BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Everywhere you look is a perfect picture from a glossy travel book. The elements that make the Rockies a year-round dream destination – dazzling glaciers,towering mountains, big animals, sublime alpine meadows and emerald lakes – are all right here in Banff National Park.
A scenic hour-and-a-half drive west of Calgary leads to one of the most popular national parks in the world. Nestled in superb natural settings, the charming towns of Banff and Lake Louise have all the comforts of the big city. Over 7,500 people call the park home, so you are as likely to encounter the locals as you are the resident wildlife.
In summer, hit the links at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. Horseback ride, hike or cycle on 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of trails as you watch for wildlife. Climb a mountain or paddle a kayak until there’s no choice but to unwind at one of the local spas.
Come back in winter for some of the finest skiing and boarding at Lake Louise Ski Area, Sunshine Village,and Mount Norquay. Snuggle in on a sleigh ride or skate on a lake framed by glaciers. See for yourself why UNESCO included Canada’s first national park as a World Heritage Site.
Parks Canada www.parkscanada.gc.ca
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism www.banfflakelouise.com
POINTS OF INTEREST
Banff Gondola
For a bird’s eye view of the entire Bow Valley, ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain
on the Banff Gondola and take in the breathtaking views in every direction.
Surrounded by six mountain ranges, see the townsite of Banff nestled far below.
Take a short hike along the walkway to Sanson’s Peak and watch for bighorn
sheep, ground squirrels and hoary marmots.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
At the end of Mountain Avenue, you’ll find the famous Upper Hot Springs. No trip
to Banff is complete without a soak in these restorative waters. Stay for an expert
massage in the historic bath house. The 1883 discovery of hot springs (preserved
at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site) led to the creation of Canada’s first
national park.
Lake Minnewanka
Explore the largest lake in the park, just 15 minutes from Banff townsite. Take
an hour cruise and learn about the geology, history, and folklore in the midst of
spectacular alpine scenery.
Lake Louise
Rent a canoe and paddle to the far end of Lake Louise where the Victoria Glacier
reaches toward the shoreline. Take an easy stroll around the lakeshore and be
back for tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Favourite Hikes
Visit the Parks Canada website and search Day Hikes in Banff National Park for
information on the best places to hike. Some favourites are Johnston Canyon
(breathtaking in winter when the waterfalls are frozen), the Ink Pots, Larch Valley,
and the hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.
