The story of Banff National Park starts with the three railroad workers who discovered hot springs in the area, which prompted the Canadian government to preserve the land in 1885. While the origin site is known as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the greater area become Canada’s first National Park – Banff National Park.
Banff towers as Canada’s highest town at 4,540 feet above sea level and is mere minutes away from Canada’s first National Park – Banff National Park. Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge is located in town and is the perfect place to stay. Book a few king suites with jetted tubs to relax after a long day of hiking while enjoying complimentary breakfast in preparation to embark on your next adventure.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge.
Are you the type of person who loves being rewarded after a long hike? At Banff National Park, you will not only be rewarded with epic vistas and views, but a nice cup of tea as well. Rumor has it that the Alberta Rocky Mountain tradition of having tea on top of a mountain began at Lake Agnes. After a 3.5 km hike from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes, one of the three “Lakes in the Clouds”, enjoy a well-deserved rest at Lake Agnes Tea House, which has been serving tea since 1905.
Funny enough, this is not the only tea house in Banff National Park. Another popular hike is to The Plains of Six Glaciers Teahouse. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail itself includes expansive views of Mr. Lefroy, Mt. Victoria, the Victoria Glacier, and Lake Louise, and is 7.3km one-way. Stop by The Plains of Six Glaciers Teahouse to reenergize with a snack and a cup of herbal tea.
Finally, the famous Lake Louise, deserves a personal and close-up look. Try the 4km Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail for a short but fulfilling hike that hugs the east part of the beautiful Lake Louise.
Continue your outdoors adventures, and go boating in the pristine, turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka. “Known to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as the ‘Lake of the Spirits,’ the lakeshore holds archeological sites with documented artifacts from as long as 14,000 years ago,” reports the Banff tourism board. Rent a canoe, kayak or motorboat here.
Located only 4km from Banff, and for only $10 per adult, you can soak in the sweet, relaxing geothermal hot springs of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located high in the vast slopes of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the views of the mountain while you rejuvenate in the hot waters; temperatures rise to up to 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
For those not scared of heights, a ride on the Banff Gondola is a must-do. On this 8-minute ride, you’ll rise to 2,281 meters or 7,486 feet above sea level, gaining 360-degree views of Sulphur Mountain and Bow Valley.