Things to Do in Banff, Canada: Walking Guide

Banff combines dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery with rich pioneer history in the heart of Banff National Park. Situated in Alberta, this mountain town offers visitors a mix of historic architecture, cultural institutions, and striking alpine views framed by peaks like Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. Whether you are searching for what to see in Banff or planning a relaxing getaway in Canada, exploring the town reveals a destination deeply connected to its natural and architectural heritage. Neywo offers a free audio guide for Banff featuring 8 narrated places, helping you discover the area at your own pace.

What to See in Banff: Top Landmarks and Museums

A visit to Banff uncovers a wealth of historic sites and cultural spaces positioned right among the peaks of the Alberta Rockies, offering plenty of engaging options for anyone looking for things to do in Banff.

Historic Churches and Architecture

St. George-in-the-Pines is one of Banff’s oldest places of worship. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by English architect F. P. Oakley, this Anglican church features pointed arches and a steeply pitched roof. Its cornerstone was laid in 1889 by Lord Stanley of Preston, Canada’s Governor General and the namesake of the Stanley Cup. Nearby stands St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, another historic place of worship in the town.

Museums and Cultural Heritage

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies shares the cultural heritage of the mountains through art, archives, and historic buildings. As the fourth largest cultural history museum in Alberta, it sits on a four-acre site featuring two historic log homes—including the Whytes’ own home and the home of Philippe and Pearl Moore—along with four log cabins and a garden.

The Banff Park Museum, constructed in 1903, is the oldest building still maintained by Parks Canada. Founded in 1895 to showcase taxidermy specimens, plants, and minerals from the park, it houses over five thousand specimens and was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1985 for its pioneering rustic architecture.

Situated on the banks of the Bow River, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is dedicated to the cultures, traditions, and values of the First Nations of North America. The museum holds artifacts, artwork, and historical knowledge from the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Nations—as well as the Īyãhé Nakoda Nations and the Tsuut’ina Nation.

Contemporary Art and Iconic Hotels

The Walter Phillips Gallery is a contemporary art space tucked inside Banff National Park. It opened in 1976 as part of The Banff Centre and ranks among Canada’s longest-running galleries dedicated to contemporary art.

The Fairmont Banff Springs stands at 1,414 metres in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the valley opens toward Mount Rundle. Opened in 1888 as one of the grand railway hotels envisioned by Canadian Pacific Railway president Cornelius Van Horne, the original wooden chateau was designed by Bruce Price. After a fire in 1926, the building you see today rose in stages from those ashes.

Explore Banff with a Free Walking Tour

If you want to experience the town independently, a Banff self-guided walking tour lets you uncover these sights on your own schedule. To make the most of your trip, download Neywo and explore with a free audio guide that narrates the city as you walk.

The app includes 1 walking tour covering 3.62 km in 87 minutes across 7 narrated stops. Each story plays automatically as you reach the place, at your own pace, with no group and no fixed schedule, and narration is available in 11 languages. Whether you are traveling from nearby Calgary or Edmonton, Neywo provides an easy way to experience the history and landmarks of Banff.