What I love about Banff, Alberta Canada.
I left my native Australia back in the late 90's and arrived in Banff for my working holiday at the Banff Springs Hotel. The rest is history as my obsession for Banff and Canada began!
Where do I begin!? This place is just insane, from the stunning scenery to the amazing Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
“Banff tugs at your heart strings, and leaves you with a lasting longing to return to all it's wonder!"
I moved to Banff in 1996 as like many Aussies do I was starting off my 1 year Working Visa in Canada, with a 6 month seasonal position working at the then Canadian Pacific Banff Springs Hotel. My love for the Banff area is mostly based around this stunning "Castle in the Rockies". I feel such a connection to this place it has me returning as often as I can afford it!
Watch here my 50 minute documentary of "My" Banff Springs Hotel. https://youtu.be/0SN5Zjes1p0
Some pics of my time working at the Hotel:
Old images I have found of the Hotel:
These are my most favourite things to do whenever I visit the Banff area:
Before the entrance to the Banff National Park, a Canmore township stopover stroll.
A stunning view of Canmore and the Three Sisters Mountain range from up at the Canmore Nordic Centre (a site from the 1988 Winter Olympics)
An amazing view of Banff Township and surrounding mountains from Mt Norquay lookout (and often Mountain Goat frequent the area)
A stroll through Banff township, shopping, eating & drinking in the many restaurants, pubs and lounges
Visit the Whyte Museum for history of Banff and the area
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and hang out in the beautiful Mt Stephen Hall
Banff Gondola for amazing views of the surrounding mountains from the very top and a great little boardwalk (Hike up on the great switch back trail one way for a cheaper Gondola one way ride back down)
Have a drink with an amazing view at the Peak Patio on top of the Banff Gondola
Easy and beautiful hike around nearby Johnson Lake (& Johnson Canyon) and Cascade Ponds
Walk over the brilliant Banff Pedestrian Bridge (lit up at night)
Bow Falls Viewpoint walk and also along the Bow River at the base of the Banff Springs Hotel
Surprise Corner for a stunning view back to the Banff Springs Hotel and Mountains
Tunnel Mountain hike and Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity visit
Relax in the outdoor hot pool at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (sometimes amongst local Deer visitors)
These are my favourite places to eat or drink in Banff:
Pubs/Restaurants/Lounges
Tommy's: For a simple, casual and inexpensive drink with comfort pub food.
Rose & Crown Pub: For live music, a great rooftop patio and inexpensive.
Magpie & Stump: For Mexican food in the mountains, this place is pretty good! An authentically Mexican feel, and the food is decent too!
Waldhaus: For German food in the mountains this place "Rocks"! Located alongside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, it has a casual pub atmosphere where you can play pool, watch sports and drink German beer and also have Fondu and Bratwurst!
Peak Patio: A drink and light food on the top of the mountains with a killer view!
Rundle Bar: The main bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, this place just oozes coolness! It's in a retro 20's style and has a fabulous Happy Hour daily from 4-6pm.
The Radiant: Art-deco style bar right on Banff Avenue. Great vibe and super Chicken, Quail & Waffles options on their menu! Even their mixed olives appies are amazing!
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