Canadian Train Vacation Articles
- Canadian Rockies Train Vacations
- Rocky Mountaineer Services
- Routes on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Via Rail Canada Service Classes
- A Brief History of the Canada Pacific Railway
- Travel in Style on the Royal Canadian Pacific Service
- Canadian Wilderness Tours by Train
- Canadian Canoeing Vacations by Train
- Canada Heli-Hiking Tours by Train
- Canada Train Vacations as Honeymoons
- Polar Bear Train Tours In Canada
- Visit The Polar Bear Capital Of The World On Canada Train Tours
- The Chateau Lake Louise
- Canada's Chateau Laurier
- Canada’s Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Train Tours to Canada’s Hotel Vancouver
- Quebec City's Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
- Jasper, Alberta Travel and History
- Vacations in Toronto by Train
- Travel by Train to Vancouver, British Columbia
- Halifax, Nova Scotia Train Vacations
- Banff, Alberta Train Travel Options
- Tofino, British Columbia Train Vacations
- Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel
- Canadian Trains in Cinema and Literature
Banff, Alberta Train Travel Options
Hailed as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, Banff, Alberta is a small resort town nestled in the pristine Canadian Rockies. Banff’s history dates back to the 1880s, after the first transcontinental railway was built through Bow Valley. The area was named Banff in 1884 by Lord Steven, a former Canadian Pacific Railway director, recalling the name of his birthplace, Banffshire in Scotland.
Legend tells that Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon a wealth of heavenly hot springs amidst the untamed beauty of Banff’s surrounding Sulphur Mountain. In years to come, the railway began promoting Banff as an international resort and spa destination to support further railway development. By 1887, much of the Rocky Mountains surrounding Banff were sanctioned as Canada’s first National Park System known as “Rocky Mountain Park.â€
Today, Banff’s permanent population is around 8721, with a seasonal shadow population of more than 1000. Due to the pristine nature and ecosystems surrounding Banff, recent concerns regarding the town’s recent growth and consequent environmental impacts have been expressed by environmentalists. In response, the federal government has attempted to address these concerns by restricting development in the town, and mandating that only people who can demonstrate a "need to reside†may take up permanent residence in the community.
Whether you want to observe the enchanting rolling meadows, the thundering waterfalls, the towering peaks or the misty canyons, Banff—known as the grand masterpiece of the West—offers a unique assortment of sightseeing and leisure activities.
Banff is known as a destination for outdoor sports and features extensive hiking, biking, and skiing areas within the region. Two ski resorts are located in close proximity: Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay. In addition, Banff's wonderfully eclectic shops and boutiques are cozy and welcoming if you’re looking for a casual window-shopping stroll through the town.
If you’re looking for an adventure packed with sight seeing adventures, world-class recreation and world-renown spas—Banff is the place to come and see! We offer a wide variety of Canada train vacation packages that range from quick, 5-day excursions on the VIA Rail to 12-day journeys on the world-class Rocky Mountaineer.
Let Canadian Train Vacations help you book a business trip or family vacation today. Our knowledgeable staff knows how to prepare the ultimate Banff experience, and can even help you create a customized, affordable tour of Canada.