Banff (Canada)

Advantages: Range of activities, scenery, hotels
Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than other parts of Canada

Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is a very unique place. It seems to be a town born to serve tourists. I do not mean that it is a tacky commercial town but instead a geared up to serve the needs of tourists. I was lucky enough to work out there for a year between 1995 and 1996 and had the opportunity to experience the town in both the winter and summer. Banff is nestled in amongst the Rocky Mountains and this affords some of the most beautiful ...
...hostel to the 5* luxury Banff Springs Hotel. What ever your budget is you are sure to find acceptable accommodation. The range of activities to keep you active is also wide and varied from Golf to Skiing, bike to white water rafting. There is no reason why anyone should find themselves bored and even if you are not into activities, just looking up at the Rockies will ensure your happiness. The nightlife is extensive and again caters for all tastes, ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful scenery, friendly people, great skiing, good hotels and so much more.
Disadvantages: Prices can reach quite a high level.

...information on the park. Banff has lots of great spots that are spectacular to camp in.There are lots of cabins looking out onto Banff's many lakes,surrounded by nature these serene and secluded area are by far the best to take a relaxing trip to.If you are one of the people who would rather stay in a hotel instead of roughing it there are tons of four star hotels in the Banff region. After kicking off your shoes and having a peaceful sleep in ...
...see everything expect to pay a fair amount. Banff really shows you the beauty that is in Canada's national parks and why it is such a prime vacationing location.Even if you are with the family of just by yourself you will be truly amazed by the breath taking scenery. ... Read review

Advantages: affordable- friendly - Inspiring
Disadvantages: none

...to go just to ski Banff is about an hours transfer from Calgary slightly more if you are one of the hotels ant the end of the drop off (Inns of Banff is always the first and Rimmrock and Chateau are last - who says money can buy you everything!!). Should you wish to there are other ski areas not included in the lift pass all within half a days travelling from Banff these are Kicking horse Panorama Whitewater Nakiska You will be able to book ...
...on a reasonable tariff - Banff Inn is a family run hotel that goes out of its way to help- nice rooms - nice bar - so hot tub, give the breakfast a miss on some days and go next door to the local dinner (pancakes to die for). Inn of Banff is a large international hotel but prides itself on its price and service. I have stayed there twice and would recommend it every time. The outdoor hot tub is amazing and the views from it are spectacular. Plus ... Read review

Advantages: Amazing snow, Breathtaking sights, wonerful people.
Disadvantages: need transport to get to skiing

This Easter I went to Banff for an action pact adventure holiday! I was going to the Rocky Mountains. (I really thought that sounded cool). Travel & transport We got a flight from Heathrow with Air Canada to Alberta Calgary.There wer other flghts but none straight to Calgary, some to stop off at Houston and other U.S.A areas. The flight took about 9 hours. The chairs were slightly uncomfortable but the air hostess’s were on the ball! The food was ...
...the Rocky Mountain resort in Banff we had a big kitchen, two bedrooms and a sitting room, with a pool and many other features There are alot of properties for ssale all around, at the Rocky mountain resort, Cairs on the bow and bears foot. Banff has great shops for souviineirs, restraunts and is great fun to just explore the town. There are also hot springs in Banff, which is pure water that passes the centre of the earth and comes back up through ... Read review

Advantages: Superb scenery, good sports
Disadvantages: none

Banff is one of my favourite places in the world. I worked near there for about 8 weeks last year and it's a place I can see myself living in. Banff is a town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Everything about the town reflects the fact that it nestles in some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world. You will never be short of things to do if you visit here. Mountain sports are, obviously, top of the list. There are easy walks along ...
...summits around the town. Banff is a popular destination for skiing, it has some excellent slopes with modern facilities- definately a rival to Europe. Rock climbing fans will find vast faces of warm, sunbathed rock and plenty of exposure. Theres also a climbing wall if the weather is really bad. If rivers are more your thing you can try white water rafting and kayaking on the Bow river which flows through the town. Cycling is popular, both mountain ... Read review

Advantages: Real Snow, variety of runs and beautiful views
Disadvantages: Can get VERY cold! BELOW -30!!

...Sunshine Village is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and only minutes from Banff, Canada. It touts itself as being "The Premier Ski and Snowboard Resort" and I think they are right. WHERE IS SUNSHINE VILLAGE? Sunshine Village is located just 15 minutes from Banff in the Canadian Rockies. The nearest airport is Calgary International, served by direct flights from around the world. We took a direct flight from Manchester to Calgary. Banff is about 1½ hours from Calgary on a well maintained four lane highway. If it is day light when you arrive, you get to see some spectacular views! WHAT ARE THE MOUNTAIN STATS? There is 3,358 acres of Skiable Terrain!. The top Elevation is 8,954 feet / 2730m with a base Elevation of 5,440 feet / 1660m! Total Vertical is 3,514 feet / 1070m. The average annual snowfall is up... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great snow, various activities
Disadvantages: not enought time to do it all!

...Banff is a beautiful resort situated in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The town has something to offer everyone from shopping, to fine dining and skiing! I have been lucky enough to visit Banff twice both on skiing trips, once a few years ago and then again in Feb this year. ~~History of Banff~~ Banff was first established a Canada’s first National Park in 1885 and was the third in the world to be given this title. Many sites in the park were inhabited by tribes previous to this date but it was until the Canadian Pacific Railway was starting to be built in this area that the director of this company named Banff after the place where he was born, Banffshire in Scotland. ~~Accommodation~~ There are a number of places to stay in Banff; there are hotels, B&B’s, Cabins, Chalets, Inns and hotels. I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: clean air, amazing scenery, real wild wildlife, music, the people
Disadvantages: it's a long way from home

.... For adventure a little further out of town, you can take one of the numerous trips and tours into the Rocky Mountains, into the Banff national park (the first in Canada and only the third in the world. Here there are dozens of attractions to keep even the most fickle among you amused including Skiing, caving, trips out to Lake Louis and Morian Glacier, there horse back trekking footslogging or hiking, atv rides helicopter trips and heliskiing, there is skiing available all year round though glacier skiing is not for the feint hearted. From Banff, you are not only in the highest town in Canada you are at an excellent staging post for the rest of your Canadian adventure. Will it be west into BC; you are after all on the provincial border. North to Jasper; another National park and favourite for Grizzly and Elk spotting, or you can stick with me as I... Read review

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