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.
Special offers in Banff
offer
Peaks & Perks - Book and receive £300 per couple added value – Save up to £150 pp
Book by: 21 December 2018
Sweep through the Canadian Rockies on a truly legendary rail journey, stopping off for scenic helicopter flights, gondola rides and guided tours of Banff and Yoho National Park. You'll even stay right on the shores of Lake Louise.
offer
Peaks & Perks - Book and receive £480 per couple added value – Save up to £240 pp
Book by: 21 December 2018
Between expert-led tours, handpicked hotel stays and, yes, an ultra-scenic rail journey, this curated itinerary showcases Canada’s dramatic landscapes in style. Along the way, you’ll step out onto glaciers, sweep alongside rushing rivers and summit national-park peaks.
Top itineraries in Banff
Based in the pretty town of Banff, this tailor-made holiday includes a host of fabulous 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.
Compare the snow-capped beauty of Banff with Calgary's cowboy culture and the ever-changing landscapes of Alberta's Badlands on this tailor-made fly-drive holiday.
Top places to stay in Banff
This rustic mountain-style lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting just outside the centre of Banff.
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