HomoCulture Logo - New

Banff Is Canada’s Crown-Jewel And Needs To Be At The Top Of Your Travel Bucket List

by | October 26, 2020 | Time 4 mins

The town of Banff, Alberta, tucked into the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is one of the most iconic destinations in Canada. Within an hour’s drive of Banff, you can see and explore the most picturesque and postcard-perfect scenery. It is where you can connect with nature, stay in luxury at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, and enjoy true Canadian hospitality. It’s also the home of Banff Pride. 

A Canada flag flies high above Banff, Alberta.

Explore

Grab your camera and explore some of the area’s most scenic spots!  

Banff National Park

Banff National Park dates to 1885, making it Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything that makes the Canadian Rockies a year-round dream destination converges in symphonic beauty with this stunning park.

With more than 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of well-maintained trails, you can explore it on foot, by bicycle, and even horseback.

In the winter, the region turns into one of the most epic ski destinations. Banff has some of the finest powder anywhere. Moreover, the idyllic alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise feature all the amenities you need for an unforgettable getaway.

Kayakers on the Bow River near Banff, Alberta.

Banff Lakes

Moraine Lake – ROAM Transit 

Tour Moraine Lake using ROAM public transit buses that take you from downtown Banff to Moraine Lake in a non-stop but fantastic journey. Moraine Lake, famous for its azure blue waters, created from the glaciers, is perfect for selfies and photos to light up your social channels. There are beautiful trails and pathways to capture the light, scenery, and perfect angles. 

Lake Minnewanka

Steeped in history and mystery, Lake Minnewanka offers year-round excursions on covered, heated boats with Pursuit Collection. Take in the fresh air, watch the wildlife, and get adventurous in Banff’s largest lake.

On weekend afternoons, sample the best local beers on the seasonal Beer Voyage cruise. The Black Anchor Snack Shop, located on the shore of Lake Minnewanka, has everything you need to enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, at the beach, or in the boat. 

Bow Valley Lakes  

There are many other beautiful, scenic lakes that are easily accessible, each within a few minutes of each other, in the Bow Valley. They all offer incredible scenic vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, with crystal clear water, picnic areas, and trails. The top three must-visit Bow Valley lakes include the Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake. 

Slate Mountain reflects on a lake near Banff, Alberta.

Banff Gondola

Tour Banff and explore the breathtaking scenes of six mountain ranges, the incredible Bow Valley, and Banff’s beautiful town from the Sulphur Mountain summit from the Banff Gondola. The 10-minute gondola ride from the mountain base to the summit is fun and exciting, passing over the pine-forests and trails, and offering a thrill of adventure. 

Begin by exploring from the top by walking the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and learn more about Canada’s first national park at Sanson’s Peak. While there, check out the world-class mountain discovery center.

The view from the top is simply jaw-dropping. It’s a wholly reimagined summit experience giving you timeless views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. 

You can enjoy an elegant, mouth-watering meal at the award-winning Sky Bistro or get a warm cup of coffee at the Castle Mountain Coffee. You can expect exceptional service throughout, and the jaw-dropping, mind-blowing vistas leave unforgettable memories.

It gets even crazier – nightly live music, rooftop patio sips, and the most epic sunsets in summer.

Open Top Touring Scenic Drive Through Banff

Explore and tour Banff than on a unique set of wheels! In this case, open-top vehicles that give you 360-degree views of the stunning sights. Hop onto one of these custom-made Ford Motor Company open top coaches and explore the places, people, and moments that have made the great Town of Banff, well, great.

The coaches have that old school feel from the 1930s, including a completely open roof, guide in period costume, and comes with modern comforts such as USB charging ports for your phone and other electronic devices. You never have to miss a moment.

You’ll be entertained throughout with a mix of rich characters, fascinating stories, and of course, jaw-dropping views, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to snap and glam it up.

The Rocky Mountains through the trees in Banff National Park.

Relax at the Willow Stream Spa

Find peace and calm on your trip at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It will bring you life, relaxation, and the healing powers of the alpine air, the hot springs, and the sacred waters to soothe your muscles and refresh your spirit.

The spa follows in the hot springs’ long tradition that attracted travelers more than 100 years ago with the pulsating waterfalls and mineral water to relax you completely. In the middle of the most incredible place, this quiet sanctuary awakens your senses and brings balance to your body.

Book your Banff Vacation Today

Banff is a year-round destination. There is always something to see and do. This winter, Canadians have the incredible opportunity to explore Banff and the greater Bow Valley all to themselves as international borders remain closed because of COVID19. It’s the perfect time to tour, reflect on the year, take in the sights, and rejuvenate. 

A guy sitting on the Banff sign at the entrance to Banff, Alberta.

If you’re outside Canada, put Banff on your bucket list. It’ll blow your mind. Start planning your trip today with the help of Banff Lake Louise Tourism: http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

Rate this post

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Brian Webb

Brian Webb

Author

Brian Webb is the founder and editor-in-chief of HomoCulture, a celebrated content creator, and winner of the prestigious Mr. Gay Canada – People’s Choice award. An avid traveler, Brian attends Pride events, festivals, street fairs, and LGBTQ friendly destinations through the HomoCulture Tour. He has developed a passion for discovering and sharing authentic lived experiences, educating about the LGBTQ community, and using both his photography and storytelling to produce inspiring content. Originally from the beautiful Okanagan Valley in the southern interior of British Columbia, Brian now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. His personal interests include travel, photography, physical fitness, mixology, drag shows.

Check Out These Recent Posts

Join our newsletter

GDPR