Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is truly a beautiful natural retreat nestled away in the Rocky Mountains. The small mountain town of Banff is a great jump off point to enjoy many of the main activities in this area. Depending on the season the major things to do change; in the winter its all about the skiing at the great mountain ranges near to the city like Sun Shine and Lake Louise. In the summer Banff has connections to many fantastic walking and bike trails. Some of the best things to do in Banff include:
Ski Sunshine
A few miles west of Banff is Sunshine Village which enjoys some of the best snow falls in the Canadian Rockies. Thanks to the yearly great snowfalls Sunshine stays open longer than most ski hills remaining open until late or even early June. With great powder and variety of runs for all levels, including a fantastic ski out option, Sun Shine is definitely one of Alberta’s best ski mountains. The nearby Sunshine Inn offers a great locale for dinner and drinks after a day on the Slopes. Sunshine is usually open from 9 am until 4 pm and day passes cost about $76 Canadian dollars.
The Banff Gondola
A fantastic way to see the beauty of the region is to take the breath taking Banff Gondola. An 8 minute long ride to the summit of 7,500 foot Sulphur Mountain next includes fantastic views over Bow River Valley and the town of Banff including all the restaurants and shops. Each day the Banff Gondola shuttles people up and down the mountain. The cost for the gondola is a bit dear at $30 dollars for an adult.
Moraine Lake
Around an hour drive north of the town of Banff is Moraine Lake, a lake that is definitely a memorable visual memory of any trip to Banff. Situated in the Valley of Ten Peaks the lake reflects beautifully the snow capped peaks, trees dotting the mountain, and back country hiking trails. If you are ever in Banff be sure to make time to get to this wondrous lake. One concern, because of the lakes popularity is that visitors can expect parking to be limited. So come early to get a spot and be sure to have your camera with you.
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