Banff has been welcoming international visitors for more than a century. In 1883, the discovery of natural hot springs bubbling from the base of Sulphur Mountain led to the establishment of Canada's first national park. The United Nations further designated this area a "World Heritage Site" in 1985.

Today, Banff National Park offers 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountain landscape. For visitors, bathing in the hot springs is but one of many activities offered in Canada's foremost National Park. When you visit the Banff/Lake Louise area, you will see why more than 4.5 million visitors come each year to experience the glory of the Canadian Rockies. Bring your camera, and enjoy!

The Banff area is spectacular for hiking in the summer. There are hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from the beginner to the extreme (e.g., scrambling, rock-climbing). Check out any hiking guide book for the Canadian Rockies. Popular outings include Fenland Trail, Bow Falls Trail, Grassi Lakes Trail, Tunnel Mountain Lookout, Sulphur Mountain Gondola, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, and a soothing soak in the Upper Hot Springs. Some of these are within walking distance from the hotel, while others will need a rental car for the outing.

For more information on recreational activities and not-to-be-missed opportunities in the Banff and Lake Louise area, see the Banff / Lake Louise Tourism Bureau.