Please note that times reflect flights to Calgary. Banff is 1.5 hours from Calgary.

New York City 5.5 hrs

Miami 6.25 hrs

Philadelphia 4.5 hrs

Boston 5.25 hrs

Los Angeles 3 hrs

Chicago 3.75 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 4 hrs

San Francisco 2.75 hrs

Banff National Park: In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Canada's first, and the world's third, national park. The park contains 12 mineral hot springs, rugged mountains, glaciers, ice fields, alpine meadows, sky blue lakes, deep canyons, and the Castleguard Caves, Canada's longest cave system. This varied landscape harbors a tremendous amount of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bear, and Alberta's southernmost herd of the endangered woodland caribou. It's also a hiking wonderland, containing over 1,000 miles of trails for easy one hour rambles or month-long backcountry excursions.

Lake Louise: In 1882, guided by a Stoney Indian, Tom Wilson became the first white man to discover what natives called "Lake of Little Fishes." He named it Emerald Lake, but it was later changed to honor Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. It's been called the ultimate getaway, and has hosted vacationing royalty, Hollywood stars, and heads of state. Increasingly, the rest of the world is discovering the romantic and soothing pace and inspiring vistas. Just as popular as skiing are things like reading a good book in front of a fireplace and taking a quiet walk after dinner in the stillness of the Great White North. The Lower Village has an array of fine restaurants, first-class hotels, and upscale shopping. Up the hill facing Victoria Glacier, the much-photographed Chateau Lake Louise is a landmark of old-world charm and elegance.

Ski Banff @ Norquay: The first ski runs were cut in 1926, and Ski Banff @ Norquay now has 28 runs encompassing a variety of terrain to suite everyone. From gentle beginner runs that build confidence and skill, to the heart pounding double black diamond runs that challenge any expert, Norquay's long-standing reputation as one of Canada's premier ski resorts is well founded. For many, no runs anywhere can match Upper Lone Pine and Gun Run, a dynamite black-diamond duo as demanding as any trails in the Rockies. Memorial Bowl isn't a bowl at all, but a generous, consistent swath with an average 34-degree pitch that rarely feels the blade of a snowcat. A unique location, lying deep in a valley under some extremely steep summits, skiing at Norquay has a rugged character all of its own.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: As Canada's largest ski area, skiers and snowboarders are presented with unlimited possibilities across the resort's 4,200 accessible acres and 113 trails. Lake Louise has it all, from gentle, groomed beginner runs to double black diamonds rated "the best super steeps in the country" by Ski Canada Magazine. Wide open bowls lay claim to some of the driest, lightest snow, and are home to the Canadian Powder 8 Championships. Abundant natural snow is backed up by Canada's largest snowmaking system, and skiing is guaranteed from early November to mid May.

Sunshine Village: Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, Sunshine Village boasts 3,300 acres of stunning alpine terrain, a high-speed 8 passenger gondola, and 100% soft, natural snow. Sitting high atop the continental divide, most of Sunshine Village's 107 runs are 7,000 feet above the valley below. Twelve lifts, including 4 modern quad chairs, ensure there are never queues to get back to the top. Although Sunshine has terrain for all levels of skiers, the challenging and exciting double black diamond Delirium Dive draws the bravest and most skilled skiers out there.

Banff is situated around Lake Louise in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Hot springs bubble at the base of Sulphur Mountain, high alpine meadows are covered in wild flowers, and wildlife abounds. Mountain peaks, jade green lakes, unusual gorges, canyons, rock formations, and lush valleys characterize the land.

The weather in the Canadian Rockies is variable due to the high elevation and rugged topography. Cool, crisp air and warm, sunny days are typical of autumn. Warming Chinook winds can bring spring-like conditions in winter, while spring offers weather suitable for both skiing and golfing. The summer climate is warm and pleasant with low humidity, and daylight hours that stretch until 11:00pm.

Spring average 41°

Summer average 65°

Fall average 46°

Winter average 17°

The most popular time to visit is June through August, when throngs of international visitors fill the streets. Summer weather in Banff is idyllic and the wilderness is green and welcoming. Skiers make up the throngs in winter. Banff has one of the longest, consistent ski/snowboard seasons in the world, opening in early November and operating until late in May each year.

Skiing & Snowboarding: With a long ski season, lasting from November to May, the three ski resorts of Banff National Park provide some of the most thrilling and comprehensive ski experiences to be found, anywhere. With acres and acres of trails and high mountain dives, it just doesn't get any better.

Unsurpassed Natural Beauty: Banff's popularity is based first and foremost on its unsurpassed natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the definition of "breathtaking," and its protection as a Canadian National Park high in the Rockies, has kept it as pristine as when it was first discovered. The natural slow pace of the region, combined with the cosmopolitan flair derived from its constant stream of international well-to-do visitors, has made the town a très chic "base camp" for a wilderness escape.

Active Pursuits: Every season brings its share of fun, like hiking, skiing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, camping, dog sledding, horseback riding, and more. The list is as long as your imagination!

Hot Springs: Soothe your spirit in the "Sacred Waters of the Mountains," where Native Americans went to cure illness and maintain health. In Banff, the renovated Upper Hot Springs capture the atmosphere of the original 1930s bathhouse with the amenities of a modern spa.

Skiing & Snowboarding: As morning dawns over the glorious Rockies, powder hounds face the toughest decision of their day - which mountain? One lift ticket includes transfers to three resorts - Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise, with terrain varying from wide-open bowls, to tree-lined glades, and meticulously groomed slopes.

Hiking: One of the best things about Banff is that you don't have to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the view from a distance. Much of its dramatic scenery is accessible by easy day hikes along more than 80 trails for all skill levels. Even relatively easy walks will take you past waterfalls, springs, canyons, and blooming meadows.

Rafting: Glide down gentle rapids or test yourself on rugged whitewater, either way, the rivers of the Rockies wind through striking backcountry and often turn up sightings of bear, moose, elk, deer, and a variety of birds. Bring the kids and grandparents because everyone can enjoy these gentle rides!

Horseback Riding: Saddle up and ride through crisp morning air, experiencing the mountains like the pioneers of old. Some of the most popular trips are the guided wilderness trail rides and cookouts, where you end a ride through an alpine valley with a campfire steak.

Dog-Sledding: Mush! Mush! Here is your quintessential Canadian experience! Learn to harness, handle, and drive your own dog team, through the fresh-fallen snow. This is an unequalled opportunity to travel through nature completely free of modern trappings.

Cave & Basin National Historic Site: Venture underground to explorenaturally occurring, warm mineral springs. See warm water fish, garter snakes, warm mineral pools, and unique flora as you walk along the many trails found throughout the emerald-colored basin. There is also good birding and hiking, as well as a paved bike path to Sundance Canyon.

Fishing: The scenery, as you've gathered by now, is fantastic, and the fish are wild. Banff National Park catch-and-release lakes and rivers aren't stocked, so it's really Man vs. Nature as you set off in fully-equipped boats to tousle with Trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish.

Shopping: Banff Avenue is like an open-air boutique mall, teeming with tickled-pink shoppers toting purchases that could have come from Manhattan's 5th Avenue, including New York and Paris designer clothes, fine jewelry, and high-end art.

Banff Park Museum: Stare down a grizzly bear in this turn-of-the-century building housing Canada's oldest natural history museum. Wildlife specimens date back to the frontier days of the 1860s. There is also a reading room, and a hands-on Discovery Room for kids.

Good meals are easy to come by in Banff, though you must be prepared to stretch your budget a bit for them. Banff Avenue is lined with many restaurants specializing in everything from ethnic delicacies to fine local Alberta beef. Once you know what type of food you want, look around and choose your preferred ambiance among family buffets, boisterous bistros, or romantic elegance in rooms with unbeatable views.

Gourmet

Ristorante Classico never ceases to amaze. Fine Italian cuisine with New World influences and a selection of sublime, award-winning vintages elevate your senses. The dedicated staff pampers you through an evening of epicurean delights in a luxurious setting. The Sommelier's Table in the wine cellar is a swank option. Mountain Avenue near the Hot Springs

Ticino: Have you ever had Swiss-Italian cuisine? The name refers to the southernmost province of Switzerland, where a blend of Italian, Alpine, and French influences created a tasty gastronomy all of its own. Blue and white table cloths and red napkins reflect a European ambiance. Items on the curiously eclectic menu include veal tips with wild mushrooms on white wine cream sauce over thin noodles, medallions of venison with glazed pear and caramelized chestnuts on red wine game sauce, and pan fried pacific halibut in an herb crust on roasted red pepper cream sauce. For a dining experience unlike any other, please visit Ticino. 415 Banff Avenue

Highly Recommended

Le Beaujolais is Banff's most acclaimed restaurant, hailed by Bon Appetit and many others as "simply the finest in town," awarded Four Diamond-status by the AAA Guide, and granted the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. Enjoy classic yet innovative French cuisine, elegant décor, and a beautiful view. Corner of Banff Avenue & Buffalo Street

Brewster's MountView Barbeque: More an event than simply a meal, Brewster's is the place to truly experience the rustic western ambiance of the Canadian Rockies. A central bonfire provides warmth and atmosphere in the large "donut" tent. A hearty, buffet-style meal is served, with the main course being carvings of the famous Brewster BBQ hip of Beef. Also included are potatoes with sour cream and bacon bits, tossed salad, warm bread rolls, apple pie with cheddar cheese, and freshly brewed cowboy coffee. Brewster's is a real country treat! Ten minutes from downtown Banff

Local Flair

Lake Louise Railway Station, built in 1909, is the oldest building in Lake Louise. Once the hub of community life, the Station is now beautifully restored and welcomes visitors to glowing fires and delicious family fare prepared with garden-fresh herbs. On sunny summer days, join a barbecue in the Station garden and play a game of croquet or bocce. Fine dinners served in vintage railway cars evoke the romance of a bygone era. 200 Sentinel Road

Barbary Coast Canadian Steakhouse Bar & Grill: This friendly Alberta steakhouse is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Banff. Sit in a laidback atmosphere amongst an eclectic array of sports memorabilia and photographs, and chow down on some tasty Black Angus beef. The menu is surprisingly extensive. Among the steak options, the 14oz rib eye cowboy steak and the bacon wrapped filet mignon sound especially appetizing. There are also pizzas, pasta dishes, burgers, and pork and chicken entrees available. An outstanding selection of fine wines and spirits is on hand to accompany whatever you choose to eat. Whether dining inside, or on the spectacular rooftop patio, Barbary Coast is a true Canadian Rockies dining experience. 119 Banff Avenue

Romantic

The Pines is rated as one of Banff's top three restaurants. The dining room overlooks a tree-studded park and Mount Norquay, with a décor of rustic elegance accentuated by pine wood, white linen, and paintings by local artists. Canadian cuisine includes Atlantic lobster, British Columbia salmon, duck, farmed deer, the famous Alberta beef, ostrich, and lamb. 537 Banff Avenue

Eden: Undoubtedly the most exclusive restaurant in Banff, you and your loved one will have the most romantic dinner of your life, eating delectable French cuisine in a lavish and sumptuous setting. One of only 7 Canadian restaurants to be honored with the prestigious AAA/CAA 5-Diamonds award, you can rest assured that impeccable service will match the high-quality of the food and decor. The delicately crafted French fare with new world influences, and an extensive list of over 900 wines, has earned Eden the Wine Spectator "Best of Award of Excellence". As you gaze deeply into your loved one's eyes, you just may be tempted to splash out on a $10,000 bottle of wine. Reservations are highly recommended at this exceptional restaurant with views of Spray Valley. At the Rimrock Resort Hotel, Mountain Ave

After-dark fun is rather limited, but those few venues guarantee a great time. For starters, you can always go to the larger hotels and restaurants for entertainment of varying nature, but the best times are usually found in downtown Banff, where several saloons, pubs, and pool halls provide live music, dance floors, and a reliable crowd of energetic revelers.

Barbecue & Barn Dance: Put on your Stetson and mosey on down to an old-fashioned Wild West, foot-stompin' good time at Brewster Stables. Everyone is encouraged to kick up their heels, join in the country western dancing, and chow down on delicious grilled eats!

Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon: Canada had its Wild West days too, and this is the place to catch the spirit. Toss back a sasparilla and sidle up for a bit of line dancing.

The Banff Centre: This is an internationally renowned cultural center that trains performers and presents events year-round, including music, dance, opera, theater, and film.

Silver City: Banff's version of restless, rebel youths are the regulars in this underground all-purpose pub, pool hall, and dance club. Music alternates between live bands and DJs, and rocks 'till 2:00am.

King Eddy Billiards: This is where the chic crowd goes to savor a good cigar and sink one in the left corner pocket.

St. James Gate Irish Pub: When all you want is a quiet place to sip a pint and have a good conversation with a friend or friendly stranger, this old-fashioned pub is the place to go.

Banff Winter Festival: This event is fun for everyone and includes an artwalk, cultural events, Town Party, Family Winter Carnival, silly and serious winter athletic contests, and nightly bar and social activities. A Banff tradition since 1917! January

Springtime in the Rockies: Celebrate the history and legends of the Canadian Rockies with street dancing, packhorse and stock dog demonstrations, Native American heritage, and tall tales of trail riders who first explored this mountain landscape. May

Canada Day: Celebrating Canada's Birthday, this event includes various ethnic and cultural entertainment, food booths, parades, fireworks, and a concert in Central Park. July

Banff Arts Festival: This festival presents some of the most progressive, exciting art in the world. From epic Canadian theatre to new opera, from jazz concerts to visual arts using new technology, this is culture for the body, mind, and soul! July-August

International Banff Springs Wine & Food Festival: A relaxed and congenial celebration of wine and food without pretence or competition. Novices enjoy this event as equally with connoisseurs. Each year the wine and cuisine of a different nation are highlighted. October

Banff Mountain Film Festival: One of the largest and most prestigious film festivals of its kind, this event previews and honors mountaineering/adventure films from around the world. Theme-related exhibits and seminars are part of the event. November

Year-round, casual dress is the norm. In summer, bring a raincoat, sweater, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In spring and fall, a warm coat will be required, particularly at the higher altitudes. In winter, a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, gloves, and scarves are essential.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

The people of Banff primarily speak English. It is likely that members of staff at hotels and restaurants will be bilingual, and you will hear many different launguages spoken on the streets, especially in summer when visitors from around the world converge on this spot of great natural beauty.

The current and sockets are the same as in the US, so you will not need an adapter.

We strongly suggest that you verify with a consulate for the most current and complete rendering of the information outlined below.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered tohave left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) outof the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

Banff/Lake Louise Tourism Bureau: PO Box 1298, Banff, Alberta, Canada T0L 0C0, phone 403-762-8421, fax 403-762-8163, email info@banfflakelouise.com