Dramatic mountains, shimmering glaciers and Swiss-village-style charm. The oldest national park in Canada has a majestic beauty and offers a playground of outdoor sports options—from hiking to skiing to fishing and more. It has walkable streets, a wide range of restaurants, and no shortage of fudge shops. The town started, ostensibly, in 1888 when the Canadian Pacific Railway built the grande dame Banff Springs Hotel, in order to get more people to visit Banff National Park. Clearly, the gamble worked. While you can not fault this popular part of the Canadian Rockies as being a blissfully quiet getaway, it’s worth it to subject yourself to any bustle: this place is gorgeous. Read on in this Banff National Park travel guide to find your own corner of bliss in this colorful wonderland of nature:
Things Not to Miss in Banff National Park
• See the glacial Lake Minnewanka
• Rent a bike and cycle along the 22-kilometer Banff Legacy Trail
• Take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs Pool, which hovers around 100 degrees
• Step inside the Banff Springs Hotel
• Take a day trip up to see Lake Louise, especially when it turns turquoise blue in the summer
When to Go to Banff National Park
Depending on whether you are wowed by winter wonderland scenery or lush evergreens against reflecting lakes, there is no bad time of ear to travel to Banff National Park. The peak of the Banff National Park travel season is in July or August, when daily highs stay at around 70 degrees, the chance of rain is low, and you can see wildflowers in bloom. December through March is the peak for snow sports. For the fewest crowds and lowest prices, come in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall.
-
5 Popular Destinations That 'Live Up to the Hype,' According to Travelers
Choosing a new place to go on vacation can be tough.With all the potential destinations you can visit in the world, you have to wonder which ones are... Read More
-
Bison Return to Canada’s Oldest National Park After 130 Years
A herd of 16 plains bison were reintroduced to Canada’s oldest National Park last week.The five-year process is meant to “return a native species to... Read More
-
Why Now Is the Time to Travel to Canada
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to take a trip to Canada, now is the time to book. The exchange rate for the Canadian dollar—also known as... Read More
-
Banff Joins The Mountain Collective for 2014/2015 Ski Season
Skiing in Banff could be more affordable this year, thanks to a just-announced partnership between the famed winter mecca and the Mountain Collective,... Read More
-
Daily Transporter: Canadian Rockies
Finding a great view in Banff or Jasper National Parks in Alberta has never been hard, but the new Glacier Skywalk (opening May 1) adds a stomach-in... Read More
-
Join the Group
Only on the web: More Guided Tours for Families This SummerOUTFITTERS No, it's not too late to sign on for one of this summer's best adventure tours... Read More
-
The Top Ten Pedal Pushers
Only a few years ago, bicycle touring was the domain of the athletic and adventurous, people who were willing to load up their bikes with 40 pounds of... Read More
-
The Finest Hotels in the Canadian Rockies
The wild ranges of ice-mantled peaks along Canada's Continental Divide have lured fair-weather travelers for more than a century. But it's only in the... Read More
-
Skiing the Canadian Rockies
Reliable snow, great scenery, uncrowded slopes, big verticals at relatively low altitudes, a good variety of lodging, and a discounted Canadian dollar... Read More