Banff National Park
Almost no Canadian Rocky Mountain experience is complete without a visit to Banff National Park. With its dramatic, untamed wilderness spanning 2,564 miles of valleys, mountain glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff beckons adventure seeking backpackers, bikers and spectators alike. more info
Together with Glacier and a number of other national parks, Banff belongs to one of the largest areas of protected wilderness in the world. Located in the province of Alberta in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is situated 128 km (80 miles) west of Calgary, 401 km (250 miles) southwest of Edmonton and 850 km (500 mi) northeast of Vancouver. Leaving Glacier, head north on Rte 6. After a short turn onto Rte 3 turn right on to 22 North till you hit High River. Take a left here and continue on 40 towards the Banff National Park entrance. Weather permitting, all five entrances to the park are open year round.
Attracting over 4.5 million visitors annually, Banff National Park is a nature-lover's paradise. Visitors interested in mountaineering, skiing, cycling, hiking, fishing canoeing, kayaking and even photography will find more than ample space for a solitary experience in one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Majestic mountain peaks, hoodoos, hot springs, great valleys, dense forests, alpine meadows, brilliant glacial lakes and spectacular rivers are just some of the natural splendor that fills this park. Lake Louise is one of the park's most popular spots but is often crowded, especially in the summer. More reclusive travelers find solitude in Banff's awe-inspiring backcountry. The backcountry is the best place to experience the wealth of wildlife that Banff has to offer. Visitors will encounter elk, bears, picas, moose, marmots, cougars and Canada lynx.
While wildlife thrives amid Banff's stunning mountain scenery, outdoor attractions for those seeking adventure are endless. Along the main continental divide ridge, climbers encounter some of the most spectacular alpine peaks on the continent. Mountain bikers ride trails or jeep tracks through the parks overwhelming scenery to access the endless backcountry. Try a day ride or explore extended trails for the best bike camping in the Rockies. The arrival of winter draws skiers and snowboarders to Banff's park and the resorts beyond. With terrain ranging from short loops to multi day hut-to-hut traverses, ski touring Banff's backcountry proves to be the ultimate way to see the park in the winter. Given all that it has to offer, a visit to Banff National Park (at any point in time) guarantees an adventure-filled trip of a lifetime.
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