The western Canada province of Alberta is home to more than 600 lakes, stunning natural parks, and coniferous forests as far as the eye can see. The beauty of this entire province makes it challenging to know where to begin your travel adventures, especially since all parts are worthy of a visit.
However, there’s one town that’s most certainly worth a closer look, and that’s Banff. This resort town is just 80 miles from the cosmopolitan city of Calgary and will blow you away with its many attractions.
The Legacy Trail
One of the first things to do once arriving in Banff on a Calgary to Banff shuttle is hire a bike to ride the Legacy Trail. This popular route links Banff to Canmore and remains open from spring through fall.
It’s a 19-mile trail that takes around 90 minutes one way and has many stops along the way to soak up the views, such as the vistas at Valleyview. You can either return to Banff by bike or take the local bus that allows bikes on board.
Lake Minnewanka
When you make the journey from Calgary to Banff, it’s hard not to put Lake Minnewanka on your list of places to visit. This glacial lake is located in the eastern part of Banff National Park, just a few miles from the township. It’s the second-longest lake in the Canadian Rockies Mountain parks, and you can reach it by following Lake Minnewanka Road from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Upon arriving at Minnewanka Lake, you could easily spend a day exploring. There are boat tours, hiking and biking trails, and backcountry campsites if you intend on staying the night. You may also have the opportunity to take some incredible photos in this area of Banff.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
The animal lovers in your travel group are bound to be excited by the prospect of seeing some incredible wildlife in this part of Canada. Banff National Park, with its many natural trails, is home to bighorn sheep, elk, and caribou, just to name a few. If you navigate your way through heavily wooded areas, you may also spot black bears and grizzly bears. Don’t forget to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife you encounter.
Hot Springs
The Banff National Park features the popular Banff Upper Hot Springs, which is known as the highest operating hot spring in Canada. It’s also the only one open to the public in the national park. Here, you can enjoy warm temperatures of between 81- and 116-degrees Fahrenheit, all within proximity to a café. There are also towels and lockers to rent.
Hiking Adventures
After making the journey from Calgary to Banff by shuttle, put your hiking boots on and get ready to explore. There are many hiking trails for beginners and experts, including Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain, and Mount Norquay.
Beautiful views can be enjoyed on the popular Johnston Canyon hike, while Tunnel Mountain is an enjoyable two-hour walk for those who prefer less populated walking tracks. Those with a bit more hiking experience can gear up for a Via Ferrata assisted hiking experience on Mount Norquay.
With convenient forms of transport available from Calgary to Banff, there’s every reason to pencil a trip on your travel calendar. The many natural attractions will likely have you wanting to return time and time again.
