Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Kananaskis

"Lake Minnewanka is another lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff and right next to Two Jack. The lake is 21 km long, and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta. In the summertime in Banff, it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing, and in the winter, it’s a sight to behold."

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"The lakes in Banff National Park are really some of the most beautiful places to visit. Lake Minnewanka is no different and everyone who comes to Banff to get amazing photos should visit. Lake Minnewanka is located only 15 minutes from Banff town and is most famous for the Lake Minnewanka cruise."

"The gondola in Banff takes you up almost 3000ft up above the town and is a great place to take photos, especially at sunset. If you like hiking then it's possible to walk up there too. It takes around 2.5 hours to get to the top and you can reward yourself with a soak in the Banff hot springs when you come back down."

"Next on our list is one of the most famous things to do in Banff and that’s taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. From the top, the views are absolutely stunning!. To me, the Banff Gondola is the most spectacular gondola ride in Canada."

"After exploring the Banff town, head to the Sulphur mountains. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located 5 minutes from the Town of Banff."

"Head west of Banff and you will arrive at a gorgeous set of lakes known as the Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes are formed in the Bow River Valley and this is a real hotspot for wildlife sightings, possibly one of the best-known locations throughout the national park. Mount Rundle in the background is a towering sight but anyone visiting this part of Banff National Park would be hard-pressed to take their eyes away from this spectacular series of lakes."

"Vermilion Lakes is largely a marsh, so it doesn’t hold the brilliant blue waters like many of the other lakes around Banff, but it still makes for an incredible place to enjoy the park. These Banff lakes are well protected by the winds, and the shallow water means that the waters remain calm on most days, so it’s an easier place to canoe, kayak, or SUP. The Vermilion Lakes are prime habitat for wildlife, and it’s a well-known spot for birders."

"This is perhaps the most heavily photographed location in the Canadian Rockies next to Lake Louise. Take the classic shot of Mt. Rundle, but see if you can challenge yourself to create an image of Vermilion Lakes that is unique to you. Paul’s Photography Tip: For a more balanced composition, look for foregrounds that can compete with Rundle in the background."

"Movie buffs may recognize Bow Falls as the falls Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum went over while escaping from Indians in 1953’s River of No Return. The 9-meter (30-foot) high falls is a major waterfall on the scenic Bow River that joins with the Spray River just outside of Banff. Visitors can get a better view of the roaring rapids by taking a ¾-mile trail along the river to the falls."

"A popular tourist attraction, Bow Falls can be accessed from a parking lot or by hiking a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail from the town of Banff. Combining Bow Falls with a trip downtown to ice cream at COWS is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Insider Tip for Families: The trail has minimal elevation but does have a few sets of stairs to traverse."

"A wider and shorter waterfall than most, Bow Falls is a scenic attraction that is not quite easily accessible without prior knowledge, or planning ahead. It is a peaceful location that can be enjoyed by either simply sightseeing, or venturing around the water's edge."

"This is a very little known spot in Banff that has all the views and none of the crowds. It’s perfect for a wedding, which is why you can rent it for one from the town for next to nothing (check here for rates). It’s also a great spot for a quick photoshoot with the bridal party, and can easily be accessed through the back streets even on the busiest days of summer."

"Two Jack Lake is easily accessible from the town of Banff, yet during our time there we saw very few people. Perhaps more people prefer to visit the largest lake in Banff, Lake Minnewanka. Nonetheless, Two Jack Lake is a beautiful albeit small lake with excellent reflections."

"Go at sunrise to beat any crowds and see Mount Rundle light up at the far end of the lake. For another image, wander down the west side of the lake for ten minutes. This will give you a more peaceful experience and a clear shot of Cascade Mountain."

"Just like Vermillion Lakes, heading out to Two Jack Lake will give you awesome views of Mount Rundle, albeit from a new perspective. The lake is situated on the Lake Minnewanka loop road, and has some great hiking, fishing, and even scuba diving."

"The Cascades of Time Gardens is behind the building and was a great place for a stroll through its gardens and flower beds."

"204 Caribou Street Box 2601 | Alberta, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1C3, CanadaTakeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit CardsCanadian, American, Cajun & Creole, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Breakfast, BrunchHK$39 - HK$290+1 403-762-2633"

"Tooloulou’s: more known as a brunch place, but they also have sit down dinners that offer Cajun seafood and burgers. I’ve only gone there for brunch and the line is always out of the door starting at 10:30am. It has an extensive brunch list that ranges from Canadian specialties (poutine) to French toasts to sandwiches to eggs."

"Located inside Irwin’s Mountain Inn Hotel, this restaurant serves up food with a Mexican and Spanish influence. In addition to mains, they also serve tapas, which are smaller plates that enable you to try a variety of foods. Tapas are quite popular in Spain and two options we tried during our visit was the Sauza Cream Prawns, which are sauteed in a tequila cream sauce, as well as the Seafood Ceviche, which includes Salmon, Prawns, and Scallops marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro and onions."

"El Toro has been a feature in Banff for over 40 years, and features Canadian cuisine with a spanish/latino twist. Breakfasts cost between 7 and 15 bucks and features a very egg heavy menu; eggs benedicts, omelettes, scrambles, breakfast burritos etc. It’s wholesome food that’s worth checking out if Banff is busy and you’re looking for a breakfast spot in a pinch or you’re getting an early start."

"This new room is actually an outpost of a celebrated Quebec-based Italian restaurant, but the cabin-chic design makes the transplant feel right at home in the Moose Hotel. Though there are other Italian restaurants in Banff, Pacini is the only one serving brunch on weekends (with mouth-watering offerings like capicollo and pesto eggs benny, and breakfast lasagna crepes stuffed with ham, spinach and alfredo sauce) and breakfast everyday. If you're there later in the day, you can't go wrong with asparagus and shrimp risotto, or the Italian feast for two with steak, sausage, asparagus topped with Sicilian sea salt."

"With beautiful views of Tunnel Mountain, this Italian restaurant plays with your senses as you bite into classic Italian plates with the sights of the Rockies. You will be tempted to lay down after feasting on their signature all-you-can-eat bread bar that comes with creamy pesto, tomato and basil, plain, or garlic spread. Plenty gluten-free options for their dishes are also available."

"Wild Flour Bakery churns out the most delicious breads, both sweet and savory, baked daily in their stone hearth oven (look for aged cheddar sourdough and a walnut & cranberry rye). If you’ve got time in the morning, the homemade granola and croissants are no-brainers."

"The artisan breads and baguettes are cooked in their stone hearth oven. The menu has sandwiches, daily soups, salads and fresh baked pastries. The breakfast specialty is a frittata made with free-range eggs."

"OK, you can get Tim Hortons virtually anywhere in Canada, and Banff is no different. It’s nothing special, but it is a great way to get some quick breakfast on the move without having to sit down. The other great thing is that on a normal year, it opens at 5am, which is perfect if you’re up early to catch a sunrise but need a little coffee and snack to pick you up first."

"It’s a typical Tim Horton’s like any other you’ll will find across the country. Like many Tim Horton’s it can be quite busy. Along with their original servings of coffee and donuts they have sandwiches, wrap, soups and a variety of breakfast options."

"JK Bakery is another small, locally owned coffee shop that sells a good assortment of baked goods, cakes and pies to take on the go. Coming from England, I was pretty over the moon to find sausage rolls and pies for sale here, which are the perfect road trip snack. They also have pretty tasty cinnamon rolls occasionally, sandwiches and soups."

"K Bakery Cafe is a cute little coffee shop that serves the delicious black tea that I LOVE – creamy earl gray tea. They also offer specialty coffees, teas, and light snacks and baked goods. Located at 229 Bear St by the movie hall in Banff."

"Wild Flour Bakery churns out the most delicious breads, both sweet and savory, baked daily in their stone hearth oven (look for aged cheddar sourdough and a walnut & cranberry rye). If you’ve got time in the morning, the homemade granola and croissants are no-brainers."

"The artisan breads and baguettes are cooked in their stone hearth oven. The menu has sandwiches, daily soups, salads and fresh baked pastries. The breakfast specialty is a frittata made with free-range eggs."