From Wikitravel

Banff[1] is the larger of the two towns in Banff National Park, nestled in the mountains. It is located about a hour and half drive west of Calgary, Canada, or four hours south of Jasper. The park is easily accessible for International travellers via Calgary or Edmonton International Airports, which have international scheduled and charter flights. Banff is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[edit] Get in

From Calgary, take the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1) West. The first exit to Banff is about an hour and a half from the airport. There are numerous tour buses, taxis and limousine services that operate between Calgary International Airport and Banff year-round.

Regular passenger trains no longer stop at Banff's historic train station, but a tourist excursion train (Rocky Mountaineer) visits regularly in the summer and fall. You can take VIA Rail train service to Edmonton, and then either bus, or rent a car and drive to Banff.

[edit] Get around

The Banff townsite is small, and you can walk just about anywhere you want to go. Walking is quick, easy and allows for random adventures down to the river, through the forests, up the mountains. And all of these activities are within a 5 - 10 minute walking distance. Banff has an extensive public transit bus system that runs through town for $2 a ride ($1 for kids and seniors). It connects up with all the area hotels and attractions. Taxi cabs are also available, which is handy if you are doing a grocery run.

Biking around town is popular too. There are several shops to rent bicycles if you are interested in either mountain biking, quick travel downtown or trail riding to the historical Hot Springs. Banff is filled with trails that take you through forested areas, along streams and waterfalls, and ultimately lead to incredible lake and mountain views.

[edit][add listing] See

The Canadian Rockies offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It may seem a daunting task to try and see it all in a limited amount of time.

Fortunately there are a host of companies available that eliminate the hassle, giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. The friendly guides offer fun and informative sightseeing tours in and around the Banff area in comfortable vehicles.

Whether you wish to see a mountain lake or a stunning glacier these companies have something for everyone, summer and winter!

• GyPSy Guide, Toll Free: 1 866 477-4171, 760-8200, [2]. If you do rent a car , take a guided electronic tour in your own car. The GyPSy Guide is a small electronic device that uses GPS technology to automatically trigger commentary about history, geology, directions and quirky Canadian stories, through your car stereo.

[edit][add listing] Do

Like many mountain cities, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer. There is a decent selection of bars and restaurants but predictably a few too many souvenir shops and boutiques. European travellers especially will welcome the sidewalks allowing exploration of the town on foot. Parking can be tricky, but there is a free multilevel parkade near the center if you can find it.

[edit] Winter

Banff national park is home to three outstanding ski resorts, all within easy drive of the Banff townsite. Driving to the hill is not strictly required, as most hotels offer a ski bus to take you from the hotel to the mountain of your choice and back again.

• Lake Louise Mountain Resort, [3]. Likely the most well known, and hosts Men's and Women's world cup ski events every winter. As such, it is also the busiest and most touristy. It is located close to the Lake Louise townsite. The scenery is fantastic as is the terrain when there is fresh snow. Excellent all you can eat buffet breakfast served in the Whiskey Jack Lodge (CAD$10). If you're on the Club Snowboard/Ski program get the early bus!

• Sunshine Village, [4]. Located a few kilometers west of the Banff townsite. In recent years, this hill has improved greatly, with more expert terrain and better lifts, it is a personal favorite. It also receives more snow than the other two resorts and benefits from a higher elevation and a generally longer ski season. Also fantastic scenery. It is the only resort of the three to have on-hill accommodation. Again buffet breakfast served in the lodge at the bottom of the gondola - not much else until lunchtime once you get to the top. New Standish quad opens up some good terrain.

• Ski Norquay, [5]. The closest mountain to the Banff townsite, and it is much used by the locals. The ski season is a little shorter at Norquay, because it is at a lower altitude than Sunshine and Lake Louise, and snowfall is less consistent. The trails here lean more towards steep and difficult, although there is still plenty of easy terrain. The Lodge is not much good for breakfast - lunch and beer on the deck can't be beat however! Worth noting that Excaliber is North America's steepest groomed piste.

All the ski hills are busier on the weekends. Lake Louise tends to get icy if it hasn't snowed in a while, but with fresh snow is hard to beat. Sunshine Village has been giving them some competition with their new terrain and improvements however. Especially in the early season, pay attention to how many runs are open and how much recent snow has been received in the snow reports - they are better indications of the conditions than the generic conditions ratings given by the hills (the conditions are always at least 'good' according to their ratings). If you only have a few hours and want to ski where the locals ski check out Ski Norquay, it has nice long open runs with great views of the town.

If you arrive before December 31 and you intend to ski at least 3 days at Sunshine Village, or a combination of three days at Sunshine and at Marmot Basin in Jasper, consider buying a Sunshine-Marmot card. The card costs about the same price as one lift ticket. The first, fourth and seventh times you use the card you get a free lift ticket, all other times you get $10 off (you are ahead quite a bit by the third day). These cards can be purchased on the hill (either Sunshine or Marmot Basin), or also at Safeway stores in Edmonton and Calgary, and are valid at Sunshine Village in Banff and Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper. Or you can purchase a Tri-Area Pass for Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Norquay. This ticket includes the bus transportation and can be used at any of the three hills at any time.

[edit] Apres Ski

• Red Earth Spa [6] is a full service spa with six treatment rooms including one dedicated to hydrotherapy. The Spa also features an aesthetics room with a manicure station and two pedicure chairs (great for those mother and daughter spa days). Spa clients also have full access to the hot pool, steam room and exercise room at the Banff Caribou Lodge. The spa has a number of areas for clients to relax before, in-between or after a treatment. Come join us at Banff's only full service Spa on Banff Avenue.

• Cave and Basin National Historic site, [7]. See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system. Where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails.

• Banff Park Museum National Historic site, [8]. Come and see all the animals you missed on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs, [9]. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid, historic spa and bathhouse – against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. You will luxuriate in the comfort of soothing hot water where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century. For an extra Apres ski laugh, guys wishing to amuse can ask for a hilarious 'traditional style' bathing costume.

• Club Snowboard/Ski, 119 Banff Av., 762-4754, [10]. An top notch Snowboard/Ski school with small groups of 4-6. Snowboard methods do vary from European, they tend to teach you to "surf" on snow rather than carve as you would on ski's. Craig Gaunce has the patience of a saint and will get you smoothly linking turns on blacks - concentration is adaptability to terrain rather than speed - if you can adapt then nothing's going to faze you!

[edit] Summer

• Cave and Basin National Historic site, [11]. See the birthplace of Canada's National Park system. Where hot sulphur springs were found and the original bathhouse was built in 1887. There are also a couple of short nature trails.

• Banff Park Museum National Historic site, [12]. Come and see all the animals you missed on your trip to Banff. Guaranteed bear sightings.

• Canada Place, [13].Come in and learn about the history of Canada, our people, culture, and contributions to the world in this FREE interactive display.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs, [14]. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid, historic spa and bathhouse – against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. You will luxuriate in the comfort of soothing hot water where travellers have come to “take the waters” for more than a century.

• Banff Gondola, [15]. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola provides visitors with the most spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff. Guests will find a restaurant, gift shop, boardwalk, observation deck and unsurpassed photo opportunities at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

• Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, [16]. Climb aboard a massive Ice Explorer and journey across a glacier over 350 metres thick. The Columbia Icefield is the largest sub-polar body of ice in North America.

• Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours, [17]. Cruise the waters of the largest lake in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka. Unique scenic and wildlife photo opportunities are frequent as you travel through the Canadian Rockies by boat to the Devil's Gap.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travellers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Banff is an exciting place to visit on all fronts, and the palate is not excluded. There are pubs, fast-food, fine dining, steakhouses (It is Alberta!!), traditional fare from around the world, candy shops and more.

Banff can be an expensive place to dine as tourism is always high.

• Balkan Restaurant, [18]. 120 Banff Avenue, tel: +1403 762-3454. The Balkan restaurant first fired up its grill on Banff Avenue in 1982. The restaurant was the creation of Greek families out of their element in the cold Canadian Rockies who wished to bring the authentic flavors and warm festive atmosphere of the Mediterranean to this high mountain town. 25 years later they're still at it with authentic Greek cuisine. Be sure to check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing.

• The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge, [19] two locations; 521 Banff Av. at the Banff Caribou Lodge and 117 Banff Av, tel+1 403 762-4442, or +1 403 760-3030. Great steaks, a casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are the proud and reliable trademarks of the Keg Steakhouse and Lounge.

• Caramba! Restaurante, [20] 337 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 762-3667. Located at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Caramba offers a menu featuring a delicious blend of West Coast and Mediterranean influences.

• Wildfire Grill, [21] 600 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 762-4581. Great food, reasonable prices, attentive staff, and fantastic mountain views.

• The Maple Leaf, [22]. A four-diamond restaurant, caters to an elite crowd with impressive wine selections and pricey entrees.

• Saltlik Steakhouse, [23]. Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs.

• Chili's Restaurant, 461 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 760-7500, [24]. Located at the Fox Hotel & Suites; Chili's offers great choices, including those classics like Baby Back Ribs and Big Mouth Burgers.

• Magpie and Stump, [25]. A Mexican restaurant that specializes in Margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where Margarita’s are half-price and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late.

• Grizzly House, [26]. A must-see, this was once a swinger's bar this unique shaped restaurant right downtown has telephones at every table with placemats that serve as a map so you can call tables to chat through your dinner. It is a laid-back, fun atmosphere and the food does not disappoint. A typical meal may consist of a Caesar salad to start, then a cheese fondue served with freshly steamed veggies and mouth-watering bread for dipping. The second course is where things get exciting; opt for the 'hot-rock' style of fondue. Rocks are brought to the table and heated to a whopping 300 degrees. Each rock gets its own pot of garlic butter smeared on, first by your server and then by you; each person receives a customized plate of raw fish, chicken, bison, frog legs, AAA-beef, SHARK, SNAKE...whatever you wish, or dare, to try. Accompanying the exotic mix of possibilities are dipping sauces like chipotle and teriyaki.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Banff has a large variety of places to sit and enjoy a drink whether it is après ski or a patio.

Most of the pubs have live music, both open mike and hired bands. Dancing is defiantly encouraged!

• St. James Gate, 207 Wolf Street, tel: +1 403 762-9355, [27]. Irish pub.
• Rose and Crown, 202 Banff Av. upstairs, tel: +1 403 762-2121, [28]. English pub.
• Elk and Oarsman, 1119 Banff Av. 2nd floor, tel: +1 403 762-4616, [29]. Canadian style pubs.
• Aurora Nightclub and Hoodoo Lounge, tel: +1 403 760-8636, [30].

• Pump and Tap Tavern, 215 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 760-6610. Looking to watch the footie game or cricket match?
• Bear's Den Pub at the Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Av. 5PM-midnight. [31] Features a wide selection of locally brewed beers and pub fare food.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation is plentiful. Most hotels are located along Banff Avenue or on Tunnel Mountain Road.

[edit] Budget

• HI-Banff Alpine Centre, 801 Coyote Drive (on Tunnel Mountain Road), 1-866-762-4122, [32]. With private rooms, 2 spacious kitchens and lounge areas, 2 fireplaces and restaurant Cougar Pete's Lookout & Kitchen. New to HI-Banff "The Storm Cellar, Banff's Pub and Game house" features drink specials, games (pool, darts, foosball) and an eclectic bunch of servers who are sure to make every guests visit memorable!

• SameSun Backpacker Lodge, 449 Banff Avenue, +1 403 762-5521, [33]. A 130 bed hostel with private rooms. Each room has an ensuite. Hot tub, lockers, laundry, common lounge and kitchen, Free Wireless Internet or Internet Kiosk, video games, nightly activities, BBQ, tours, outdoor courtyard. Breakfast included. Call to find out whats happening! Ski and Stay $102.00 with transportation or rooms starting at $30/night.

• Banff Y Mountain Lodge, 102 Spray Avenue, +1 403 762-3560, toll-free +1-800-813-4138, [34]. Looking for clean, safe, budget accommodation. The Banff Y is ideally situated next to the Bow River. Five-minute walk to Bow Falls or town shops, pubs, and restaurants. It has a fully licensed Bistro with an outdoor patio. Affordable private and semi-private rooms starting at $46.00 Canadian dollars. Dormitory rooms starting at $22.00. A variety of meeting space ideal for training or receptions. Group rates available. Internet, laundry, common kitchen, and quiet sitting room all on the premises. Great value for your dollar.

[edit] Mid-range

• Fox Hotel & Suites, 461 Banff Avenue, toll-free 1-800-661-8310, +1 403 760 8500, [35]. The new Fox offers a unique accommodation style in Banff, with one and two bedroom suites and hotel rooms. Capturing the historic and natural elements of Banff National Park, the hotel’s centerpiece is the hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin Site.

• Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, 561 Banff Avenue Toll Free +1 800-561-8764,+1 403 762 5887, [36]. This mountain themed 3 1/2 star Lodge is centrally located on the main street in Banff, and offers; luxury bedding, large jetted hotpool, underground parking, The Keg Steakhouse & Lounge, and The Red Earth Spa.

• Banff Ptarmigan Inn, 337 Banff Avenue Toll Free +1 800-661-8310,+1 403 762 2207, [37]. Close to downtown shops and restaurants makes this hotel a favorite to returning guests.

• Inns of Banff, 600 Banff Avenue Toll Free +1 866-704-3693,+1 403 762 4581, [38]. This hotel has everything, indoor pool, outdoor hotpool, 2 restaurants and lounge, ski shop, underground parking and on the Banff transit route.

[edit] Splurge

• The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, 405 Spray Avenue, [39]. One of the grand old hotels, few hotels can compare to the majesty of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Nestled in the trees overlooking the rest of the town and valley it is a magnificent location for a magnificent building. Multiple restaurants, a heated outdoor pool and a wide range of accommodation in a fantastic building. All this comes at a price though, and the Banff Springs is an expensive hotel. Also booking very early is required. While staying at the Banff Springs, you must have at least one treatment at Willow Stream Spa or get a day pass, at a minimum. Among the luxurious amenities, you can indulge in their three waterfall treatments whirlpools and indoor Hungarian mineral pool (that actually has music underwater to soothe you as you float into complete relaxation).

[edit] Companies who book Banff

• Banff Accommodation Reservations, Toll Free in NA, 1877 226 3348,+1 403 762 0260, [40]. Local owned and operated company offering free reservation service for accommodation, activities and transportation. Specializing in all areas of the Canadian Rockies; Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Jasper, etc. Friendly, knowledgeable locals.

[edit] Contact

Area code for Banff, as with most of Southern Alberta, is 403.

[edit] Get out

• If you are staying in the Banff and Lake Louise area and don't mind the slightly longer drive, you may also consider the newly opened Kicking Horse Ski resort just over the border in Golden, British Columbia located just west of Yoho National Park, Banff's sister park and Canada's second protected area.

• Drive along highway 1A west of Banff.

• Johnston Canyon hiking.

• Bow Falls is located close to the Banff townsite.

• Peyto Lake is located 40 km north of the town on the Icefields Parkway.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!