As the first national park in Canada and third in the world, Banff National Park was created in 1885. It covers an area of roughly 6,640 square kilometers of mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests and meadows and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife, birds, fish and amphibians. There are 53 species of mammals living within the park boundaries and on any given day it is not unlikely to run into a deer, elk or coyote. There are a great deal of fish inhabiting the lakes and rivers here as well, including many species of trout and even some tropical fish that were accidentally introduced into the warmer waters of Cave and Basin marshes where they continue to thrive. There are two towns located in the park, the town of Banff which is less than four square kilometers in size and the quaint hamlet of Lake Louise. Both towns maintain a small-town feel and those who want to live here must complete a ‘Need to Reside’ request before being allowed to become a resident. The ‘Need to Reside’ request forces prospective residents to prove either they or their partner or spouse work in the park area. This helps park management limit growth in the area and maintain the sensitive ecological integrity of the park.

Set within the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff and Lake Louise are a nature lover’s paradise. Any time of year you will find fantastic things to do and places to discover throughout this wilderness playground. Winter is a particularly popular time to visit. Banff National Park has 240 trails for some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the country and many of the deluxe resorts in the area offer great ‘ski and stay’ packages. There are also plenty of other winter activity options to fill your vacation itinerary. If you’re not much of a skier you may want to try snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding or even a horse drawn sleigh ride. A fantastic place to visit year round is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, although it is particularly enchanting in the winter months. These pure natural spring water hot springs are perfect for relaxation and maybe even a little romance and provide visitors with exquisite mountain views. Is there any better way to warm up on a cold winter day?

Summer is also a very busy tourist season in Banff. There is so much to do here that it will be hard to fit it all in. The wildlife viewing is spectacular in the spring and summer months and tours are very popular. You could spot some of the native wildlife like bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, elk or marmots. Although the Banff Springs Golf Club is the only golf course here, this sport is a popular pastime here. The course is expertly designed with captivating scenery and challenges golfers of every skill level. Other activities people come to Banff for are camping, hiking, fishing, horse back riding and canoeing. Banff also has a number of historical sites and museums to explore. Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum provides a glimpse of aboriginal history and culture in the area and Banff Park Museum National Historic Site is a natural history museum and interpretive centre. Both are well worth a visit. The area also hosts a number of festivals and celebrations during the year. The Summer Arts Festival runs May through August and includes almost 200 events including art walks, lectures and concerts. Winter Festival is a six-day celebration held every January. This is an occasion for the whole family to enjoy with rides, ski competitions, chili cook offs, music and challenges. Whatever you are looking for, Banff will satisfy your every desire with its breathtaking natural wonders, excellent facilities and small town charm. Canadian Dollars Standard Canadian, 110v 60Hz. GMT-7 (GMT-6 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November).
Banff is in the Mountain Time Zone, with the same time as Calgary. It is two hours behind Toronto and one ahead of Vancouver.