Adorned with breathtaking snowy mountains and exceptional glacial lakes, the town of Banff is an essential stop-off point on your tour around Canada. Holidays in this quaint town were popularised by the Victorians after the completion of the country’s first transcontinental railroad in the 1880s. It’s unsurprising, really; not only is it conveniently located along the railway, but it’s also nestled in the stunning Banff National Park below the impressive Rockies. Along with a stunning landscape, this town also boasts a fascinating history and numerous attractions.
Relax in the Natural Hot Springs
Nothing says relaxation quite like Canada. Holidays in Banff can be spent lounging in a glorious body of delightfully hot water. This town has the only remaining open-to-the-public baths.
These springs were discovered in the late nineteenth century by three Victorian rail workers who found a steady stream of water flowing out of Sulphur Mountain’s caves. The springs were thought to have healing powers and quickly attracted numerous tourists. It became quite the commercial operation.
Today, their popularity has not decreased. Locals and visitors alike still come here to feel rejuvenated. Most people choose to visit in winter so that they can admire the tremendous surrounding mountains in the snow, but, in summer, it’s a great place to watch the sunset or sunrise.
Uncover the Secrets of Banff Springs Hotel
Banff is particularly famous for its Springs Hotel. Founded in 1888, it has since become a widely recognised emblem of Canadian welcome. With an impressive history of offering travellers luxurious accommodation, it has undergone several refurbishments to maintain its high standards.
From the Victorian era until World War II, the hotel experienced immense success thanks to the many tourists who visited the area via the railway. However, travel became limited when war broke out and led to the subsequent closing of the hotel. Though it reopened in the 1950s, it would not be until the 1970s that Banff Springs Hotel would be truly back in business. The popularity of winter sports meant the hotel could stay open all year round, as it welcomed skiers and snowboarders from October to March, before hikers and tourists flocked in the spring. This is still the case today.
As a significant architectural landmark that has witnessed so much history, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada in the nineties. Take a tour while in Canada – holidays are all the more interesting when you explore the local history.
Book Your Holidays to Banff
If you have been seduced by Banff’s wealth of history and are eager to explore the town’s many local attractions and surrounding nature, don’t wait to book your trip to Canada. Holidays can easily be organised with the help of a specialist Canadian tour operator. They’ll provide you with expert knowledge and help you put together an itinerary that suits your needs, so you can effortlessly include Banff as one of your stop-off destinations while on your railroad tour across Canada.
John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on bespoke Canada holidays, handcrafted by his award-winning team. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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