Did you Know?

  1. The elevation of Banff Upper Hot Springs is 1, 585 meters (5,200 feet) making us the highest in Canada.
  2. Banff Lithea water (bottled hot springs water) used to be sold as a cure for hangovers and nervous conditions.
  3. The "Radium Hot Springs building" is a Classified Federal Heritage Building with the highest level of protection, the same classification as the Canada's parliament buildings.
  4. There are hot springs all over the earth, on every continent and even under the oceans and seas.
  5. The rate of temperature increase with depth underground is known as the geothermal gradient.
  6. In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third.
  7. The Calgary Tower is one of the safest structures in Western North America. The record pour in one 24-hour period was 39 feet. The structure was designed to withstand the elements (climate, high winds, shock, etc.). Although Calgary is not an earthquake zone, this structure was the first in the Western provinces designed to withstand earthquakes. On a windy day the Tower can, and will, sway up to 16.5 centimeters or 7.5 inches and can withstand winds up to 161 km/hr.
  8. The ice of Athabasca Glacier, featured in the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, is as thick as the Empire State Building is tall.
  9. Norman Sanson’s 1903 Weather Observatory, located at the Banff Gondola, is named after an early pioneer who hiked to the top of the mountain over one thousand times and made one of his last hikes at the age of 84!
  10. …and not only do the clear skies of Alberta provide great star viewing but…..Alberta has been the site of many great movies such as:
    • Legends of the Fall
    • Edge
    • Brokeback Mountain
    • The Assignation of Jesse James
    • Cool Running’s
    • Dances With Wolves
    • John Q
    • Mystery, Alaska
    • Open Range
    • R.V.
    • Shanghai Noon
    • Superman (1978)
    • Unforgiven
    • Wild America
  11. Alberta is home to many world renowned celebrities such as:
    • Elisha Cuthbert
    • Michael J. Fox
    • Chad Kroeger of Nickleback
    • Paul Gross
    • Jill Hennessy of Crossing Jordan
  12. Walt Disney visited Rafter Six Ranch , and was so taken with the stunning scenery, that soon a steady stream of Disney Productions were using the Ranch. A cabin was specially built for Walt Disney - and still carries his name.
  13. Famous visitors to Rafter Six Ranch include:
    • Charles Bronson
    • Kevin Costner
    • Marilyn Monroe
    • The Olsen twins
    • Lee Marvin
    • Wilford Brimley
    • Rick Schroeder
    • Paul Newman

FAQ's

Do I need a passport?

YES. Whether travelling by air or car, you require a passport for travel between the United States of America and Canada. For other inquiries please visit the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov/travel

How close can I get to wildlife?

Always keep a distance of 30 metres (100 feet) between you and wildlife. Elk and deer in the town sites of Banff and Canmore often appear docile and approachable. Please always respect our wildlife and their habitat and give them space. Even though they may appear hungry, never feed the wildlife.

Can I pick a beautiful bouquet of mountain flowers?

NO. Always pack your camera and take memorable shots of the flora.

What is the weather going to be like when I visit?

It is not unusual for Calgary and the Canadian Rockies to have beautiful summer days with temperatures being 25 – 30 degrees Celsius (75 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The evenings in the mountains are always fairly cool an in keeping with a clean air environment, many Banff hotels do not have air conditioned guest rooms. Year round we have a moderate four season climate with average temperatures varying from 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in spring and summer to -20 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter.

Do I have to pay a fee to visit the town of Banff?

YES. The town of Banff is located within Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park. Park fees are used to help offset the costs of maintaining the National Park System.

What should I pack?

Rule of thumb year round: dress in layers and ensure you bring a wind/waterproof jacket. If you are not used to a dry climate, bring lotion and lip balm – and of course sun screen, especially from early spring until late fall.