Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time.
There is no other place in the world where you can find a vibrant community of artists, athletes, families, outdoor enthusiasts, restaurateurs and hoteliers nestled in a 6,641km2 national park. This is a town that truly celebrates its heritage, lives and breathes mountain culture and never takes its backyard for granted.
With modern amenities and more than enough accommodations, restaurants and activities to choose from, Banff is a premier destination for authentic hospitality, mountain culture, relaxation and amusement.
Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street in such as way that it would offer the best possible views of Cascade Mountain.
On the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is known as a traveler’s mecca for good reason. Whether by car, bicycle, hiking boots, skis, snowshoes or canoe, in Banff National Park you can enjoy year-round discovery of the 6,641 km2 mountainous landscape. As the first national park established in Canada and a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site, what makes Banff National Park so special is its combination of vast unspoiled wilderness, mountain lakes like Lake Louise, and the gateway to it all: the Town of Banff.
Whether you’re on a camper’s budget or living it up in luxury, Banff offers a choice of accommodation, restaurants, boutique shops and activities to make your trip a memorable one. The history of this mountain town is also well preserved at a number of museums and heritage sites, while new memories are created throughout the year at world-class festivals and events.
The allure of Banff is also its close proximity to the park’s incredible attractions and best-kept wilderness secrets. With 1600 kilometres of trails, two gondolas, three ski areas, an exciting heritage and more dining options and activities than you have time for, Banff National Park is a premier destination for authentic hospitality and outdoor exploration.
Less than 40 miles west from the town of Banff and inside Banff National Park is Lake Louise (www.banfflakelouise.com), the largest ski area in Canada with four mountains, 4,000 acres of ski turf and almost 150 inches of annual snowfall.
Through May 9, book four nights and get the fifth free with the Rekindle the Love package from $99 per person per night. you can take your pick between Deer Lodge (www.crmr.com/deer-lodge.php) or Buffalo Mountain Lodge (www.crmr.com/buffalo-mountain-lodge.php) and ski three of the four mountains for free.
THINGS TO KNOW:
Established in 1885, Banff National Park was the first national park in Canada.
Banff National Park encompasses 6641 km2 of protected wilderness areas.
The highest mountain entirely located in Banff National Park is Mt. Forbes, at 3612m (11, 850 feet). At 3618m, Mt. Assiniboineis slightly higher than Mt. Forbes and stands in Banff National Park, Kootenay National Park and Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Banff National Park sees 4 million visitors each year. The peak season is July and August
At 4,537 feet, the Town of Banff is the highest town in Canada. The Lake Louise village is the highest community at 5,033 feet.
The Town of Banff has a permanent population of about 8300. This number increases in the summer to accommodate the high tourist season.
Many movies have been filmed in Banff National Park, including “River of No Return,” starring Marilyn Monroe.
There are three ski resorts located in Banff National Park, with 200 kilometres of trails spread over 7,748 acres. They are Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and the Lake Louise Mountain Resort.
