Calgary and Banff as a Travel Destination.
Situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in southern Alberta, Calgary is approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. With a population of 1.2 million people, Calgary played host to the 1988 Winter Olympic Games is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. Home to the energy and financial services industries, Calgary boasts the second-most corporate head offices in Canada.
Make it a vacation. Banff National Park is only an hour’s drive away. One of the most precious and protected places in the world, a visit here offers the chance to experience the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains, glacier-fed lakes and wildlife. The Banff town site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) features small-town charm, boutiques and restaurants mixed with château-style hotels and shops.
Below features some of the attractions that Calgary and Banff have to offer:
Calgary Tower
Rising from the dynamic downtown core, this iconic tower 160 meters (525 feet) in the air
Calgary Zoo
One of North America’s top zoos features African, Asian North American and South American wildlife,
Winsport Canada Olympic Park
Heritage Park Historical Village
Experience life on the frontier as Heritage Park transports you back to olden-days Calgary.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
With over 50 hands on interactives and artifacts like Terry Fox’s running shoe, it’s both fun and inspiring.
Fort Calgary
See the fort the Mounties built on the banks of the Bow and Elbow rivers. Explore exhibits and artifacts from Calgary
Spruce Meadows
Equestrian show jumping tournaments and events hosted throughout the year.
Calgary Stampede
The world’s greatest rodeo and western festival offers family fun, agricultural displays.
Banff Town Site
There is no other place in the world where you can find a vibrant community of artists, athletes, families, outdoor enthusiasts, restaurateurs and hoteliers nestled in a national park
Ice Fields
The Glacier Skywalk is an experience like no other: where glass is all that separates you from a 918 foot drop.
While at the Columbia Icefields why not hop on one of the Ice Explorers (massive vehicle specially designed for glacier travel) and explore the glaciers.
Grand Hotels
The Banff Springs and Lake Louise Hotels are luxury hotels built during the 19th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Banff Gondola
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and take in the breathtaking views in every direction
Banff Upper Hot Springs
No trip to Banff is complete without a soak in the restorative waters of the famed Banff Upper Hot Springs
Lake Louise
Rent a canoe and paddle or take an easy stroll around the lakeshore of this turquoise alpine lake fed by the Victoria Glacier. Be back for tea at the Chateau Lake Louise.
Summer Activities
Enjoy the great outdoors. Banff summer activities include hiking, nature walks, camping, golf, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sightseeing, biking, horseback riding and white water rafting.
Winter Activities
Banff National Park boasts three ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise.
Winter activities include cross country skiing, heli-skiing, snow shoeing, dog sled rides and sleigh rides.
Photos courtesy of Tourism Calgary