Getting out of the town of Banff to enjoy the National Park is the only way to appreciate the area, fully. While the town is the only area in the Park to shop, the rest of the National Park is full of activities, places to rest, and places to escape the crowds and find sanity. In Banff National Park, visitors can hike, ski, search for wildlife, and hone their photo-taking skills.
The Canadian Rockies Rafting & Adventure Centre's main office is in Canmore, but they have grown to become the number one Rocky Mountain tour provider. They have activities for everybody: fishing, skiing, hiking, zip-lines, and much, much more. Rafting in the Kicking Horse River is one of the most thrilling activities they offer.
Skiing at Sunshine and Lake Louise is one of the most popular choices for the active traveler. Both of these hills are world-class ski resorts with long ski seasons. In fact, Sunshine is open from November to late May. They are both easily accessible off the Trans-Canada Highway, but Sunshine requires guests to take a 20 minute gondola ride to the base of the ski area.
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are two of Canada's most famous areas for natural beauty. Lake Louise is by far the more crowded and commercial, but it isn't the more beautiful. Moraine Lake used to be on the Canadian $20 bill. It is an iconic image of the beauty of the Rockies. The Valley of Ten Peaks, which surrounds the lake, is idyllic. Not stopping in at Moraine Lake would make your trip to Canada incomplete.
Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature. Johnston Canyon is a popular trail. There a a number of trails around Lake Minnewanka, as well, and the Rockwall Highline Hike is a great way to get out with a group of like-minded people. Sometimes it can be intimidating to try to go it alone.
701 Bow Valley Trail
The leader in Canadian Rockies adventures...
Box 5, 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
P.O. Box 70
Perfect for hiking, photography, and being awe-struck...
Day Trips to Banff's top sightseeing spots...
119 Banff Avenue
All Natural Snow, 15 minutes from Banff...
Famous lake with dog sled rides, hikes, and cross-country trails...
IA Hwy
Johnston Canyon Lodge
Unbeatable mountain scenery along an easy-to-hike trail...
103 Jay Street
A man-made mountain lake just across the way from Banff...
A selection of Alberta's most celebrated nature trails...