Fast Facts
Photos and Write up courtesy of the Town of Banff.
The Town of Banff
- the Town of Banff sits at an elevation of 1,383 metres (4,537 feet) making it the highest town in Canada
- our town has a population of 8,721 (2007 Municipal Census)
- the Town of Banff is incorporated and offers all basic services, including grocery outlets, a hospital, an RCMP detachment, a post office, a public library, churches of several denominations, municipal government offices, and a provincial court of law
- accommodations in the townsite include hotels, lodges, hostels, bed & breakfasts, and camp sites
- numerous local tour operators offer sightseeing and other types of organized tours
- outdoor equipment ranging from town bikes to snowshoes is available for purchase or rental
- Banff runs a local bus service year-round, with stops throughout town including the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Sulphur Mountain attractions (Upper Hotsprings and Banff Gondola)
- in the winter, shuttles are available to and from three world-class ski destinations: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Area
- there are several car rental agencies in Banff
- the resident community is active in many organized associations and leagues representing a wide variety of interests: see Our Town Directory for details
- mountains surrounding the townsite include Tunnel Mountain (1,690 m / 5,545 ft), Mount Rundle (2,949 m / 9,675 ft), Cascade Mountain (2,998 m / 9,836 ft), Mount Norquay (2,134 m / 7,001 ft), and Sulphur Mountain (2,281 m / 7,484 ft).
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Destination: Banff...
Mountain Magnificence
Banff National Park is set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It attracts roughly 4 million visitors each year. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The largest community within Banff National Park is the Town of Banff. We are a unique destination, and we take pride in accommodating visitors and providing tourism services, without losing the charm of a small mountain community.
The Town of Banff is in the province of Alberta in the  southwestern corner of Banff National Park, and west of Calgary.
The townsite is about 90 minutes from Calgary via the Trans Canada Highway, and less than two hours from Calgary International Airport. The Hamlet of Lake Louise is 50 minutes further west, also within Banff National Park.
Because the Town of Banff is less than 4 km square in size and surrounded by mountain parkland and wilderness, the community really does share its space with the wildlife. Some say that a local on their way to work is as likely to see a deer as a neighborhood dog. Elk, sheep and bear sightings are not uncommon near this town filled with trees, parks and trails.
Our town also abounds with opportunities to experience... everything: from the most rugged of outdoor activities to world-class arts and culture displays (see our Activities & Events section to learn more.)
The Town of Banff plays an important and leading role in today's environmentally-concerned society.
Banff is one of only two incorporated municipalities in a Canadian national park. In keeping with this special role, we make great efforts to foster appreciation and respect for nature and mountain culture; and to meet the responsibilities of being a national park community. The Banff National Park Management Plan is a guiding document for the Town of Banff.
Most of our multiday tour operations visit this charming city.
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Suggested Tours:
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Banff and the Rocky Mountains Express Tour - 4 days/3 Nights
Thrill to Canada's Rocky Mountains. Stops include: Banff, Lake Louise, and the Columbia Ice Fields.Starting in Vancouver and ending in Calgary. Details
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Banff and the Rocky Mountains Tour -
8 Days/ 7 Nights
This extended stay in the Rockys travels a wide circle around the province of British Columbia, starting and ending in Vancouver. Highlights include, Whistler, the futile wine and fruit growing interior of the province, as well as Banff, Lake Louise, high mountain passes and the Columbia Ice fields. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Details
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Grand
Tour of British Columbia -
15 Days/15 Nights
From the dramatic Northwest Coast of the Pacific to the Magnificent
Rocky Mountains, this giant circle around British Columbia has
it all. Whale watching, Two mini Cruises, train to the Rockies, native cultural events, Jasper and Banff National Parks, Glacier Excursion on the Columbia Ice fields, wine tasting party, hot springs bathing... Come and explore on this fully guided motor coach to adventure. Details
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BC Explorer: Whales and Rocky Mountains - 12 Days/12 Nights
An amazing vacation of a lifetime at a leisurely pace. Whale watching on the west coast, then off to the Rockies for an extended visit to Banff and Jasper. Glacier Excursion on the Columbia Ice fields, hot springs bathing, blue lakes, tall mountains, and much more. Details
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