BANFF VACATIONS
ABOUT BANFF
The jagged peak of Sulphur Mountain is seen from most perspectives within the town of Banff. Visitors at the Gondola look down on the valley as fisherman cast into the Bow River and horseback riders amble across hard packed trails. Hiking past glacial lakes and alpine meadows can often build an appetite and travellers are enticed back into town with the full flavour of Alberta beef, trendy coffee houses and shops to fill the souvenir basket. It isn't all about the beauty of the surrounding Rockies as Banff is also the provinces' most historic mountain town. The Fairmont Banff Springs opened in 1888 as the Canadian castle experience that complimented rail journeys across the country, allowing revellers to soak in the local hotsprings and embrace nature. Watching out for wildlife is still a favourite pastime as bears, elk, wolves and moose blend into the surroundings. Spending a few days in Banff certainly is the best introduction or finale to mountain life, and being just an hour and a half outside of Calgary is also a perfect city escape.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO?
