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Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff

Alpine beauty and iconic wildlife

Banff tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Set amid the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Canada's oldest national park, created in 1885, is home to a seemingly endless variety of natural wonders, with a vast network of rivers, hiking trails and driving routes criss-crossing its pristine alpine landscapes. This is a land of rugged mountaintops and plunging canyons, dramatic and untamed; of emerald lakes and carving glaciers; of high meadows springing with flowers. And, amid all the beauty is a wonderfully rich diversity of wildlife, from elusive bears to bighorn sheep and wandering herds of elk and moose.  

Natural Springs

While national park's endless alpine vistas rightly grab the headlines, the town of Banff itself – appropriately located at the foot of Sulphur Mountain – is a bubbling hotspot of natural springs. First discovered by railroad workers back in 1883, today the springs attract visitors from across Alberta and beyond to soak in their healing waters.

Wildlife and Trails

Johnston Canyon is a gorge with two brilliant waterfalls and is visited along the popular trail from Bow Valley Parkway, where you can also see bubbles of water appearing from a natural spring. Explore the old coalmine and ghost town in Bankhead on a short hiking trail from Lake Minnewanka Road. Further into the mountainous wilderness live grizzly bear, caribou, moose, wolf and elk, as well as a variety of birds nestling in the forestry. On hikes around the national park wildlife is never far from your mind.

Lakes

The biggest attraction of Banff National Park has to be Lake Louise. It's known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies' for its clear waters, surrounding peaks and stunning views. It's accessible via the Icefield Parkway, a spectacular driving route that links Lake Louise to Jasper National Park. Take a drive around Banff's largest lake and take advantage of the picnic spots and hiking trails at gorgeous Lake Minnewanka.

Skiing

Due to the Rockies' ever-so-reliable snowfall, winter sees Banff transform into one of North America's premier ski areas. The two resorts most accessible from Banff town are Norquay and Sunshine Village, with Lake Louise also providing superb options for on- and off-piste adventures. There's also the chance to try out heli-skiing to access those more remote backcountry slopes.

 

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Top itineraries in Banff

Banff National Park

Winter in Alberta's Rockies

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,885 pp incl. flights

Based in the pretty town of Banff, this tailor-made holiday includes a host of winter activities, including snowshoeing, guided ice walks, husky sledding, sleigh rides and ice skating. There's also plenty of free time for those who want to hit the slopes.

Alberta, Badlands

Alberta's Buffalos and Badlands

13-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,655 pp incl. flights

Compare the snow-capped beauty of Banff with Calgary's cowboy culture and the prehistoric landscapes of Alberta's Badlands on this tailor-made fly-drive.

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Alberta’s Summer Sensations

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,365 pp incl. flights

This summer escape introduces you to the exciting cities of Calgary and Edmonton, followed by a journey along the spectacular Icefields Parkway to visit Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.

Yellowknife Northern Lights, Canada

Northern Lights in Yellowknife & the Rockies

8-day tailor-made holiday from £2,085 pp incl. flights

This tailor-made winter holiday sees you travel to north to the remote city of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories and Canada's most reliable location for spotting the Northern Lights.

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Top places to stay in Banff

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff

Contemporary hotel

This rustic mountain-style lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting just outside the centre of Banff.

Three Bars Ranch

Three Bars Guest & Cattle Ranch

Accommodation

Experience the ultimate horse-riding holiday in the heart of Canada's spectacular Rocky Mountains at Three Bars Guest & Cattle Ranch, located between the Banff and Glacier National Parks.

The Malcolm

The Malcolm, Canmore, Alberta

Traditional hotel

Stunning mountain views and a situated between two natural-flowing creeks, mixed with a Scottish heritage

Rimrock Resort

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Contemporary hotel

Offering superb views and excellent service, the Rimrock is a luxury hotel just minutes from the centre of Banff.

Banff articles

Barrier Lake, Alberta, Canada

Alberta: Home of the Canadian Rockies

From soaring mountains and glittering lakes to dinosaur fossils and the world's greatest rodeo - Alberta has it all, and plenty more besides.

Castle Mountain views from Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer - North America's Greatest Rail Journey

Wexas rail specialist Alison Nicolle reports back from the Rocky Mountaineer’s signature journey – a weeklong itinerary that winds up through the Rockies to link Vancouver and Calgary.

Meet our Banff experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected