Travel Eye on Banff (Alberta, Canada)

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Overview:

There are few places in the world like Banff that can genuinely offer spectacular natural mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, four-season recreation and world-class accommodation in a protected National Park setting. With the main resort area extending 3 mls by 2½ mls, Banff is the largest of Alberta's mountain towns, having established itself long ago as a one of Canada's major summer and winter retreats. The spectacular national park, high Rockies and hot springs of Sulphur Mountain all helped cement its reputation as a genuine all-round resort, equally popular as a touring base, ski-resort or stay-put destination. Its sizeable downtown area, host of activities and wide range of skiing opportunities mean there is plenty to keep visitors occupied on and off the slopes, the best of which is within a short car or bus journey.

Locality:

Banff is located on the W edge of the province of Alberta, 80 mls W of Calgary and its international airport, 36 mls SE of Lake Louise and 10 mls SE of the Sunshine Village ski-area.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Attractions consist of a choice of museums focusing on regional history, hiking, gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, hot springs pool, wide range of winter-sports activities including ice-skating and snowboarding. By night the place is reasonably lively; downtown offers a choice of restaurants, bars, cinema and a nightclub.

The central attraction here is the winter scene. A combination of mountain faces, altitude and abundant precipitation ensures guaranteed conditions Nov to May; ski conditions are often still favourable in the upper regions of Lake Louise until late June. Both Mt Norquay and Lake Louise have an extensive range of snow-making machines; Sunshine Village boasts all natural snow. A selection of runs at Mt Norquay, mostly beginner to intermediate, with a few for more advanced and expert skiers. More accomplished or adventurous skiers need to commute to the more extensive networks of Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, both with more advanced/expert runs (42% of Sunshine Village runs are black). The entire 3-resort area boasts over 200 runs. Skiers commute daily to Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise for extensive slopes and variety. There are local excursions by organised tour include ice and wildlife walks, night tracks and sleigh rides. Bus tours operate throughout Banff National Park region in summer. Calgary for city sophistication.

Ski/Snowboarding Details:

Banff Tri-Area Pass (Banff)

Banff Tri-Area Pass (Lake Louise)

Banff Tri-Area Pass (Mystic Ridge / Mount Norquay)

Banff Tri-Area Pass (Sunshine Village)