Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Kananaskis

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Kananaskis from other articles such as Touropia, A Brit and A Southerner, The Banff Blog, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Kananaskis

Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka
4.7 (448 ratings)4.5 (3291 ratings)
Glacial lake offering picnic tables, hiking & mountain biking, plus seasonal boating & scuba diving.
Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Mentioned by The Banff Blog
Best Banff Photography Spots and How to Get To Them
"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."
Mentioned by Touropia
10 Top Attractions in Banff National Park
"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."
Mentioned by Destinationless Travel
15 MOST Instagrammable Places to Visit in Banff National Park, Canada
"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."
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
4.2 (2626 ratings)4 (1387 ratings)
Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.
311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
National parkSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkHistoric Sites
Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur Mountain
4.8 (216 ratings)4.5 (641 ratings)
Peak in Banff National Park accessible via hike or gondola, with observation decks & an eatery.
Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Mountain peakNature & ParksMountains
Mentioned by In A Faraway Land
Where to Get Postcard Worthy Photos in Banff National Park
"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."
Mentioned by Destinationless Travel
15 MOST Instagrammable Places to Visit in Banff National Park, Canada
"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."
Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes
4.5 (111 ratings)4.5 (832 ratings)
Trio of lakes offering hiking & biking trails, native wildlife & rental boats/paddle boards.
Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Mentioned by A Brit and A Southerner
10 Best Lakes in Banff National Park You Need to Experience
"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."
Mentioned by The Banff Blog
20 Best Banff Lakes You Have To Visit
"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."
Mentioned by Fairmont Banff Springs
Top Photo Spots in Banff National Park
"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."
Bow Falls
Bow Falls
4.6 (195 ratings)4.5 (3632 ratings)
Set in a big river valley eroded by past glaciers, this wide & short waterfall is a local landmark.
Banff, AB, Canada
WaterfallNature & Parks
Mentioned by Touropia
10 Top Attractions in Banff National Park
"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."
Mentioned by Born to be Adventurous
10 Easy Hikes in Banff National Park
"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."
Mentioned by tripbuzz.com
19 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Banff National Park, Alberta
"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."
Cascade Ponds
Cascade Ponds
4.7 (462 ratings)4 (52 ratings)
Popular spot in Banff National Park offering picnic facilities, trails & swimming in the summer.
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, 110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
Picnic groundNature & ParksBodies of Water
Mentioned by The Banff Blog
Best Banff Photography Spots and How to Get To Them
"Before you reach Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka, you’ll come across Cascade Ponds. Which are literally a series of ponds that air under Cascade Mountain. There are plenty of picnic benches and firepits here to enjoy a picnic at, but it’s also a fantastic place to come year-round and grab some photos of the bridges that make walking between the ponds accessible."
Mentioned by banff.ca
Swimming | Banff, AB - Official Website
"Also located off the Minnewanka Loop, Cascade Ponds has nearby picnic tables, fire pits, and public bathrooms. Swimming in lakes is unsupervised, so visitors swim at their own risk. Most other lakes in Banff National Park are glacier-fed, and are usually too cold for swimming."
Mentioned by Banff 4 days itinerary
Things to do in Banff National Park: 4-Day Itinerary
"We were so glad to stumble on Cascade Pond. This was one of the most scenic spots for a picnic. We also saw a few people biking on the trail. It was a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll."
Quarry Lake Park
Quarry Lake Park
4.6 (692 ratings)4.5 (162 ratings)
Relaxed lake with a small, rocky beach, a grassy area & a dog park with panoramic mountain views.
Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 3C2, Canada
ParkNature & ParksBodies of Water
Spray Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
Spray Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
4 (13 ratings)
Mountainous park popular for hiking, paddling & cross-country skiing, with camping all year.
Kananaskis, AB, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Saint Mary Roman Catholic Parish
Saint Mary Roman Catholic Parish
4.8 (67 ratings)5 (16 ratings)
305 Squirrel St, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada
Catholic churchSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Bow Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
Bow Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
4.7 (1863 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Sprawling natural park offering mountain hikes, canoeing/kayaking & picnic & camping facilities.
800 Railway Ave #201, Canmore, AB T1W 1P1, Canada
ParkNature & ParksValleys
Mentioned by Canada 21 days itinerary
Vancouver - Canadian Rockies - Vancouver Road Trip Plan
"You've finally made it to the Bow Valley!!!. I bet Whistler seems like an age away. Canmore is where I spent majority of my time when living in Canada. Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later!"

Top Rated Parks to Visit in Kananaskis

Spray Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
Spray Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
4 (13 ratings)
Mountainous park popular for hiking, paddling & cross-country skiing, with camping all year.
Kananaskis, AB, Canada
ParkNature & Parks
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
4.5 (39 ratings)
190 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff, AB, Canada
Park
Mentioned by Elite Jetsetter
The 10 Best Locations for a Romantic Photoshoot in Banff
"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."
Bow Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
Bow Valley Provincial Park - Kananaskis Country
4.7 (1863 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Sprawling natural park offering mountain hikes, canoeing/kayaking & picnic & camping facilities.
800 Railway Ave #201, Canmore, AB T1W 1P1, Canada
ParkNature & ParksValleys
Mentioned by Canada 21 days itinerary
Vancouver - Canadian Rockies - Vancouver Road Trip Plan
"You've finally made it to the Bow Valley!!!. I bet Whistler seems like an age away. Canmore is where I spent majority of my time when living in Canada. Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later!"

Best Nightlife in Kananaskis

Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub
Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub
4.5 (522 ratings)
Upscale bar/eatery in a Bavarian-style cottage with German-inspired alpine dishes & outdoor seating.
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
RestaurantPub
Mentioned by BanffandBeyond
Where The Locals Eat And Drink In Banff
"The Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB (403) 762-6801. If you’re looking for a special or romantic evening out the Waldhaus Restaurant at the Banff Springs Hotel specializes in authentic Swiss fondues in a cozy setting. For more casual fare there’s the Waldhaus Pub & Biergarten located below the restaurant and situated on the edge of the Bow River and the picturesque golf course."
Mentioned by Avenue Calgary
Essential Summer Experiences in Banff National Park
"Literally translated as “house in the forest,” this cottage-style building set behind the Fairmont Banff Springs offers German-influenced cuisine (schnitzel, sptzle and fondue) in a rustic and cozy space."
Mentioned by Fairmont Banff Springs
Experience the Best Dining in Banff
"Banff’s best hideaway, Waldhaus Restaurant is serving the best Bavarian food in the Canadian Rockies. Make a Reservation on Open Table"
The Bear Street Tavern
The Bear Street Tavern
4.5 (1361 ratings)
Rustic, laid-back hangout offering thin-crust pizza, Canadian pub grub, craft beer on tap & a patio.
211 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada
RestaurantBarFamily restaurantTakeout RestaurantPizza restaurantPizza TakeoutPub
Mentioned by Wanderly
12 Best Places to Eat in Banff ([year] Updated)
"Bear Street Tavern is a great place to hang out in the afternoon in Banff and is best for known for the pizza and beer. The restaurant has an amazing dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy your meal directly under the sun. A unique customer favorite is the Godfather pizza; topped with truffle oil, confit garlic, prosciutto, arugula, and finished off with herbed panko, giving it a satisfying crunch."
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Top things to do in Banff Town, Canada
"This gastropub hits a double whammy: ingeniously flavored pizzas washed down with locally brewed pints. Banffites head here in droves for a plate of pulled-pork nachos or a bison-and-onion pizza, accompanied by..."
Mentioned by The Banff Blog
The Ultimate Banff Itinerary You Should Follow
"Winter activities often mean you’re burning plenty of calories, so if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and some tasty grub, head to this tavern to replenish."
Grapes
Grapes
4.6 (39 ratings)
Cozy haunt specializing in wine, cheese & charcuterie in a quaint interior with mountain views.
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
BarRestaurantWine bar
Mentioned by Things To Do
Banff Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Banff
"Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, CanadaReservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiWine Bar, Canadian, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, DrinksHK$126 - HK$267+1 403-762-6860"
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Top things to do in Banff Town, Canada
"Sporting original crown molding and dark wood paneling from its early days as a ladies' writing salon, this intimate wine bar in Banff's Fairmont makes an elegant spot for afternoon aperitifs. British Columbian..."
Mentioned by Fairmont Banff Springs
Experience the Best Dining in Banff
"Artisan cheeses, cured meats, house-made bread and so much more at the cozy and intimate Grapes. Make a Reservation on Open Table"

Best Breweries and Beer Places in Kananaskis

Sheepdog Brewing
Sheepdog Brewing
4.8 (106 ratings)
105 Bow Meadows Crescent Unit 112, Canmore, AB T1W 2W8, Canada
Brewery
Buffalo Mountain Café
Buffalo Mountain Café
4.4 (66 ratings)
Buffalo Mountain Lodge, 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B3, Canada
CafeBeer storeCoffee storeLiquor wholesalerLunch restaurantWine store
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
4.2 (695 ratings)
Large 2-storey brewpub for ales by the glass or growler, with burgers, steaks, pasta & poutine.
110 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
BrewpubBarBreweryCanadian restaurantPubSports bar

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Kananaskis

4.5 (62 reviews)
Copperstone Resort
Apartment
$205 /night
View deal
4.2 (13 reviews)
✪Rocky Mountain Getaway For Families & Groups✪
Hotel
$461 /night
View deal
Canmore - Copperstone - 2 Bedroom
condo · 6 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$323 /night*
View deal
* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.