Banff is the hot spot in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff town site & Banff National Park are part of Parks Canada and the national park system. Banff National Park belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Banff was planned as a resort destination from the beginning and has lured travelers from around the world since its inception in 1883. The first Banff Park superintendent had the mission of attracting well-to-do travelers to Banff. When the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed, Banff became a premier global tourist destination.

Banff's travel & tourism history is long and rich. Learning about Banff's history and visiting the historical sites, is a full Banff trip in itself. However, Banff & Banff National Park offer considerably more than a rich tourism history, Banff is a fabulous destination for exploring the outdoors.

A vacation in the Canadian Rockies can be an adventurous trip with a plethora of things to do in Banff. You can choose from numerous activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, sight seeing & scenic drives.

Getting to Banff is accessible from the international airport in Calgary, which is about 1 to 1.5 hour drive. There's also a bus to Banff.

Banff attractions

Key attractions are numerous & diverse. There's history & heritage, such as the Banff Springs Hotel or the Banff Springs hot pools. There's also lesser known attractions like the Cave and Basin, the gondola, & the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

Travelers can explore mother nature through  hiking and walking tours,  and can explore using hiking trails.

Banff hosts a number of festivals, including the Banff Summer Arts Festival, the Banff Mountain Film Festival & the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

Things to do Banff

• Dining: Banff has an diverse array of dining. Travelers can look forward to fine & casual dining. There's an suitable experience for just about everyone.
• Spa: There are several Banff spas available to help travelers relax.
• Scenic drives: Banff National Park has breathtaking scenic drives which also give visitors a chance to see wildlife.
• Wildlife: Viewing wildlife in & around the Banff town site & Banff National Park is one of the big reasons that travelers visit Banff. The opportunities are plentiful & can be a pleasant distraction while enjoying a scenic drive.
• Hiking trail: Banff hiking trails are well documented by Parks Canada. These pages can assist you plan your hike while in Banff.
• Cycling: Cycling in or to Banff is a popular activity and, if you do not want to bring your own bike, there are bikes for rent.
• Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a fun activity but also one that has a lot of history in Banff & the Canadian Rockies. There are horse trails throughout the backcountry and several horseback riding outfits available to take you on an Banff trip of a lifetime.
• Fishing: Fishing in the Canadian Rockies is a fun sport. You'll need a license to go fishing. There are several fishing outfitters who can take you to the best holes. Fly fishing is premier on the Bow River near Banff.
• Backpacking: Banff National Park has a number of class backpacking trails. The backpacking trails are increasingly more popular & many people come to the Canadian Rockies to enjoy these. Be sure to book in advance, so that you are not disappointed.
• White water rafting: White water rafting is provided out of Kananaskis or on the Kicking Horse. White water rafting outfitters pick up guests in Banff Alberta & take them to their destination of choice. World class white water rafting is found on the Kicking Horse. The rivers are powerful in late spring and early summer when the snow and glaciers are melting.
• Skiing. Skiing near Banff is some of the best you'll find in North America. There are three skiing resorts including: Sunshine Ski Village, Mt. Norquay, & Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Banff travel & trip planning tools are listed below:

• Hotels: Travel planning can be made easier by reviewing a list of Banff hotels and reading up on potential options.
• Cheap hotels: Traveling on a budget? Review a list of cheap hotels.
• Hostels: Banff has a number of private and publicly owned hostels.
• Campgrounds: Review a list of campgrounds, along with their services and seasonal opening.
• Bed and breakfasts: Banff has a good selection of bed and breakfasts at a variety of price points and providing a range of different amenities.
• Resorts: Interested in a resort? There are a number of quality resorts for travelers with a choice of amenities and services.
• Cabins: There are a number of options to rent a charming cabin in or near Banff. Some include cabins in the backcountry.
• Maps: Have a look at a map & get yourself oriented.
• Rental car: There is not shortage of options for a car rental whether you choose to rent one at the airport or rent one for a day in Banff.