In the province of Alberta, located within Banff National Park, lies the resort town of Banff. The peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline. On Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with château-style hotels and souvenir shops. The surrounding 6,500 square kilometres of parkland are home to wildlife including elk, moose, and grizzly bears.
Jetlines operates from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Calgary International Airport (YYC), located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of downtown.
Banff has a rich and vibrant cultural and natural history, recognized globally by the United Nations, which designated the area of the Canadian Rockies as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1984.
The Banff townsite is just 3.94 square kilometres, which means it's fairly easy to get around. Locals like to walk and cycle everywhere, or you can Roam on Banff's great public transit system.
The best times to visit Banff are June to August and December to March. Nature lovers will want to get to the park when the weather is warm and welcoming. The skiers, however, will want to vacation in the height of winter.
Check out all Banff has to offer here
Gondolas
There are four sightseeing gondolas and chairlifts in Banff and Lake Louise: the Banff Sightseeing Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift, Gondola & Interpretive Centre at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, the Sunshine Gondola and Standish Chairlift at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, and the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift at Mt Norquay. Each offers a unique experience.
Banff Hot Springs
First discovered in 1883, the hot springs are still a favourite amongst locals and visitors for relaxation. Sitting in the pools in wintertime is magical, while watching snow fall on the surrounding peaks. Sunrise and sunset at any time of the year is also a wonderful time to visit, as the mountain air cools down during these times of day. The springs are open until late in the evening year-round.
Horseback Riding
By horseback, you travel at a steady rhythm, without being confined to roads or disturbing the tranquility around you. Following trails through vibrant alpine pastures, traversing mountain passes, or fording rushing rivers, horseback riding in Banff is a striking and memorable experience.
Arts and Culture
You will find new stories in Banff and Lake Louise. Stories caught on film. Sculpted in stone. Spoken, written, fashioned in paint, pixels and printer’s ink. Stories that reflect the incredible grandeur that surrounds this UNESCO Heritage Site.
Dogsledding
Mush your way through the peaceful snow-covered mountains and forests while being pulled by a team of huskies. This unique experience can be tranquil at times, and exhilarating and delightfully chaotic at others. Dogsledding is a must-do activity for any traveller, but especially so for dog-lovers or those wanting to experience a classically Canadian activity.
Languages: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Airports: Calgary International Airport (YYC)