Have you ever wanted to go to the mecca of outdoor activity, a place so beautiful and busy with things to do in nature year-round it seems almost too good to be true?
Look no further than Banff in Alberta, Canada.
Banff homes for sale attract people with an appreciation for outdoor activity, of which there is never any shortage. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, keep warm with activity during snowy days, and discover natural sights that are jaw dropping.
Check out these fun things to do year-round in Banff, whether you’re looking for something adventurous or something laid back.
Let loose on Lake Louise
This is the most visually pleasing aspect of Banff, a glacier-fed lake surrounded by soaring mountain peaks.
Here you can skate along the frozen body of water in the winter or glide through the turquoise waters on a canoe in summer.
Hit the surrounding slopes to ski or snowboard or pack a bag on take off on one of many hiking trails.
Travel to the past at Cave & Basin
Cave & Basin Historic Site carries quite a bit of history with it, being the birthplace of Canadian National Parks.
A reserve around the hot springs here was established in 1885, made the country’s first national park two years later.
Today, visitors can check out the cave’s interior pool, exterior basin, and an array of interactive exhibits that outline the development of Canada’s National Parks and the surrounding area.
Sink into the hot springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs are a great way to relax. Have a seat in these geothermally heated waters that bubble up from the Earth’s surface and marvel at the trees that surround you.
Head to the spring’s café for a quick bite or check out the Wonder of Water hydrology exhibit on premise.
Walk the downtown
Maybe you aren’t in the mood to do anything but take a peaceful stroll, perhaps with some shops and eateries along the way.
Take a walk down the street in Banff’s downtown area is enough to give you a sense of how gorgeous the area is.
Bike the Bow River
The Bow River Loop Trail is perfect for an easy flat ride on two wheels. You can also rollerblade, run, or walk it.
You can veer off the trail for a quick break at a picnic area or viewing bench.
This mostly-paved path has a one-kilometer flat leg and a 1.4-kilometer area that goes up to a 20-mile elevation gain.
Ride the Gondola
Let someone else do the driving and hop aboard the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a spectacular view.
At the top of this 7,500-foot peak you’ll find interactive exhibits, a gift shop, eateries, and an observational deck that’s 360-degrees.
Canoe Lake Moraine
This is another beautiful lake that looks almost fake given the color of its water. The snow-capped Rockies tower above it, and it’s a great place to not only canoe and kayak but hike the lake’s perimeter.
Get there early to enjoy the quiet on foot, then head over to the rental area to grab a watercraft.
