A great destination spot for families, couples, and international backpackers is Banff, Alberta. Located in Banff National Park, Banff is known as an ideal snowboarding and skiing hotspot. The snowy mountains are stunning and can be seen by pretty much every hotel room in Banff. Buses run back and forth from the bottoms of the ski lifts right to the hotels. Even in the off-season (springtime) when the weather is balmy, you can usually still enjoy a few runs on the "hills".

There are plenty of activities for vacationers who do not enjoy careening down the side of a mountain at break neck speed, or for those who would simply like a break from snowboarding. Banff is home to some very impressive hot springs. For a small fee tourists and locals can sit in a naturally fed hot spring and take in an unobstructed view of Banff scenery. The pools are open daily until 10:00pm so they are a great place to unwind after a long day on the slopes.

Not far from the hot springs are gondolas. These gondolas stretch from mountain to mountain, offering tourists yet another view of Banff and a chance to see some extraordinary Banff wildlife. For those who wish to have as many opportunities as possible to see Banff and its wildlife, there are also canoeing, kayaking, and hiking tours, as well as camping spots and day trips to surrounding areas such as Lake Louise.

Banff features some excellent restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs. There is a wide selection of eats for most every palette and budget. There are also plenty of shops and boutiques to feed even the most severe shopping addiction.

Banff truly is a sight to behold with a selection of activities for everyone. The only real problem with Banff is that once you are there you will not want to leave! Many tourists become regulars, visiting Banff once a year to get there "fix". There is really no other place like it

Learn more about this author, Nanette.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Ideas for great vacations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!