Banff is the most impressive place I've ever been. Here are 5 reasons the Canadian town should be yo
- Banff, Canada, is at the top of my list of the most incredible destinations I've ever visited.
- Banff National Park has hikes for all levels of experience and so many stunning views.
- I loved all of the natural beauty, wildlife, and fresh air in Banff.
I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.
Being there felt like hitting the reset button for my mind — a chance to inhale crisp, fresh air, and take in all the natural beauty this world holds.
On the surface, the Rocky Mountain town in Alberta seems like the ultimate dream for hikers, skiers, and photographers. But I think Banff is a fantastic spot to visit no matter your interests.
Here's why I fell in love with it in five days and recommend it to other travelers.
There's gorgeous hiking in Banff for a range of skill sets
Banff is famous for Banff National Park, which has been around for over a century.
The park has over 1,000 miles of maintained trails, including some shorter and easier ones. This was a huge relief as my boyfriend and I aren't exactly seasoned hikers. We ended up tackling a 1 ½-mile hike at Johnston Canyon.
The hike started with a restaurant and a gift shop and its path was paved with railings. It took us about an hour to get to the upper falls and we were rewarded with stunning views. Our hike felt like the proof we needed that there's something for hikers of many skill sets in Banff.
The downtown area is also bustling and delightful
Banff also has options for those who prefer more of a city vibe than a full-on outdoorsy one. The downtown area is very walkable and the heart of the mountain town, Banff Avenue, is home to chic boutiques and a diverse culinary scene.
We enjoyed sipping on locally brewed craft beer, perusing shops, and trying famous Canadian treats like Beavertails (pieces of fried dough). The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and trees, which makes walking around even better.
Banff is loaded with breathtaking views no matter where you look
Whether you're strolling the lively streets of downtown Banff or taking in views of the dreamy Peyto Lake, prepare to be amazed.
Visitors can also get panoramic views of Banff from above by taking a ride up Sulphur Mountain on Banff Gondola. We also took advantage of the views by dining at the top of Banff at Sky Bistro.
Eating at Sky Bistro was one of my favorite experiences — our table was 7,486 feet above sea level and we got to overlook the peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains while enjoying delicious Canadian cuisine.
There are tons of epic day-trip options in the area
We rented a car during our trip and it opened the doors for us to go on some pretty epic excursions in the area. I'd suggest other visitors do the same if they want to check out spots like Lake Louise and Jasper National Park.
We drove about an hour from downtown Banff to visit Lake Louise and spent the morning paddling around the most picturesque glacial lake I've ever seen. The unbelievably peaceful experience didn't even feel real.
We were also able to journey about three hours north of downtown Banff to Jasper National Park to explore the Columbia Icefield, the biggest ice field in the North American Rockies. After boarding a six-wheel drive Ice Explorer vehicle, we drove out to the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.
We got to walk around the massive Athabasca Glacier. Later in the day, we rafted down the Athabasca River knowing we just stood on the glacier that fed it.
These day trips took our Banff adventure to the next level and helped us make amazing memories we will never forget.
Banff is also home to incredible wildlife
Banff National Park's wildlife scene is a huge draw, especially in the summer. Banff is home to tons of animals like over 344 species of birds and 53 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars.
During our trip, we didn't even need to try hard to get some seriously mind-blowing glimpses of animals. As city folks, it felt like hitting the jackpot every time we saw a bear crossing a street or elk chilling by a river.
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