Many people get caught up on Banff Avenue. There's a lot of attractions in downtown Banff, if you like to shop and eat. But, there's more to life than that, and there's plenty more to Banff than that. In the outlying areas of town, there are hiking trails, hot pools, a golf course, lakes, and spas. There's a lot to do in the town of Banff without even venturing out into the National Park, but sometimes you just need to ignore the crowds and go somewhere else.
The Sulphur Mountain Gondola is a fun ride up the mountain, and it also provides some of the best natural scenery you can find in Canada. Get a bird's eye view of the town of Banff and look around at all the mountain peaks in every direction. Also on Mountain Avenue is the Upper Hot Springs, which are a naturally heated pool. It is a fairly popular place, but it's a ways up the hill and will require a car ride.
The Banff Springs Hotel is a major draw because it truly looks like a palace in the mountains. The view of the Bow Valley from the hotel is called the "Million Dollar View". The restaurants at the hotel are top quality, and the spa is also one of the best in town. A little ways away from the hotel is the Banff Springs Golf Course. This is one of the most legendary mountain courses in the world. It has hosted a number of professional tournaments. There are plenty of deer and elk that walk past as you play.
Cave and Basin was the original attraction to Banff. It no longer is a natural hot spring, but it's a historic site that's pretty amazing to check out. Nearby, the Sundance Canyon trails are a great hiking area, easy for any level of hiker, and it provides some great views of the mountains.
Mountain Avenue
Beautiful Mountain Views...
Mountain Avenue
Banff National Park of Canada
Swim in a natural hot pool...
405 Spray Avenue
Get pampered by expert masseurs...
405 SPRAY AVE
Classic, historical, world-famous golf course...
The original hot springs in Banff...
Recreation area for hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba...
Hike, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe near Cave and Basin...
Bow Falls Drive
An easy hike and a great spot for photographs...
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Gymnasium and fitness facility at the Banff Centre...
Spray Lakes Road
A bike trail connecting Banff and Canmore...