Holidaying In Banff Canada

I must make a confession first and foremost. I’m physically unable to give you an objective appraisal of certain spots in the world. Cities and towns that have great personal meaning to me don’t lend themselves to unbiased reviews. I can’t give you independent advice about Paris, I can’t speak dispassionately about the Statue of Liberty or the temples of Angkor Wat; nor can I be unemotional about this little cosy town in the Rocky Mountains.

Situated on the Bow River, Banff, particularly Banff National park, experiences a massive influx of tourists every year. Most of the tourists head to Banff’s more famous cousin, Lake Louise, but it’s never the case for me. My heart lies with Banff, and every moment there is a treasure of its own unwrapping.

Banff is a town that has a very different character depending on what time of year it is: Winter is very different (and in my opinion even more delightful) to Summer. Banff also changes complexion because of the transient nature of a lot of the people that work through there on a seasonal basis, and also due to its wide variety of activities and festivals.

Nestled just above the Bow River is the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel (After many personal visits to this majestic hotel, I have written an insiders guide to the delights of the Banff Springs. For the special article: Fairmont Banff Springs). As you descend into town, walking across the beautiful span that crosses the river, you’ll be delighted by some lovely mountain stores – although sadly the bookstore has disappeared – and souvenir shops. One of my favourites is the adorable Spirit of Christmas store on the main street – a Christmas pilgrimage for all Yule-lovers!

While you’re in Banff, there are a million and one things to do, you’ll surely run out of time before you run out of activities. There are some extraordinarily good places to eat and to have a relaxing Kokanee while you’re there. I love to stop in at Earl’s while I’m there and the Lemon Meringue cocktails are to die for! A breakfast rendez-vous at “Melissa’s” is a personal favourite of our office for obvious reasons!

If you’re not staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs, definitely head to the castle for dinner. The Bow Valley Grill can be sublime, the black forest mocha in the cafe is unique and tremendous on a winter morning; and make sure that you book for the heritage tour with the esteemed and unforgettable Dave Moberg (Castle Historian). Tour is free for hotel guests and a small charge for visitors.

There’s too much to say about Banff in a small page like this, please come in, sit down and we’ll regale you with stories about this treasured town that has made fans of all of us. If you’re thinking of visiting the Canadian Rockies, there’s no place like Banff. 

A little after the development of the Canadian National Railroad the Government of Canada stepped in and designated the springs, as well as a 673-square-kilometre area surrounding them, as the country's first national park.

This area was called the Rocky Mountains Park, and gained instant popularity with travellers on the railroad, which had a station called Siding 29 nearby. Siding 29 quickly became the birthplace for the town of Banff, and the destination point for the Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs has undergone many renovations mostly between 1888 and 1926, and evolved from a Spartan wooden hut to the lavish structure it is today. The Fairmont Banff Springs became a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing European aristocracy with its mineral rich springs and spa, as well as the lavish luxury rarely found in North America.

When the vision was realised of a thriving enterprise the Canadian Pacific Railway Corporation (which owned both the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise) introduced Swiss mountain guides to lead tourists up to the icefields and the highest peaks surrounding the township.

In 1928 the Mount Norquay Ski Hill opened, and was soon joined by the Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski ranges. Along with the popularity of downhill skiing and the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway in 1962, making your way to Banff became easy and relatively economical. 

At present, Banff is a flourishing resort with dozens of hotels, shops, restaurants, and an incomparable variety of wilderness. Designed after the mountain villages of the Alps, Banff attracts an international trade unparalleled anywhere else in Canada.

For a friendly chat and more insights regarding holidaying in Banff contact us today on 02 4296 9822

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