Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, Banff is a spectacular part of Canada for a holiday. Located on the amazing Tunnel Mountain, Banff is a hotbed of hiking opportunities, exhilarating cycle rides and even offers visitors the chance to have a relaxing soak in hot springs.
For these reasons Banff is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Canada and in winter it has some dazzling ski runs. These are situated around several mountains such as Cascade Mountain and Sulphur Mountain and there are plenty of world famous ski resorts like Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village.
Banff Mini Guide
Background on Banff
Situated above Bow Falls, Banff is the biggest town in Banff National Park which is in Alberta's Rockies, Canada and is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. The town’s location is 126 km west of Calgary and 58 km east of Lake Louise and is on the Trans-Canada Highway. Banff’s population at the last count is 8,721. Summer temperatures in the warmest month are pleasant and snow has been recorded in all months of the year.
Getting Around
There is a local bus service named Roam which connects to most of the popular tourist attractions. This is Canada’s first all-hybrid bio-diesel/electric bus fleet so it is friendly to the environment and can accommodate strollers, skis and snowboards. Banff town is fairly small and just about anywhere is within walking distance. Taxi cabs are also available in the town. Biking is popular there and bikes can be hired. For a fun way to tour the town of Banff, carriage rides can be taken and can be arranged at the Trail Rider store.
Outdoor Pursuits
As Banff is one of Canada's most popular tourist hotspots due to its mountains and hot springs, it is a perfect destination for lovers of outdoor sports and has many hiking, biking and skiing areas within the region. There are 3 ski resorts located locally to Banff and the Banff Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain is an amazing trip. Lake Minnewanka is very popular and mountain biking, hiking and fishing are all activities there. Also, you can take a lake cruise or rent a motor boat.
For golf enthusiasts try the Banff Springs Golf Course, although the spectacular mountainous views can be very distracting. For rainy days, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site tells the story of the National Park’s creation. If relaxation is what you are looking for, Banff offers this in a choice of hot springs and spas. At Banff Upper Hot Springs you can soak in hot, 100% natural spring water, whilst checking out the breath-taking mountain views.
Indoor Pursuits
There are a few museums including Banff Park Museum, The Whyte Museum and Buffalo Nations Museum. The Banff Centre presents performances in classical music, jazz, opera, drama, dance, new media, and film. In the summer, outdoor productions are staged within the remarkable mountain settings. There is also a 4-theatre cinema in Banff.
Eating and Drinking
From the Balkan Restaurant with a Greek Menu, to the Keg Steakhouse and Lounge for great steaks, every taste is catered for. There are many places in which to have a drink après-ski or just for relaxation and most pubs have live music. Try Elk and Oarsman, a traditional Canadian style pub or if you still have energy to burn, dance the night away at Dancing Sasquatch Nightclub.
Places to Stay
From cabins and camping grounds to hotels and Canadian lodges, there is plenty of choice there, although due to Banff being an extremely popular area, it is advisable to book well in advance.
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