Banff - adventure in Canada's Rocky Mountain Paradise

by Davis Foth

View of Rundle Mountain beyond Two Jack Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

No adventure travel trip to Canada would be complete without a visit to Banff, Alberta. Banff is both the name of the town and the national park that is one of the crown mountain jewels of the Rocky Mountains.

Whether you are a daredevil in search of greater heights, faster drops, and more rapid rapids, or more of a typical sightseer, the sheer beauty of the mountains and the abundance of adventure opportunities in Banff make it a must-stop.

Most people get their bearings with a ramble down the shopping and restaurant haven of Banff Ave, explore the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to catch the vistas of the Bow Valley, and then take a refreshing dip in Banff's natural mineral hot springs.

Following up on that, a visit to the emerald waters of Lake Louise to canoe or hike or take a room at the Chateau Lake Louise is a typical second day.

Those with more time and the capacity for more rigorous adventure can ski at one of the three world class ski resorts, hike an abundance of trails (or cross-country ski in the winter), go on whitewater rafting or canoeing trips, or take helicopter tours.

People from all countries and from all generations come to Banff and leave with lasting memories of its beauty and purity. Make a trip to Banff your next adventure.

For more tips on all of the above, as well as local secrets and must do lists for Banff, see the Banff Insider