Banff in Alberta, Canada, is a hot tourist destination year-round. There is plenty to do for those who enjoy nature from hiking to biking and kayaking.
Thrill seekers can hop aboard a helicopter or zipline to see the sights from up above.
Those who prefer to spend time in town will be greeted with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Additionally, Banff is one of the most stunning naturally beautiful places in the world. Nothing is more exhilarating than catching a glimpse of snow-covered mountains or gliding along the turquoise waters of the glacier-fed lakes.
It’s also a great place to live thanks to its ample employment opportunities, relatively low cost of living, and amenities.
If you’re in the area looking at Banff homes for sale this weekend, check out these fun things to do.
Get on the Gondola
No, we’re not talking a funny-shaped watercraft that you can paddle along. This gondola provides a sky-high experience that gives you some of the best views in Canada.
This calm ride gives visitors a sweeping view of the land below. You’ll overlook six mountain ranges, Bow Valley, and the town of Banff itself. The gondola travels up 7,500 feet.
Once you reach the peak you can disembark to stroll the boardwalk where you’ll find more to do.
Castle Mountain Coffee will give you a caffeine jolt while Sky Bistro is a great place to sit down and take your time with a carefully prepared meal.
The Cosmic Ray Station sits atop Sulphur Mountain and is where a sight to study cosmic rays once stood. It’s been replaced by a plaque but standing where it once was gives a good idea as to how high the elevation is and how important that spot was to scientific discovery.
Get wild with whitewater rafting
There is no shortage of thrills in Banff. Head to Kicking Horse River to get an adrenaline rush through whitewater rafting.
It’s a short distance outside of town and has class five rapids with waterfalls and narrow gorges to navigate.
If you’d like to go at a calmer pace you can enjoy one of the routes that are family friendly or perfect for beginners.
The river’s history winds deep in the area; in 1986 it was designated as a Canadian Heritage River for its historical, cultural and recreational significance. It’s one of three in British Columbia.
Imbibe at Park Distillery
For those who like the taste of a good liquor, head to Park.
They take pride in their water that originates at six glaciers in the Rockies, gradually gaining minerality as they travel to the end of their route.
Their small batch spirits include gin, flavored vodkas, maple rye, coffee cocktails, and other pre-mixed cocktails.
Take a seat at the distillery’s restaurant and order smoke tomato chili vodka soup or bison burgers.
You can book a distillery tour to hear more about the process and what goes into the liquors that you sample.