Going to Banff National Park: Vacations, Tourism, Hotels, Things to Do, and Airports

What to do in Banff National Park

No planes fly into Banff National Park, and motorized vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, and helicopters are forbidden. Rather, this UNESCO World Heritage site, Canada's first national park, prides itself on pristine mountains and valleys, glaciers and forests. Mountain peaks stand as high as 13,000 feet, lakes are colored peacock blue and emerald green, and the woods teem with bears, wolves, elk, and other charismatic megafauna.

Begun with the creation of a national reserve around Banff's hot springs, Banff National Park has grown to encompass a 2,656-square-mile chunk of mountainous wilderness about an hour's drive west of Calgary. The Trans-Canada Highway cuts east-west across the park,...

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Alistair rates Banff National Park

This is a stunning part of the world, with the town of Banff a mere pebble amidst a sea of wonders. Whether you arrive by car from Calgary or on the train that comes from Edmonton or Vancouver, the first glimpse of the towering Rocky Mountains peaks is breathtaking. Be sure to plan some time to get on the trails away from the roadside vistas and mountain overlooks. This place gets really, really crowded yet less than 5 percent of visitors stray more than a mile from their vehicles. Mount Royal Hotel, right on Banff Avenue, is a good choice for lodging, as is the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (though this is a little out of town). I've been in both summer and winter, and each season presents its own obvious delights. Pack those hiking boots! Evelyns in Banff is a nice spot for a coffee and a pastry before you go and explore.

Submitted on December 20, 2011

Alistair This is a stunning part of the world, with the town of Banff a mere pebble amidst a sea of wonders. Whether you arrive by car from Calgary or on the train that comes from Edmonton or Vancouver, the first glimpse of the towering Rocky Mountains peaks is breathtaking. Be sure to plan some time to get on the trails away from the roadside vistas and mountain overlooks. This place gets really, really crowded yet less than 5 percent of visitors stray more than a mile from their vehicles. Mount Royal Hotel, right on Banff Avenue, is a good choice for lodging, as is the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (though this is a little out of town). I've been in both summer and winter, and each season presents its own obvious delights. Pack those hiking boots! Evelyns in Banff is a nice spot for a coffee and a pastry before you go and explore.

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