Banff, Alberta - Beautiful and Touristy Mountain Town
March 16th 2008 01:55
Banff from Sulphur Mountain, 2004
Image license
Photographer: Wikipedia user RedWolf. Thanks for sharing.
Banff is One of Canada's Best-Known Tourist Destinations
The Canadian Pacific Railway built the Banff Springs Hotel here in the 1880s to generate traffic for the railroad.
The famous Rocky Mountain scenery continues to draw visitors. While many things in Banff can be pricey, the view is still free.
Accommodation in All Price Ranges
With each year, Banff becomes more popular to tourists. However, there are still campgrounds and motels at the lower end of the price range. Of course, at the upper end, there's plenty to choose from as well.
Why Go To Banff?
There is a bit of the "because it's there" factor. Personally, I generally avoid the shops and the townsite, especially in the summer when it can be very crowded. That said, the Banff Book and Art Den is an excellent independent bookstore on Banff Avenue. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is unique. And despite its poshness, the Banff Springs Hotel (now called the Fairmont Banff Springs) is really interesting, historic, and (that word again)... beautiful.
My recommendation depends upon your interests and activity level. If you like to hike and enjoy the outdoors, avoid the Banff townsite altogether and go backpacking on one of the many routes in Banff National Park. If you're more of a townie then visit Banff for half a day, see the Banff Springs Hotel, and if you enjoy hot water (I do), take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs.
If you want to splurge, and if you ever want to go to a spa for a luxury treat, go to the Willowstream at the Banff Springs. Imho, other spas pale beside it. Another Banff Springs treat is the high tea they serve. The view and ambience are some of the best in the Rockies, and the tea (tea to drink, sandwiches and little cakes to eat) fun, if somewhat extravagant. Not for the budget-conscious, but lovely for a special occasion.
More about Banff some other time.
| 53 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
