This cozy small town in Alberta has charming streets to wander through and European vibes

It's a road trip from Calgary!

Person on a street. Right: A street.

Small town of Banff. Right: Banff, Alberta.

@jerleingito | Instagram, Brucemacdonald | Dreamstime
Editor

Nestled within a world-renowned mountain range sits this little town, known for its quaint atmosphere, picturesque streets and access to breathtaking nature.

If you're planning a trip to Alberta this summer this small town is a must-visit, as a gateway for endless adventure and experiencing the Canadian Rockies.

Banff is a well-known spot, but gets attention for a reason. While it's surrounded by untamed wilderness the little town has everything you could need — from top restaurants to cute shops.

Walking through the small-town streets you'll feel like you've been transported to a Swiss village, with jagged mountain peaks almost always in sight.

While other lower-key towns are around here, people flock to Banff for its convenience. The townsite is easy to explore walking or biking, and there's a public transit system here that makes for an easy stay.

Since it's a go-to tourist spot there's also loads of activities you can do, from group tours to solo adventures.

Visiting the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, nearby the town of Banff, is a must. The little village here is quieter but also has its own shops and restaurants you can check out.

What makes this place special is the setting of Banff National Park. In the summer months the snow melts and gives way to incredible vibrant lakes, breathtaking hiking trails, and camping sites where you'll make memories for life.

The park was actually Canada's first National Park and is home to over 1,600 kilometres of hiking trails, more than 2,468 campsites, and over 1,000 glaciers.

If you want a blend of comfort with some of the most stunning nature around, a trip to Banff won't disappoint.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. She got her start working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, then joined Narcity with a move to B.C., leading the launch of West Coast coverage. Her focus now is managing a large group of freelance writers, bringing human-forward and opinion content to the site.

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