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Canadian Rockies |
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Banff[1] is the larger of the two towns in Banff National Park, nestled in the mountains. It is located about a hour and half drive west of Calgary, Canada, or four hours south of Jasper. The park is easily accessible for International travellers via Calgary or Edmonton International Airports, that have international scheduled and charter flights. Banff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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SEE DO EAT
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SEE
The Canadian Rockies offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It may seem a daunting task to try and see it all in a limited amount of time.
Fortunately there are a host of companies available that eliminate the hassle, giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. The friendly guides offer fun and informative sightseeing tours in and around the Banff area in comfortable vehicles.
Whether you wish to see a mountain lake or a stunning glacier these companies have something for everyone, summer and winter!
- GyPSy Guide, Toll Free: 1 866 477-4171, 760-8200, [2]. If you do rent a car , take a guided electronic tour in your own car. The GyPSy Guide is a small electronic device that uses GPS technology to automatically trigger commentary about history, geology, directions and quirky Canadian stories, through your car stereo.
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Like many mountain cities, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer. There is a decent selection of bars and restaurants but predictably a few too many souvenir shops and boutiques. European travellers especially will welcome the sidewalks allowing exploration of the town on foot. Parking can be tricky, but there is a free multilevel parkade near the center if you can find it.
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EAT
Banff is an exciting place to visit on all fronts, and the palate is not excluded. There are pubs, fast-food, fine dining, steakhouses (It is Alberta!!), traditional fare from around the world, candy shops and more.
Banff can be an expensive place to dine as tourism is always high.
- Balkan Restaurant, [17]. 120 Banff Avenue, tel: +1403 762-3454. The Balkan restaurant first fired up its grill on Banff Avenue in 1982. The restaurant was the creation of Greek families out of their element in the cold Canadian Rockies who wished to bring the authentic flavors and warm festive atmosphere of the Mediterranean to this high mountain town. 25 years later they're still at it with authentic Greek cuisine. Be sure to check out their Tuesday and Thursday night "Greek Night" with live belly dancing, Greek dancing and plate smashing.
- The Keg Steakhouse and Lounge, [18] two locations; 521 Banff Av. at the Banff Caribou Lodge and 117 Banff Av, tel+1 403 762-4442, or +1 403 760-3030. Great steaks, a casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are the proud and reliable trademarks of the Keg Steakhouse and Lounge.
- Caramba! Restaurante, [19] 337 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 762-3667. Located at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Caramba offers a menu featuring a delicious blend of West Coast and Mediterranean influences.
- Wildfire Grill, [20] 600 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 762-4581. Great food, reasonable prices, attentive staff, and fantastic mountain views.
- The Maple Leaf, [21]. A four-diamond restaurant, caters to an elite crowd with impressive wine selections and pricey entrees.
- Saltlik Steakhouse, [22]. Features unique cocktails and a varied wine menu downstairs and a full on steakhouse upstairs.
- Chili's Resturant, 461 Banff Av., tel: +1 403 760-7500, [23]. Located at the Fox Hotel & Suites; Chili's offers great choices, including those classics like Baby Back Ribs and Big Mouth Burgers.
- Magpie and Stump, [24]. A Mexican restaurant that specializes in Margaritas and typical Mexican dishes. There is usually at least one night per week where Margarita’s are half-price and if you go in early you are almost guaranteed to leave late.
- Grizzly House, [25]. A must-see, this was once a swinger's bar this unique shaped restaurant right downtown has telephones at every table with placemats that serve as a map so you can call tables to chat through your dinner. It is a laid-back, fun atmosphere and the food does not disappoint. A typical meal may consist of a Caesar salad to start, then a cheese fondue served with freshly steamed veggies and mouth-watering bread for dipping. The second course is where things get exciting; opt for the 'hot-rock' style of fondue. Rocks are brought to the table and heated to a whopping 300 degrees. Each rock gets its own pot of garlic butter smeared on, first by your server and then by you; each person receives a customized plate of raw fish, chicken, bison, frog legs, AAA-beef, SHARK, SNAKE...whatever you wish, or dare, to try. Accompanying the exotic mix of possibilities are dipping sauces like chipotle and teriyaki.
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