The Great Rocky Mountains- Banff National Park

Josh Evelyn

An insiders guide to Banff National Park visits.

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Updated ago

Banff National Park

All photos in this were taken by myself and all rights are reserved.

Background

Banff National Park was founded in 1885 after the great discovery of the hot springs residing there. The hot springs created the historic landmark the Cave and Basin which is open to the public today to go and venture with a guide or alone. The popularity of the park has then since grown to it being a National Treasure to Canada.

What Do You Need To Get In?

To get into Banff National Park you need a Canadian National park pass which you can just buy for the day, multi-day or annually. What else you need is dependent on what you plan on doing. Are you hiking or are you biking? Are you shopping or are you on a vacation get away? No matter what you will need to remember a bag, preferably a cross body one where you can have your bag in front of you. Though crime isn’t as high here as other places your wallet can still easily be swiped away from you. Next you’ll need comfortable walking shoes. In the mountains getting around in foot in town and on hikes is the easiest method of transportation and allows you the chance to see the wonderful things the park has to offer.

Places Of Interest

Touring around the park can be fun but dependent on what you are looking for there may be specific places.

Shopping

Take a walk in downtown Banff and experience the liveliness and culture that surrounds this wonderful place. From Japanese candy to gems forged over many years you can find all your heart’s desire in downtown Banff. It’s also in a short walking distance of Bow Falls which is a very popular perfect picture destination. If Banff’s everyday rush of visitors and regulars is to much for you, Canmore is just outside the park and just as beautiful with the more peaceful side.

Hiking- Summer Activity

Hiking is a relaxing hobby, one that many enjoy to relieve their stress. During the summer many ski resorts like Sunshine are open for visitors to come and hike at. Sunshine, though costing more, gives you a scenic ride up on one of their gondolas, once reaching the top of the mountain opening a world of opportunity. You can ride up another ski lift to the top of the mountain, where you hike down through many trails. If you are a photographer looking for amazing images this is the place to go.

Then there is Johnstons Canyon which has two hiking choices for however strong your endurance is.

If your an experienced hiker looking for a challenge Cascade Mountain is ready for you to take on.

Ski Resorts- Winter Activity

Skiing is one of the biggest winter activities in the world. Banff has some of the best fresh snow to shred or difficult courses to conquer. Many ski resorts have places you can stay or transportation to get there if staying off resort.

Sunshine is one of the most highly enjoyed ski resort in Banff. Many people you talk to will say it’s the best and people attract there like moth to a flame. It offers fresh snow, daily updates on the courses outlooks and wonderful courses for either beginners or experienced skiers and snowboarders. If you are looking for a versatile resort to fit your ever need Sunshine could be the place for you.

Nakiska is another popular resort. Opened November to April you can venture down the highly acclaimed mountain playground locators only 45 minutes from the major city of Calgary.

Norquay is Sunshines biggest competitor. Many people argue which one is better. Coming with all the same perks as Sunshine, Norqway provides skiers and snowboarders an entertaining experience heading down a mountain doing what they enjoy.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is a very popular attraction due to its glory of being located only 5 minutes from the beautiful Lake Louise. Banffs lake hotspot attracts thousands of people every year and the chance to ride down the slope near it could be a life time experience.

Haunted Attractions

Are you looking for a scare while on vacation. Banff, though beautiful, also holds a great reputation due to its haunted nature and spooky events that occur. Banff is home to what is considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in the world, The Banff Springs Hotel. There are many ghost stories there like the burning bride, Sam the hotel worker and the ghosts of the room 873 incident. You can take a self guided tour around the hotel by asking one of the front desk workers for a self guided tour map.

If you are looking for more of a person guided tour there is a group called the Banff Canmore Ghost Walk Group who take guided tours about haunted places in Banff and Canmore. You can find the link to their page below to book.

Https://banffcanmoreghostwalks.ca

Photography

Banff is very well known for its photographic nature. Trust me I know. For photographers looking to get beautiful pictures in Banff and the surrounding area I will briefly discuss a couple tricks I have learnt while going to the national park.

For animal shots patience is key. Animals aren’t always out. When you are sitting in a location for 5 minutes then giving up when you see nothing will be fruitless. Animals are like humans and only move and come into spaces when time passes and they feel safe to do so. Remember give the animal space and don’t feed or interact with it other than to take a photo.

Finally water shots can be took in many many places. Of course the most popular being Lake Louise. Despite its popularity it is still one of the best and most scenic places to take photos. Another place could be Lake Minewanka and Two Jack Lake. Both have less people than Lake Louise but still provide the wonderful water shot you may be looking for.

Banff National Park

Is a treasure just waiting to be found by you. Though not an extensive guide, I hope my little insiders guide to travelling Banff National Park will help you in your journeys. Though it’s not needed tips would be appreciated and I plan on giving back to small businesses in Banff National Park.