Banff A bustling resort hub with spectacular natural splendours on the doorstep
The picturesque town of Banff, nestles high in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park. Flanked on all sides by towering mountains, this bustling town’ s vibrant streets are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, shops and a number of art galleries and museums. Undoubtedly, Banff National Park is the star attraction thanks to its startlingly blue lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to adventures aplenty. Established as Canada’ s first national park in 1885 after railway workers stumbled onto a thermal hot spring, today it’ s a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 2,564 square miles of mountainous terrain, scenic valleys, peaks, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. For a loftier perspective of the town and valley, hike the 2.6 mile trail up Tunnel Mountain or hop on the Banff Gondola which floats its way up Sulphur Mountain. When in need of some relaxation and rejuvenation sink into the geothermally heated Banff Hot Springs. With more than 1,000 miles of maintained trails, wander or ride along the shores of glittering blue-green lakes, trek up a mountain pass, hike across a frozen lake and be entranced by the landscapes around you. Notable sights within the area include the large glacial Lake Minnewanka, where scenic cruises go out to Devil’ s Gap. Or you can travel under your own steam and hire a canoe or kayak. Dramatic Johnston Canyon is another must-visit natural attraction along with Vermilion Lakes which are a fantastic place to watch sunrise or sunset, to see wildlife or spend a day exploring its shores.
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BANFF
Train Station
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Banff Ave
2 1
Bow Falls • • Surprise
5 Corner
Banff Hot Springs • Banff Gondola •
1 Elk & Avenue Hotel, Moose Hotel & Suites & Mount Royal
2 Peaks Hotel & Suites
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3
4
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Tunnel Mountain •
Tunnel Mountain Road
Bow Riv er
• Athabasca Falls / Glacier
Glacier Lake
Icefields Parkway
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Takakkaw Falls • Lake Louise
Lake Valley of the • Minnewanka Ten Peaks Johnston •
Canyon • Banff
Sulphur Mountain •
3 Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa &
Royal Canadian Lodge 4 Hotel Canoe & Suites 7 Fairmont Banff Springs
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Western Canada- Banff |
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Getting there: Banff is 1½ hours drive from Calgary.
Best time to go: Late June to mid-September is an ideal time for outdoor pursuits, spring and autumn are cooler but less crowded, while winter offers lots of sporting activities.
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