Vacationing in Banff, Canada

Vacationing in Banff allows you to have the best that Canada has to offer: lots of outdoor activities in a beautiful, and pristine location.

For those of you who don't know where Banff is, it is located in western Canada, in the province of Alberta. It is about 80 miles west of Calgary, 250 miles southwest of Edmonton and 530 miles east
of Vancouver.

It sits on the edge of the Banff National Park, which makes for the beautiful scenery that can be found in and around this wonderful city. If you ever decide to take a vacation to Banff, there are some places and events you should not miss. When making your plans check out all the attractions, activities and events that take place
there, then plan accordingly.

It doesn't matter if your interest lie in the summer or the winter. There are activities and attractions that you can participate in year round. Just decide when you want to go and make plans that are suitable to your taste.

Below is a list detailing just some of the summer, winter and year round activities and events. You will also discover some of the most popular attractions you shouldn't miss.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR YOU CAN ENJOY:

• Art Galleries
• Gondolas
• Sightseeing
• Hot springs/Spas
• Motorcoach Tours
• Theater/Film/Music
• Historic Sites/Museums
• Wildlife Viewing/Nature Tours
• Swimming pools/Ice rinks

SUMMER:
The weather is perfect for these activities. The average temperature is between 70º and 72º F, the humidity is low, and the extended daylight means more time to enjoy.

• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Biking
• Golfing
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• White water Rafting/Float Trips
• Scuba Diving
• Carriage Rides
• Horseback Riding
• Helicopter Sightseeing

WINTER:
It's a toss up between summer and winter when it comes to the seasons, but when it comes to the activities, a lot of the ones you get to enjoy in the summer, can still be enjoyed in the winter. So look at it as having the best of both worlds. Some of the things you may not get to do in the summer are...

• Ice Fishing
• Ice Diving
• Snowshoeing
• Dog Sledding
• Snowboarding
• Ice Skating
• Sledding and Tobogganing
• Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
Banff National Park has outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed by the experienced and the beginner. Some of the adventures you can participate in are backpacking, waterfall ice climbing, back country skiing and snowboarding.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
You would need to check Banff's social calendar. It appears they have quite a few events that take place through out the year. There are events for the winter, spring, summer and fall, as well as national holidays, arts, sports, culture and the environment.

HISTORIC SITES AND MUSEUMS:
You will have enough museums to visit, if this is your desire. Banff's commitment to it's culture can be in any the national historic sites and museums. Some of these national historic sites and museums are... archeological sites in Banff National Park, Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Canadian Ski Museum West, Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT:
Banff's arts and entertainment scene is not only diversified, but there is a lot to choose from. You can spend a night at the theater or spend time enjoying yourself in a friendly local pub. Either way, you will enjoy yourself while again experiencing the best of both worlds.

Banff may be small, but its' performing arts and entertainment attractions are thriving. With dancing, music and theater to choose from, you definitely won't get bored.

Some of the places you should put on your list of things to do are listed below.

Hot Springs

Take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery while soaking outside in 100% natural spring water. You can enjoy a massage in the spa, while the kids are playing in the wading area. Go shopping in the gift shop or get something to eat at the snack bar or indoor cafe. And since they have extended hours during tourist season, you
get to enjoy it longer.

Carriage Rides

Take a romantic, horse drawn carriage ride along Bow River, and the view the town of Banff. This is a classic tradition, which can be arranged the way you want. Decide where you want to tour, and for how long. They will also pick you up and drop you off where ever you desire.

Gondola Rides

Take in the sights from the air when you ride on the gondolas. The scenery is like nothing you've seen before. Be sure to make this part of your experience.

• Banff Gondola goes to the top of Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes. The elevation for Sulphur Mountain is about 7,486 feet, and there is an observation deck you can use to view the incredible scenery. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop.

• Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola takes about 14 minutes to get to the top elevation of 6,850 feet. You a have a choice of riding in the fully-closed gondola or going up in an open gondola. Either way, you'll have full view of the wonderful scenery of natural springs and wildflowers.

Motorcoach Tours

Taking a guided motorcoach tour or Banff gives you the opportunity to take pleasure in the views that surround you. There are quite a few operators who offer motorcoach sightseeing tours, so you can't go wrong.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

This hotel will have you feeling like royalty. Not only because of its' architecture, but also because of the activities and treatment you will receive here. The Chateau makes the best place for a romantic getaway, as well as an exciting family vacation. Enjoy their spa, the afternoon tea, the wine bar and the steak house. This experience will make you feel like you've died and gone to heaven.

Johnston Canyon

You can stay at the Johnston Canyon Resort where they have beautifully appointed cabins. Then you can hike the trails, or ski or whatever your heart's desire. But don't miss the limestone canyons and waterfalls. Some of the activities you will find at Johnston Canyon are... hiking, camping, swimming, bird watching, scuba diving, skiing, climbing and biking.

Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience

The Columbia Icefield Glacier is an experience you don't want to miss. The glacier is on the boundary of the Jasper National Park and the Banff National Park. It's been said that this icefield has one of the largest
accumulations of snow and ice that is south of the Arctic Circle, and you can depend on one of the Huge Brewster Ice Explorers to take you on the excursion of your life!

Your driver-guide leads you on a 90 minute journey, while imparting information about the glaciers. These tours depart every 15 to 30 minutes, so it won't be hard to book one.

Vacationing in Banff is a dream come true for anyone who lives on flat land, but then it's a dream come true for anyone. Even those living in the mountains, because the Canadian Rockies can compete with any mountain range in the world.