Banff
When many people hear of Canada, the first place that springs to mind is Banff. The soaring peaks, dense coniferous forests and abundant wildlife are a Canadian institution. The Banff town site sits within Banff National Park, Canada's oldest and most spectacular Heritage Site. Home to many of the nation’s most famous landmarks, densely populated with wildlife and full of opportunities for relaxation and adventure, Banff is Canada’s ambassador to the world and one of the country's most-visited tourist attractions.
Keeping occupied in Banff should never be a challenge. Dozens of activities for young and old alike make Banff an ideal place to indulge in all your favorite cravings. Most people who come to Banff are looking for the crisp, clear powder snow, white glaciers and alpine tundra that the region is famous for. Banff is a Mecca for adventure seekers, and there are literally hundreds of ways to satisfy your adrenaline cravings. Take a helicopter ride, race a snowmobile across a frozen lake, ride a gondola to the top of a mountain, or fly down a snowy slope on a pair of skies. The opportunities for thrill-seekers are endless.
Drinking and Dining are two very different activities in Banff. Well known as both a party town and a seat of haute couture, the town boasts raucous bars, but also gourmet eateries to shame the best in Canada. From the starched linens of the Banff Springs Hotel's banquet hall to the grimy oaken tables of the Pump and Tap Tavern, the search for sustenance can show the many sides of Banff. Drinking is also a very serious affair in Banff, and an activity that the denizens of the town approach with a great deal of enthusiasm. Nearly every hotel has a venue of some sort, whether a quiet martini bar or a feverishly loud nightclub. Banff is almost as famous for its nightlife as it is for its skiing. Braving subzero cold in nothing but t-shirts, revelers hop from bar to bar along the Avenue, sampling the specials that each has to offer.
