Banff, Canada Summer Escape - Learn How to Enjoy Summer Again
Are you looking for a cool summer getaway that will allow you to escape the heat, enjoy the great outdoors and relax? Banff, Canada is your answer. Let’s look at this beautiful vacation destination.
Natural Beauty
Banff National Park is one of Canada's great national treasures. It Encompasses a portion of the Rocky Mountains and is the home to beautiful blue lakes mirroring the snow-covered peaks, along with glaciers and forests. It is included in UNESCO's list of protected natural and cultural monuments. Whether you want to stroll, hike, or just sit and soak in the surroundings, Banff National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pack some comfy men’s T-shirts and your favorite jeans along with some good walking shoes so you can go exploring. It’s also a great idea to read up on Banff National Park before your trip. It has a storied past. Enlarged in 1887 and originally the "Rocky Mountains Park of Canada" (later to be renamed Banff National Park), it was Canada's first national park and the world's third.
Beat the Heat
If the summer heat is not what you crave, our neighbor to the North may be your answer. The daytime summer temperatures in Banff are typically in the low 70s Fahrenheit. It can get cool in the evenings, so bring a fleece jacket to stay cozy. How great is that?
The turquoise lakes are too cold to swim in, but with so much else to do and the refreshing cool of Canada, you won’t miss that. If you like to get in a dip while you are there, just reserve a hotel with an indoor pool, and you will have all the water fun you want without the 100-degree temperatures you might find elsewhere.
Rocky Mountains
Is there anything more majestic than a mountain range? Banff includes a portion of the Rockies, which makes for incredible views. If it’s been a while since you have taken a vacation to the mountains, you deserve to treat yourself. So… get those travel bags out of the closet and start planning a wonderful escape to Banff. Especially if you live in the flatlands or a state known for its hills (but one without mountains like Wisconsin), the Rockies will make you want to return to Banff every summer.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Banff National Park. The Lake Louise area sports turquoise water and popular hiking trails, including those in Lake Agnes, the Big Beehive Trail, and the Plain of Six Glaciers. Pack a lunch in your backpack and make sure to stay hydrated. You’ll be in for one of the best hiking experiences of your life.
Of course, you can choose your own trail, but there are guided tours available as well. Sometimes having a knowledgeable guide who not only knows the hike but can teach you about the history of the area and point out the local flora and fauna is like a mini vacation. You might even get to see some of the local elk, caribou, wolves, or beavers.
Camping
To get the full outdoorsy experience of Banff National Park, consider camping for your vacation there. A family camping trip to Banff will be a wonderful memory for years to come. You’ll want to be prepared for changes in temperature by bringing items like extra throw blankets to keep you cozy on those Canadian nights as well as raingear just in case.
Plan for camping as you will need reservations. Camping is permitted in designated areas only with a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass. You can bring your own gear or look into renting it there. There truly is nothing better than sitting around a campfire in Banff while the evening stars twinkle and you enjoy a cup of cocoa and some great stories with your loved ones. The best conversations always happen around campfires.
Tranquil Town
Banff itself is a picturesque town with a variety of accommodation options, cool little shops, and restaurants, from the most casual to lovely white tablecloth options. Why not pack a fit and flare dress and heels when you head to Banff National Park? That way, you’ll be ready to take advantage of the best restaurants to be found in addition to the great casual Canadian fare available.
If you want to take a break from all of that hiking and swimming, why not spend a day exploring the local shops and stop for lunch and dinner along the way? You can just window shop, or you might find some beautiful items made by local artisans that you just must bring back home with you.
So… go learn how to enjoy summer again in Banff, Canada!