Banff Information
On this page, we have complied a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Banff and the different types of things there are to do in and around Banff.
Summer Activities
Whether you like hiking, biking, fishing or spotting wildlife, Banff will not disappoint. The park comes alive in the summer months and there is a virtually endless amount of activities to choose from.
- Hiking Trails for All Level of Fitness
- Canoeing in the Bow River
- Enjoy the Wild flowers of Sunshine Meadows
- Tour Beautiful Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Go for a Horseback Trail Ride
- Golf at the World Famous Banff Spring Golf Course
This is a small taste of things to do in Banff. For much more information visit the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website.
Winter Activities
Winter in the Canadian Rockies offers an unrivaled selection of activities to choose from.
- World class skiing and riding at Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay & Lake Louise
- Soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Snowshoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Dogsledding
- Shopping on Banff Avenue
- Enjoying at day at the Willow Stream Spa at the Banff Springs Hotel
This is a small taste of things to do in Banff. For much more information visit the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website.
Dining Out in Banff
Banff is home to many restaurants and there is something available to suit everyone's taste. We have provided links below to some of our most recommended restaurants.
- Banff Grizzly House Restaurant - Banff’s famous fondue restaurant a must see!
- The Bison Mountain Bistro and General Store - Rocky mountain comfort food
- Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge - Award winning Canadian cuisine
- Ticino's & Lounge - Swiss-Italian cuisine
- Giorgio's Trattoria - Classic Italian cuisine
- Le Beaujolais - French cuisine at its best!
Visit the Dining in Banff website for a full list of Banff Restaurants.
Banff History
Banff was first settled in the 1880's, after the transcontinental railway was built through the Bow Valley. In 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon a series of natural hot springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain. In 1885, Canada established a federal reserve of 26 km² around the hot springs, and began promoting the area as an international resort and spa as a way to support the new railway. In 1887, the reserve area was increased to 673 km² and named "Rocky Mountain Park." This was the beginning of Canada's National Park system.
The area was named Banff in 1884 by Lord Steven, a former Canadian Pacific Railway director, recalling the name of his birthplace, Banffshire in Scotland. Canadian Pacific built a series of grand hotels along the rail line and advertised the Banff Springs Hotel as an international tourist resort.
Banff townsite developed near the railway station as a service centre for tourists visiting the park. It was administered by the Government of Canada's national parks system until 1990, when the Town of Banff became the first and only incorporated municipality within a Canadian national park.
In 1985, the United Nations declared Banff National Park, as one of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a World Heritage Site. Banff remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.
Useful Links
Below we have put a list of some of our favorite links to other sites.
Banff/Lake Louise Information:
Parks Canada Information - www.parkscanada.gc.ca
Banff/Lake Louise Information - www.banfflakelouise.com
Local Weather - www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
Ski & Bike Rental - www.snowtips-bactrax.com
Hiking & Climbing - www.yamnuska.com & www.canadianrockieshiking.com
We recommend ski clothing by KARBON available at Abominable Ski & Sports
Other Bed & Breakfasts in Banff that we recommend:
Cathedral Mountain Lodge (Yoho)
Calgary Airport to Banff: