9 Best Sights in Banff National Park, Alberta

This site commemorates the birthplace of Canada's national parks system, which began with the protection of the Banff hot springs in 1885. You'll find restored historic buildings, a plaza, and splendid interpretive displays about Banff and the country's other national parks. An interpretive trail explains the area's geology, plant life, wildlife, and history. While walking past the cave's pools, keep an eye out for the park's most endangered species: the Banff Springs snail, which makes its home in the warm mineral waters, cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Children under age 17 enter the site for free, and combo tickets that include admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs are available.

Year-round, the park offers the Xplorer Program for kids age 6 to 11. Pick up an Xplorer Booklet at one of the park's visitor centers. Kids who complete at least six of the booklet's 22 activities receive a souvenir.

Views during the steep eight-minute ride to and from the 7,500-foot summit of Sulphur Mountain are spectacular in the enclosed four-person gondolas. From the upper terminal, you can hike the short distance to the mountain's true summit on the South East Ridge Trail, perhaps catching sight of grazing bighorn sheep. You can also visit the gift shop, enjoy a quick bite at the cafe, or indulge in a gourmet lunch or dinner at the Sky Bistro. Be sure to walk the easy 1-km (0.6-mile) boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Weather Observatory on Sanson's Peak for excellent views and to break away from the crowds. The gondola is south of the center of Banff; you can catch a Roam public transit bus to get here. Riding the gondola is a very popular activity—go early or late to avoid crowds.

Discovered in 1884, Banff's hot, natural mineral springs were the impetus for the development of Canada's first national park. Early Banff visitors came primarily to experience the "healing waters"—something you can still do today at the popular Banff Upper Hot Springs pools. The waters at the facility, which is child-friendly during the day (think family swimming pool rather than couples' hot-tub vibe), are especially inviting on a dull, cold day or when it's snowing, and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You can rent lockers, bathing suits (circa 1920s or modern), and towels. Although the recommended limit for a soak is 20 minutes, you'll likely want to stay an hour or two. It's a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the springs.

On a hillside above the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, this 0.8-km (½-mile) boardwalk takes you past the vent of the cave to a spring flowing out of the hillside. Interpretive signage explains the geology and history of the cave and basin. Follow the Marsh Trail to observe the birdlife and the lush vegetation fed by the mineral water. Along the boardwalk are telescopes, benches, and interpretive signage as well as a bird blind on the marsh itself. Wheelchairs have limited access to the boardwalk. Easy.

It will take about an hour round-trip to walk the 2-km (1-mile) trail that slowly changes from marsh to dense forest. Watch for beavers, muskrat, and waterfowl. The trail is popular with joggers and cyclists. Easy.

Hop on the gondola to an alpine plateau for a stunning view that includes more than a dozen glaciers. The deck of the viewing platform is a good place to enjoy an ice-cream cone, a cold drink, or a picnic lunch, or you can buy a ticket that includes breakfast or lunch at the lodge near the gondola's base. Several easy hikes are accessible from the top of the lift and guided interpretive walks (45 minutes) take place several times daily. The Wildlife Interpretive Centre is a 5–10 minute walk from the top of the gondola and it has programming, life-size animal displays, and information about local wildlife. It's common to see grizzly bears from the safety of the gondola.

A popular spot, this area has picnic shelters, tables, flush toilets, fire rings, and fireplaces. Hike, rent a boat, or try your luck at fishing.