Banff Information

Apres-ski

Banff has somewhat of a reputation as a party town with young Canadians, boasting a vibrant nightlife scene along its central streets.

The St. James Gate Irish Pub (tel: +1 403 762 9355; www.stjamesgatebanff.com) is a traditional Irish tavern that has a great selection of beers to sample. Additionally, The Rose & Crown (tel: +1 403 762 2121; www.roseandcrown.ca) serves Canadian beers and cocktails, is open until 0200, and has live nightly music.

For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, head to Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon (tel: +1 403 762 0333; www.wildbillsbanff.com) for some late-night line dancing - the extra daring can even try calf roping.

Eating out

Banff caters well to skiers with a fondness for food, boasting a huge array of eateries, from traditional to international and budget to luxury.

Evelyn's Coffee Bar (tel: +1 403 762 0352; www.evelynscoffeebar.com) is a great place to grab a homemade muffin and a hot drink while waiting for the ski bus. For something more substantial, sample scrumptious Albertan AAA-grade beef at Melissa's (tel: +1 403 762 5511; www.melssteak.com).

Vegetarian skiers need not fear, Banff has a huge choice of establishments catering to herbivores including Nourish (tel: +1 403 760 3933; www.nourishbistro.com), a much-loved restaurant on Bear Street. The establishment serves up a number of inventive meals, including Mac & Squeeze, which the restaurant claims, 'you'll love so much you'll want to hug your chef'.

The award-winning Maple Leaf (tel: +1 403 760 7680; www.banffmapleleaf.com) sources fresh Canadian seafood and serves up specialities such as bison stroganoff and organic game from local farms.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

For those who don't ski or fancy a day off the slopes, Banff offers snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice climbing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Alternatively, head underground on a cave tour or enjoy a helicopter trip. And, just five minutes from town, Banff Gondola whisks sightseers to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, affording unrivalled views of the Rockies.

For a spot of pampering, head to Banff's Upper Hot Springs (tel: +1 800 767 1611; www.hotsprings.ca). Temperatures in the outdoor pool vary between a toasty 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F).

Indoor attractions include a bowling alley, cinema, a few small museums and several galleries. The Banff Park Museum (tel: +1 403 762 1558; www.pc.gc.ca) offers a good introduction to the region's wildlife, while The Banff Centre (tel: +1 403 762 6100; www.banffcentre.ca) hosts cultural performances, exhibitions and concerts.

If you fancy on-mountain activities, try snow tubing and cross-country skiing at Mt Norquay or snowshoeing at Sunshine Village.

Family fun

Banff ticks the right boxes for skiing families, with a scattering of family-friendly hotels and restaurants and beginner slopes suitable for little ones.

Mt Norquay's ski school offers lessons for ages six to 12 and 'ski 'n' play' for ages three to five. This ski school and the Tiny Tigers Daycare at Sunshine provide day care for children from 19 months to six years. At the latter, young skiers can join the Tiny Tigers Ski and Play (ages three to six) before progressing to Kids Kampus (ages six to 12). The ski school also runs special classes for teenagers.

Off the slopes, parents can treat their kids to a sleigh ride or try out the indoor water park at the Douglas Fir Resort (tel: +1 403 762 5591; www.douglasfir.com), with its pool and slides.

Retail therapy

In Banff, shoppers can find everything from international chains to independent boutiques.

Bookshops, sweet shops, jewellers and numerous gift shops are available jam-packed with merchandise including t-shirts, elk cuddly toys and maple syrup. Mountain Chocolates (tel: +1 403 762 2624) sells handmade confectionary, including 'bear paws' made of cashew nuts and caramel dipped in chocolate. Snowboarders should check out Rude Boys (tel: +1 403 762 8211; www.rudeboys.com) for stylish gear and clothing.

Splashing out

Cheer on the Calgary Flames ice-hockey team at the Calgary Saddledome. Tours, including pick-up from your hotel, transport, hockey ticket and guide, are available through Banff Adventures Unlimited (tel: +1 403 762 4554; www.banffadventures.com).

Hotels

There is a huge range of accommodation in Banff, including hotels, self-catered apartments and catered chalets; most of which are built in a traditional wooden style. Note that Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only ski-in/ski-out hotel in Banff.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap