CAN YOU HEAR THAT? YOUR MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE IS CALLING!

There is nothing quite like time in the mountains. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve gotten out to the mountains regularly this summer or have just been dreaming about it, there’s something truly special about a mountain adventure that fills your soul.

Banff National Park hosts one of the most unique and special geographic regions on earth – with  world renowned views, craft food and drink, cozy vibes and harmonious energy – visiting is an experience that people all across the world can only dream of experiencing. 

Luckily, this mountainous heaven is in Alberta’s backyard. Tourists travel from all across the world to visit the extraordinary Canadian Rocky Mountains. This offering everything from the esteemed winter sports, summer hiking, camping or fishing and picturesque glacier lakes. Banff National Park is the most impressive National Park in all of Canada, Established in 1885, this natural treasure offers over 6,000 kms of gorgeous Rocky Mountain views and over 1,000 kms of hiking trails. With campgrounds, hot springs, endless shops, diverse restaurants and notable hotels, there is something for everyone. 

We are launching tickets for the Banff Craft Beerfest on Monday, September 9th for the always sold out Banff Craft Beer Festival happening November 21 – 23, 2024; The only experience better than spending time at our mountain festivals is having the knowledge of the secrets and history that turn a great trip into an epic mountain adventure. We’ve put together some top highlights and history for Banff so that you can impress your crew with your knowledge. 

BANFF SECRETS

Unlike many mountain towns that first started out as mining towns, Banff was always meant to be a place for visitors. Filled with amazing energy, spectacular views, and so much to eat, drink, see and do, every visit to Banff will be special. To help with that, here is a list of some of our favourite experiences we’ve collected over the years:

• Just outside of Banff lies a chain of lakes, Vermilion Lakes. Standing on the shore offers a peek into a complete mountain ecosystem. Squirrels play in the trees around the lake, muskrats swim through the reeds, geese float on the water, and countless species of birdlife flit amongst the trees and across the water. Aspiring photographers, visit early or late in the day for a chance to share the shores with elusive moose as you soak up the view on the dock. Don’t forget your camera to capture a classic shot of Mount Rundle reflected in the lakes.
• Hike the Bow River Trail to Bow Falls. This easy hike delivers much more than you might expect from a 1.2 km walk. Fuel up with a velvety latte or an ice cream and set out right from downtown Banff over the historic Bow River Bridge. The wooded trail along the river stays cool even on the sunniest of days, leading to an intriguing wooden staircase ascending above the trees. The viewpoint above cascading Bow Falls will make you stop in your tracks – and pull out your camera – before descending to feel the mist of the falls below.
• Journey up Sulphur Mountain where you can dine to spectacular views at the Rimrock Hotel, soak your worries away in the Upper Hot Springs, and get lost in the clouds at the top of the Banff Gondola with some of the most spectacular views in the Rockies.
• Did you say ghosts???? Visit the Bankhead Ghost Town – Bankhead in Banff (near Cascade Mountain and Lake Minnewanka) is a unique piece of Alberta history. Visitors to the Bankhead ghost town can take a fun and educational walk around the ruins of the old Banff coal mining operation. It’s a simple, well-marked route with little altitude gain. You’ll see abandoned mining structures and machinery in the middle of the mountains. The Lower Bankhead trail is a must-do for families visiting Banff. How to get here: Lower Bankhead is the main part of the ghost town, which can be reached by driving north on Range Rd 1158 and following the signs to Lake Minnewanka.
• The Bow Valley Parkway is one of the most scenic roads in the world and boasts some of the best places to see wildlife in Banff. There are plenty of picnic spots and hiking trailheads. One of the must-see stops is Castle Mountain. 
• Bring your skis! Located in Canada’s first National Park are Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay, the three world-class ski resorts offer incredible skiing in a landscape so unbelievable you’ll want to take off your gloves and pinch yourself.
• Visit the historic Cave & Basin where 3 railway workers first discovered the hot springs in 1883, or check out the microscopic snails that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. The fantastic walkways found at this historic site are the perfect places to take post-worthy photos. HINT – this is where #BanffBeerfest is!

Interested in checking out the #BanffBeerfest you can get tickets @ – albertabeerfestivals.com/tickets/

Sincerely,

Bill Robinson
President – ABF

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