This is the oldest and one of the most famous National Parks. In 1883 railroad workers found hotsprings near Sulphur Mountain. The Canadian Pacific Railway director, mister Van Horne, thought it would trigger tourism and decided to build the remarkable Banff Springs Hotel in 1888. Banff, the town arose from here on and nowadays provides all facilities you need. It features many accomodations, restaurants, souvenirshops, sport- and leisureshops and a foodcourt.

The must-sees in this area

This beautifull tourist hotspot is a good startingpoint to explore the beautifull area. We’ve selected a few must-sees near town and en-route to your next destination. First you’ll get a feel for the area upon Sulphur Mountain by gondola. Have a wonderfull picture perfect picnic and a strawl along the scenic 20 km long Lake Minnewanka, where you also can rent a boat for some aquatic adventure.

After this it’s recommended to take the 55 km scenic drive to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway, with a short walk up Johnston Canyon to view the waterfalls and rugged cracks in these rockfaces from the inside. Onwards to Lake Louise where a few magical lakes are waiting for you. First a hike along Lake Louise up to Lake Agnes and back down the ridge on the other side into the plain of six glaciers.

Last but not least a trip to the turquois waters of Moraine Lake in the Valley of Ten Peaks, a series of mountainpeaks all above 3 km or 10.000 feet gives stunning views and causes you to have to recharge your cameras afterwards.