Banff

The town of Banff lies within the Banff National Park in Alberta in Canada.  Banff is in the Alberta Rockies and has an altitude of 1 463 metre above sea level.  It is the town with the second highest elevation in Canada.

The high altitude means that it receives large amounts of snow in winter.  Banff is officially recognized as a winter ski resort and ski season is from November to end of March.  Not only is the snow a big tourist attraction, Banff can boast with plenty natural hot springs around the area.

Banff is surrounded by Mountains making for ideal ski slopes in the winter.  The most famous of these mountains are Mount Rundle, Mount Norquay, Sulphur Mountain and Cascade Mountain.

Banff is also known for a location where the Northern lights can be spotted due to the Northern location and the altitude.  The best time to view the Aurora Borealis is around the autumn and spring equinoxes, October and March.

Ski vacation activities in Banff

Banff promises to be a destination filled with activities for the outdoor enthusiast.  Banff Resort is renowned for the three world class ski areas that covers an area of 8 000 acres of skiable terrain.

This makes the terrain ideal for downhill resort skiing and snowboarding.  Many events and competitions are held throughout the season to test and show off your skills.

Another favourite is Cross Country Nordic skiing, skate skiing and Telemark at easy accessible cross country tracks.  Try your hand at indoor and outdoor ice skating if you do not want to brave the open tracks on skis.  The indoor ice skating is ideal for ice hockey, figure skating and recreational skating.  The outdoor ice rink is at downtown Banff and situated on a school terrain.

There are many options for sledding in Banff.  Sledding and tobogganing are fun activities that can be enjoyed on informal or official terrains.  You can use your own sled or toboggan or rent one from designated places.  Enjoy a delightful pre booked ride on a horse sleigh with festive bells ringing through the streets or a more romantic ride with a warm blanket and some tasty chocolates.  Dog sleds are unique experiences where you can handle your own sled pulled by huskies, or enjoy the ride with a guide handling the sled.  Dog sled tours are available from November to April.

Explore the beautiful mountain area of Banff on a Snow Shoe Tour. Enjoy the quiet winter scenery on these specially designed light weight shoes to walk on snow, or explore the more rugged terrain in the Banff Mountain and Canadian Rockies with a snowmobile.

Ice fishing is allowed at lakes outside the boundaries of Banff National Park.  Ice diving is available for private or commercial groups, but a Restricted area Permit must be obtained by Park Officials for this activity.

Lastly relax in one of the therapeutic natural hot springs in Banff.  Choose the Upper Hot springs or the hot springs in the Cave and Basin.

On days where outdoor activities are limited due to weather conditions, visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn more about the culture and history of the Canadian Rockies as influenced by natural and human history and their art.

Then there is always the option to go shopping at one of the many stores in Banff where you will find a wide variety of merchandise.  There are jewellery, clothing, candy shops, gift shops and much more.  Visit the Cascade Plaza shopping mall for a one stop shopping experience.

Conclusion

Banff is a unique experience where you can enjoy your winter vacation with high paced activities outdoors and spend more relaxing times in natural springs or indoor activities.  By day you have the high speed snow activities and by night the night club and bars.  In this town you will find activities to suit every holiday need.