When your day to day life is the hustle and bustle of the city you probably don’t want to check yourself into a hotel room that offers a similar view. And living in an area where you already have all the peace and quiet you could ever want may leave you with the need for a little excitement. The happy medium? Jasper.

Take in the spectacular views found in the surrounding mountain landscapes of Jasper National Park. And, you can make your getaway as active or tranquil as you like. The Mount Robson Inn’s Suite & Sparkling Package offers the best of the great indoors with a night’s stay in the luxurious Sunwapta Suite with Jacuzzi tub and sparkling wine upon arrival. For the best of the great outdoors there are few romantic walks that offer so much wonder as the Maligne Canyon Icewalk. Share some quality time skiing at Marmot Basin. Afterwards enjoy worry free après ski cocktails and appetizers by adding ski shuttle tickets to your Mount Robson Inn winter vacation.

You don’t need a special occasion, a lot of money or even a lot of time to change your scenery, your perspective and spice things with that special someone. Mount Robson Inn’s Suite & Sparkling Package from $169 per night, reg $215, includes one night stay and bottle of bubbly.

In the heart of Banff National Park, you’ll find the pristine, sky blue Lake Louise with The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on its shore.

Undoubtedly set in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, this historic luxury resort is a popular choice amongst brides and grooms, as well as travelers to the region.

The journey to the resort is a beautiful experience in and of itself. The scenic drive takes you past snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks, glacial melt rivers, mammoth glaciers and icefields and a variety of resident wildlife.

When you arrive, you’ll probably just have to look around and gather yourself for a minute because the view is so breathtaking.

Take your pick from the elegant and polished, yet relaxed and inviting guest rooms. Comfortable guestrooms, suites, specialty rooms and primo Fairmont GOLD rooms are available at this Fairmont location.

The Fairmont GOLD rooms are part of a six million dollar expansion that was completed in 2008. Something of a hotel within the hotel, these rooms are the finest suites in the Rocky Mountains and offer a high level of personalized service.

The Escape Spa & Salon at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise)

The luxury resort has Internet access should you choose to stay connected, both in the room and in several common areas.

Also on grounds, you can let go of every last bit of tension at the Escape Spa & Salon and dine in a variety of delicious restaurants!

The resort also offers excursions and programs for guests wanting to get to know the area. The Mountain Heritage program has guests taking guided casual walks around the lakes, and hiking and mountaineering the tallest peaks and deepest canyons.

Your wedding pictures will be stunning if you get married at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise! (The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise)

Mindfulness In The Mountains is another example program offered at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This weekend program offers a variety of body, mind and spirit practices that will heighten your capacity to observe, see and feel.

Plus, Mother Nature has provided one of the biggest playgrounds right outside the door. Ski, ice-skate, horseback ride, hike or snowshoe, depending on the season.

Visit hotel reservations to book your next trip at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and visit events and festivals to see fun annual happenings in the area like the Ice Magic Festival!

Modeled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs is a unique accommodation in the Canadian Rockies at worst and a majestic dreamland at best.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is set in beautiful Banff, Alberta. (The Fairmont Banff Springs)

That may sound a little over-stated, but where else can you find plush rooms, a world-class spa, championship golf courses, and every kind of cuisine imaginable all under one roof? And did we mention that it is located right in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within minutes of Rocky Mountain ski slopes?

Stay in this castle in the Canadian Rockies and you won’t be disappointed. The luxury, hospitality and individual attention at The Fairmont Banff Springs is unrivaled.

The resort is also a great place to hold a reception- whether it’s for your wedding, retirement or a company Christmas party! There is a wide selection of banquet rooms to choose from. After the reception, your guests can just head up to their rooms in the hotel!

The gorgeous Willow Stream Spa in The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Whether you’re there for a big event or just on a relaxing vacation, the Willow Stream Spa will be a highlight of your trip. This 38,000 square-foot spa overlooking the Rockies has a therapeutic mineral pool with three cascading waterfalls, private steam and inhalation rooms, saunas, whirlpools, sun terraces for men and women and offers all the spa treatments you could imagine. Ask about the regional treatments!

For those looking for the ultimate getaway, The Fairmont Banff Springs is now offering Fairmont GOLD. Guests on this floor of the hotel will experience superb personalized service including a private check-in desk, personal concierge service and an expansive guest lounge. The guest rooms are elegant, spacious suites with real feather pillows and plush comfortable robes, amongst other posh amenities.

Castello Ristorante serves delectable Italian cuisine from an elegant white dining room. (The Fairmont Banff Springs)

The dining options at the resort are diverse enough to fit any taste. You’ll find regional, contemporary and international cuisine right on the resort. There are so many great choices that a weekly dining guide is published for guests to help you make your selection! Stand outs include Castello Ristorante (Italian), Samurai Sushi Bar (Japanese) and Waldhaus (Swiss/German fondue).

Restaurant reservations can be booked when you reserve your room at The Fairmont Banff Springs. The restaurants are also open to the general public. Read here about restaurant descriptions at the hotel.

If you can actually peel yourself away from the hotel grounds, you’ll be in a great position for sightseeing in Banff National Park. The Icefields Parkway is a great scenic drive past the mountains, lakes, streams and glaciers of the park. This parkway will also connect you to The Fairmont Banff Springs’ sister resorts: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Kids will love the new program organized by the resort called Banff Explorers-Into The Wild. This program starts the summer of 2010 and consists of a day (or half day) of exploration, excitement and education for children and their parents. Teach your kids about environmental stewardship in a fun way! Program activities may include learning about photography, playing sports, cooking classes, and field trips into the park!

And of course, the park’s wilderness offers a wealth of activities for the whole family. Downhill or cross-country ski, dog sled, snow shoe and ice-skate in the winter and golf, hike, fish, raft and horseback ride in the summer.

Visit hotel reservations to book your stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs!

The natural beauty of Banff National Park is what brings travelers from every corner of the globe to the area. Yoga is one of the great activities you can partake in during your visit.

Warrior One pose high in the picturesque Canadian Rockies on an Eco Yoga Adventures retreat. (Eco Yoga Adventures)

The fresh air, inspiring landscapes and fantastic yoga organizations here make it the perfect place to start -or continue- your practice.

Leave Banff stronger and more flexible, confident and radiant!

Eco Yoga Adventures organizes retreats that mix yoga and meditation with hiking in Banff National Park. Get to know your inner balance in a place where breathtaking scenery lies in every direction. Retreats include Eco Yoga, Walking Meditation and Heli-Yoga, which actually takes yogis in a helicopter to a secluded site high in the Canadian Rockies wilderness to practice. Make a reservation for your small group (3-6 yogis) from June to September.
Phone: (403) 678-0101
Website: Eco Yoga Adventures

The Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre is a great place to head in Banff National Park for drop-in yoga classes. They offer Flow and Vinyasa classes designed to accommodate every skill level. One class costs $10, or if you’re going to be in the area a while, try the 10-class punch card for $90. Mats provided. The center also has a climbing gym, pool and extensive arts and culture program. Just a few minutes from downtown Banff!
Address: 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, AB T1L 1H5, Canada
Phone: (403) 762-6100
Website: Sally Borden Fitness & Recreation / The Banff Centre

Drop-in classes are available at the Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre. (The Banff Centre)

Rocky Mountain Yoga is a great studio in downtown Banff. Styles offered include Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Yin and Yin/Yang. Drop-in to a class or attend one of their big name specialty workshops.
Address: 201B 211 Bear Street (Bison Courtyard), Banff, AB T1L 1E5
Phone: (403) 762-5686
Website: Rocky Mountain Yoga

Elevation Hot Yoga in Canmore believes that yoga is more than just postures, it’s a fun community of individuals. Come and be part of this community that is dedicated to living well, having fun and taking care of the environment.
Address: #101, 1002 8th Avenue, Canmore, AB T1W 0C4
Phone: (403) 675-YOGA
Webiste: Elevation Hot Yoga

The Yoga Lounge is a great studio in Canmore, Alberta. (Yoga Lounge)

Gaia Studio offers yoga, meditation and dance classes in Canmore, Alberta. The studio works to compliment the Gaia Clinic, which is a preventative healthcare office.
Address: #101 75 Dyrgas Gate, Canmore, AB, T1W 0A6
Phone: (403) 675-GAIA
Website: Gaia Studio

The Mountain Pod is a unique yoga studio offers classes like Ageless Ladies, Men Only and Therapeutic as well as offering massage therapy services. Group and private classes now available!
Address: #105 999 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N4
Phone: (403) 679-1019
Website: The Mountain Pod

The Yoga Lounge has been around since 2002 in Canmore. A diverse group of students make up the yoga community there which practices the Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Flow styles. Beginners and advanced yogis welcome. Views of the Canadian Rockies from your mat!
Address: 826 Main Street, Second Floor, Canmore, AB T1W 2B7
Phone: (403) 678-6687
Website: The Yoga Lounge

Click here for outerwear/athletic stores in Banff, including the popular yoga clothing and accessories chain Lululemon Athletica!

After all of that traipsing around in the mountains, a spa treatment is just what you’ll need. Relax those sleeping bag-induced knots right out with a hot stone massage or a soak in a Jacuzzi whirlpool!

The gorgeous Willow Stream Spa in The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Read below for a listing of spas in Banff and enjoy!

Banff Therapeutic Massage
This center offers general relaxation, pre/post surgery, cranisacral, myofascial, trigger points and hot stone massages.
Address: 111 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1A3
Phone: (403) 762-4281

Body Concepts
Body Concepts offers esthetics and massage services, including manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, electrolysis and therapeutic massage.
Address: 229 Bear Street, Banff, AB T1L 1A9
Phone: (403) 760-3136

Grotto Spa
Soak in the beautiful hot mineral bath at Grotto Spa and you’ll be more relaxed and rejuvenated than ever!
Address: 459 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1B4
Phone: (403) 760-6957
Website: Grotto Spa

Reserve a hot stone massage session at Mountain Spa in Banff- your body will thank you! (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Mountain Spa
Come to this Banff day spa for aromatherapy, hot stone massage, Indian head massage, facials, make-up eyelash and brow tinting, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, reflexology, electrolosis or waxing. They also offer luxurious body treatments like mud or algae wraps and sea salt scrubs!
Address: 111 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1A2
Phone: 403-762-0473
Website: Mountain Spa

On The Run Massage Therapy
This ingenious company offers professional massage therapy to those in need, right where you’re staying! Rates are generally $85 for an hour, or $115 for an hour and half.
Address: P.O. Box #3812, Banff, AB T1L 1E3
Phone: (403) 763-1795, (403) 763-7628
Email: wendyfultz@yahoo.ca

Pleiades Massage & Spa
Pleiades offers massage therapy, reflexology, and shiatsu, along with all-natural facials, salt scrub body treatments and aromatherapy. Plus, here you’ll be able to take advantage of Banff’s only natural mineral hot springs.
Address: Banff Upper Hot Springs, Mountain Avenue, Banff, AB
Phone: (403) 760-2500
Toll Free: 1-866-760-2502
Website: Pleiades Massage

The Red Earth Spa offers all-natural facials and relaxing massages. (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Red Earth Spa
Restore your sense of balance at Red Earth Spa. Book a holistic spa, head-to-toe treatment with them today!
Address: 521 Banff Avenue (Banff Caribou Lodge), Banff, AB T1L 1B1
Phone: (403) 762-9292
Toll Free: 1-800-563-8764
Website: Red Earth Spa

Turning Point Accupuncture & Spa
This Banff spa offers relaxing and therapeutic massages from registered massage therapists. They also have a registered acupuncturist onsite who specializes in treating acute and chronic pain.
Address: 111 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1B2
Phone: (403) 762-8293

Soak in Grotto Spa's hot mineral waters and you'll walk away a new person! (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Ptarmigan Spa Elements
This spa is located in the Banff Ptarmigan Inn and offers massage and body treatments.
Address: 337 Banff Avenue (Banff Ptarmigan Inn), Banff, AB T1L 1A8
Phone: (403) 762-2207

Uptown Spa
The Uptown Spa offers massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures. Free access to their sauna, steam room and large Jacuzzi Whirlpool with your appointment!
Address: 501 Banff Avenue (Banff Inn), Banff, AB T1L 1A9
Phone: (403) 762-8844
Website: Uptown Spa

Wago Shiatsu Do
This Banff spa provides shiatsu and relaxation massages, acupressure and traditional Japanese Sotai treatments.
Address: 600 Banff Avenue (Inns of Banff), Banff, Alberta T1L 1G5
Phone: (403) 763-7088

Willow Stream Spa
This world-class spa is located in The Fairmont Banff Springs. The 38,000 square-foot facility includes a European mineral pool, three waterfall plunge pools, an outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, an inhalation room and private lounge. Treatments include massages, body treatments, facials and nail/salon services. There is also a fitness center onsite with a 32-meter indoor pool and outdoor heated pool.
Address: 405 Spray Avenue (The Fairmont Banff Springs), Banff, AB T1L 1J4
Phone: (403) 762-1772
Toll Free: 1-800-404-1772
Website: Willow Stream Spa

Banff’s nightlife ranges from modern, hip lounges to cowboy dance barns. With that kind of variety, it shouldn’t be hard to find exactly what you want.

Aurora is one of Banff

Read below for a selection of nightlife spots in Banff.

Aurora Nightclub
Aurora is Banff’s new, big, modern nightclub with a cozy lounge. They are open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with nightly specials and live DJs.
Address: 110 Banff Avenue (Clock Tower Mall), Banff, AB T1L 1C8
Phone: 403-760-5300
Website: Aurora Nightclub

Hoodoo Lounge & Nightclub
This Banff nightlife hotspot is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Daily specials include “Mad Mondays” where everything is $3.75 all night and “Fishbowl Fridays” with fishbowls of punch, $10.99 triples and live entertainment.
Address: 137 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1A6
Phone: (403) 760-8636
Website: Hoodoo Lounge & Nightclub

Ramsey Lounge
This cozy, Canadian lounge is a great place to head for a quiet night with a warming cocktail and friends. It’s pace and size is quaint, with a maximum seating capacity of 50. Extensive scotch and port list!
Address: 405 Spray Avenue (The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel), Banff, AB T1L 1J4
Phone: (403) 762-2211
Website: Ramsey Lounge

The Glacier Saloon is ritzy and western all at the same time. (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Glacier Saloon
This Lake Louise saloon is set in the breathtaking Chateau Lake Louise. Head into the nostalgia of the Wild West and yesteryear and order yourself a stein of local beer and a snack and relax after a long day in the mountains!
Address: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
Phone: (403) 522-3511
Website: Glacier Saloon

Bump Bar
This local watering hole isn’t the least bit pretentious and has pool tables, pub games and ski and snowboard videos running. A great place for a low key beer!
Address: Banff Avenue & Marmot Street (Bumper’s Inn), Banff, AB T1L 1A9
Phone: (403) 762-2622

Lik Lounge
Lik Lounge is an upbeat martini lounge that is popular amongst visitors and locals alike. Try their signature martinis, premium spirits, single malt scotches or just a micro-brewed Canadian beer. Live music Thursdays and Sundays. As they say, “Live it, Love it, Lik it!”
Address: 221 Bear Street (Saltlik Steakhouse), Banff, AB T1L 1B3
Phone: (403) 762-2467
Website: Lik Lounge

The Brewster Cowboy's Barbeque & Dance Barn is a step into the boots of the locals to the Canadian Rockies. (Banff Lake Louise Tourism)

Devil’s Gap
This Banff night spot is the only rock/metal/punk bar in town.
Address: 202 Banff Ave, Unit 201, Banff, AB T1L 1A9
Phone: (403) 760-0093

Three Ravens Wine Bar
The quality wine cellar is the draw to this bar atop the Sally Borden Building at The Banff Centre. Panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies set the perfect backdrop for a casual, yet elegant work meeting, or just a relaxing conversation with your traveling partners. Open from 4 p.m. to midnight daily, year round.
Address: 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, AB T1L 1H5
Phone: (403)762-6100

Brewster Cowboy’s Barbeque & Dance Barn
This rowdy spot is just five minutes from Chateau Lake Louise. The Brewster Lake Louise Stables are a hundred years old and offer western entertainment packages. Savor a beef dinner and enjoy the live country western music. And who knows, you may just be inspired to get out there on the parquet and dance the night away!
Address: Upper Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta T1L 1A5
Phone: (403) 762-5454
Toll Free: 1-800-691-5085

Read more about Banff’s dining options here!

But hey, with so many peaks to hike, why not catch a relaxing ride up this one, and get some great views as you kickback on the way up. That’s right, hitch a ride on the Banff Gondola up the Sulphur Mountain, and watch as other hikers work their way up.

The Banff Gondola. Don't miss it.

This four person gondola jets you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain in about 8 minutes.

Photographers, the gondola is especially for you. There are no bad shots from the Banff Gondola, as long as you keep you camera pointed out the window.

Up to you’ll find a restauarant and cafe where you can fill the tank , and more importantly take in even more incredible views. Spen a few hours walking around the summit, then chow at the cafe. One of the best things about going up on the gondola? You get to ride it down to, saving your knees, and again allowing you to take in the scenery.

Banff National Park is clearly known for the quality scenery here, that is practically unrivaled worldwide. But sometimes you can get distracted by the difficulty of a hike, especially if you’re with a group or family. Or you’re concentrated on the road during a drive, or wondering if you got on the right trail.

Taking a ride on the gondola during your vacation will leave you with the feeling that, no matter what else happens, you did get to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s certainly worth the ticket price.

The Lux.

Going to the movies was probably the last thing you were thinking of when you planned a trip to the Canadian Rockies, but it may be just the perfect way to let your body relax after a long day outdoors.

On Tuesday nights in Banff you can go to the Lux theatre, the only one in town, and grab a big box of popcorn, a pop (or bottle of water if you’re the healthy type) and a ticket to the film of your choice for a good price. Afterward, a lot of Banff residents like to walk over to the Elk and Oarsman for a $8 steak with a glass of beer. After a long day of running around Banff National Park, you’ll be ready to dig into a big steak.

Banff always gets busy at peak times of the year, but it is not Calgary, so the theatre may be small, or “quaint” by some people’s standards. Usually there are 3 movies showing at the most per evening and depending on the movie, there is often a crowd waiting patiently in the cold.

If you can, book your tickets early in the day so you can cruise over to Bear street and into the warmth without delay. It is nice escaping the world of special effects and cinematography and then being released back into the world that is equally, if not more beautiful than the pictures.

Waterton National Park, Alberta

Crypt Lake Trail, Waterton Park

Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 minutes (return)
Time: 6 – 8 hours (plan a full day)
Elevation Gain: 700 m / 2297′

Waterton National Park is proud home to some of the Rockies’ great treks. For an awe-inspiring full day hike, take a boat taxi across Waterton Lake and climb a gradual slope of over 2300 feet. Experience a 600 foot cascading waterfall, natural tunnel and cliff traverse. For all your efforts, you will be rewarded by the turquoise waters of sparkling Crypt Lake, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an elusive white mountain goat, or perhaps less fortunately a snoozing grizzly bear.

Difficulty

If you consider yourself a fairly fit hiker, Crypt Lake Trail in Waterton Park is an absolute must. At about 18km return, you do have to have a bit of strength about you. The trail has some moderately steep switchbacks and some talus slopes that can be tricky if you are not very mobile or even wearing the right footwear.

Although you may have read some reviews that called this “terrfiying”, it is certainly not that. Around 150 people do this hike daily in peak season and to the best of my knowledge there have been no serious falls yet. Having said that, there were two people who I met half way who were turning back because of nerves. Yes, there are parts that are not suitable for children but a Stephen King book, it is not.

Description

The talus slope up to the cave tunnel is about 3 feet wide across and is not too difficult to walk on. The cave tunnel is smaller but it only takes a minute or so to get across it. Most of the sections that are considered scary have metal chains to hold onto for double safety anyway.

The $15 ferry to the trail ahead is itself very enjoyable and a lovely way to get the day going and the sights while climbing are beyond words. Through mixed and coniferous forests, along mountain streams, past several spectacular waterfalls, across exposed rocks, and finally into the “bowl” that contains Crypt Lake, you will see some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. Despite the relative strenuosness of the hike, the rewards are completely and utterly worth it.

For a map of the area

And for more info

Banff, Alberta

By John McKiernan
Staff Writer

There are too many superlatives to be said about Banff. The truth is everything that you have heard is true. The sites are some of the most stunning in the world, the ski is some of the most fun in North America and the nightlife is literally pumping. The choice of accommodation is almost overwhelming and the people are friendlier than a leprechaun after lunch. Below is some information to help ensure your vacation to Banff is everything it should be.

The Bow Summit in Banff National Park.

Getting to Banff:

By Air

The closest commercial airport to Banff is the Calgary International Airport (YYC), located about an hour and a half drive from Banff. At the airport, you can rent a car or avail of the shuttle services for the final leg of the journey. Shuttle rates are frequent and approximately $40/person each way. If there is a group of you or you plan to do some explorations during the week, car rental at $150 a week is a better and more economical option. Renting a car also gives you the freedom to see the beautiful areas around Banff at your own pace.

By Bus

If driving is not an option, one of the local shuttle providers can help:

Brewster Airporter & Resort Connector offers shuttle service from both the Calgary & Edmonton Airports.

Mountain Connector offers up to 8 shuttles daily; never wait more then an hour to be on the road to the Rockies.

You can also arrive on the Greyhound bus. The depot is located about 6 blocks from the nearest hostel and a $5 cab ride from the other 2 Banff hostels.

Somewhere over the rainbow in Banff.

Getting Around Banff:

Most places in Banff are within walking distance, with the exception of a few outlying attractions. The price of public transportation reflects this at the low cost of $2 for a single ride (with discounts available for multi-rides or monthly passes). A healthy and fun option is to rent a bike in one of the many local sports shops. If you haven’t got a car and you want to visit some of the nearby attractions like Lake Louise or Columbia Icefields, you can simply hook up with one of the many locals that are always planning trips for groups. These super friendly locals are always equipped with the best knowledge and tips.

Hitchhiking is another common form of local transportation. Obviously it is not the safest form but a snowboarder trying to hitch his way to the top will never have to wait too long. Just be careful!

Where to Stay in Banff:

Short Term Accommodation

There are 3 main hostels in Banff. SameSun Backpacker Lodges is located 6 blocks from the Bus Depot and main grocery store. Y Mountain Lodge (AKA the YWCA) is also located close to the downtown core and is easy to walk to all necessary amenities. The Banff Alpine Centre is run by Hostelling International. It is generally considered to be the nicest hostel in Banff but is a bit further out, located 3 km from the townsite. Public transportation can get you there and back pretty easy though.

Long Term Accommodation

Long-term accommodation in Banff is not as cheap as one might hope. A shared room in a house will be $400-$600/month. A 1-bedroom apartment will be $850-$1100. However, there is so much free stuff to do around this gorgeous town and you likely wont need a car so rental costs make up the bulk of expenses. The local newspapers only comes out once per week and the best apartments either never make it into the paper or are snatched up instantly. Banff is a small friendly town, so your best bet is to make friends and ask around for the best options. The locals will be only too happy to help. Banff is governed by a Need-To-Reside clause. You can’t just move here because you want to … you have to prove that you have a reason to be here (usually proof of employment). Those who can’t prove their need-to-reside usually end up living in Canmore (a 20-minute drive from Banff).

Moonrise in Mount Trundle.

What to Do in Banff:

The more likely question here would be what can’t you do in Banff? For the outdoor enthusiast, winter activities include Downhill Skiing (Norquay, Sunshine, Lake Louise); hiking; ice climbing; skating; cross-country skiing; and a variety of winter sports hosted at the Nordic Centre. For those who prefer the snow-less mountain, summer activities include hiking (trails too numerous to list with varying degrees of difficulty); rock climbing; canoeing/kayaking; golf and more. Banff also has a proud cultural tradition despite its plethora of sports. There are often theatres, dance and music productions where there is only a small entry fee (if any). There are always talks, slideshows, independent film screenings, and other more cerebral activities for those that are not interested in physical activity or whose bodies are broken from too much activity!

Where to get more information:

For more info on activities

For booking needs

For more info on the park