9 Hidden Gems in Banff, Alberta

Located in the Banff National Park, this mountain resort town is full of things to do. It is fully loaded with fantastic food, shopping and activities for you and your travel buddy to enjoy. Banff is home to only 7000 people, and of course home to tons of wildlife populations, including elk and grizzly bears. Whether you are looking for a quick over-night trip, or a week long getaway with your rented Karma Campervan, Banff is the perfect place be.

Banff Upper Hot Springs:

Feeling the pain after a long day at sunshine village? Or are you just looking for a fun, inexpensive and relaxing activity? The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the perfect antidote

The Hot Springs has its own unique natural blend of sodium, sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, which all contribute to a relaxing visit. Soaking in the waters has a great benefit on the body as well. Exposure to these minerals can improve blood flow, circulation, metabolism, and digestion. These hot springs are a huge part of Banff’s history, having been discovered over one hundred years ago.

Prices: Youth $6.30, Adults $8.30, Seniors $7.30

Hours of Operation: 9am-11pm

Check it out yourself: www.hotsprings.ca/banff-upper-hot-springs

Banff Canoe Club:

Located five minutes from downtown Banff along the Bow River and beside Banff Mineral Hospital, the Banff canoe club is a great place to go and find your inner-adventurer with this quintessential Canadian activity. Canoeing is practically a right of passage for anyone visiting from outside the country. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and even cruiser bikes are available to rent. Side note: Leaving the campervan parked and biking around Banff is highly recommended.

Canoe or Kayak:

Canoe or Kayak (first hour) $40.00

Additional Hour: $20.00

Paddle Board Rates:

Non-Member Daily Rate:  $125.00

Non-Member Hourly Rate: $25.00

Wetsuit Rental: $10.00

Cruiser Bike Rates:
Hourly Rate/Bike: $12.00

Check it out yourself: www.banffcanoeclub.ca

Beaver Tails:

A beavertail is a Canadian pastry also known as a Queues de Castor. Similar to the elephant ear, this pastry is hand stretched and fried to resemble a beaver’s tail. Beavertails are available in the classic sugar and cinnamon duo, or in more decadent, creative combinations such as bananas and chocolate, apple cinnamon, cheesecake and Skor with caramel, plus many more. We highly recommend you check them out. You deserve it.

Check it out yourself: www.beavertails.com/

Bow Falls

No doubt you’ll want to explore the beautiful and legendary Banff Springs Hotel. However, don’t leave the area until you pay a visit to Bow Falls, located just behind the Castle in the Rockies.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/sUdaHgzcmwQ2

Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike:

Moraine Lake is a glacier fed lake in Banff National Park. It has the most beautiful and vivid blue-green colour. Unfortunately, the road which leads to this lake is only open in the summer season from May to October. The shoreline hike is a 1-2 hour walk around the lake. It is an easily accessible hike for all ages. Canoes are also available to rent at the lakes dock starting at $105.00 plus tax, but guests are also welcomed to bring their own canoes or kayaks. Motorized boats are restricted on Moraine Lake, adding to the peaceful nature of the water.

Distance: 3 km (1.9 mi.)

Elevation Gain: 0 m

Time Required: 1-2 Hours

Difficulty: Easy

Horseback Riding: Sulphur Mountain Ride

Ready to take in the scenery of the National Park backcountry? Forget hiking, let a horse do the work for ya! This horseback riding trip takes you through Banff and up Sulphur Mountain for views you won’t forget. You will be paired with a friendly horse and well trained Cowboy for an unforgettable experience. Dress comfortably for the weather to ensure your ride is relaxing and enjoyable. Riders will be required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Price: $188.00 per person

Available from May to October

Duration of Ride: 3 to 3.5 Hours

Check it out yourself: https://horseback.com

Park Distillery:

Love a well crafted spirit or cocktail? Come check out Banff Park Distillery located right on Banff Ave. Here you can enjoy a great cocktail, savoury bites and a local ‘kick-back-and-relax’ atmosphere. In the summertime, snag a bench on the street-side patio and share it with new friends. Lucky for you, the Distillery offers free tours at 3:30pm each day. Don’t forget to visit the Park Distillery Shop to snag some cool wares or a jug of the best gin for your next pit stop.

Check it out for yourself: https://www.parkdistillery.com/

Ramen Arashi:

With great prices, friendly staff and amazing food, Ramen Arashi is known to many as one of the best authentic ramen restaurants in Western Canada. Don’t let their location deter you (second floor of Sundance Mall), Ramen Arashi is a must if your staying or passing through Banff. The is a hidden Banff secret. We highly recommend you check it out.

Check it out yourself: https://www.facebook.com/Ramen-Arashi-202633750474956/

Rocky Mountain Flannel Company:

The Canadian Flannel Company located in downtown Banff is a great place to shop for your Canadian attire. Every Canadian has owned, destroyed, lost, burned, ripped and repurchased many flannels, so why not shop at Canadian Flannel Company to get that perfect flannel. A fresh flannel is a must for anyone traveling from outside Canada. It is a representation of who we are, and a keepsake you’ll have to enjoy for a lifetime.

Check it out yourself: www.rockymountainflannel.com

Hidden gems in Banff are not hard to come by, you just have to explore, be open minded and listen to your heart. The list above is just a start and we’d love to know if you have others we should include. Drop us a line via email, Facebook or Instagram.

Cheers to #GoodCamping!