range.
Golden Skybridge
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Address: 503 Golden Donald Upper Rd.
Contact details: +1 800-270-1238
Rates:
- Adults: CAD 44.99
- Children: CAD 29.24
The Golden Skybridge is another one of those “ripped out of a storybook” sights in Canada—and it’s not for the faint-hearted! It’s suspended 426 feet above ground, and the total length you have to cross is over 150 metres!
It’s not a cakewalk, but facing your fears is one of the best decisions you’ll make here once you see the rewarding views. If you want our advice, look ahead and around you, but never directly down!
Once the initial shock wears off, you’ll be left with some of the most picture-perfect views in Banff, featuring mountain ranges and tall trees as far as the eye can see. After taking as many photos as you want, you can end your trip on the Railrider Mountain Coaster.
Pro tip:
Check out their official website and social media pages to be updated on their operating hours. They’ll usually close in October and resume operations in May.
Carrot Creek (Banff National Park)
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Address: Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-1550
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates: Free
Website
Carrot Creek is one of Banff National Park’s best-kept secrets, but we’re here to put an end to all the gatekeeping. Come wintertime, this peaceful lake becomes rock solid and transforms into a free ice skating rink surrounded by rocky mountains.
The best thing about skating here is that it isn’t as crowded as the Vermilion Lakes and Two Jack Lake, so you’ll have a wider range of motion to practice! You’ll sometimes find local hockey teams doing scrimmages here sometimes, but there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Pro tip:
If you’re into free climbing, you can also check out the climbable rock walls around the area of Carrot Creek!
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
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Address: 190 Tunnel Mountain Dr.
Contact details: +1 403-762-1235
Rates: Free
Website
The Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is considered a hidden gem because people usually just drive by it. What they don’t know is that they can hop out of their cars and enjoy taking pictures in this vast open field!
People usually choose this spot as the backdrop for their wedding prenup photos, but you can visit it if you’re just looking to escape city life. You can also bring your favourite snacks and set up a peaceful picnic with your loved ones amidst the natural scenery.
Pro tip:
If you can’t get enough of the views of this area, you can stay at Tunnel Mountain Resort, which features the same stunning sights. Furthermore, it offers charming and modern cabins that feature amenities like kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, etc.
Banff Gondola
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Address: 100 Mountain Ave
Contact details: +1 866-756-1904
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Website
Rates: CAD66 to CAD70, depending on the day.
Although it’s not hidden, the Banff Gondola is a must-try for anyone visiting this small town. This ride will take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, but before dropping you off, it will treat you to breathtaking views of six different mountain ranges.
The gondola also features glass walls and floors, so your sightseeing experience won’t be obstructed in any way.
Upon reaching the summit building, you can cross the boardwalk and head to Samson’s Peak!
Pro tip:
Check out the deals page on their official website to check whether they’re currently holding special promotions. For instance., they’ll sometimes let kids ride the gondola for free!
