A trip to Banff is a must for any traveler who wants to experience some of the most stunning natural scenery in Canada. This mountain town is surrounded by glaciers, lakes and forests and is home to more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
The best time to visit Banff is during summer, when the weather is warm and the crowds are at their smallest. But winter is also a great time to explore the area’s snow-covered landscapes and world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Hiking
Banff is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. From glacier-fed lakes to high peaks and sweeping wilderness, there’s no shortage of hikes to enjoy.
Hiking in Banff is great for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. It’s a beautiful way to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.
There are plenty of options for all levels of hiking in the park, including challenging hikes that take you up to summits and long day hikes with secluded lakes. However, it’s important to remember that Banff is an alpine national park and weather conditions can change quickly.
Unless you’re a seasoned hiker, it’s best to do your research ahead of time and be prepared for all the elements. You should always wear appropriate gear and bring plenty of water and snacks.
You should also be aware that you’re likely to encounter bears on the trail, so be sure to carry bear spray with you. The best time to visit Banff is June and September, as this is when the weather is most consistent and there’s fewer tourists on the hiking trails.
Another amazing hike to take is Johnston Canyon. In winter, the waterfalls here freeze over and it’s a truly magical experience to see them in their icy form. It’s also a good opportunity to see wildlife up close.
Skiing
Banff is a top winter destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the world. The region boasts three mountain resorts, including Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, which offer excellent skiing opportunities during the winter.
Aside from the slopes, the ski resorts in Banff offer a range of amenities, including daycare, rentals and a ski school. There are also numerous restaurants and dining options at all three mountains, so you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.
If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry – Banff has plenty of terrain for beginners. Try The Dell Valley off Strawberry Express or Meadow Park off Wawa Quad for beginner-friendly runs that will help you build your confidence.
You’ll find a wide variety of different ski routes, from beginner-friendly greens to steeper runs with micro-chutes and glades. There’s even a terrain park designed for kids and adults to try out their skills!
Ice skating on Lake Louise’s frozen rinks is another option. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise while having fun with your family. You can lace up your skates mid-December to mid-April.
Banff is home to a plethora of wildlife, which can be seen in the area during the winter. Among the most common species are bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, and falcons. You can also see other animals, such as moose, foxes, coyotes, and bears.
Glaciers
When you visit Banff, there are a lot of things to see and do, and one of the most exciting is visiting glaciers. Glaciers are massive, thick masses of ice that form when snow gets compressed into ice over many years.
Generally speaking, glaciers are formed at high latitudes or elevations in areas with high winter snowfall and low summer temperatures. This is because the colder temperatures prevent the snow that accumulates in the winter from melting off in the summer. Examples of such places include Alaska, Patagonia, and Canada.
Most glaciers start as cirques, armchair-shaped depressions in the landscape that collect and compress the snow that falls onto them. This process eventually transforms the snow into neve (granular snow) and then glacial ice.
These glaciers can range from small valley glaciers that fill a valley to large ice caps or ice sheets that cover vast areas of land. There are also ice fields, which are like small ice sheets that spread out in broad domes.
The largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies is called the Columbia Icefield. It has an area of 230 sq km (89 sq mi) and is located in Banff National Park. It is the largest sub-polar ice field in North America. It is one of the reasons why the United Nations designated Canada’s four Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Sites.
Shopping
Banff is a popular destination in Western Canada, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions. As well as offering opportunities to go hiking and skiing, Banff is also home to excellent shopping.
The townsite of Banff is dotted with numerous shops that range from traditional souvenirs to high-end boutiques. There are many stores to choose from along Banff Avenue and Bear Street, and you’ll find a great selection of clothing stores and outdoor gear shops as well.
There are also a few stores that specialise in natural beauty products. You can pick up everything from a variety of makeup and skincare lines to bath and body products.
Another place to shop for interesting gifts is About Canada, which sells not just traditional budget-friendly souvenirs but works of art by local craftsmen. Its selection includes beautiful nature and scenery paintings or photographs that will make a unique addition to your collection.
If you’re a history buff, there’s a museum in Banff that will delight you. Located in downtown Banff, the Whyte Museum is an engaging gathering place for exploring the evolving peoples and cultures, environment, and history of mountain cultures.
Located 127km west of Calgary, Banff is easily accessible from this city via either Trans-Canada Highway or Highway 1A. It takes about a half an hour to drive there and the scenery is spectacular.
Dining
Banff is a foodie destination, and there are many great restaurants in the area. You can enjoy a traditional steak dinner or indulge in a specialty dish that is unique to Alberta. You can also find some great vegetarian options as well.
The first of the restaurants that stands out is Eden, which has been awarded 5-Diamond status and features French cuisine that is influenced by local ingredients. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy an unforgettable meal with stunning views over Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Another top-rated restaurant in Banff is Farm & Fire, which has a rustic log cabin interior and fresh ingredients from coast-to-coast. Their steaks are particularly impressive and their cocktails are excellent.
Finally, if you’re looking for something that is more upscale, The Maple Leaf is one of the best restaurants in Banff. Its decor is eclectic cowboy artifacts, with exposed wood and plush leather. The menu features beef and pork dishes that are perfectly cooked, accompanied by a variety of sides.
If you’re in the mood for a breakfast that is out of this world, Tooloulous is one of the most delicious places to go. They serve a wide variety of savory and sweet items, including some incredible benny’s!
It is very important to remember that Banff is a natural wonderland. There are a lot of things that you can do to protect it and preserve its beauty, such as leaving no trace and respecting wildlife.
Nightlife
Banff is a beautiful mountain town with a bustling nightlife that is surprisingly packed into just a few blocks. This makes it easy to bar hop when you want to switch up your evenings and take in the cosmopolitan energy of this Canadian destination.
The Rose & Crown (Banff Ave) is the oldest pub in Banff and has a nice British pub feel, with Guinness on tap and food. It also has live music, sometimes with a small cover charge, and is open every night.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated night out, the Rundle Lounge at Fairmont Banff Springs. It’s a charming place to sit back and absorb the scenery and it’s known for serving up delicious cocktails.
If you’re into booze, Park Distillery is the place to go for world-class spirits, including gin and whisky, and signature drinks like the Skoki. Their cocktail menu is a good starting point for those who aren’t sure where to start and offers unique twists on fan favorites.
