Located just a minute's walk from downtown Banff, Moose Hotel & Suites offers cozy accommodations with a touch of mountain elegance. With 174 air-conditioned rooms, including one and two-bedroom suites, guests can enjoy amenities like the Meadow Spa & Pools, rooftop hot pools with stunning mountain views of Cascade Monutain, and Pacini Italian Restaurant for delicious meals.

As far as Banff coffee shops go, Whitebark is the ticket. Whitebark has been known to deliver the best coffee in Banff for a while now. On our first trip to Banff, we stopped by for several top-ups.

Now that we live here, it's our treat when we're in Banff or on a bike ride through the valley. They serve fair-trade organic coffee from Moja Coffee in North Vancouver and loose-leaf teas from Banff Tea Co.

They serve several nice pastries that include the occasional vegan or gluten-free option. As far as espresso-based drinks like a cappuccino or flat white, they definitely serve the best in Banff. However, it's more of a takeaway joint with only a small counter to sit at and a few outdoor tables.

Strolling down Banff Avenue is well worth a few hours of your time. The view down the street, looking north from its end near the bridge, is iconic, offering an amazing view of Cascade Mountain. Pretty much everyone needs to take at least one photo down the street!

Grab a coffee or hot chocolate, depending on the season, at our favorite coffee shop in Banff – Whitebark. Then, take a bit of time to stroll into all the stores on Banff Avenue.

There are plenty of cheap souvenir-type shops, but there are also some unique places. Don’t miss Rocky Mountain Soap Company or the many art galleries.

Nestled in the heart of Banff, the Cascade of Time Gardens (also known as Cascade Gardens or Banff Gardens) is the ideal spot for a stroll from the town center. Whether you’re a nature lover, a plant aficionado, or simply seeking to breathe in the fresh mountain air, we highly recommend making the Cascade Gardens a must-visit!

Completed in 1935, these gardens were built on the grounds of a hotel that sadly burned down in 1930. Since then, the Cascade Gardens have become a breathtaking year-round attraction in the heart of Banff.

As you wander through the gardens, you’ll notice the different sections of plants. In addition to the stunning flora and fauna on display, you’ll also spot ponds, a waterfall, and winding paths that lead to breathtaking views. The best part? This beautiful site is completely free!

Bow Falls is a classic viewpoint and scenic waterfall for visitors to Banff. It's locaiton just outside the town and below the famed Banff Springs Hotel makes it popular with visitors. While the scenic waterfalls drops a short it 9 meters it's the waterfalls breadth across the Bow River that makes it worth visiting. This makes it one of the most popular things to do in Banff.

It's natural setting also makes for a serene spot near town, as it offer nice mountain views craggy cliffsides. Despite its natural setting Bow Falls is easily accesible from with a car park, picnic facilities, and a scenic walking path from the center of town. The falls can be seen from various viewpoints, the Bow Falls Trail, Bow Falls Viewpoint, and Surprise Corner.

This cafe serves up some great coffee and tea along with fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, pastries, and baked treats. It's a great lunch spot as they have a great sandwich and soup/salad combo.

You can also find some gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan food and drink options. They have two locations: the main bakery on Bear Street and a smaller cafe on Banff Ave called Little Wild.

If we're after espresso in Banff, it's a close second behind Whitebark as our go-to spot—unless we're seeking lunch, in which case they have some great sandwiches.

Tunnel Mountain is a classic peak that's accessible all year round. Locals bag it after work or for exercise, and some have even summited Banff's smallest mountain hundreds of times! The hiking trail to the summit is just outside the town center and is easily navigable. The trail is well-graded and has a series of switchbacks to the top with several viewpoints, including one with a sublime view of Mt Rundle. It's a great photo point.

Despite being Banff's smallest mountain, it has some great views of the Bow Valley thanks to its position in the center of the valley. It's a great option for a winter hike too, as the trail is often well packed and there is no risk of avalanche.

This is one of our favorite restaurants in Banff. It has a great atmosphere and high-quality farm-to-table food. The seasonal menu and exceptional service have won several national awards in Canada. It's well-known as the best spot in Banff for brunch on Sundays.

The menu is more varied than several other restaurants in Banff, and although it's mainly a steakhouse, there are still several options for vegans or vegetarians. You'll find options like elk poutine, butternut bruschetta, duck breast, steelhead trout, and roasted cauliflower. Then of course there is their most famous dish - a Bison Tomahawk.

It's a hip Banff restaurant with tasty cocktails and wonderfully creative food options. Long has it been our go-to for date nights and the perfect spot for couples or special occasions.