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Banff Destination Guide
Find your package online or call our reservations team on 0845 263 6961 |
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Introduction |
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Simply breathtaking – this quaint town truly depicts every tourist’s image of Canada. With the architecture of a typical winter resort Banff offers the same ambience all year round. Beautiful in whatever season you decide to visit. An excellent base from which to explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers.
Are you looking to find that perfect virgin powder for your first run of the day? Or perhaps strolling through Banff's wonderfully eclectic shops and boutiques is more to your liking. Whatever your style, Banff will not disappoint.
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Climate |
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In Alberta, expect lots of sunshine, no matter what the season. But be warned: being close to the mountains means weather can change at a moment's notice. So follow the lead of Albertans, and be prepared! Temperature ranges in summer (June to August):
15° C to 23° C (60° F to 73° F) Temperature ranges in winter (November to February):
-8° C to -25° C (18° F to -13° F) |
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Transportation |
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The main international airport serving Banff is Calgary.
Road
Banff townsite is 120 km (75 mi.) west of Calgary city limits and 16 km (10 mi.) west of Banff Park gate. To reach Banff follow the, all-weather, four lane Trans-Canada Highway 1 from Calgary to Banff. Driving time is under 90 minutes. Lake Louise is 58 km (35 mi.) west of Banff.
Transfers to Banff can be arranged through your consultant at Dreamticket.com
Rail
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations operates seasonal two-day sightseeing trips, from May to October, featuring the Canadian Rockies by daylight. Both eastbound trips from Vancouver and westbound trips from Calgary/Banff stay overnight in Kamloops, B.C. Via Rail also offers trips between Jasper and Vancouver and across Canada.
All reservations can be made with Dreamticket.com
In Resort
Taxicabs - A number of taxi companies service the Banff area 24 hours a day. Taxis may be found at numerous taxi stands along main avenues, hailed on the street or with a phone call.
Hotel Shuttles - Many Banff hotels offer complimentary shuttle service within the Banff townsite to their guests. Inquire with individual hotels.
Ski Shuttles - Throughout the winter numerous ski shuttles are available for transportation between most Banff hotels and the three ski areas Ski Banff @ Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
Travel to Lake Louise
The most direct route between Banff and Lake Louise is the Trans-Canada Highway 1, a distance of 54 km (32 miles). Visitors also have the option of traveling between Banff and Lake Louise via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway Highway 1A, the Highway 1A turn-off is approximately ten minutes west of Banff on Hwy 1. Public transportation (is available between Banff and Lake Louise.
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Attractions |
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Cave & Basin Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the birthplace of Canada's National Park system, which began here in 1885. The growth and development of Canada's national parks are celebrated in interactive displays and exhibits. Naturally occurring, warm mineral springs can be found inside the cave, and outside in an emerald coloured basin.
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Visit the Buffalo Nations Museum to return to the days when the horse first arrived on the plains, and when Europeans discovered Native cultures rich in elaborate ceremonies, dances, songs, and legends. From richly ornamented costumes to beautifully decorated tipis, from colorful quillwork to hunting equipment, the Museum displays a wealth of Native artifacts and collections. It is a cultural celebration of the richness, diversity, and above all, the resilience of the First Nations Peoples.
Banff Gondola
An 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain in a glass-enclosed gondola brings visitors to the summit. Upper terminal includes the Summit Cafeteria, the Panorama Restaurant (seasonal), and a gift shop. Three levels of observation decks provide a 360 degree view of Banff and the surrounding area. The Boardwalk takes the visitor to Sanson's Peak and a restored historic weather observatory. Open Year-round.
Fairmont Banff Springs
Originally constructed in 1888, offers all the stately charm of the past as well as the luxury of the present. Houses one of the largest spas in Canada combined with a wide variety of recreational activities. The dining facilities range from deli to fine dining offering international and continental cuisine.
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Restaurants |
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With inventive panache, chefs relentlessly reach new culinary heights. Recipes change according to the seasons and make use of the freshest local ingredients. During the fall and winter, this means game, squash and legumes, while spring features asparagus and mushrooms and summer highlights edible flowers and fresh fruits.
Downtown Banff is home to an abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes.
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Shopping |
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Enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travellers as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers or independently-owned establishments to Canada's oldest department store. |
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Recreation |
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Skiing
Three outstanding ski resorts, Ski Banff@Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise provide more than 7,700 acres and 240 trails offering countless options to skiers and snowboarders of any ability. From wide-open bowls and tree-lined glades covered with fresh dry champagne powder, to meticulous groomed slopes and state-of-the-art snowmaking, visitors enjoy unspoiled scenery, short lift lines, and guaranteed friendly local hospitality. With an interchangeable, multi-day Tri-Area lift ticket, which includes free transfers from your hotel to the slopes, visitors can enjoy frequent and worry-free shuttle transportation between the hotels and each ski area.
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