One of the best ski resorts in North America, the town of Banff is an excellent base both for winter sports and for nature lovers exploring the spectacular Canadian Rockies. For skiers, the town has access to the “Big Three”: the best skiing to be found in Canada at Lake Louise, Sunshine Valley and Norquay. One lift pass covers all three. The closest slope to Banff is Norquay, good for beginners and low-intermediates and the perfect place to warm up at the start of the week. Slightly further away (approximately 25 minutes) are Lake Louise and the Sunshine Valley, a huge array of slopes to suit every standard. Skiers don’t just book flights to Banff for the slopes though – every aspect of a ski holiday here, as in most of North America is appealing. The lifts are of a standard rarely found in Europe, lift queues are almost non-existent, staff are friendly and helpful (and English-speaking) and the facilities for children are first-rate.
There is plenty to do for non-skiers, or visitors in the summer months. Banff is located in the middle of the Banff National Park: visit the lakes, caves and hot springs of the Canadian Rockies. In Banff itself enjoy the shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Banff flights arrive in Calgary, approximately 100 miles east, and the transfer takes just under two hours.
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Peak season
The ski season in Banff is very long and the area reports some of the best snow in the country. Skiing is possible from mid-November all the way through to May.
Winter and summer are both peak season for cheap flights to Banff. Winter is popular with skiers while summer for its many festivals including the Calgary Stampede and Dragonboat Festival.
Off season
There isn’t really an off season in Banff considering it’s a year-round destination.
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100 miles from Calgary Airport is the resort of Banff. Private shuttles provide services between Calgary and Banff on a daily basis. Return trips cost around $93 (£46.50) per person. It takes around two hours to reach Banff from the airport. All major car hire companies are represented at the airport. Another alternative is taking the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Calgary which stops in Banff.
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- Spend a few days hiking, horseback riding,or just enjoying the spectacular scenery in Banff National Park. Set on more than a million acres the park offers outdoor enthusiasts more than 1,000 miles of trails.Those who would rather be closer to the water can canoe on the pristine Lake Louise.
- Head to the historic Canadian Pacific Railway which stops in Banff and Lake Louise as well as across the entire country. Renowned as being one of the greatest train journeys in the world installed with windows that allow passengers to enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Hikers can’t miss a trip to the most popular hike trail at Johnston Canyon. Located between Banff and Lake Louise, the trail leads to the InkPots consisting of six spring water pools and two waterfalls. This easy hike takes around five hours.
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