by guest contributor, Shebs Alom*.
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Banff National Park, Paradise in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and Canada’s oldest and most comprehensive national park with dense forests, glaciers, lakes, and mountains, there is so much beauty surrounding the area and an abundance of activities for people to do.
Paradise in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, by guest contributor, Shebs Alom
“What makes it so special is the amazing scenery and being so close to nature. The views in town are incredible-you can have lunch whilst looking at some amazing mountains.”
Joseph James, a business owner from London,
It’s, therefore, one of the most sought after destinations in the world. It welcomes millions of people every year, and I had the pleasure of exploring the mountains back in the summer of 2019. I even got to meet a Hollywood superstar along the way on one of my hikes.
The national park is located on the western border of Alberta near British Columbia. Calgary, known as a cowboy town, holds the Calgary Stampede every year, and is the biggest nearby city at about an hour and a half away by car.
To get some perspective from a couple of my favourite Canadians, I asked Andrew first, the owner of one of the biggest hostels in Panama, why he loves Banff. He told me,
“It’s majestic and a must-see for anyone that has a sense of adventure and wants to get blown away by colours, extremes, and precisions. Its summer rivals its winter, and vice versa. It truly is a gem that requires more than one visit to appreciate.”
Andrew, owner of one of the biggest hostels in Panama
I then asked Heather, a serial traveller herself, what she makes of Banff; she told me,
“There is so much to see and do in Banff National Park. I suggest renting a car and driving parts of the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise, checking out the incredible scenery along the way. Also, be sure to visit Moraine Lake and hike up to the viewpoint for an incredible view of the mountains and glacier-fed lake. If you have time, Johnston Canyon is well worth the drive. And, if you’re staying in the town of Banff, a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and a walk to see the nearby Bow Falls are great options.”
Heather, serial traveler
I would concur with Heather and highly recommend visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and also suggest Peyto Lake without fail. There are many other lakes to see, but the colours in these lakes were exhilarating. I spent hours staring at the water, not wanting to move as I was in awe of it all. I couldn’t think of any other lakes that I had seen in my life that were any better.
If you like your hike and you want a challenge instead of taking the gondola ride, the one spot in Banff where you can get a phenomenal view, as Heather suggested and perhaps catch sight of a few deers on your trek, is Sulphur Mountain. The walk up can take about 2 hours, and when you reach the summit, it’s out of this world. And during this hike, this was where I ran into none other than Hollywood star, Marvel’s Ant-Man himself, Paul Rudd. He was pleasantly nice, and he was surprised I knew he stared in “Clueless” and “Friends”. Possibly realising I was a real fan of his.
When you embark on your journey to Banff, I would like to champion staying in Canmore. So many will decide to stay in the heart of Banff itself, but I felt staying in Canmore was a great base as I was able to drive north to see all the attractions. Plus, Canmore is a beautiful place with 70km of trails. And, one of the best parts about staying anywhere in the Rocky’s, in general, is the accommodation. Whether it’s a lodge, cabin or a resort, it will be a memory to saviour. I decided to stay in a cabin, as I knew cabins would ensure my peace with no disturbances. And being hidden from everyone after a long day of exploring was therapeutic as well.
In addition to hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the park, other recreational activities are available for visitors, including winter sports. Museums support the park in Banff town and information centres at several locations. There are hundreds of archaeological sites, including one at Vermilion Lakes, where some of Canada’s earliest known human remains have been discovered.
There is no doubt; you will recognise the exceptional natural beauty and striking mountain landscape, which is why you have to put Banff National Park in Canada, high on your bucket list.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Banff National Park, Paradise in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, by guest contributor, Shebs Alom, as much as I did, and have a look here for more of our travel features.
About Shebs Alom
Shebs is the Founder and Director of Shebs The Wanderer LTD. Graduating with a Bachelors degree in Fine art, he specialises in photography, videography, and writing. Shebs is the host of a travel podcast, ‘Take a Wander with Shebs’ which can be seen on his YouTube channel and all major podcasting platforms. Shebs also hosts his own travel show on the startup radio station, Gallivant Radio, the only dedicated travel station in Africa.
You can find him on social media at the following links:
YouTube : shebsthewanderer, Instagram : shebsthewanderer, Facebook: shebsthewanderer, Twitter : @shebsAlom and TikTok : shebsthewanderer
If one must see the prowess of nature, he/she must visit the Banif National Park. This place is a perfect fit to the adage ‘the world is a beautiful place to explore.’ May god preserve it for long.
What a stunning place! These pictures are incredible!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks for reading, Lovely! It’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list x
Wow! That second picture is divine.
Bernie,
The Style Fanatic
Thanks Benita! xo
wow the photos are incredible – paradise is the perfect description, such an impressive place! Thank you for sharing!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂 I had a fun night out with friends yesterday!
Hi Mica, so glad to hear you had a fun night out! It’s been a long time since we could enjoy going out with friends!
I would love to visit Banff! It looks so beautiful 🙂
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
I agree, Mia! The scenery is breathtaking x
Wow…this place is so beautiful…gorgeous pictures 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
Thanks Rashmi! I agree 🙂
I’ve seen photos of Banff and I drool every time. Thanks for the recommendation of where to stay too…it’s always helpful to have insider information,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
So glad you liked the recommendation, Jodie! And the photos make me drool every time too! xoxo
What incredible photos here! I definitely have to add this to our list. Banff National Park looks and sounds amazing!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks Kathrine! I agree – Banff National Park is definitely worth adding to your bucket list xo
Wow the views are so breathtaking. It looks like the perfect spot for vacations.
I would love to visit.
And this is so cool you met Paul Rudd.
xx
Margot
Thanks Margot! I didn’t meet Paul Rudd, unfortunately! It was our guest contributor, Shebs! x
wow..just wow…they are just breathtakingly beautiful!
Yes, the scenery is spectacular!