If you’ve read my post on prices in Banff, you know that the park is bordering on extremely expensive. At least in summer, it is. That begs the question of whether there are cheap activities you can do? The good news: There sure are! To keep you from searching your options, I conveniently listed them below.
It’s the last thing you want to do during your vacation: watch what you spend because your budget starts to run out.
Unfortunately, Banff is a place where you can easily shell out CAD 1034 a day in summer (the average for two persons including lodging).
Don’t believe me? Then check the post How Much Does a Banff Vacation Cost to see how I got to that number.
So, what are your options without spending too much and still have fun? Let’s dive in.
Bathe in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff is about outdoor activities and traveling the park to be amazed by nature’s beauty. In the town of Banff, you can combine experiencing nature’s beauty with a nice ‘traditional’ way of relaxing.
Just visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs. This hot spring on Sulphur Mountain, fed with the mountain’s hot mineral water, provides a soothing and relaxing experience.
It’s not your typical swimming pool. It’s meant just to bathe and let the water revitalize your body. It’s the perfect environment to have a relaxed chat and do nothing for a while while you look over Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley. It’s an exquisite experience and doesn’t cost you a lot.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Address: 1 Mountain Avenue
Phone: +1 800 – 767 1611
Website: hotsprings.ca
E-mail: through form on website
RATES
Adult (18-64): CAD 9.25
Youth (3-17): CAD 8
Child (under 3): Free
Senior (65+): CAD 8
Family*: CAD 29
Extra Youth: CAD 5
* The family rate applies to each of the following combinations:
- Two adults and two youths
- One adult and three youths
- Two seniors and two youths
- One senior, one adult and two youth
- Four siblings
Group Rates (10 or more people pay in one transaction and arrive together)
Adult (18-64): CAD 8.25
Youth (3-17): CAD 7
Senior (65+): CAD 7
If you want to know more about hot springs in the park, I recommend reading the guide I wrote about hot springs in the Banff region.
Rent a Bike
Renting a bike is probably an underestimated activity in the park. I mean renting a bike for recreational cycling, not the highly demanding mountain biking. Just rent a bike for two or three hours and you can have lots of fun. You can rent road bikes, mountain bikes and even (fat tire) e-bikes.
Sure, as you’re in the mountains, you’re bound to have to climb a slope here and there, but generally, cycling in the Bow Valley can be a relaxing and easy experience.
From the town of Banff, you can cycle to many destinations just outside town, like the Bow Falls, the Banff Springs hotel, the Sundance Canyon, to the Banff Centre and Tunnel Mountain Drive (a bit more strenuous as you’re cycling uphill).
Or ride the beautiful Golf Course Road. Yet another option is to cycle to Vermilion Lakes and ride the nearby Fenland trail. And, if you’re more ambitious, bike the 26.8 kilometers (16.65 mi) long Legacy Trail to Canmore and back. Options are aplenty and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
There are many bike rental places in the town of Banff. The table provides an overview.
* Cheapest rental place
| RENTAL SHOP | ADDRESS | PHONE | WEBSITE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Adventures | 211 Bear Street | +1 403 – 762 4554 | banffadventures.com | info@banffadventures.com |
| Banff Cycle | 327 Railway Avenue | +1 403 – 985 4848 | banffcycle.com | info@banffcycle.com |
| Banff Soul Ski and Bike * | 203a Bear Street | +1 403-760-1650 | soulskiandbike.com | info@soulskiandbike.com |
| Black Diamond Bike & SUP Rentals | 201 Lynx Street | +1 825 – 398 9563 | blackdiamondbanff.com | rentals@blackdiamondbanff.com |
| Chateau Mountain Sports | 405 Spray Avenue | +1 403 – 762 2508 | chateaumountainsports.com | through form on website |
| Snowtips-Bactrax | 225 Bear Street | +1 403 – 762 8177 | snowtips-bactrax.com | snowtips@telusplanet.net |
| SkiBig3 Adventure Hub | 114 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 762 4754 | skibig3adventurehub.com | info@skibig3.com |
| Ultimate Sports | 206 Banff Avenue | +1 403 – 762 0547 | ultimatebanff.com | retail@ultimatebanff.com |
RENTAL RATES
Rental rates differ depending on the type of bike and the duration of your rental. You’ll generally pay anywhere between CAD 10 (per hour) and CAD 89 per bike. Renting an e-bike is your most expensive option. Ultimate Sports has the cheapest options.
I know paying 89 bucks isn’t cheap anymore, but there are many more affordable options.
Want to know some not too long and beautiful routes in and around the town of Banff? I advice you to read the post with 6 biking routes you should try in the town of Banff.
Canoe or Kayak on the Bow River
Talking about relaxing for little money (see the subheading about the Banff Upper Hot Springs), canoeing on the Bow River can be another excellent option. Yes, you need to peddle, but it’s not intense by any means. You’ll mainly enjoy floating on the aorta of the Bow Valley while taking in the park’s stunning beauty.
You can continue to the Vermilion Lakes and Echo Creek and view the impressive Mount Rundle from the water. While you’re at it, take some Instagram magic with your phone.
This trip is, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling, exquisite experiences you can have in the park without having to travel too far or exert yourself.
You can rent canoes at the Banff Canoe Club on Wolf Street and Bow Avenue corner, in the town of Banff. Rentals are by the hour on a first-come, first-served basis. You can paddle up Vermilion Lakes via Forty Mile Creek. You can also explore Echo Creek.
The Banff Canoe Club
Address: Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5005
Website: banffcanoeclub.com
E-mail: info@banffcanoeclub.com
RATES
Rental prices start at CAD 50 per boat. If you want to take a third person on board, you pay CAD 10 extra.
Take the Summer Chairlift at Mount Norquay
Most people who are in for a gondola adventure in Banff flock to the Banff or, to a lesser extent, Lake Louise Gondola. Both are very good but also pretty pricey options. A cheaper and equally as good third option is the gondola at Mount Norquay, which also provides stunning views.
This ski resort offers sightseeing gondola rides in summer. It takes you to an altitude of 2085 meters (6850 feet) and provides a marvelous view of the Bow Valley, Banff and the famous mountains surrounding it, like Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain and Rundle Mountain. And it’s just as close to the town of Banff as the Banff Gondola.
Summer Chairlift at Mount Norquay
Address: end Mt Norquay Road
Phone: +1 403 -762 4421
Website: banffnorquay.com
E-mail: info@banffnorquay.com
RATES
Adults (16+): CAD 43.05
Child 6-15: CAD 27.30
Infants: free
Have Tea at a Tea House
Having tea at a tea hut is an excellent and not too expensive way of combining the free activity of hiking through Banff National Park and relaxing after your effort to reach the place. Below are two huts at Lake Louise worth checking out.
Lake Agnes Tea House
The Lake Agnes Tea House (a beautiful log cabin) is situated on Lake Agnes at an altitude of 2,135 m (7,005 ft). As it’s near Lake Louise, the hike to Lake Agnes is popular, but at least it’s not nearly as busy as Lake Louise.
A 3.5 km (2.17 mi) forested hike takes you to the tea house. The trail is labeled a moderately challenging route. The trail is open year-round; the tea house, however, is not.
You will first reach Mirror Lake with the famous Big Beehive cliff on your way up. Once at the tea house, you can enjoy more stunning views. A cozy seat on the cabin’s patio makes you want to stay for hours. Aside from all kinds of tea, you can get sandwiches, salads and some pastry here as well. A tea costs CAD 4.50.
Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
The Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse is another teahouse that makes you relax after a strenuous hike. It was built in 1927 by Swiss Guides, employed by Canadian Pacific Railway. The tea house lies at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and provides stunning views over Lake Louise and the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the (far) distance.
The hike to the tea house is about 7.3 km (4.54 mi) long, so you’ll need about 5 hours hiking out and back and then add to that the time you want to spend at the tea house.
A partially forested trail takes you up Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier for a total elevation gain of about 360 meters (1181 ft). The trail offers spectacular views, making it well worth the effort to get to the tea house.
While the Lake Agnes Tea House is well-known and visited, the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is much less busy. This tea house also has a cozy and inviting patio to drink your tea and grab a quick bite as it serves soups, sandwiches, salads and snacks. A tea costs CAD 5.
Go Bowling
Don’t want to spend too much money? Add a sense of competition to your evening and go bowling! The town of Banff has two bowling alleys: High Rollers on Banff Avenue and the Banff Springs Hotel on Spray Avenue.
High Rollers
High Rollers is a trendy place right in the heart of the town of Banff. It offers excellent ten-pin bowling in the Clocktower Mall and has six lanes. You can make a reservation on their website (see the link below). High Rollers is open daily until 2 am.
If you’re hungry, it also has a restaurant that serves pizzas and other good comfort food. The choice is quite varied. The place even has a beer garden.
RATES
Sunday – Friday: CAD $49/lane/hr
Saturday: CAD 55/lane/hr
Bowling shoes: CAD 5.99/pp
Socks are mandatory (CAD 2.50)
High Rollers
Address: 110 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2695
Website: highrollersbanff.com
E-mail: through form on website
Five Pins and Pints
Inside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, you’ll find a lovely bowling alley called Five Pins and Pints to play 5-pin bowling. While the hotel is a luxury resort, bowling here is more or less affordable.
You need to book in advance to secure your bowling alley. You can do so on the hotel’s website. But bear in mind that the High Rollers option is cheaper.
If you also want to have dinner here, you can. The hotel has several dining options. Though expect to pay a premium price.
A good reason to visit the Banff Springs Hotel for bowling is the hotel’s setting. It’s terrific and not too far from the center of Banff, so why not check it out? By the way, if you haven’t been to the hotel before, it’s worth checking out, so why not combine the two?
RATE
CAD 79 per lane per hour for up to seven guests.
The price includes shoe hire.
Five Pins and Pints
Address: 405 Spray Avenue
Telephone: +1 403 – 762 2211
Website: fairmont.com
E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com
Keen on doing a scenic drive in Banff? Check the post 7 scenic drives in Banff to learn more.
Visit a Museum
Visit a museum is always an excellent option and it’s no different in the town of Banff. There are several museums to visit, all within walking distance of Banff Avenue. The admission is not high at all compared to most other paid activities and you get to know quite a bit more about the park, its residents and its history.
Banff Park Museum
The Banff Park Museum is housed in a 1903 log cabin of sorts. The property is protected as a National Historic Site and is the oldest natural history museum in western Canada. In the museum, you will find plenty of information about the history of flora and fauna in Banff National Park. The building’s architectural style is typical of the early federal buildings in the park.
RATES
Adults: CAD 4.25
Seniors (65+): CAD 3.75
Youth: free
Commercial group, per person: CAD 3.75
Banff Park Museum
Address: 91 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 1558
Website: pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/banff
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum shows you the heritage of the First Nations who lived in the area for centuries. You’ll learn about their way of life, illustrated through numerous artwork exhibits, weapons, tools, clothing and ceremonial items.
RATES
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Youth (7-17): CAD 5.00
Children up to 7 years: free
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Address: 1 Birch Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2388
Website: buffalonationsmuseum.com
Historic Luxton Home
The Historic Luxton Home tells the story of Norman Luxton, Georgina McDougall Luxton and their daughter Eleanor. They formed a pioneer family in Banff that lived there for ninety years, spread over several generations.
In the museum, you get a glimpse into this family’s life. Because many items of Norman, Georgina and Eleanor are on display, you get a good idea of life in the early days of Banff. The adjacent Luxton Garden, designed and laid out in the Arts and Craft Style around 1910, features 120-year-old lilac trees.
RATES
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Youth (7-17): CAD 5.00
Children up to 7 years: free
Historic Luxton Home
Address: 206 Beaver Street, Banff
Phone: + 1 403 – 762 2105
Website: –
Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies
The Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies strives to make the history and culture of the Rocky Mountains accessible. The museum was founded by the couple Peter and Catharine Whyte. You’ll find art exhibits and an extensive collection of original artwork and photographs, among other things.
RATES
Adults: CAD 10.00
Seniors (65+): CAD 9.00
Students and locals (from Lake Louise to Morley): CAD 5.00
Children under 12: free
Museum members: free
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Address: 111 Bear Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2291
Website: whyte.org
Watch a Sports Game
An excellent way to spend time in the park could be cheering on your favorite football, basketball or hockey team. Or any other sports game or team.
Banff has several locations where you can do so. You determine how expensive it will be, but it could be as cheap as one drink per person. You’d probably not be spending more than CAD 10 for two people.
I selected the four bars I think are definitely worth checking out.
Mel’s Sports Bar
Situated in the Town Centre Mall on Banff Avenue, Mel’s is one of the coziest places in Banff to watch a sports game. It’s part of the restaurant Melissa’s Miss Steak, so you could easily combine your game with some sweet steaks and drinks.
Mel’s Sports Bar
Address: 201 Banff Avenue #2, Banff
Phone: +1 403 – 762 5511
Website: melissasmissteak.com
E-mail: melissa@melssteak.com
Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar
The Elk & Oarsman labels itself as the ultimate sports bar and restaurant in town. I’m not sure that’s true (opinions vary, right?), but it is an excellent and cozy place to watch your favorite game. Absolutely worth checking out.
Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar
Address: 119 Banff Avenue, Banff
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4616
Website: elkandoarsman.com
E-mail: info@elkandoarsman.com.com
Pump & Tap Tavern
The Pump & Tap Tavern is situated in the middle of the Sundance mall. It’s a friendly, cozy place with lots of space, allowing you to cheer on your favorite team in whatever sport you prefer. And of course you can have a quick bite here as well. The Pump & Tap is right in the heart of town. Go check it out.
Pump & Tap Tavern
Address: 215 Banff Avenue, Banff
Phone: +1 403 – 760 6610
Website: pumpandtap.com
E-mail: pumptap@yahoo.ca
St James’s Gate Irish Pub
Fancy watching your favorite sports game while drinking a giant pint of Guinness? The St James’s Gate Irish Pub is the place to go! Expect an ambiance that is typical of an Irish pub and that the food that comes with it.
St James’s Gate Irish Pub
Address: 207 Wolf Street, Banff
Phone: +1 403 – 762 9355
Website: stjamesgatebanff.com
E-mail: irishpub@shaw.ca
Maybe you’re also interested in free activities in the town of Banff. Click the link to find out more.