Banff National Park is six and a half thousand square kilometres
of pristine Canadian wilderness.
There are snow capped alpine peaks, glacier carved lakes, icefields
and snow covered alpine forests.
Banff National Park was Canada's first National Park
and attracts over 5 million visitors every year.
It is the very essence of what people imagine the Canadian Rockies to be.
The town of Banff is the major centre in the park,
a resort town in the mighty Rocky Mountains.
It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere
with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars all set among spectacular scenery.
This is the base for some of the best winter activities in Canada.
Lake Louise is sometimes referred to as the jewel of the Canadian Rockies
and is transformed into a wonderland of snow and ice in winter.
There are thousands of acres of ski slopes to enjoy
as well as snowshoeing, hiking and even sleigh rides
and dogsledding around the lake.
Besides winter sports,
the park has literally dozens of highlights to explore.
Take a ride on the Banff Gondola
for spectacular views Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains,
relax in natural hot springs while enjoying mountain views,
and don't miss the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk -
one of the most spectacular treks Canada.
After all the fresh mountain air and outdoor activities,
enjoy some of Canada's finest mountain accommodation
at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel,
the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the gorgeous Baker Creek Chalets.
Banff National Park is one of Canada's most exciting and beautiful
winter holiday destinations.