Experience the majestic beauty and active excitement of the Rocky Mountains from the highest town in Canada.
Situated in Banff National Park, this town is the perfect location from which to explore the wonderful natural surroundings of the Rockies. Banff is a hugely popular destination, with its 10,000 permanent residents welcoming over four million visitors every single year!
The landscape is cloaked in white throughout the winter making this one of the best places in the country to go skiing! Ski resorts at Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village offer a wide range of the best that a downhill enthusiast could wish for. Mt Norquay is the big favourite with the locals, as it has the most challenging slopes and attracts smaller crowds, while a wide range of beginners, intermediate and advanced slopes are catered for at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The best way to get out to the ski resorts is to take a shuttle bus. These run from all of the hotels in Banff.
Unspoilt green wilderness surrounds the town as summer comes around and lovers of the outdoors have a whole new range of choices. Hundreds of walking trails are marked out throughout the countryside, ranging from gentle walks through the valleys to strenuous hikes up into the heights, exploring hidden mountainsides and spectacular lakes. Mountain biking is also a huge favourite here, with lots of exciting routes available. Maps can be obtained from Banff's bike rental companies. Crystalline blue lakes draw thousands of kayakers to the area too, and there are plenty of kayaking spots to choose from.
When you've finished your day's exertions, you can settle back and enjoy a beer in one of the many bars and nightclubs in Banff. The town is famous for its party atmosphere, so make sure to bring a little bit of energy back with you from the hillsides and enjoy your night! The Dancing Sasquatch is known far and wide and is open until late.
Banff is located an hour and a half from Calgary, and is four hours south of Jasper by car.
Banff Travel Guide Video
Top hotels in Banff
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
NZ$128
per night
Feb 6 - Feb 7
Located in the heart of Banff, this spa hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Cave and Basin National Historic ...…Located in the heart of Banff, this spa hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Cave and Basin National Historic ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (2,874 reviews)
"Lobby was very nice. Room and hallways we're cold in the morning."…""Lobby was very nice. Room and hallways we're cold in the morning."WWW…"
Located in the heart of Banff, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Canada House Gallery and Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau. Banff Centre for ...…Located in the heart of Banff, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Canada House Gallery and Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau. Banff Centre for ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (2,045 reviews)
"Great location, clean. Loved the pool and hot tub. But WiFi was not included in the price."…""Great location, clean. Loved the pool and hot tub. But WiFi was not included in the price."WWW…"
This family-friendly Banff resort is located on the riverwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Bow Falls and Banff Cascades of Time Gardens. Banff Centre for Arts ...…This family-friendly Banff resort is located on the riverwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Bow Falls and Banff Cascades of Time Gardens. Banff Centre for Arts ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (1,886 reviews)
"The property is unique and has a lot of activities on site that are included with your stay. Swimming in the outdoor pool surrounded by snow was one of the highlights of our trip!"…""The property is unique and has a lot of activities on site that are included with your stay. Swimming in the outdoor pool surrounded by snow was one of the highlights of our trip!"WWW…"
Supreme ski vacation packages in Canada are yours when you head to Mount Norquay. With only five minutes between you and Banff, you are in the heart of snow country.
Trek through Johnston Canyon and discover a winter nirvana of frozen waterfalls, giant ice pillars, and hidden ice caves. Led by charismatic and knowledgeable tour guides, the tour teaches you about the Canadian Rockies’ geology, history, and winter wildlife inhabitants.
Drink in sights of Banff's rugged beauty during a tour to some of the top sightseeing destinations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Town of Banff is an island of culture and history, surrounded by a sea of untamed wilderness and this morning tour enriches your visit with stories of 11,000 years of history, hidden in these rugged hills.
There’s nothing quite like gliding over sparkling snow in a horse-drawn sleigh - especially when you’re surrounded by snow covered mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Take in the area's stunning mountain peaks on a charming horse-driven sleigh ride through the snow-covered meadows of Banff.
Hike along a frozen creek inside the Canadian Rockies and discover Grotto Canyon’s one-of-a-kind geological features and ice formations. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour covers the area’s rich history, unique geology, and ancient native pictographs.
SkiBig3 Lift Ticket for Lake Louise, Sunshine Village & Mt. Norquay
NZ$164
The ski towns of Banff and Lake Louise are home to the distinctive mountain resorts of Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. The three resorts boast nearly 8,000 acres of skiing, 2 gondolas, 26 chairlifts and 30 feet of feather-light, dry Canadian Rockies powder annually.
Kick your snowboard trip into gear with equipment from the pros who know the mountain best. Get your board, bindings, and boots custom fitted by a professional, so you can focus on being first in line to hit the slopes the next morning.
Loved Banff plenty to do and see in winter, will be back.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 26, 2019
Amazing scenery pretty little town.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 12, 2019
For travellers not familiar with the area, temperatures may suddenly go well below monthly average even in early Oct. And pack shoes suitable for walking in snow/ice unless you're ok with accidental spontaneous ice skating like we did.
5/5 - Excellent
H
Oct 22, 2019
Attractive town in a picture-postcard setting.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 16, 2019
Amazing except when the tour buses pull up go for a walk away from the shops there is a lot to see unless you like to feel like a heard of cattle haha
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2019
Banff is a magical place that you have to see to believe !
