Sunshine and Snow at Banff National Park
This all-season resort offers wonderful activities, fine food, and comfortable accommodations.
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada was the country's first national park. Located just 1 ½ hours west of the city of Calgary, Banff attracts nearly five million visitors each year.
Guests travel to Banff for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the amazing scenery. Truly one of the prettiest areas in Canada, this sprawling national park boasts lots of natural beauty, regardless of the season.
About Banff National Park
The park contains 2,564 square miles of wilderness. Within the park sits the town of Banff, situated at 4,539 feet above sea level, and the picturesque mountain village of Lake Louise, sitting at 5,000 feet in elevation.
Thanks to its stunning beauty, the park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wherever you travel inside and around the national park, you'll fine mountains and glaciers, beautiful alpine tundra, colorful wildflowers, waterfalls, and plenty of animals including deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, cougars, wolves, and grizzly bears.
What Can I Do in Banff?
Besides admiring the scenery and taking lots of photos of this breathtaking area, you'll find many activities to keep you and your family busy during your stay in Banff National Park.
In the winter, snow sports are the name of the game. Whether you're a downhiller, Nordic skier, snowboarder, or snowmobile enthusiast, you're sure to find some amazing terrain to keep you busy.
Downhill skiers can choose from 5 area ski resorts: Lake Louise, Sunshine, Nakiska, Fortress Mountain, and Mt. Norquay. Each offers well-groomed trails of varying skill levels, perfect for the whole family, from novices to extreme skiers.
Other opportunities to play in the ice and snow include hockey, ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and backcountry tours.
The summer months are Banff's busiest. A large percentage of visitors to this beautiful Canadian park arrive between June and September, especially families.
Summer activities are plentiful and include hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking on the many ski trails on Banff's mountains.
Families especially love canoeing and kayaking on the nearby Columbia River while whitewater enthusiasts can find plenty of exciting rapids on other area rivers.
Golfing is also popular and, at this high altitude, your golf ball will fly further than at sea level. What could be better!
Sightseeing Tours
Local tour companies have come up with a number of ways to explore the beauty of Banff National Park. You can see the sights via Hummer, train, plane, on a touring bike or on a magnificent walking tour.
Your preference will probably depend on the time of year, the temperature outside, and the amount of snow on the ground.
Finding a Place to Stay
During the very busy summer months and the peak ski season, it's tough to get a last-minute room of your choice in Banff. That means planning ahead is essential. If you choose to visit during the off-peak times, the cost is less and accommodations are easier to find.
You'll have a myriad of lodging locations from which to choose. In Banff National Park, visitors will find everything from luxurious five-star resorts to campgrounds with tents and everything in between. With a wealth of accommodations at varying costs, you'll be sure to find something that fits your budget.
Posted by Pat on Sunday, September 18, 2005