Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, this mountain town is a gateway to Banff National Park. Visitors enjoy skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing amid stunning alpine scenery.
Banff, Canada's first national park, rises 1,400 meters above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. Walk through the steaming Cave and Basin Historic Site, paddle across the emerald waters of Lake Louise, or spot grizzly bears from the Banff Gondola. In winter, carve through fresh powder at three mountain resorts, while summer brings wildflower-filled hiking trails and glacier-fed lakes perfect for kayaking.
Getting to Banff
The town lies 126 kilometers west of Calgary along the Trans-Canada Highway. Fly into Calgary International Airport and take the Banff Airporter or Brewster Express shuttle, running every two hours. The Rocky Mountaineer train connects Vancouver to Banff through the mountain ranges, stopping overnight in Kamloops.
Mountains and Landscapes
Mount Rundle dominates the town's southern skyline at 2,949 meters, while Cascade Mountain (2,998 meters) and Mount Norquay (2,134 meters) frame the north. At Lake Minnewanka, a six-minute drive north, you'll find mountain bike rentals and guided hiking tours. The lake's clear waters hold lake trout for fishing enthusiasts. Drive the Icefields Parkway 167 miles north to Jasper, stopping at Columbia Icefield and Peyto Lake viewpoints.
Winter Activities
Ski or snowboard at Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay, or Lake Louise from November to May, with temperatures between -13.5°C and -0.5°C. Slide down Mount Norquay's six tubing lanes or try night skiing. Skate on Lake Louise's natural ice rink from December to March, warming up in the ice castle between laps. Follow marked snowshoe trails through the former Banff Springs Golf Club fairways.
Summer in the Park
From June to September, temperatures range from 6.8°C to 22.5°C. Rent canoes at Lake Louise to paddle beneath Victoria Glacier. Play nine holes at Banff Springs Golf Club along the Bow River, with each hole positioned beneath surrounding peaks. Climb Mount Norquay's via ferrata routes with certified guides, choosing from 2-6 hour experiences.
Indigenous Connections
The Banff area sits on Treaty 7 territory, where the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Îyârhe Nakoda, and Tsuut'ina First Nations lived and traveled. The Bow Valley connects to the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc First Nations' traditional routes through the Columbia and Kootenay River watersheds. Mountain Cree and Dene peoples established seasonal camps throughout these mountains.
Getting Around Town
Catch the Roam bus on three routes linking Tunnel Mountain, the Banff Springs Hotel, and the Banff Gondola. Buses run every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 11:30 PM. Walk the 10-block town center to reach most restaurants and shops. Parks Canada requires park passes for all vehicles entering Banff National Park.
