You cannot visit Canada or the “Great, White North”; as some may say, without a great and snowy experience, and that is Banff in the Winter.
It is an icy vacation that will forever warm your heart. I have had the pleasure of visiting a few times and as a Guyanese who was born and raised in a tropical climate, I am always willing to return to Banff
Banff is a resort town in the province of Alberta, Canada, located within Banff National Park. It is the perfect combination of picturesque mountains, lakes, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and very hospitable people. It is absolutely gorgeous in the Winter, and this is when millions of visitors flock here to get some skiing done. More than 4 million people from around the world visit Banff National Park every year. While skiing looks fun for those of us who watch from afar, there are many other fun activities we can dip our toes in.
➢ Things to do
Banff Avenue is a lively hub of boutiques, restaurants and hotels, and if you’re a shopping enthusiast such as myself, this is the place to be. Here you can stop to grab a quick lunch, pick up souvenirs, or sip on a hot chocolate while overlooking the scenic views. You can also hike, bike, visit any of the many national parks and historic sites, enjoy a relaxing spa day, etc. My time in Banff has usually been spent sightseeing, hunting in the gift shops for statement pieces for friends and family, crashing any wedding that’s happening, or just a lazy day at the spa. Christmas here is like a hallmark movie. Things to do in Banff.
➢ Places to stay
While there are many places to stay in Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs takes the cake! It’s one of those jaw-dropping experiences where you stand and gawk at its beauty, which is exactly what I did. The Fairmont is Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies. It is an architectural wonder that fulfills your dream of sleeping in a castle. The hotel’s many amenities include a hot spring spa, several restaurants and host to many events, including destination weddings! While this luxury comes at a hefty price, there are many affordable places you can stay.
➢ Getting there
If you’re located in Canada, flying to Banff may be cheaper, but taking the bus, train, or driving is an experience of a lifetime. The drive from Toronto to Banff takes about two days, and you pass through the most scenic views that you only see on greeting cards. You can gaze up at The Rocky Mountains, stop and be mesmerized by Lake Louise, take countless pictures of the many wildlife, including grizzly bears. Driving to Banff is better in the warmer months while taking the train is best in the Winter.
But, don’t let me give everything away about Banff, come and see for yourself!
So, if this Guyanese Canadian girl has convinced you to put Banff on your bucket list, here are some guides to planning your trip:
The Banff Blog
Fun Fact: Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage.