Welcome to Banff and Banff National Park!

Canadian Rockies Photography by John E. Marriott

BANFF, Alberta (Rockies.com) - Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff and Banff National Park are known for their unrivaled scenery, world class accommodations and an abundance of recreational activities. The park is located only 1.5 hrs drive west of Calgary, Alberta and is famed as Canada´s first national park.

Banff National Park originated from a meager 26 sq km hot springs reserve, but later blossomed into today´s sweeping 6,641 sq km of protected wilderness. Millions of visitors descend upon Banff´s beautiful forests, pristine lakes and snow-capped peaks each year. Visitors cruise along the shores of Lake Louise, view ancient glacial formations, drive below rugged peaks on the Icefields Parkway and stroll through the wildflowers in Sunshine Meadows. There is never a shortage of sights or things to do in Banff National Park.

Banff is a happening tourist town that will rival Vail, Colorado in character. Cool mountain bars filled with ski bums slurping beer and restaurants serving elk are plentiful, not to mention the great shopping in Banff. Banff offers the best skiing and adventure activities in the Rockies.

First class accommodations will await the adventurous traveler in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. Economy hotels are not plentiful here. We recommend Canmore just 20 minutes away for cheaper Canadian Rockies lodging. Explore Banff National Park and you will share this striking area with some of Canada´s wildest creatures including wolves, caribou and even grizzly bears. Yes, we did say grizzly bears.