Banff National Park

Established in 1855, Banff national park is Canada's oldest national park. Although the park is more than 6000 square kilometers in area, there are only two population centers, Banff and Lake Louise. Even in these centers the development is controlled by the national park, with residents not owning land but only leasing it from the park. In both of these centers it is not uncommon to encounter elk wandering around, munching serenely on whatever happens to be handy. It is important to note that, even in-town, the animals have right-of-way. Humans are only there on sufference. Like its sister park to the north (Jasper National Park), Banff National Park is a wildlife refuge, with elk, deer, and bighorn sheep easily visible even from the highway (hint: they are often seen early in the morning or late in the evening). Bears, wolves, coyotes and lynx can also be seen (albeit more rarely) and should be treated with the utmost respect (preferably from within a vehicle with the windows and doors closed). The park is rife with mountain trails to walk, mountains to climb, and caves to crawl through. In the winter avalanches are a possibility, and care should be taken to consult the park wardens regarding your chosen destination.

Banff Town

Situated 130 km west of Calgary in the south-eastern portion of the park, the town is a Mecca to people who are visiting the Rocky Mountains, and especially those who are enjoying one of the many ski resorts in the area. The towns main street has a more or less uniform feel to it, with buildings faced in wood and brick, with numerous stores selling souvenirs, native articles, and refreshments.

 Banff is set within a valley formed by the junction of several mountains. It is all but impossible not to see at least one of them anywhere in Banff. The Bow River runs through the town, and the Bow Falls is a perennial favorite for both locals and visitors, being a short walk from downtown. It is not unusual for the visitor to Banff to be greeted by Elk wandering the areas near the Bow River. These large creatures are usually quite passive, but are still wild creatures and should not be approached at any time (and especially not during their mating season, when they get quite territorial). It is important for the visitor to Banff to keep in mind that it is illegal to feed any of the wildlife encountered in the park.

 While in Banff most visitors take in the Upper Hot Springs. Located 4 km south of Banff, the walk may be a bit much for some (uphill all the way), but it is a very short drive. The springs feed a bathing pool with temperatures ranging from 34 to 42 degrees C (the lower end during spring run-off, when the water is only lukewarm). Also available at the Hot Springs is a professional massage.

 While up at the Upper Hot Springs many visitors will walk the short distance to take the gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain. The gondola ride rises 700 meters in 8 minutes. The top of the mountain provides live WebCam views of Banff and the surrounding mountains from the open air observation deck. Food and draft beer is also available at the peak from a small snack shop. At one time you could hike to the top and ride the gondola down free but no longer.

 There are also a number of small museums in Banff, dedicated to the history and wildlife of the park. Behind the park administration office is the Cascade Rock Gardens, which features small pools, plants and shrubs, and numerous flowers.

Digital Banff - Guide to Banff and Banff National Park with up-to-date news, weather, activities, and 300 Banff links.

OFFICIAL Banff National Park Home Page

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