Banff
Beautiful Banff
Banff is an RVwest favourite
Banff has been named by RVwest readers as the No. 1 RVing destination in Alberta—and with good reason. The town of Banff is hip, urban with a small-town feel, worldly and exciting. But it’s the staggeringly beautiful and rugged natural features of Banff’s mountain environment that provide the real appeal for visitors.
Timeless Ride: Two Jack Lake near Banff is an idyllic place for a horseback ride.-photo courtesy Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff residents realize how blessed they are to live in the area and most take advantage of the region’s many outdoor offerings.
Cathy Smith, who has lived in Banff for 14 years, is the general manager of Chili’s restaurant and takes as many opportunities as she can to see some of the hidden jewels in the area.
The Sundance kid
“I (biked up) the Sundance Canyon this year for the first time,” said Smith. “You go through the old Cave and Basin historical site and then you jump on the Sundance Canyon Trail. I’m embarrassed to say I’d never done it before because it was amazing. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and it’s right by my house. It’s a bit of a bike ride; it’s like a constant uphill push where you think you’re just about there and then you come around a corner and it’s another uphill. But when you get to the top, there are a bunch of picnic areas up there and then you can go on a walk along the canyon with a raging creek coming through it. It’s all rocky and it’s just beautiful up there and you feel like you’re in the middle of the wilderness. It’s the most incredible sight.”
Smith said the trail’s end provides many other opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing as well.
Smith also recommended the horseback tours offered in the area for seeing the local trails and sights along the Bow River. She said many trails are popular among residents for walking, but the experience on horseback is one not to be missed.
Summer brings endless opportunities to explore the mountain trails in the park. Smith particularly enjoys Two Jack Lake. The area is accessed by taking the Minnewanka Loop. Smith said Lake Minnewanka is a favourite among the tourists, but she prefers the serenity of Two Jack.
“It’s prettier, I think,” she said. “There are lots of picnic benches there. My husband goes canoeing and fishing there a lot—and I hang out on the side and read my book.”
RESOURCES:
www.pc.gc.ca/banff
www.discoverbanff.com
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