The town of Banff was established in 1883 when the trans-continental railway was built through the Bow River valley. The town is the centre of recreation, tourism, and dining in the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Here is Banff's Mount Rundle, viewed from scenic viewpoint on Mount Norquay Road. You can hike to and up any of the mountains around Banff, with Tunnel, Norquay, and Sulphur the most accessible, and Cascade the most challenging.
Tourists are always surprised by the variety and proximity of wild animals around town.
Banff is the tourist centre of the Canadian Rockies. There are plenty of scenic wonders on the roads around Banff . On Tunnel Mountain , overlooking the town On Sulphur Mountain on the opposite bank of the Bow River Visitors to Banff enjoy exploring and shopping on Banff Avenue. It has shops, boutiques, sporting goods stores, and restaurants to cater to every taste. Banff also many affordable motels and hotels, mostly along Banff Avenue, plus the internationally renowned Banff Springs Hotel overlooking the Bow River.