Banff The Beautiful!?? – Shelley Alexanian

“While Italy has Venice and Florence, Canada has Banff and Jasper, legendary natural marvels that are as spectacular and vital as anything the ancient Romans ever built.”

Having just returned today from a 4 day June long weekend, I realized that Banff is definitely not just a winter attraction. There are endless activities in summer with kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, golf and fishing. A round of golf at the Banff Springs Hotel golf course was undoubtably one of the most scenic places on earth. You are surrounded by a set of mountain views with wild pines spreading up their sides and fast flowing rivers curving among the peaks.

Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel was designed as a luxurious oasis in the wilds of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. With the expansion of the railway across Canada, travellers could now experience first-hand the stunning vistas, natural wonders and Albertan cuisine on offer in the mountains without leaving behind the comforts of home. CPR originally built chalets in the area as places to feed train passengers, and these grew into great stone castles that were destinations, not just way stations. The Banff Springs Hotel, rises above spruce trees with it’s fairy tale towers and turrets. This French Chateau meets Scottish castle is commonly referred to as ‘The Castle’ by locals and visitors.

Grapes Wine Bar, which originally opened in 1926 as a writing room, makes me feel as if I’m in the Swiss Alps with endless views of Peaks in sight. On a rainy Friday afternoon, we sit sipping wine and nibbling charcuterie that the chef has prepared with fresh preserved pickles, preserves and thick honey. With opulence at the edge of the wilds, we reflect on our days activities.

Uncompromised postcard views, endless adventure opportunities and seasonally inspired local cuisine that are full of deliciousness!

There’s no excuse to waste any valuable outdoor activity time, at this time of year the daylight stays until 11pm and morning is clear by 6am.