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Banff Townsite: Photos and information on things to see and do around BanffPeople often wonder how many days should I allocate to the town of Banff itself? There are many things to see and do in Banff but I would say, if you're on a tight schedule, 2 days is sufficient. There certainly is no shortage of activities to do and sights to see in Banff such as soaking in the Upper Hot Springs, hiking and biking its numerous trails, rafting, golfing, horseback riding, dining, shopping and taking in the many beautiful views of pristine lakes, rivers, mountains and valleys. Here are a few ideas. No visit to Banff would be complete without seeing these sights.  Photo Description: The famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Point Lookout on Tunnel Mountain Drive.  Photo Description: Bow Falls. The Bow River cuts it's way through the Banff Townsite and at the junction of the Bow and Spray Rivers near the Banff Springs Hotel and Golf Course, Bow Falls can be found. Several Hollywood movies were filmed here including the 1953 Marilyn Monroe classic The River of No Return.  Photo Description: View of the Banff Townsite from Sulphur Mountain. Looking to the left is Cascade Mountain. Straight centre is Tunnel Mountain. To the right, you can see the Banff Springs Hotel and Golf Course. In the far distance, you will notice Lake Minnewanka. For around $25 Cdn, you can take the Banff Gondola to the mountain top or if you're feeling energetic, why not hike up as some adventurous people do and save yourself some money.  Photo Description: Banff Gondola station atop Sulphur Mountain offers a restaurant, gift shop, observation deck and a 1km boardwalk trail that follows the ridge to the historic Sanson's Peak Meteorological Station.  Photo Description: View of Mount Rundle from Vermilion Lakes. The Vermilion Lakes are a very short drive west of the Banff Townsite roughly 100 metres south of the Norquay Interchange with the TransCanada Highway. The lakes can be reached by bike and by foot via the Fenland trail which connects with Vermilion Lakes Drive. You can also explore the area by renting a canoe or kayak. This is a large wetland area and serves as a home for many species of birds including bald eagles and osprey. Incredible sunrises and sunsets can be seen from this location.  Photo Description: Lake Minnewanka Just a short 15 minute drive outside of the Banff Townsite lies Lake Minnewanka. There is a beautiful 10 km loop drive that brings you close to Cascade Mountain and Waterfall, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and Cascade Ponds. You can often spot a lot of wildlife such as elk, deer , and bighorn sheep along this road depending on the time of day. Lake Minnewanka offers many activities such as camping, hiking and boat rides. It truly is a breathtaking area as the mountains rise up above the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka.  Photo Description: Banff Hoodoos and Bow River. The Hoodoos are a series of spires that were carved over time by wind and water. They are located on Tunnel Mountain Drive, a short distance from the Banff Townsite. There is a short interpretive trail which describes the geology of the area. This spot also offers magnificient views of the Bow River, Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.  Photo Description: Floating down the Bow River For a different perspective of Banff, I decided to take a float trip down the Bow River. I took the one hour Hoodoo Float Tour (around $40) with Rocky Mountain Raft Tours. The rapids on this section of the Bow River are Class 2 rapids. This is a leisurely float trip that involves no paddling at all, the rafting guide does all the work. The views are beautiful as the raft meanders down the river for several kms. The tour launches from the Spray and Bow Rivers and drifts pass Sleeping Buffalo Mountain around the Hoodoos and eventually lands under the towering North Face of Mount Rundle. For a few dollars, this is a wondeful way to spend a sunny afternoon.  Photo Description: Sleeping Buffalo Mountain (Tunnel Mountain) as seen from a raft on the Bow River  Photo Description: Mount Rundle View from the Hoodoos on Tunnel Mountain Drive Along with Cascade Mountain, the very distinctive Mount Rundle is a dominant feature of the Banff Townsite. It towers 8495 ft and extends for 12kms into Canmore. This is a popular scramble with hikers and several rescues by Park Rangers take place each year. The mountain is ever changing depending on the season and time of day and is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Return from Banff Townsite to Travel Info More Travel Articles Banff Hiking Trails: Six Glaciers Trail, Lake Louise, Banff NP Banff Hiking Trails: Lake Agnes, Banff NP Banff Hiking Trails: Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, Banff NP Johnston Canyon |
Free Desktop Wallpaper Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park, Canada More Related Photos  While in Banff visit Cascade Gardens |