You can definitely get a solid overview of Banff in a day, but you have to have a pretty good game plan going in to make it all happen. If you are tight on time, and want to visit this world class Canadian National Park, here is how to spend a day in Banff.

Hike Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is a busy hike, but you can beat much of the foot traffic if you get an early start. It’s only a 5.5 km hike, but it’ll give your legs a good burn as you complete switchback after switchback. Your rewards are a beautiful cool-down stroll along the boardwalk at the top, and a spectacular view of Banff from the 360 degree observation deck.

Unfortunately, the days of free rides down the gondola seem to be long gone (at least in the summer). If you want to relax and enjoy the spectacular view on the descent, a one-way trip down the gondola is $31, half of the round trip price. Otherwise, the descent on foot is pretty quick if your knees can handle the grade.

Refuel at Wild Flour Bakery

I like to grab a granola bar and hit the trail, so you won’t usually see me mention much about breakfast. When you are back in Banff, check out Wild Flour Bakery for lunch. This place was once recommended to me by a local, and now I try to get there every time I am in town.

The town’s main street, Banff Avenue, has some cool stuff, but my favourite spots are a block away, on the less crowded Bear Street. This is where you will find Wild Flour. If you can, grab a sourdough mini loaf for the road.

Cave and Basin

If you are interested in history and geography, the Cave and Basin is a must-see. This is the home of Banff’s original hot springs.

Even though the pools have been closed for bathing for several years, the location is drenched in history and experienced through sight, smell, touch, and sound. Local Indigenous tradition says the waters have healing power, and there is still a fountain you can dip your hands into.

Admission is super affordable, and is included with an annual Canada Parks Pass (don’t forget to bring it to the front desk with you!). There are about 10 km of trails to explore, so you can spend quite a bit of time here.

Banff Hot Springs

For a hot spring experience that actually involves submerging yourself in water, head to the Upper Banff Hot Springs. This is a commercial hot springs, and well-visited, but the view of Mt. Rundle and the joy of hot mineral water after an active morning and afternoon makes it well worth it. After 10 years of visiting Banff, I still like to hit up the hot springs.

Admission is currently $9.25 for adults, and you can also rent a bathing suit and towel for a pittance. I almost always rent the old fashioned bathing suit. First of all because it’s fun, and second of all because I am sometimes forgetful, and don’t often bring my own.

I am usually happy to spend about 45 minutes to an hour in the pool. My favourite time to visit is in the winter. Hot pools on a cold day are so much fun!

Magpie and Stump

There are so many great places to eat in Banff, but if I could only choose one, it would be Magpie and Stump. I love the way they fuse Mexican cuisine with local-ish game and fresh food (the Banffo Burrito, which uses bison meat, is a favourite for many). From the burritos, to the taco salads, to the build-your-own-nachos, this place is a gem when it comes to quirky Banff eats.

The menu is awesome, the ambiance is funky, and the veggie options are good, too. This place is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and works for both families looking for great food, and friends looking to share rounds of tequila shots late into the night.

Summary

Banff is pretty mainstream when it comes to Canadian tourism, but it is insanely popular for a reason. This was Canada’s first National Park, and is definitely one of its most beautiful. If you only have 24 hours, these are my recommendations for how to spend a day in Banff.

Honestly, though, I would recommend coming to this part of the world for a week or two. There is so much to explore, especially for those who like to hike, bike, and paddle. A day is really just a teaser when it comes to the Canadian Rockies.

For more adventures in the Canadian Rockies, check out my post on Canmore at the link below.