What to do in Improvement District No. 9

Where to Stay in Banff National Park From mountain lodges with views stretching across Banff National Park to the iconic Chateau Lake Louise, the first hotel in the park, sitting on the shores of the lake, you have a great choice of places to stay both summer and winter. Get away from it all in one of Banff National Park’s spa resorts or skiing lodges, or find a hostel or mid-range hotel in the towns of Banff or Canmore, both well set up for winter and summer holidays for all budgets. Some hotels have swimming pools with flumes, which are perfect for families, while others have a more grown-up feel, with golf, spas and a relaxing sense of calm.

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in Canada. The “Twenty Dollar View” takes in the turquoise lake and ten surrounding mountains. The vista was once the picture on the back of 20-dollar notes in Canada, and the nickname stuck.

Some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies can be enjoyed from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit. The eight-minute ride offers spectacular views from a glass-enclosed cabin. The Summit Complex at the end of the gondola ride has restaurants, a gift shop and multiple viewing platforms. Look out over six different mountain ranges, through valleys and down onto the town of Banff.

Upper Hot Springs is a thermal pool within the gorgeous landscapes of Banff National Park. Come here to relax in the geothermally heated and bubbling mineral water that flows from the Earth’s crust through the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault. Marvel at panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains as the therapeutic water cleanses and soothes your body. Have a scenic picnic or eat at the café at Upper Hot Springs.

Find adventure sports, breathtaking mountain scenery and wildlife at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Ski on challenging trails, enjoy a scenic gondola ride or hike through forests seeking wildlife. The resort is within Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rockies. It offers over 4,200 acres (1,670 hectares) of skiable terrain, exquisite dining and lively après-ski entertainment.

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort is located in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering skiers and riders more than 3,300 acres (1,335 hectares) of skiable terrain with 12 high-speed lifts and 111 runs. The ski season runs from early November through late May and features hiking at Sunshine Meadows between June and October. New for the 2015-16 ski season is Canada’s first heated chairlift complete with heated seats, orange bubble covers and footrests.

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park. It is a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating, hiking, scuba diving and picnicking. A car park and picnic area on the lake is just over three miles (five kilometers) northeast of the town of Banff.