I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.
25.07.2023 - 10:36 / matadornetwork.com / Lake Louise
It wasn’t even meant to be: the city of Banff was initially founded to support the development efforts of the transcontinental railway. Today, Banff is one of the top resort towns in Canada, a popular destination in Alberta that offers the perfect blend of serenity in nature with jaw-dropping adventures. Whilst most travelers tend to explore Banff in the colder months to see its winter beauty (along with Jasper and Lake Louise), Banff is just as charming and welcoming during the warmer months. Located within the Rocky Mountain peaks, you can feel nature’s warmth in the cold months and inhale mountainous fresh air in the spring and summer months.
The beauty of Banff comes from a perfect combination of slow living and exhilarating experiences. If you’re short on time, aim for three-to-four days to combine city tours, lake excursions, and icefield expeditions. For longer vacations, a week in Banff allows you to explore the lakes in the area, add biking expeditions along Vermillion Lake and Lake Moraine trails, and spend more time in nature.
Banff offers a range of sustainable adventures during the spring and summer months. A lot of the activities are nature-focused and are easily accessible when you explore the city by foot, bus, or public transportation. This makes it even easier for you to have sustainable experiences when you visit Banff.
Photo: Sean Xu/Shutterstock
As a small town (population about 8000), Banff’s downtown is very walkable, especially during the spring and summer months. The main street, Banff Avenue (or simply Banff Ave) is a melting pot of restaurants, cafes, and locally owned stores. Catch a breath of fresh air while walking toward the city museums, or trek along the Nancy Pauw Bridge and take in the majestic views of the city without ever leaving. There are a number of trails you can explore by foot or by bicycle on either a self-guided tour or as a part of a group excursion with a company like Brewster Sightseeing.
Photo: Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit
The astounding views of Banff’s Spray Valley and faraway mountains are best appreciated from above. This is why a Banff Gondola ride is a must. Taking you as high as 6,500 feet above ground level, this gondola ride in the spring or summer lasts an exhilarating eight minutes. The mere ability to observe such magnificent nature from up high makes every second worth it. The ride ends on top of the Sulphur mountain, where you can take in the views from the open air observatory and indulge in a fine dining experience at the Sky Bistro.
Photo: Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit
This high-end Canadian restaurant is perched on top of Sulphur Mountain and features ingredients like bison and salmon. Make sure you try the beef tartar,
I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.
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