Banff

Overview

Banff was Canada's first national park, and it's still the country's most concentrated dose of Rocky Mountain scenery — glacier-fed lakes in impossible shades of blue-green, elk wandering through town, and trailheads that start right at the edge of Main Street. Summer brings hiking and canoeing; winter turns the whole park into a ski destination.

Getting There

Most travelers fly into Calgary International (YYC) and drive roughly 90 minutes west on the Trans-Canada Highway. A rental car (or the Banff Airporter shuttle plus local buses) covers the park well.

Top Experiences

• Canoe or simply photograph Lake Louise and Moraine Lake early in the morning, before tour buses fill the parking lots
• Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail from Lake Louise, with a teahouse stop partway up
• Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of the Bow Valley
• Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, especially satisfying after a day of hiking or skiing

Local tip: Moraine Lake's parking lot fills before sunrise in peak summer — take the free shuttle from the Lake Louise park-and-ride instead of driving yourself.

Food to Try

Alberta is beef country — a proper steak dinner is a legitimate Banff tradition. Balance it with a hearty poutine after a cold day on the slopes, and pack a real lunch for longer trail days; services thin out fast once you leave town.

Practical Info

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Park pass: A National Parks day or annual pass is required and checked at entry gates
• Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from elk and bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails
• Getting around: A car unlocks far more of the park than the (limited) local transit