Car Hire Banff

Mini guide to Banff

Banff’s extraordinary alpine scenery, gorgeous glacial lakes, fantastic array of recreational activities and ease of accessibility explain its position as Canada’s foremost year-round holiday destination.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Banff is Canada’s highest town and first national park. The town is located amidst the magnificent Canadian Rockies, and the surrounding region boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, making it extremely popular with photographers and sightseers alike. The most noteworthy attractions are the glacier lakes, with the nearby turquoise Lake Louise, located below the towering Victoria Glacier, being one of the most enchanting and picturesque. The lake has long been popular with the rich and famous, and is incredibly romantic and tranquil. From Lake Louise, continue the stunning scenic drive to the magnificent Lake Moraine, while further away lies the spectacular Lake Minnewanka. The lakes offer canoeing, fishing, boating and hiking. In the winter, the surrounding countryside is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

For skiers and snowboarders, Mount Norquay is the premier destination, with superb snow cover and incredible scenery. The mountain is famous for the quality of its snow and the duration of its skiing season, one of the longest in Canada. Other recreational activities to be enjoyed in the region include camping, climbing, cycling, swimming, sleighing, horse-back riding and wildlife viewing.

The town itself boasts a warm, friendly cosmopolitan atmosphere, with top-quality accommodations and sumptuous cuisine. The busy Banff Avenue is the main shopping area, and features most of the town’s nightlife scene of bars, pubs and clubs. To escape the crowds, take a refreshing stroll along the Bow River. To recover after a cold day spent on the glacier or on the snowfields, head for the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Nearby are Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, while leading north to Jasper National Park, is the spectacular Icefield Parkway scenic drive (Hwy 93), which traverses the vast Colombia Icefield - one of the world’s most unique experiences.

Calgary International Airport serves direct flights to and from most US cities. Asian travellers can reach the airport via connections from Vancouver, while European visitors can transit via Toronto or Montreal. From Calgary there are various transportation options to Banff.