Nestled between mountains and rivers, the village of Banff is very picturesque and touristy and offers multiple possibilities for nature lovers.
You will find numerous restaurants there, for all tastes and budgets, an impressive number of boutiques and stores of all kinds and obviously something to stock you up on if, like us, you are camping. There are a few private campgrounds in the area, but just like the national park, you need to plan ahead and make reservations. Boondocking is not really an option (especially for larger vehicles) in the surrounding area and throughout the park.
Cycling
The surrounding cycle paths, numerous and varied, will allow all types of cyclists to find something suitable for them and meeting their preferences.
We took a few of them to explore different corners of the region and we were not disappointed.
The community trail that runs along the river is rather hazardous, as cars and bikes share a small, narrow, winding road in places, but the different views of the river, Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are magnificent. The latter, initially built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railways and inspired by Sir William Cornelius Van Horne who saw immense potential in these places and whose famous phrase “ If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists ” clearly demonstrates its desire to make this place a destination of choice. Over the years the hotel has been modified and extended to make it the Scottish-style castle it is today, synonymous with luxury and comfort. You can even book a gastronomic tour which will allow you to taste regional specialties prepared according to the hotel’s standards in different emblematic places of this famous institution. A delicious way to learn more about the castle.
From there, if you need to move to digest your meal, you can continue, because a few trails with lookout points offer you great sporting challenges, but above all landscapes that will remain engraved in your memory.
Another community trail allows you to combine biking and hiking and go to Sundance Canyon or stop to admire the wildlife of the Marsh Loop where you can discover a unique variety of species not found elsewhere in the region because of the thermal springs which create a microclimate favorable to their survival. You can also visit the Cave & Bassin historic site, but don’t forget your Canada Parks pass which will give you free access. You can also go horseback riding if that’s the kind of experience that interests you. This is truly a multidisciplinary trail!
Again for bike enthusiasts, the Bow Valley Promenade links the village of Banff to Lake Louise following the magnificent river of the same name and will take your breath away with the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Route 1A, which is part of the Promenade, even offers priority to cyclists during the summer season when car traffic is reduced to a minimum.
Other activites
A pleasant activity is undoubtedly the Gondola ride to the summit of Mount Sulfur where from there several hiking trails await you, but, once again, you must plan and reserve your place a few days before your arrival and do not forget your Parks Canada pass. In the same region there are thermal springs for lovers of hot water dipping which are renowned for their curative properties.
The well-organized public transportation system allows you to get from the village center to different attractions, but requires a little time to fully understand the different routes and schedules. A disappointment for us was that the village of Banff is not located at the base of a mountain as we initially believed and that in winter, to go skiing and enjoy the village après-ski, the use of shuttles and public transportation is a less pleasant necessity (in our opinion). Three ski resorts are accessible according to your preferences: Lake Louise, Norquay and Sunshine Village.
Fishing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boards are also great summer activities to enjoy the magnificent river, lakes and surrounding mountains. Be sure to comply with boat inspection requirements to avoid the introduction of invasive species into this fragile ecosystem.
The village of Banff really has something to keep you busy for several days and deserves a significant stop in order to take advantage of all that it has to offer and allow you to acclimatize to the pace of mountain life and be well prepare for what comes next thanks to the WiFi and cellular connectivity that are virtually absent in your pursuit of the other wonders of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway and Jasper National Park.
As usual, we recommend this audio guide to show you the places not to be missed and tell you the history of the region along the way. Make sure to download it before you go!
This page has affiliate links that may earn me a small commission if you book through one of these links at no extra cost for you. Thank you for allowing me to continue to do the research for you. 😉