Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible views of Cascade Mountain.
Banff was incorporated as a municipality in 1990 and has a population of around 8,000 permanent residents. The town site covers 3.93 square kilometres (1.52 square miles) and is at an elevation of 1,383 metres (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain.
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![Banff streets covered in snow during the winter]( "Banff streets covered in snow during the winter")
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![A family walks along the snow covered Fenlands Trail in Banff, Alberta]( "A family walks along the snow covered Fenlands Trail in Banff, Alberta")
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![Pedestrians cross a bridge in the town of Banff]( "Pedestrians cross a bridge in the town of Banff")
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![Eating dinner with friends in Banff]( "Eating dinner with friends in Banff")
Destination Canada -
![Canoeing along the Bow River near the town of Banff]( "Canoeing along the Bow River near the town of Banff")
Destination CanadaWilliam Au
Things to Do
The list of things to do in Banff is amazingly diverse. No matter the season, there is a wide range of activities for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Hike the 4.3 kilometre (2.6 mile) trail up Tunnel Mountain to get a loftier perspective of the town and valley; enjoy brunch on a sunny outdoor terrace; or learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Events
There are inspiring and fun events happening all year-round in Banff. The Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, SnowDays, Banff Marathon, and Banff Yoga Festival are just a few of the events you will want to take part in while you are here. Have a look at the events calendar to check what's on when you are in town.
Dining and Nightlife
Whether it’s time to refuel before your next exploit, or you are looking to make your meal the main event, the town of Banff serves up a variety of dining options, including regionally sourced Rocky Mountain Cuisine, family-friendly fare, and meals for eco-conscious eaters and vegetarians.
Later on in the day there’s a variety of pubs and lounges in Banff where you can relax by the fire and chat with family and friends, or if you still have the energy, visit Banff Avenue for its high energy night spots. Learn more about dining and nightlife here.
Shopping
Head to Banff Avenue and Bear Street for an all-out shopping spree, or to just find a few essentials. A variety of shops sell genuine Canadian goods and everything else you can possibly imagine. Pick up a new piece of gear for your adventuring, browse original art at one of the galleries, and don’t forget a souvenir to take home to friends and family. Read more about shopping here.
Getting Around
The Banff town site is small, which means it's easy to get around and accessible for everyone. Walk and cycle the convenient roads and trails that lead to most amenities and attractions, or use Roam, Banff's public transit system. Find out more about how to get around Banff.