First time going to Banff.?

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Robert J

It is unfortunate that you didn't indicate if the 4 weeks was all for pleasure or if it is business with a bit of pleasure on the side. But here's a shot, assuming this is a pleasure trip. I've been to Banff area twice (from Texas), and love the area. It is an outdoorsman's paradise. Banff itself is a touristy resort town with a grand hotel, various smaller hotels, restaurants, boutique shops, etc. I can't imagine spending more than a couple days there, personally. For me, the real attraction is all the outdoors activities between there and Jasper. We camped at several sites in the region and had a marvelous time. Don't miss Lake Louise and lakes like Moraine Lake. All along the drive from Lake Louise to Jasper are several other outstanding lakes. Lots of hiking at various points along the way as well. The Columbian Icefields are worth a visit (go out on the glacier in a snowcat). There are lots of thermal hot springs and accompanying spas from Banff to Jasper. We did the one outside of Jasper a couple times and loved it. As for transportation, you pretty much need wheels if you plan to see the various outdoor sights. You'd be surprised how many bicyclists there are, but I assume you'd prefer a car. In 4 weeks you can explore some of the surrounding parks as well, like Kootenay. They all have something to offer. While the must-see sights are worth seeing, they can be overrun by busloads of Chinese and Japanese tourists (nothing against the ethnicity; just an observation of frequency; I think it relates to regular trains that run up from Vancouver conveying Asia/Pacific area tourists to the interior). For that reason, a car and a willingness to hike can be a real asset, taking you away from the crowds. I recommend investing in a sturdy, high quality pair of hiking books, a can of bear repellant (you'll see them), and all-weather hiking gear (expect some rainy days) and have a great time! I'm envious.

asaucygal

Four weeks is a long time without a car unless you just want to hang around the town. There is so much to see, and within that time you could easily cover both Banff and Jasper (just about 3-4 hours apart) and come away with a great experience.

Here are some recommendations for both areas:

Banff -- A bigger town for nightlife and shopping, and a good base for travel, although we preferred staying in the quieter town of Canmore.

Lake Louise - all the views you see on postcards - very beautiful, but busy with bus-tourists. Not so good for a "wilderness adventure" but still pretty. The Hotel is worth seeing, but not staying - at $4-800 a night, I'd have to stay awake around the clock to feel i got my money's worth!

While the frontage at Lake Louise is tourist laden, there are several day hikes from there ranging from 4-12 miles. Some lead to a teahouse atop a peak. others to spectacular views of the glacier.

My vote would be for Moraine Lake - BREATHTAKING!! the color is an aqua you cant even imagine! follow the trail past the rockpile to a lookout point where you can see the whole lake and the five glaciers beyond (watch for pikas - tiny rabbit like animals that sound like a squeaktoy)

Take an early morning or sunset drive around to see wildlife - Elks, Longhorn Sheep, Mountain Goats

Johnston Canyon is also a fun hike - some along the rim, some on metal walkways cantalievered into the walls, some along the stream bed. takes you back in to some great waterfalls. Easy hike fairly level requires more time than exertion.

In Banff itself - wander through the Banff Hotel - part of the Canadian Pacific effort to bring tourism to the Canadian Wilderness interior. Glamourous and Opulent, recalls the refinement of an era long gone.

End your day with a soak at Banff Hot Springs overlooking the lights of the city, and surrounded by pines. $8 pp and a great way to sooth tired hiking muscles

Jasper National Park - probably less visited than Banff, so can be a little more "natural"

Athabasca Falls - follow the paths along this stream that cuts through layers of rock.

Mt. Edith Cavel - drive to a base parking lot, then hike (take your time, you're at 8000 feet with lower oxygen) up to see Angel Glacier and a glacial lake with icebergs (some the size of a toaster other the size of a buick)

Athabasca Glacier - take a snowcoach and walk on a huge glacier - this is pricey (60pp) but very cool to do.

So much more to see - buy a nice guidebook (i liked one by Moon Publications )and plan some day trips.

boardbetty

I would enjoy more of the hiking and outdoor things than cruising the streets of Banff. But there is the Hot springs you can go soak in, outdoors and all natural but they also charge I think 8-10dollars to soak. You can take the gondola at sulphur mountain and have lunch at the top of the mountain, nice view from up there. Have brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel, little pricey but worth it and great food. Go over to Sunshine village ski resort and take the gondola there up to the top and go hiking for the day, it one of the biggest alpine meadows around and a super cool view of surrounding area. You could go to Canmore where the restaurants arent so pricey and its not so touristy. Rent a mountain bike and go for a pedal on the many trails around Banff and Canmore. Just for peat's sake dont try to pet the elk!! People have tried this believe it or not!

Allison B

I will assume money is no object and tell you what to expect.
First - you will need a car, so you can get one at the airport - it's a very pleasant drive from Calgary to Banff, take in some of the sites in Canmore and the Kaninaskis area.

I hope you like outdoorsy stuff - cause that's what Banff is all about! There's some great camping and hiking in the area - there's a local information booth at the town's center. Definately check out Johnston's Canyon and hike up to the ink pots - this trail is paved so you don't NEED hiking boots for it. Also right inside the town is the trail head for tunnel mountain - great views of the town.
Take a day and go white water rafting in the horseshoe canyon - starting at Golden (1.5 hrs from Banff). It's the best rafting in North America so you should check it out.
Take a gondola ride at Lake Louise - the people at the info booth in banff can give you info on this. Check out the Lake there and hike up to the tea house - lots of fun.
The breakfast buffet at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel - it really is the best! Do a little walking/exploring around there afterwards - you really shouldn't miss it - and the hot springs are right there so go take a dip!.
The best dinner you'll find is at The Eden restauant at the Rimrock hotel - it's expensive but it's a 5 diamond restaurant - totally worth it! Another dinner not to be missed it the Grizzley House, it's a fondue/hot rock place and you can eat anything there from beef to alligator, rattle snake, or ostrich etc. Anyway, it's a fun experience.
One of the famous places to see in Banff is the fudgery - they make the fudge in the front of the store, kinda neat and yummy.
Try going on a guided fly fishing tour. The Bow river is world famous for it's large brown trout - beautiful scenery too.
http://www.bowrivercanada.com/contact.php - this guy is the best there is.
If you want some locations for the best hikes in the area - or some of the toughest, just send me an email allisonbeaton@shaw.ca

boo hoo

The last time I was in Banff, Alberta was 30 years ago. Don't know much about the attractions now. But if you rent a car in Calgary it will take you quite a while to get to Banff although it is only 60 - 70 miles, but the scenery is so AWESOME you will see something different every corner you turn. One of the places I remember was Lake Minnewanka (think that is the correct spelling) it was absolutely beautiful. Enjoy

packingal

.If you do decide to drive from Banff to Jasper you should take the time to stop at the following even if it is just to take a bathroom break & stretch your legs:

Num-Ti-Juh Lodge; Bow Lake & the Bow glacier are breathtaking. Try to spot the small fish in the little creek running into the lake.

Horseshoe Lake; not too far of a walk along a trail. The water looks amazing when seen from above along the ridge. You will want to dive right in but I don't recommend it.

Honeymoon Lake; if I was Bill Gates rich I would pay to close it up for the weekend just for my own personal use. The water is actually not too cold for a swim.

Bubbling Springs; right beside the road & parking area. It is really neat to see the water bubbling up from the bottom of the springs & the pink sand is lovely.

Walk along the river in Banff for a view of the beautiful old homes along the ridge towards the Banff Springs Hotel. Check out the Candy store. There are quite a few small wildlife & history museums that are really nice. Go for a cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

Hottie

go to every store in banff and go to the hotsprings they are soooooooo nice

enjoy banff (im going there for the summer as well)

hockeygirlchelsia

Banff is beautiful, but it's a fairly small place and you can get around - especially downtown - just by walking. I would suggest renting a car for a couple days so that you can drive around and enjoy the scenery in and around Banff.
I was there a few years back and can't particularly remember what stores and shops there were, so I can't recommend anything. Plus it's probably changed dramatically since then.

Just being there is a wonderful experience on it's own - although it seems to be getting more and more commercial. Either way, just take in as much as you can! :)

Smartybbq knows u!!

dat is a long time but u need 2 hve fun drive thru da rockie mountains go 2 lake louise end up in british colmbia it is awesome have fun

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