Contents
- Las 12 mejores cosas que hacer en Banff
- 1. Parque Nacional de Banff
- 2. Lago Minnewanka
- 3. La góndola de Banff
- 4. Aguas termales superiores
- 5. Sitio Histórico Nacional de Cuevas y Cuencas
- 6. Monte Norquay
- 7. Lago Louise
- 8. Vía de los Campos de Hielo
- 9. Paseo del glaciar
- 10. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- 11. Museo Whyte
- 12. Centro de Banff
- 1. Parque Nacional de Banff
Banff, tanto la ciudad como el Parque Nacional se encuentra en una de las provincias más pintorescas de Canadá (Alberta). Es un lugar tan hermoso, especialmente tiene las mejores cosas que hacer en Banff. El problema de Banff, sin embargo, es que algunas personas sólo visitan uno o dos lugares (Lake Louise).
Ahora bien, aunque estos lugares son definitivamente dignos de visitar, hay muchas cosas que hacer en Banff que van mucho más allá de los lugares obvios.
1. Parque Nacional de Banff
Esto puede parecer obvio ya que la ciudad se encuentra dentro del parque, pero realmente es una de las mejores cosas que hacer en Banff. El propio Banff es el primer parque nacional de Canadá y también se encuentra a bastante altura (hay más de 4.000 millas cuadradas de parque, así que tiene mucho espacio para explorar).
En Banff se pueden realizar casi todas las actividades al aire libre que se puedan imaginar: esquí, piragüismo, pesca, observación de aves, montañismo, senderismo y ciclismo, por nombrar sólo algunas. Esté atento a la fantástica fauna que se encuentra en el parque: alces, borregos cimarrones, osos, lobos, coyotes, alces, leones de montaña y ciervos llaman a este lugar su hogar.
2. Lago Minnewanka
Situado al noreste de la ciudad de Banff se encuentra el lago Minnewanka, un lago glacial de 17 millas (27 km) de largo alimentado por el río Cascade.
El lago debe su nombre al pueblo de las Primeras Naciones Stoney, que solía cazar y acampar en sus orillas. Lo llamaban «Minn-waki», o «lago de los espíritus» porque creían que los espíritus residían en el lago. Si eso no le asusta lo suficiente como para mantenerse alejado, podrá disfrutar de un picnic, una excursión y un paseo en barco por el lago.
Para los que les gusta estar en el agua, pueden hacer un crucero por el lago mientras están aquí. Los que prefieran quedarse en tierra y hacer senderismo, pueden disfrutar de los diversos senderos hacia el cañón Stewart y el río Cascade. El buceo es otra actividad muy popular en el lago Minnewanka.
3. La góndola de Banff
Para los que no tienen miedo a las alturas, las góndolas de Sulphur Mountain ofrecen algunas de las vistas más hermosas del mundo.
Justo al sur de la ciudad de Banff, los visitantes encontrarán góndolas totalmente cerradas para cuatro personas que les llevarán a 670 pies de altura hasta la cima de la montaña Sulphur en ocho minutos. Si tiene miedo a las alturas, cabe destacar que esto parece más aterrador de lo que realmente es; además, estará demasiado distraído por las increíbles vistas como para preocuparse por su miedo a las alturas.
Una vez que llegue a la cima, puede caminar por el Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk hasta el Sanson’s Peak para disfrutar de unas impresionantes vistas de Banff.
4. Aguas termales superiores
A poca distancia de las góndolas, los visitantes de Banff encontrarán las Termas Superiores. Desde hace más de 100 años, los visitantes disfrutan de los manantiales de agua mineral natural, que se mantienen a una temperatura constante de 98-104 grados Fahrenheit (37-40 Celsius).
La vista desde aquí arriba también es increíble: a una altura de 1.585 m, los visitantes que se relajan en los manantiales tienen unas vistas increíbles del monte Rundle y del resto del valle alpino. También puede estar tranquilo sabiendo que es bastante barato entrar -unos 10-15 CAD-.
5. Sitio Histórico Nacional de Cuevas y Cuencas
Este sistema de aguas termales, que forma parte de la montaña Sulphur, es el responsable de la creación del primer Parque Nacional de Canadá, ya que fue en torno al Sitio Histórico Nacional de Cave and Basin donde se estableció el Parque Nacional de Banff en 1885. Los canadienses han disfrutado de su naturaleza durante bastante tiempo allí.
El lugar alberga un manantial natural de aguas minerales calientes dentro de una cueva, con una cuenca de color esmeralda en el exterior. Alrededor del lugar hay un edificio patrimonial que celebra los parques nacionales con muestras y exposiciones interactivas, si le apetece.
6. Monte Norquay
Situado al noroeste de Banff se encuentra el monte Norquay, sede de una estación de esquí en invierno y un lugar perfecto para el senderismo en verano, ya que durante el verano, el monte Norquay sirve de punto de partida para dos de las rutas de senderismo que duran aproximademente un día y son las más populares en los alrededores de Banff. Es absolutamente precioso y fácilmente una de las mejores cosas que hacer en Banff.
Una vez aquí, también puede hacer uso del servicio de transporte gratuito que va desde el centro de Banff hasta el North American Lodge varias veces al día.
En la cima del monte Norquay, encontrará un increíble mirador y el Cliffhouse Bistro, que ofrece vistas gastronómicas desde una altura de 2133 m. Desde allí, los visitantes pueden realizar una excursión guiada de 2/4/6 horas por los acantilados de Mt Norquay.
7. Lago Louise
El lago Louise (no confundir con el nombre del pueblo cercano) es quizás lo mejor que se puede hacer en Banff y fácilmente lo más reconocible.
Alrededor del lago discurre un sendero, llamado Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, que recorre el lado noroeste del lago antes de reunirse con otros senderos más adelante, así que compruébelo una vez que haya terminado de empaparse de las increíbles vistas del lago.
8. Vía de los Campos de Hielo
Desde Lake Louise, los viajeros dispuestos a realizar el viaje de su vida pueden embarcarse en la Icefields Parkway. La Parkway se extiende por los Parques Nacionales de Banff y Jasper, mostrando algunos de los paisajes naturales más bellos del planeta.
A lo largo del camino, pasará por las Montañas Rocosas canadienses, antiguos glaciares, lagos azules cristalinos y valles impresionantes, y hay varias paradas de descanso a lo largo de la ruta de 146 millas (235 km), así que asegúrese de aprovecharlas.
Además, no olvide detenerse en el lago Peyto, la zona de mayor altitud de la Parkway, para obtener fotos aún más sorprendentes. Para comer y repostar, deténgase en Saskatchewan Crossing; es el último lugar con gasolinera hasta llegar a Jasper. Le esperan más aventuras al aire libre una vez que llegue a Jasper, la última parada de la Icefields Parkway.
9. Paseo del glaciar
Si no le gustan las alturas, evite el Glacier Skywalk. Situado a mitad de camino entre Lake Louise y Jasper (en la Icefields Parkway), el Glacier Skywalk combina una pasarela al borde del acantilado con un suelo de cristal y ofrece unas vistas impresionantes del valle de Sunwapta.
La pasarela se presenta como una historia interpretativa, en la que se tratan temas como la hidrología, la geología, la biología, la antropología y la tecnología a lo largo del camino, y que culmina con la suspensión a 280 pies de altura sobre el valle de Sunwapta, con nada más que un suelo de cristal transparente y una barandilla que le mantiene allí.
Una vez más, incluso si tiene miedo a las alturas, sólo por la vista, es un espectáculo que no debe perderse.
10. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Conocido como el hotel más emblemático de Banff, este enorme hotel merece sin duda una visita, aunque sólo sea para comer o para patinar sobre hielo en el lago exterior. Es un lugar emblemático y una de las mejores cosas que hacer en Banff, incluso para comer.
11. Museo Whyte
Si necesita un descanso de todas las aventuras al aire libre en los alrededores de Banff o simplemente quiere mantenerse abrigado, definitivamente debe dirigirse al Museo Whyte para descubrir algo del arte y la cultura únicos de las Rocosas canadienses.
El Museo Whyte está situado en el centro de Banff y en él encontrará exposiciones, casas patrimoniales, archivos, una biblioteca y una tienda del museo.
Visitar un museo no es la forma más emocionante de pasar el tiempo cuando está rodeado de toda esa naturaleza impresionante en el exterior, pero aún así vale la pena para obtener un poco más de contexto en la cultura del lugar que estás visitando, ya que se trata de mucho más que montañas impresionantes y lagos increíbles.
La entrada para adultos cuesta unos 10 dólares y es fácilmente una de las mejores cosas que hacer en Banff si el tiempo es demasiado.
12. Centro de Banff
Cuando esté en Banff, otra buena manera de hacerse una idea de cómo es la vida aquí especialmente si quiere saltarse la opción del museo anterior es pasar algún tiempo en el centro de Banff.
Hace poco más de un siglo, la ciudad de Banff era poco más que el tramo de carretera conocido como Banff Avenue. Con la llegada del ferrocarril Canadian Pacific en 1885, Banff comenzó a convertirse en la pintoresca ciudad de montaña que es hoy.
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FAQs
Why is Banff important to Alberta? ›
Banff Established to Serve Visitors
The natural beauty of Banff's surrounding lakes and mountains made it Canada's first National Park and the world's third national park refuge, and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to get a taste of Banff and see the famous lakes, then you can spend 1 to 2 days in Banff and just see the highlights. If you want to see the lakes in Banff but also explore a little and do a hike or two, then 3 days is perfect for Banff National Park.
Is 2 nights in Banff enough? ›This magical town and national park are filled with literally hundreds of amazing places to visit, tours to go on, and, of course, things to do. But with that said, 3 days or 72 hours in Banff is a good amount of time to visit the majority of the most amazing attractions in Banff.
Is one day enough for Banff? ›ONE DAY IN BANFF
If you've only got 24 hours in Banff, no problem. Start by soaking up that mountain air on a walk around town. Try the hiking trails up Tunnel Mountain or, if you're looking for something less strenuous, take a walk along the Bow River on the Fenlands Trail.
From the United States: The closest Greyhound stop state-side is located in Great Falls, Montana where regular services take you straight to Calgary when you change connections for Banff.
How many days do I need in Banff? ›There are some experiences in Banff and Lake Louise that simply can't be missed. It's a subjective list, but five days is a good length of time to tick off the world-famous hot spots.
What is the cheapest time to go to Banff? ›The cheapest times to visit Banff are April to May and September to November. At this time, you'll be able to find the best deals on hotels, resort packages, outdoor activities, and travel fees. These months are known as the offseason, and there are fewer tourists during this time.
What month is best for Banff? ›Overall, May, June and September are the best months to visit Banff. These months have warm weather but there are fewer crowds. Hotel prices can also be lower in May and June. If you're hoping to hit the slopes, March is the best time to visit Banff in winter.
How much is the cost to go to Banff? ›| ENTRY – Daily | |
|---|---|
| Senior | $ 9.00 |
| Youth | FREE |
| Family/Group | $21.00 |
| Commercial Group, per person | $ 9.00 |
We often get asked how much cash is needed to visit Banff, and the truth is not much. You can pay for almost everything in the Canadian Rockies with your credit card. In fact we still have a crisp $100 bill that we pulled out over a year ago sitting in our wallet, because there is no need to use much cash.
Is it cheap to live in Banff? ›
The average cost of living in Banff is $3,715/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.
Is Banff overcrowded? ›In reality, the Canadian Rockies are a popular summer destination and Banff National Park is the most crowded of them all. With its easy access to some of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies and its proximity to the hub of Calgary, the park receives approximately four million travelers yearly.
Is driving in Banff hard? ›Driving in Banff isn't all that difficult with a properly winterized vehicle. The roads in Banff are spacious and clear, with little to no road deformities. You'll have to keep your eyes open for animals and slippery roads, but you should be fine as long as you drive at a comfortable and safe speed.
Is 4 nights enough in Banff? ›Get up early, stay out late. You'll be doing this a lot. There's so much to see in Banff that a four-day itinerary can easily turn into an eight-day itinerary. You would not want to miss the sunrise at Moraine Lake, or the sunset from a horse-drawn carriage in Bow Lake.
Can Americans move to Banff? ›Permanent Residency
You are ready to go whole hog and make Canada your permanent home. There are a number of pros to making a life in Banff. If you are American, there is little to no culture shock to contend with—most of the population speaks English and the day-to-day mirrors life in the United States.
The YYC Calgary airport is a the closest airport to Banff. YYC is served by Air Canada, Westjet, Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American Airlines, British Airways and KLM, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Air North and Central Mountain Air.
Do you need a car in Banff? ›The Banff townsite is just 3.94 square kilometres, which means it's fairly easy to get around. Locals like to walk and cycle everywhere, or Roam on Banff's great public transit system.
What should I wear to Banff? ›- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes and/or sandals.
- T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts.
- At least one long sleeve shirt for layering and sun protection.
- Lightweight hiking pants.
- Light, waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Bathing suit.
- Sun hat with a brim.
- Insect repellent.
The aurora borealis can shine any time of year, but they are best from October to mid April when the night sky is at its darkest. Generally, the northern lights in Banff shine their brightest during the winter months of December to February. Your best chance to see them is on clear nights with a new moon.
Does Banff require vaccine? ›No proof of vaccination required to enter any Town facilities or programs.
Can I see Northern Lights in Banff? ›
The most accessible location from the town of Banff for viewing the northern lights is Vermillion Lakes. Although they don't provide as direct of a northerly view, the lights are often bright enough to dance over the Rundle range.
Is Banff worth the trip? ›Banff National Park is truly a place that you have to see for yourself. There is so many activities to see and do, that you will run out of time before you run out of things to do. Even if you just want to relax and do nothing at all, there is the magnificent scenery all round you.
Do you need a passport to fly to Banff? ›Q: Do I need my passport to visit Banff? A: Yes, a valid passport is required when crossing the border into Canada and back into the USA.
What is the coldest month in Banff? ›Winter can start as early as late October and lasts until mid April. December, January and February are the coldest. Temperatures can dip to -34ºC or more.
Are there mosquitoes in Banff? ›There are mosquitos in Banff, but they often aren't too bothersome. The worst months for mosquitos are July and August. Having bug spray, especially for any hiking or camping is important.
What month does it start snowing in Banff? ›October in Banff
Biking is still popular in October before the first snowfall hits. Photo: In the shoulder season, locals and visitors alike head indoors to enjoy the world's best mountain films.
Technically yes, you can swim at Lake Louise, but it probably won't be for long. The water temperature rarely gets above 4°C, meaning you only have about 15 minutes or so until you become hypothermic.
Is Banff too cold in October? ›Banff has great fall weather in October
With mostly sunny days and average temperatures of 10-15℃, it's the perfect environment for hiking and seeing the golden light hit those larch trees in the best way.
Banff in October is a magical time of year. A Banff fall is cool and crisp, and the foliage still lingers for most of the month. It's the shoulder season in Banff, so crowds are lower, but snow has yet to really fall, meaning you can still comfortably get out and enjoy hiking in the mountains among unfrozen lakes.
Can you fly into Banff? ›You cannot fly directly to Banff. KAYAK recommends you fly to Calgary (YYC) (67.37 miles from Banff). From there you can rent a car or get a taxi.
Can you do Banff in 4 days? ›
Starting your day early in the morning allows you to beat the crowds to many must-see attractions and avoid congestion getting into Banff National Park. It also gives you the most time to spend exploring everything Banff has to offer, allowing you to fit more into your 4-day Banff itinerary.
Can you use American money in Alberta? ›All of Canada uses the Canadian dollar, however certain retailers throughout the country will accept the US dollar as a form of payment for goods. We highly suggest you to use the local currency to pay for goods and services.
Can I wear shorts in Banff? ›Pants and shorts
During the summer in Banff, you can always wear shorts, especially when going on a long hike. If the weather forecast looks questionable, either put on hiking pants or leggings. In June, I recommend wearing long pants or if wearing shorts, wear high socks due to tick season.
Banff water is disinfected with chlorine as it is pumped from the wells into a reservoir located on Tunnel Mountain. Town staff tests the water daily to ensure the water is safe for public consumption. Banff's drinking water consistently meets all standards set by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Do you need a job to live in Banff? ›Banff has special rules about who can live here. To live in Banff, you need to work in Banff. It's a Parks Canada regulation called eligible residency. It's in place to ensure housing is available to people in the community and not used as vacation properties.
Are there lots of bugs in Banff? ›The National Park is home to mosquitoes, horse flies, spiders, and other insects so packing a good bug spray and after-bite cream! There is a lot of standing water throughout the park especially during the early summer which can make for a mosquito breeding ground.
Can you own a house in Banff? ›Anyone can buy property and live in Banff as long as they meet the eligible residency requirements. The tenants or people actually owning and living in the property can live in Banff, which could involve a long-term monthly rental property or investment.
Are there homeless people in Banff? ›There are individuals in our community who are rough sleeping, sleeping in the woods, in their vehicle or precariously housed and at risk of homelessness. COVID-19 has only worsened the situation for many people in our community.
Can you sleep in your car at Banff? ›Is it illegal to park overnight in Banff National Park? Yes. We wrote an entire blog post about the rules of boondocking, free camping, and dry camping in the Canadian Rockies. The short answer is: Parks Canada only allows RVs and tents in designated campgrounds.
Is it expensive to stay in Banff? ›Hold onto your wallets – it's expensive to visit Banff National Park! In fact, many studies have shown that Banff is the most expensive place to visit in Canada, especially in summer and during larch tree season.
What clothes to wear in Canada in September? ›
September for the most part remains warm, with temperature drops in the evenings and early mornings. A waterproof jacket or a cardigan is handy during this time. Throw in a scarf too! October and November weather is pretty crisp and chilly.
What should I wear in Banff in September? ›At the very least, plan to visit Banff in September with a packable down jacket, hiking boots, long pants, a sweater, rain jacket, hat, and a buff. But also, don't be afraid to pack lightweight shirts, shorts, and Birkenstocks.
What is the speed limit in Banff? ›Banff Town Council has reduced the town-wide speed to 30km/h. All signs with higher speeds were replaced with 30 km/h speed limit signs on March 16, 2022. Certain zones remain posted with slower speeds, such as the 200 block of Bear Street.
How can I spend 7 days in Banff? ›- Must See Places and Recommended Things to Do in Banff.
- Day 1: Explore the Banff Townsite.
- Day 2: Sightseeing in and Around Banff.
- Day 3: Banff to the Icefields Parkway.
- Day 4: See Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Day 5: Lake Cruise and Wildlife Spotting.
6 days in Banff and Jasper gives you enough time to see the highlights, make some great hikes, and soak up the Canadian Rockies atmosphere. It's best to add 1 extra day for the iconic Icefields Parkway.
Why is Banff famous in Canada? ›Banff National Park is famous for its vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds. The park spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of striking mountainous terrain in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
Why is Banff historical? ›Enlarged in 1887 and named the "Rocky Mountains Park of Canada" (later to be renamed Banff National Park), it was Canada's first national park and the world's third. The Banff townsite was established, a hotel was quickly built, and the area was soon being promoted as an international resort and spa.
How does Banff protect Alberta's natural environment? ›No pesticides are used in grounds maintenance and no salt is used on roadways. Banff Centre's Housekeeping, Custodial, and Hospitality departments use biodegradable, environment friendly cleaning products for nearly all applications.
What is important about Alberta? ›Alberta is home to six UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites: the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Wood Buffalo National Park and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
What food is Banff known for? ›- AAA Alberta Beef. This wouldn't be a list about Canadian food without Alberta beef. ...
- Poutine. Perhaps the first dish that comes to mind when one thinks of Canadian cuisine is poutine. ...
- Maple Syrup. ...
- Caesar. ...
- Bison & Elk. ...
- The Shaft of Shaft on Draft. ...
- London Fog.
Do they speak English in Banff? ›
Q: What language is spoken in Banff? A: English.