Banff Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Banff

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.

Ski/Snowboarding Details:

Banff Tri-Area Pass (Banff) Highest lift: 2730m (8956ft), Lowest lift: 2160m (7086ft), Vertical drop: 570m (1870ft), Number of lifts: 12, Snowboard parks: 1 Banff Tri-Area Pass (Lake Louise) Highest lift: 2637m (8651ft), Lowest lift: 1645m (5397ft), Vertical drop:992m (3254ft), Number of slopes: 113, Total piste length: 100km, Snowboard parks: 1 Banff Tri-Area Pass (Mystic Ridge / Mount Norquay) Highest lift: 2133m (6998ft), Lowest lift: 1636m (5367ft), Vertical drop: 497m (1631ft), Number of lifts: 5, Uplift capacity: 7000 p/hr, Number of slopes:28, Total piste length: 16km, Snowboard parks: 1 Banff Tri-Area Pass (Sunshine Village) Highest lift: 2730m (8956ft), Lowest lift: 2160m (7086ft), Vertical drop: 570m (1870ft), Number of slopes: 91, Snowboard parks: 1

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.

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Population: 32.805.000
Languages: English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other
Currency: Canadian dollar
Currency code: CAD
Local Times:
Canada - Ontario - Toronto

Canada - British Columbia - Vancouver

Canada - Quebec - Montreal

Canada - Alberta - Calgary

Canada - Yukon Territory - Whitehorse

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The second largest country on earth (only the Russian Federation is bigger), it stretches over 3,400 miles from Atlantic to Pacific coast, spans six of the world's 24 time zones and could fit most of Europe within its borders.

Yet 90 per cent of the population lives within 100 miles of the US border, leaving huge tracts of unspoilt wilderness elsewhere.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

From its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts, Canada offers something to suit the taste of every traveller. Canada is bound in the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the polar ice-cap, and in the south by the United States of America.

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Banff Travel Guide

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