City Guide: Banff

     Banff is an much-loved mountain paradise.

     Surrounded by Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff offers fun for sport enthusiasts from across the world. Blessed with dramatic setting right in the heart of the Banff National Park, the city caters to visitors with parks, woods and trails in summertime, but turns into the world-class winter retreat with excellent snowboarding, skiing and skating opportunities.

     Whichever of these is your thing, Banff is a right place to have an action packed holiday. While you are busy with activities, Booked.net can take care of your stay in the city. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Banff to the lap of luxuries all available at Booked.net. Check them all out with maps, photos and secure forms.

    Only 144km away from the fun-filled Calgary and Canmore, Banff has overtaken and surpassed its close neighbors. The city offers more recreational opportunities than both cities put together. Skiers and snowboarders flock the city for its Sunshine Village Ski Resort, while climbers have much to do with the mountainous trails in the area. Risky in winter, Banff turns into an innocent in summer. Day spas, massage, hiking and picnics in the green surroundings are what Banff about when it gets hot outside.

     Regardless of seasons there are always sites to occupy with. Attractions include;

- Cave and Basin National Historic site, a birthplace of Canada's National Park system

- Banff Park Museum National Historic site features a multitude of animals to enjoy

- Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies traces art, culture and history of the Canadian Rockies

- Banff Gondola offers the most spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies and Banff

- Recreation Centre in the Sally Borden offers a 25m pool, hot tub, steam room and so on

     If you are tired of things to do than you should go to locals and ask how they regard true Banff apart from its touristy appearance. The story of Banff started when the Pacific tectonic plate moved to shape the Rocky Mountains more than 175 million years ago. The first pioneers of the marvelous Banff landscape were the Canadians, while the first Europeans to discover the area was Anthony Hendy in 1754. Years after, David Thompson who mapped almost all Canada introduced Banff to the big scene. The global recognition was fueled by railroad in the city since 1885.

    Ironically, Banff arose as the true destination in the result of railroad business. Its famous hot springs at Sulphur Mountain were discovered by railway workers, but they were put to use by hands of Cornelius Van Horn, the CPR's general manager. ''Since we can't export the scenery, we'll have to import the tourists" he said and led to the foundation of the key components of the modern tourism in the city.

     He introduced the first hotels to the city of Banff and developed it into the prime destination for snow bunnies. Today tourism in Banff is welcome year round, so you can easily book your stay at Booked.net.