Newsflash: you can still enjoy a trip to Banff if you aren’t into hiking and skiing.
Don’t get me wrong — I love both of those activities as much as the next guy, but they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and oftentimes that’s due to reasons of accessibility. If you want a family day in the mountains, grandma and grandpa may not have the same hiking stamina as you, or maybe your sibling is recovering from a sports injury that would only be exacerbated by a wintery wipeout.
The good news is that Banff has plenty to enjoy for people who aren’t into strenuous adventures. I had the pleasure of spending a few days in the charming mountain town earlier this month, and my time was so packed with memorable moments that I barely noticed I hadn’t squeezed in a hike.
Here’s what I got up to on my trip to Banff, and how you can craft your own chill mountain adventure.
Stay at the Mount Royal Hotel
You can’t get a better accommodation location than the historic Mount Royal Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Banff Avenue, the hotel is just steps away from the top restaurants, shops, and nightlife while still offering a gorgeous view of the surrounding landscape.
The rooms have a mountain-chic vibe, while amenities like rooftop hot tubs and trendy lounges take the stay to the next level. After all, who doesn’t like winding down with an evening soak and handcrafted cocktail?
Feast on the best of Canadian cuisine
Staying at the Mount Royal Hotel, I didn’t have to go far for a phenomenal meal. The onsite restaurant, Brazen, honours the spirit of Banff’s mountaineers and explorers with contemporary takes on classic cocktails and unforgettable seasonal fare. Dishes are best enjoyed shared amongst your table. I recommend the ginger beef — the popular dish was invented in Calgary, after all, and Brazen kicks it up a notch by literally lighting it on fire at the table.
I also enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at Farm & Fire (still dreaming about the bison benny) and an incredible dinner at Banff Gondola’s Sky Bistro. Duck and a view? Yes, please.
Learn through an Open Top Tour
This relaxed activity was the perfect way to see some of Banff’s most classic sights while learning a thing or two in the process! Open Top Touring offers vintage tours with a modern twist, where guests enjoy a 1.5-hour tour aboard a custom 1930s-inspired vehicle. Because visitors are driven from place to place, open-top tours are a great sightseeing option for all sorts of ages and abilities.
Our guide gave us a glimpse into Banff’s history and took us to pit stops along mountain paths with fantastic views. My favourite was getting to learn about the animals, and even seeing a few along the way. For example, did you know that most animal injuries that require hospitalization are courtesy of squirrels? That’s just one of the many reasons you could be fined for feeding the wildlife.
Explore the sights and sounds of Downtown Banff
There’s plenty to discover throughout downtown Banff, whether you’re into museums, shopping, or want to kick your feet up to enjoy an iconic Beaver Tail. I especially enjoy an easy stroll along the Bow River with a delicious iced coffee in hand.
And while you’re at it, make sure you cross the bridge to check out The Banff Trading Post to shop authentic Indigenous handicrafts, moccasins, and more. I don’t even want to tell you how long I spent deciding which earrings I should buy (my heart said all, but my wallet said chill out, Kendall.)
Reach new heights at the Banff Gondola
At the top of Sulpher Mountain (and the top of most Banff tourists’ bucket list) is the Banff Gondola. In just eight minutes, you’ll be whisked high above the tree tops up a steep mountainside before disembarking at the summit. I had the pleasure of riding on a clear day, and could have stared at that view for hours.
Fortunately, the fun doesn’t end upon reaching the top. An easy hike along a 500-meter boardwalk to Sanson Peak was an ideal way to enjoy some movement and fresh air, while still getting to take in the scenery.
While Banff may be best known for its adrenaline-pumping activities, there’s still plenty of fun to be had no matter what your pace is. Now the question is, what will you discover?
The author of this article was hosted by Pursuit.
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