Banff
The town of Banff was established in 1883 when the trans-continental railway was built through the Bow River valley. The town of Banff shares its name with Banff National Park and is located in the heart of the park. It has a population of 7,000 people, but during the peak season its population swells to over 50,000 people.
Banff is a year-round vacation destination. It is the centre of recreation, tourism, and dining in the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. People from all over the world come to enjoy its busy restaurants, shops, festivals, and adventures in the wilderness. Every year more than 4.5 million people visit Banff to enjoy its great outdoors.
Accommodations
Accommodations in Banff National Park are located in the Town of Banff and its surrounding areas. Travelers have a large selection of more than 100 hotels, motels, vacation rentals and other accommodations to stay at while on vacation.
Choosing the right accommodations is important to enjoying your vacation. Hotels and motels offer traditional nightly rentals, while vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts offer customized personal service.
If you are planning to visit Banff, reserve your accommodations as early as possible. Finding last minute lodgings during summer, ski season, and on national and international holidays is difficult.
Adventure
Banff is the ultimate location for outdoor adventure. Banff National Park offers a natural environment that is perfect for adventure sports and activities such as hiking, heli-skiing and rafting.
There are many adventure companies located in Banff. They have packages and customized trips for a wide variety of activities that carter to thrill seekers of all abilities.
Adventure companies in Banff offer daily and multi day excursions. They provide equipment, accommodations, and safety gear for all activities and sports.
ATV Tours
ATV tours are an excellent way to explore Banff. Half day and full day tours are available on well maintain ATVs, under the supervision of knowledgeable guides.
While on your tour, take in the backcountry, spectacular waterfalls, history, and awesome views. ATV tours allow you to experience the Rocky Mountains and wildlife with close-up views of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Backpacking
Backpacking in Banff is a great way to experience nature. There are many backpacking tour operators to choose from, they offer a range of half, full and multi-day excursions.
All backpacking excursions are customized. They are design to fit participants' experience, skill level, and budget.
Excursion packages are pre organized trips. They usually include transportation, park fees, food, pre-trip planning and information, and complete camping gear.
Bed and Breakfast
A bed and breakfast is a cozy and affordable way to stay overnight in Banff. They are a perfect alternative to staying in a hotel or motel.
There are a large number of quality bed and breakfasts located in Banff. They offer personalized charm, unique setting, great food, and beautiful rooms.
Bed and breakfasts are located throughout Banff. They can be found on quiet residential areas to steps away from the hills and other attractions.
Camping
Camping in Banff is the ultimate way to experience the Canadian Rockies. It is a great way to enrich your life and submerge yourself in nature.
Camping packages and customized trips are available throughout Banff National Park. On customized trips, hikers choose between hiking or helicopter assisted hiking outings. All trips are flexible to fit participants' experience and skill level.
Camping package usually includes transportation, food, a professional naturalist guides, pre-trip planning information, tents, camping equipment, and park fees.
Cross-Country Ski
Banff offers some of the best cross-country ski trails in the world. Whether skiing in the backcountry, groomed trails or at the Nordic center, Banff provides facilities and guides that carter to all Nordic skiers.
Cross country ski guides in Banff offer a variety of half day to multi day packages and customized trips into Banff National Park. Ski trips include accommodations, instruction, guide, gear, and transportation.
Festivals
Banff festivals include the Banff Mountain Film Festival, and Banff Mountain Book Festival.
| Banff Mountain Book Festival | Nov 3 - 5, 2004 |
| Banff Mountain Film Festival | Nov 5 - 7, 2004 |
| Canmore Highland Games | |
| International Ice Sculpture Competition | Jan 16 - 18, 2004 |
| International Wine and Food Festival |
Fishing
Banff fishing is some of the best in North America. One of the finest trout rivers in Canada is the Bow River, found just below Banff, with over 40km of catch and release waters. Popular fishing holes are just a short hike away from town.
Fishing in Banff is fun year-round. Some types of fishing in the area include fly fishing, and spin fishing. Many types of fish can be caught in the area, such as brown trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, and cutthroat, bull and brook trout. Ice fishing season is December through April. Lake trout and Rocky Mountain whitefish can be caught during this season.
Banff fishing custom holidays can include private and semi-private charters, pickup and drop off services, boat rentals, instructors, group excursions, and more. Novices are welcome and licenses can be bought on site.
Fly Fishing
Banff fly fishing is a popular way to enjoy the sport of fishing. Types of fish in the area are brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and bull trout.
Banff fly fishing is a great way to experience the beauty of the area. Many trips are available including helicopter fly-ins, walk and wade, drift, and float trips. Half day, multi-day, and weekend packages with experienced guides are available.
Banff fly fishing can be tailored to suit any needs. Custom trips, equipment rentals, and lessons can be purchased from local guides. Trips can include camping, hotel, or B&B accommodations.
Golf
Banff golf courses are known as some of the best in North America. From mountain courses to greens alongside the Bow River, courses offer spectacular views and well manicured fairways for any golfer's pleasure.
Many of the Banff courses offer pro shops, driving ranges, putting greens, and restaurants with banquet facilities. Twilight tee times are also available in the summertime at many courses.
Banff golf courses are suited to any level of experience, with group rates and weekend passes available for experienced and amateur players. Golf lessons are often available, and rates can include cart and club rentals.
Heli-Ski
Heli-skiing is a thrill all skiers and snowboarders should experience.
Heli-Ski Package
Heli-ski packages take thrill seekers and adventurers on multi-day trips to remote northern British Columbia's vast glaciers. Here skiers and snowboarders are challenged on terrain with unbelievable snow depth.
Heli-skiers have a choice between several different packages and tour operators. They can select between different packages based on their experience and skill level.
Heli-ski packages include accommodations, meals, guide services, and avalanche transceivers. Options include transportation to/from Banff from Vancouver on a private charter flight, as well as an overnight stay in Vancouver.
Hiking
Tour operators in Banff offer hiking trips to different parts of the national park. Hikers can choose between trips that are customized to meet their experience level.
One of the many hiking trips available is helicopter assisted hiking. Participants take a helicopter ride to each day's new location and hike Banff's backcountry with a local guide.
Banff tour operators also offer hiking packages. Packages include accommodations (depending on duration of hike), meals, transportation, guide, and hiking equipment.
Horseback Riding
Horseback rides are a must for all visitors to Banff.
Hotels
There are many different hotels to choose from in Banff. They are centrally located along Banff Avenue and range from affordable family oriented to elegant romantic suites.
Banff hotels offer a variety of sleeping accommodations. Guests can choose from cozy one bedroom lodgings to elegant five star suites. Hotels also offer many amenities such as pool, exercise room, or sauna and are usually located near other facilities.
During peak tourism periods of the summer, winter and on national and international holidays, Banff is usually completely book. Travelers are encouraged to reserve their hotel accommodations are early as possible.
Motels
Banff motels offer spectacular views and a relaxing place to unwind. Whether you are a traveler to the area or an executive staying overnight, these motels will be sure to please.
For any visitor, motels in Banff offer peace and quiet along with some amenities. Extras include hot tubs, outdoor pools, and entertainment. Some motels have a bar or restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Banff motel holiday packages include family rates, honeymoon specials, and senior prices. Gift certificates can be purchased.
National Park
Banff National Park is situated in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It was created in 1885 and was the first national park in Canada. Today the Park consists of 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of amazing mountains, valleys and forests.
Banff National Park is a wilderness playground that is visited each year by more than 4.5 million people. It is a four season recreational area offers everything from 7,558 acres of downhill skiing/snowboarding terrain to over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of hiking, walking, and equestrian trails.
Another attraction to Banff is nature viewing. It is a natural protected habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, fish and over 260 species of birds.
Rafting
In recent years, rafting has become the most exciting summer outdoor activity in the Canadian Rockies. It is the perfect day excursion for visitors seeking excitement and thrills.
There are several rafting operators located in Banff. They offer daily packages and customized trips for half, full and multi day excursions.
Banff rafting packages include transportation to the rafting site, meals, and all needed gear..
Resort
Banff Resort has grown into a year-round vacation destination. Every year more than 4.5 million people come to Banff to enjoy its great outdoors and inspiring scenery.
The resort is the ultimate adventure location for winter and summer enthusiasts. It has activities and attractions to cater to everyone's interest.
Sports and activities are the main attractions for people to come to Banff. There are a large variety of facilitates available that include 7,558 acres of downhill skiing/snowboarding terrain to over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of hiking, walking, and equestrian trails.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Banff is a year-round activity. Many tour operators in Banff offer customized packages and trips around the national park.
Banff National park is a natural protected wildlife habitat. It has an abundant amount of wildlife to view, such as elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, fish and over 260 species of birds.
Ski
Banff ski facilities are located 1½ hour drive west of Calgary. Travelers arriving at Calgary International Airport can transfer to Banff by car or shuttles that leave for major hotels in Banff and Lake Louise.
Banff ski facilitates has 31 runs spread across 190 acres. It offers skiers and boarders of all abilities countless challenges.
| Hours of Operation | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily | |
| Night Skiing | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fridays | |
| Vertical | 503 metres (1650 feet) | |
| Base Elevation | 1636 metres (5350 feet) | |
| Peak Elevation | 2133 metres (7000 feet) | |
| Trails | 31 runs | |
| Longest Run | 1167 metres (3828 feet) |
Ski Expedition
Ski expeditions are customized multi-day ski trips. They offer a great sampling of popular ski resorts such as Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Banff Mt. Norquay.
Ski expeditions are customizable to fit skill levels and expectations. Skiers experience everything from groomed slopes and tree-lined runs to open bowls and soft powder.
Ski expedition packages include full guide service, accommodations, lift passes, transportation, and National Parks pass.
Ski Resort
Banff ski resort has a wide variety of ski runs to suit every skill level. The resort has 31 runs spread across 190 mountain acres. Runs are categorized as 20% beginner, 36% intermediate, 28% advanced, and 16% expert.
Banff ski resort is located 1½ hour drive from Calgary. Travelers can get to Banff by there own car or by shuttle bus that leaves from Calgary International Airport to local hotels located in Banff.
Travelers to Banff are reminded to advance book accommodations as early as possible. Hotels and other local accommodations are difficult to find at the last moment especially during the ski season and on national and international holidays.
| Hours of Operation | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily | |
| Night Skiing | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fridays | |
| Vertical | 503 metres (1650 feet) | |
| Base Elevation | 1636 metres (5350 feet) | |
| Peak Elevation | 2133 metres (7000 feet) | |
| Trails | 31 runs | |
| Longest Run | 1167 metres (3828 feet) |
Sleigh Ride
Horse drawn sleigh rides are available in Banff National Park. They are a comfortable and relaxing way for visitors to sightsee and experience Banff's beautiful surroundings.
Banff has a variety of sleigh ride packages that offer basic tours, dinner, or an romantic ride. Tours are available for couples or groups up to 18 people. Warm winter clothing is recommended to all participants.
Snowmobile
There are several snowmobile companies located in Banff. They offer guided snowmobile adventures into the national park that explore mountain trails, abandoned cabins and encounter wildlife.
Tour operators offer daily departures for half, full, and overnight adventures. Snowmobile adventures include packages and customized trips based on ability and skill level.
All packages and customized trips include participants operating their own Ski-Doo, instructions, suit, boots, helmet, and mitts.
Snowshoe
Banff snowshoe tours are an excellent way to escape the crowds into the wilderness of Banff National Park. They are a perfect way for sightseers and naturalists to experience the beauty of Banff's wilderness.
Tour operators offer hourly, half, and full day trips into Banff's backcountry. They also offer complete all inclusive multi day and customized trips.
Snowshoe tour packages and customized tours include snowshoes, accommodations on multi day trips and experienced interpretive guides.
Tours
Banff is a wonderful place for nature and wildlife tours. Tours are very popular amongst visitors, who come just to experience the excitement that Banff provides.
There are many tours in Banff to choose. Visitors can spend their days in the Backcountry of the national park, hiking, or on a guided camping and hiking tour.
Trail Riding
Trail riding in Banff is the ultimate adventure for horse and nature enthusiasts. Ranch operators offer a complete range of overnight excursions into Banff National Park.
Trial rides are completely organized multi-day excursions into the Canadian Rockies. Rides take place in the high altitude of the mountains where the weather adds an uncertain level of exciting every day.
Trail ride packages include 5 - 6 hours of riding every day, horse, camping equipment, meals, camp coordinator and transportation.
Weather
Banff weather varies considerably throughout the year. Local temperature depends mainly on Banff's elevation and the surrounding mountains. Banff weather conditions range from abundant snow in the winter and sun in the summer.
Banff Weather: Average Temperatures for Banff
| Month | Celsius | |
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| January | -14.1 | -4.6 |
| February | -11.6 | -0.4 |
| March | -7.3 | 4.5 |
| April | -2.5 | 9.5 |
| May | 1.7 | 14.5 |
| June | 5.4 | 18.5 |
| July | 7.4 | 21.9 |
| August | 6.9 | 21.3 |
| September | 2.7 | 16.3 |
| October | -1.3 | 10.1 |
| November | -8.4 | 0.2 |
| December | -13.3 | -5.1 |