Kosher Food/ Restaurants: The local supermarkets (e.g. Nesters or IGA in Banff) have many kosher shelf products.
Synagogue: None, though check GoDaven for temporary minyanim
Things to Do:
Banff Johnston Canyon hike, Upper Falls recommended, 2 hr round trip. Banff Gondola, take boardwalk (15 min, spread out stairs) to peak for amazing views Mountain Biking - e.g. Tunnel Bench Loop (moderate, lots of fun with great views) Bow Falls and Bow River Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake loop drive - boat cruise tour and speedboat rentals available
Lake Louise (45 min drive from Banff) Shoreline trail walk Canoe rentals Lake Agnes teahouse hike (moderate, 2.5 hrs round-trip, can continue to Little Beehive or Big Beehive) Plain of 6 Glaciers hike (moderate, 5-6 hrs round trip, Tea House along the way) Lake Louise gondola
Moraine Lake (30 min drive south from LL) Parking is extremely limited, arrive very early or later in the day, road is closed when parking is full Walk along lake Canoe rentals sometimes available Rockpile climb to great viewpoint
Athabasca Glacier Adventure(90 min drive from Lake Louise or Jasper) Early arrival recommended (first tour is at 10:30am, book online in advance) 2 hour duration, bring bottle to drink glacier water Wear layers, temperature is unpredictable Skywalk is a tourist trap, you can skip it and stay on bus to return to parking lot
Icefields Parkway drive from Athabasca Glacier to Banff with scenic stops: Parker Ridge trail 2-hour round-trip hike (medium difficulty, uphill climb) Peyto Lake viewed from Bow Summit (cars must park in lower lot and walk 10 min, but later in the day the upper lot can be used) Bow Lake (quick pullout stop)
Jasper
Yoho Park
Hotels:
Getting Around: A car is basically a must, though there are shuttles from Banff to the major attractions. The nearest commercial airport is Calgary (YYC), a 90 min drive from Banff.