When you first start out at the summit of Sulfur Mountain it will look like a long way up and it is. Not to worry as you are in fully enclosed modern passenger Banff gondola cabins that only takes about an eight minute ride to the top. You already start to notice the great spectacular views as you climb 2292 feet with a total elevation of 2,281m (7,486ft). You have another option which is less expensive and that is to take the hiking trail up to the summit to take in the views.

When you disembark off your Banff gondola ride you will realize and feel that you really are on top of the world! Because this is where you will overlook the whole town of Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs, Lake Minnewanka and Bow Falls.

After you start to realize the beauty that surrounds you the choice will be yours whether you would like to take in the restaurant area which is open all year round and is known as the summit restaurant, it is a self-serve cafeteria style restaurant and gives you beautiful outlooks to Banff and the bull Valley. You do not need reservations here and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also found that for us ice cream lovers there is a great little ice cream place inside the terminal. Over top of this restaurant area is the upper observation deck which will you will find that has the best view overall.

Take a Hike around the Summit

You can take a scenic walk that will take you up to the summit complex, but if you were looking for the more spectacular and the most overall popular section of this on top of the world experience then there is the 1 km parks Canada elevated boardwalk, best known as the Banff skywalk.

This will lead you up to the cosmic ray station national historic site and the Norman Sansone's 1903 weather observation. While you're on route you will find a lot of interpretive panels that will show you the detail of the natural and human history of the area. On this journey make sure you watch out for the wildlife as this is an open area and a lot of animals call this home.

Some of the more popular wildlife that you will find in the Banff national Park are: Mountain big horn sheep, Golden mantled ground squirrels, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles.

Interactive compass on the upper summit terminal: On the main part of the upper summit terminal you will find an interactive compassed display, which you will be able to find the direction and shortest distance to home or even other cities around the world.

GOLF BANFF

There are some amazing golf courses near the Banff townsite. Here is some information on the golf courses for you to check out. Banff offers some of the best world class courses nestled in the Candian Rockies.

Kananaskis Country Golf course is an absolute must to play - according to me and Golf Digest. It is definitely one of the premier golf destinations in the Canadian Rockies. This 36 hole course is surrounded by some of the most unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains that tower 10,000 feet above sea level. The Mt Lorette and Mt Kidd courses are themselves almost 5,000 ft above seal level. But if you want to play these courses you have to book your tee times very early in the year (usually mid Feb) for that year. I did manage to play the Mt. Kidd course as a walk-on for the Twilight time and almost made 17 holes before I could not see the ball anymore. It was still an amazing way to spend a warm summer evening! Highly recommended.

Fairmont Banff SpringsGolf course is renouned for its panoramic beauty and its challenges. The course was originally designed as an 18 hole course in 1928 by Canada's master golf course architect, Stanely Thompson. an additional 9 hole were added in 1089 by Cornish and Robinson, making this 27 hole course one of the highly sought greens to play. (27 holes, par 71, 6938 yards).

SKI BANFF

Skiing in the heart of the Banff National Park offers up to 8,000 acres of skiable terrain - you may even ride the lift with a movie star! Or take in a World Cup Ski Event.

Three of the world's best ski resorts are within driving distance - Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Area, and Mt. Norquay.

For the seasoned skier or boarder there are numerous bouls, steeps, chutes and terrain parks to explore. But don't worry if you are a beginner, there are also plenty of green and blue runs with the same excitement.

The Banff ski season is said to be the longest in North America (mid Nov - Late May) and has some of the fluffiest and driest powder you will find anywhere.

Some Quick Banff Ski Hill Stats:

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Festivals and Theatre

The Banff Centre - is a beautifully located campus spread over 43 acres of land on the est side of Tunnel Mountain, a few blocks from downtown

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, this centre's purpose is to advance Arst and Culture through creativity and knowledge. The campus houses performance venues, dining and accommodation, conference facitilities, and much more.

Here is just a flavor of some of the festivals and competions that are held:

• Banff Summer Arts Festival
• Banff Mountain Film Book Festival
• Banff International String Quartet Competition

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Banff, AB offers a diversity of cusines to fit any palate or mood. You will be able to find anything from fast food to the ulitmate dining experience and ambiance. It is adviseable to make reservations if visiting in the main seasons or on weekends since Banff is a popular visitors stop. There are also many restaurants that cater to travellers with young families.

Here are a few of the unique places to check out.

The Grizzly House: If fondue is what you are into, this is definitely the place to go.For something unique, you can choose Buffalo to Rattlesnake, thought the beef and prawn fondue dinner is delightful.

Le Beaujolais Restaurant: This restaurant offers 3 dining venues: the Restaurant Le Beaujolais which is renounded for its fine french cuisine, the Bistro Cafe de Paris with is a cosy noch offereing authenitc French bistro menu, and then the Lobby Wine Lounge which holds weekly wine tasting.

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