Banff National Park, Canada's oldest, was established in 1885, and for many it's the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The town of Banff and its many hotels serve as an ideal base from which to explore the park and its neighbours, Yoho and Jasper, with all wonderful sites and vistas, but take the time and you'll find that Banff has a lot more to offer than just a hotel room. Here are just a few examples to tempt you to spend a little more time exploring the town and its many attractions.
Banff and the Bow valley ( from the Sulphur Mountain gondola )
When you have a full day's sightseeing or trip to the hills ahead of you, the best way to start the day is with a traditional Canadian breakfast. Head to Phil's on Spray Avenue in Banff, a classic Canadian diner, for good value Canadian breakfasts. Top choice for the full-on breakfast is the mixed grill, or try the pancakes with blueberries. Melissa's on Lynx Street is another locals' favorite, with a large choice on the breakfast menu. Most of the hotels on Banff Avenue offer breakfast. Check out the Keg at the Caribou lodge, a buffet breakfast with both hot and cold items for around $15, or Ricky's All Day Grill at the Banff International Hotel.
If you're still hungry after breakfast, you have plenty of options in Banff. Visit the Deli at the Banff Springs Hotel, enter the hotel and turn left, grab yourself a hot chocolate and a large slice of cake "to go", and head to the terrace at the rear of the hotel for magical views of the Bow River and valley. If you're in downtown Banff, try Evelyn's Coffee Bar, established in 1992, and a firm locals' favorite with four downtown locations to choose from. On a hot sunny day there's nothing better than a cool ice cream; Cows, "Canada's best ice cream", can be found at 134 Banff Avenue.
Alberta is world famous for its AAA beef, and Banff has a great choice of steak restaurants. Head to the Keg inside the Caribou Lodge hotel, 521 Banff Avenue, get a booth in the bar ... relax and take your time ... top choice filet steak wrapped in bacon, a great place to relax, great service and good food. Bumper's Steak House, 603 Banff Avenue, has been serving the people of Banff since 1975. It's also a great place to stop for a steak and a few beers and a great night out. It's a bit of a walk from downtown Banff, so hire a taxi if you don't have a car. For a good steak in downtown Banff, try the Saltlik Steakhouse, 221 Bear Street, or Melissa's at 218 Lynx Street, another old favorite that's been serving up dinner for over 30 years, or the Grizzly House steak and fondue restaurant at 207 Banff Avenue.
If steak isn't your thing, don't worry - Banff has lots of other dining options. For a special occasion try The Maple Leaf on the corner of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street, offering a choice of game meats and Canadian classics. Or head to the Bison, 213 Bear Street, above the Bear Street Tavern, a real treat with its open kitchen.
Banff has a wide choice of bars, either to spend a lazy afternoon or a full-on night on the town. The Magpie and Stump on Caribou Street is a Mexican-themed bar serving food. Head to the bar, pull up a stool, overdose on the free peanuts and mingle with the locals. It's a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or better still a lively night! Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub on Banff Avenue is another favorite with the locals for good value food, check out their daily special offers. Upstairs at Melissa's, on Lynx Street, is not just great for steaks and breakfast but also a great place to grab a beer and watch your favorite sports. The Rose and Crown, on the corner of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street, offers traditional British pub grub with a Canadian twist. The Banff Avenue Brew Co., located upstairs in the Clock Tower Mall on Banff Avenue, has good food in a modern contemporary bar and a great choice of local beers brewed on site. The Elk and Oarsman, also on Banff Avenue (opposite McDonalds) serves great value food, with a good selection of beers available, and is a great place to enjoy your favorite sports. St Jame's Gate , Banff's Irish-themed bar on Wolf street, has probably the best selection on beers on tap in Banff, and the food is pretty good too.
Banff National Park has hundreds of miles of trails suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, and if you're staying in Banff, some of the best are right on your doorstep! To find the Fenland Trail, a short walk and quiet escape from shopping, head out of town on the Mt Norquay road. The trail starts just past the railway crossing on the left hand side ... if driving, carry on out of town for the car-park on the left hand side. It's a short trail, 2 kilometres in total, but well worth the effort. For great views of the Bow valley and river, cross the bridge from downtown Banff, turn left onto the trail and head down to the Bow falls. If driving, follow the signs for the Banff Springs Golf course. From the car park it's possible to continue across the bridge and follow the Spray River trail, an easy hike that will take you back to the Banff Springs Hotel for more fantastic views of the Banff valley.
In Banff, for a small fee ...
At the Upper Hot Springs, enjoy a swim outdoors in the world-famous Banff hot springs. Don't expect a luxury experience; it's a standard outdoor swimming pool, but still, it's great fun, especially in winter. Watch as your hair turns frosty and enjoy the mountain views from a natural hot spring. From downtown Banff take the number 1 bus route. Whilst you`re there, check out the Banff Gondola, a stunning ride up to the top of Sulphur mountain, for the best views of Banff and the Bow valley. At the top, make the effort to walk across to Sanson's Peak for more great views. Rest rooms are available at the base station and summit. If you are interested in the history of Banff and the national park, visit the Whyte Museum, on Bear street; purchase a Banff heritage passport and you will also gain admission to the Banff Park Museum.
Splash the Cash
Hire a local guide and head for Sunshine Meadows at Sunshine village. A short ride up the gondola and then the chair lift takes you to the top of the ski slopes. Great in the summer, but even better in winter when you can snowshoe in pristine mountain valleys with fantastic views and experience total peace and quiet only a few hundred metres from the busy slopes.