Banff
Alberta Overview!
Truly one of the most scenic and breathtaking
locations on earth, Banff offers a glimpse of what the
world was like thousands of years ago. Located within
Banff National Park in Western Canada, in the province
of Alberta, this small town of 7000 is alive with activity.
Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel
at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk among the
flower-filled havens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive
beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields
Parkway. While the park engages its visitors with snow-capped
peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas, visitors
can enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff
and its neighbor, Lake Louise, or step out into the
wilderness to visit the home of some of North America's
wildest creatures, including grizzly bears, caribou
and wolves.
Banff
is accessible by way of a picturesque 90-minute drive
on the all-weather, four lane Trans-Canada Highway
1 from Calgary. There is no need to worry about what
to wear when you get there, as casual dress is the
norm. In summer, bring a raincoat, warm sweater, hat,
sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses. In spring,
summer and fall, a light coat or warm jacket may be
required, particularly at higher altitudes. In winter,
a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, gloves or mittens
and warm clothing are essential. Sunscreen is essential
in any season. With four very distinct seasons, there
is something to see and do whenever your plans bring
you to the area. Daytime high average temperatures
range from -7C (19F) in January to +9C (49F) in April
and provide generally favorable ski conditions throughout
the season. A relatively dry climate is responsible
for the unbeatable Rocky Mountain powder snow. Keep
in mind, the warm Chinook winds can often bring spring-like
temperatures, even in mid-winter.
As
part of Banff National Park, the city of Banff is
rich in historical sites, museums, great food to enjoy
and numerous other things to do, but it is the scenery
that brings visitors back time and again. Banff National
Park is the birthplace of Canada's national park system
and is alive with a landscape rich in wildlife and
history. No two views are the same, and each creates
its own individual memory.
For
a great view of the city, be sure to take a ride on
the Banff Gondola. Its motto is: of “see more
mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime”.
This 8-minute ride transports visitors to outstanding
views from 7,486 feet above sea level.
Another
must see attraction is the Columbia Icefield. While
only accessible from spring until mid-fall, this massive
field of ancient ice covers 125 square miles and reaches
depths estimated at 1299 feet. Straddling the Continental
Divide, the Icefield feeds three of the continents
major river systems: the Columbia, Mackenzie and Saskatchewan.
Meltwaters from the Icefield flow to three different
oceans: the Pacific, the Arctic and the Atlantic.
Called a hydrological apex, it is one of only two
in the world that feeds three oceans. It is truly
an unforgettable adventure.
For
a little indoor activity, try Canada Place. Located
in town, the interactive exhibit on the promenade
level captures the attention of everyone.
There
you can enjoy touch screens, real birch bark canoes,
open secret doors, and experience actual recording
studios.
To
relax those tired muscles after a hard day of sightseeing,
consider a visit to Banff Upper Hot Springs. It has
all the amenities of a modern facility, featured in
a splendid, historic spa and bath house.
Whatever
the reason and whatever the season, this truly remarkable,
picturesque, quaint, exhilarating, town has something
for everyone. You won’t want to forget your
camera for a personal adventure with nature
