How to Spend 2 Days in Banff

Banff is known for its variety of year-round outdoor adventures, from rock climbing to wildlife safaris. Visit this Canadian resort town to hike in the national park, go white-water rafting, and ride in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Banff. 

Day 1: Gondola Views and Climbing Adventures

**Morning:**Start your Banff adventure with an introductory tour. Choose between a ride on the Banff Gondola for mountain and river views or a trip on the hop-on hop-off bus to move quickly between destinations like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.

**Afternoon:**Experience the adventurous side of Banff on an afternoon tour. Choices might include an alpine climbing adventure along Via Ferrata, a national park tour focused on seeing grizzly bears, and a guided hike in Banff National Park. See glaciers, mountains, and lakes on the hike.

**Night:**Set out at dusk on an evening wildlife safari. Maximize time with a bus tour that keeps a lookout for bears, deer, elk, and more. Another way to see this landscape at dusk is with a scenic helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies. 

Day 2: Banff by Boat, Horseback, and Helicopter

**Morning:**Explore Banff by water with a peaceful lake cruise or an adrenaline-pumping Kicking Horse River white-water rafting tour. Paddle along a calm section of the river and tackle class IV rapids during a rafting adventure that may include a hearty lunch. 

**Afternoon:**Continue the outdoor adventure with a horseback ride in Kananaskis or an ice walk in Johnston Canyon to see ice-covered waterfalls and winter wildlife. Travelers interested in photography may want to seek out tours led by professional photographers.

**Night:**Discover the romantic side of Banff with a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies at dusk or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Cruise along the snow-covered meadows of Banff in the back of a sleigh and get cozy beneath warm blankets during the ride.