Banff: Day Trips

Columbia Icefield The drive north from Banff up the Icefields Parkway is legendarily scenic, passing soaring ridges and rollercoaster-esque mountain passes. Once here, explore the glaciers of the largest icefield south of Alaska. 110 miles north of Banff; www.columbiaicefield.com
family | hiking | road trip | walk | world heritage site | smart splurge | ecotourism

Jasper National Park The Rockies' largest national park is another wilderness wonderland with sensational hiking, rafting and mountain biking. In winter, Marmot Basin offers acres of superb bowl and glade skiing/boarding. 178 miles north of Banff; 780-852-6176; www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper, www.skimarmot.com
skiing | family | hiking | road trip | walk | world heritage site | moderate | adventure | ecotourism | snowmobiling | climbing | cross-country skiing

Kananaskis Country This year-round mountain playground encompasses several provincial parks, eco-reserves and ski-areas, including Nakiska for down-hill skiing and Canmore for cross-country skiing. 17 miles southeast of Banff, Five Visitors Centres; 780-422-1362; tprc/alberta/ca/parks/kananaskis/flashindex.asp
skiing | golf | family | eco-tourism | hiking | road trip | snowmobiling | climbing | mountain biking | cross-country skiing

Kootenay National Park Straddling the border with British Columbia, Kootenay is a heli-skiing/hiking mecca. It's also noted for its hot springs and the colorful mineral deposits on its mountains. 83 miles southwest of Banff, Visitor Center; Radium Hot Springs; 250-347-9505; www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/kootenay
skiing | family | hiking | road trip | walk | world heritage site | adventure | ecotourism | snowmobiling | climbing | cross-country skiing