FAQ About Banff and the Canadian Rockies

FAQ About Banff, Alberta and the Canadian Rockies

One of the many reasons why Banff is so popular with visitors is because of its diversity. The choice of accommodations is enough to occupy a week of humming and hawing alone. The list of activities to choose from is exhausting in itself and the areas around Banff are packed full of unique beauty. Here at Banff National Park.com, we often receive questions from readers to help sort out their vacation. Below is a list of these questions and answers to assist your planning.

1) Can I go Backpacking in Banff?

Why the heck not! There are over 1100km of tails to choose from in Banff alone. You can go it yourself or go an organized trip. Here is a list of recommendations:

One Night: Healy Creek; or Mosquito Creek; or Paradise Valley

Two Nights: Dolomite Pass; or Mystic Pass; or Glacier Lake

Three Nights: Healy Creek – Healy Pass – Egypt Lake – Whistling Valley – out via Red Earth Creek

Four Nights: Mosquito Creek – Molar Pass – Fish Lake – the high route to Pipestone Pass – Isabela Lake – out via Dolomite Pass

Ten Nights: Mosquito Creek – Fish Lake – Clearwater Pass – Clearwater River – Peters Creek – Divide Creek – Red Deer River – Red Deer Lakes – Skoki Valley – Deception Pass – out via Boulder Pass *** NOTE – this is a trip for experienced backcountry travelers who are used to off trail navigation, river crossing, and self sufficiency…. it is a gorgeous trip but YOU WILL BE ON YOUR OWN WITH NO SUPPORT – CELL PHONES DO NOT WORK HERE… and Wardens rarely patrol this far back in the park…

2) Should I be Worried About Bears?

Yes, you should. Bears are a very real threat and if they feel threatened they can react dangerously. Both black and grizzly bears inhabit front and backcountry areas of the Canadian Rockies. You should do the following things to make sure of your safety:

• Make lots of noise
•  Keep your eyes open
•  Don’t bring pets into the back country
•  Hang all food and objects on bear cables or a firm tree
•  Sleep away from your cooking area
•  If fires are permitted, burn all your combustible rubbish.
•  Keep a clean camp.
•  If you are lucky enough to encounter a bear, don’t panic. (Easy to say from here!) Talk to him, sing him a song and don’t freak out when he stands on his hind legs, he is just trying to smell you. Keep calm.

3) I’m Visiting Banff with my Family, What can we do?

Lots of things. Picnics, skiing, festivals, shopping, easy walks and hikes and much more. The world is at your feet.

4) What are the Fees for Entering Banff National Park?

The fees are very fair considering the beauties Banff holds. There are several options to choose from. Here is a list of the basic prices. For more options, have a look at Fees.
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Annual – National Parks of Canada

5) Tell me more about Banff National Park?

Founded in 1885 after the chance discovery of hot springs on Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park and the world’s third. Today, it is an integral part of the UNESCO Rocky Mountain World Heritage Site, and the core of the largest national park system in the world.

Banff is also Canada’s most visited park, with more than 5 million visitors coming each year to enjoy the wildlife and spectacular scenery found here.

6) What Are the Fees for Camp Sites in Banff?

For a full list of information about the campsites

Here is a rundown of the prices and facilities:

Banff National Park Campgrounds

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7) Scenic Drives in Banff

Many of the scenic drives in and around the town of Banff are described here

Along with some of the area’s attractions and sites. Note that few of these drives connect directly with the Trans-Canada highway (T.C.H.) which is the only highway leading in and out of Banff. Jackets, sweaters, insect repellent and litter bags are useful to have along if you plan to stop during a drive. Maps, guidebooks, binoculars, a camera and a lunch will add to your enjoyment.

8) Short Walks in Banff

A stroll or short walk around Banff can be the start of an adventure. Walking is an excellent way of experiencing the park at your own pace, of pursuing such interests as , wildlife watching and fishing or enjoying yourself sightseeing and picnicking. As a way of getting to and from places, walking is healthy, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Listed below are some strolls and walks in or near the town of Banff.

9) Day Hikes in Banff

A day hike is any hike long enough to require taking a pack with a lunch and extra clothing, not to mention cameras, binoculars, guidebooks and maps. There is always plenty to see on any day hike while getting fresh air and exercise. Only a few day hikes in the Banff area are described here. For more complete information on day hikes, a hiking trail guidebook and topographical maps should be consulted.

10) What to do in Lake Louise and Around

With its blue-green water and dramatic mountain setting, this is the best known and most admired lake in the park. Lake Louise Drive, a paved 4.5 km road, and two trails, the Tramline and Louise Creek, provide access between Lake Louise Village on the valley floor and the lake itself. Pathways lead from the public parking lot to the lake. The magnificent snow-covered peak at the end of the lake is Mount Victoria, named for England’s renowned queen. The lake is named for after one of her five daughters. A stroll through the flower-filled grounds in front of the Chateau Lake Louise is a nice way to spend a half hour. Canoes can be rented from the boathouse at the lake or you can see the lake on foot by walking the Lakeshore Trail. At the Lake Louise ski area, on the opposite side of the valley, visitors can take a chairlift up Whitehorn Mountain in the summertime for panoramic views of Lake Louise and its surrounding peaks.

11) What Are the Hot Springs of Banff

There are three Hot Springs in Banff, Upper Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs. It was a dispute over ownership of these hot springs that triggered the development of Canada’s first national park in 1885. The facilities have expanded since that time and today’s rundle stone and wood structure heralds the architecture of the 1930’s. The newly restored heritage bath house offers a range of services that cater to the visitors of the 90s. From redesigned pool, spa facilities, change rooms and interpretive exhibits to restaurants and boutiques. The Banff Upper Hot Springs has returned to its former splendor.

12) Where Can I see Some Beautiful Photos of Banff?

John E. Marriot is the Rockies resident photographer. His camera has caught some of the most stunning images of the Rockies ever seen. Canadian Rockies Or to see his

13) What Summer Activities Can I do?

Recreational opportunities abound in Banff National Park with over one-thousand kilometers of hiking and biking trails. You will also be ‘base-camped’ in the middle of one of the worlds most unparalleled outdoor recreation areas – for within a one hour driving circle you have five world-class ski hills, six world-class golf courses, thousands of miles of hiking and cross country ski trails and excellent fly-fishing rivers and lakes. In short, you won’t be bored here!

14) What Are My Skiing Options in Banff?

There are so many slopes and resorts in and around Banff that the list is practically endless. Although, here is a list that does eventually end:

15) Are There Many Restaurants in Banff?

You bet there is. Family, ethnic, fine dining, continental, cafes and pubs. You name it, we have it. Canadian Rockies

16) Where is Best for Sightseeing?

Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise and Area, Sunshine Meadows, Johnston Canyon, The Hot Springs, The Icefields Parkway and Jasper just to name a few. You are going to need a few visits to Banff to get everything in! Banff Sightseeing

17) Are There Any Special Events in the Rockies and Banff?

From art and culture to sport and ice sculpture, Banff is your oyster.
https://www.banfftravel.com/

18) What Kind of Wildlife is there in Banff and the Rockies?

Banff National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, mountain caribou, moose and wolves. It’s also the residence of smaller creatures, like hoary marmots, pikas and Columbian ground squirrels, and to a host of birds, from bald eagles to the endangered harlequin ducks.

The best times of year to visit Banff if you’re looking for wildlife are in early spring (April – May) or in fall (September – October).

19) What is the Best way to get About Banff?

Banff itself is easily accessible by foot but if you want to do a bit of sightseeing, a rented car might be your best bet. There are bus operators that can pick you up from the airport and take you everywhere you need to go on your trip. Check out Sun Dog Tours.

20) What is the best Accommodation Choice for me?

Whether it be an Inn, B&B, Hotel, Motel, Cabin, Lodge, Resort, Western, Rental House or Camping, there are options for all.

21) Can I have my Wedding in Banff?

You certainly can. There are various options. There are companies like Banff Bride who can work with you to organize the big day or check out our wedding section Banff Weddings

22) Is there Disabled Access in Banff?

There have been severe improvements to disabled access over the years. There is plenty to do for the disabled visitor. Check out our handicapped visitor section:

23) Can I Golf in the Rockies?

For anyone looking for the ultimate golf experience in a setting so
breathtaking that every shot is framed against big sky and towering
mountain peaks, you only have to go to the Canadian Rockies. Here you
will find perfectly designed courses that harmonize with nature, where
each course is exceptionally playable for both the high and low
handicapper. According to Gordon Schultz, President of Golf Canada’s West,
golfing in the Canmore Kananaskis and Canadian Rockies is known for its
wide variety of elevation changes, providing excellent opportunities for
shot making that one does not find on the lowland meadow courses.

24) Can I Fish in the Rockies?

If the bears can do it, why can’t you?! Fishing the Rockies.

25) Can I have my Corporate Team Building Activity in Banff?

The Banff National Park area provides a great base for corporate team building activities. Rockies team building activities gives your company a chance to have your staff bond together in one of the greatest settings on earth.

26) Can I go Horse Riding in Banff?

There are several options to choose from including Cross Zee Ranch and Western Adventures.

27) Can I go White Water Rafting in Banff?

Banff and the Canadian Rockies offer the most awesome white water rafting opportunities. Raft the Kicking Horse River and feel your heart pump. Vacations in Banff and Canmore are not complete until you enjoy the rush of rafting in Yoho National Park and the famous Kicking Horse River.