This is why we ride and Live in Banff National Park!

Banff National Park - Canada's first national park - 1 1/2 hrs drive west of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. From Banff's humble beginnings as a 26 square kilometre hot springs reserve, Banff National Park now consists of 6,641 square kilometres of unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies.

Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are just one part of the allure of Banff National Park.

You can enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, or step out into the wilderness and the home of some of North America's wildest creatures, including grizzly bears, caribou and wolves.

The largest community within Banff National Park is the Town of Banff. We are a unique destination, and we take pride in accommodating visitors and providing tourism services, without losing the charm of a small mountain community.

Because the Town of Banff is less than 4 km square in size and surrounded by mountain parkland and wilderness, the community really does share its space with the wildlife. Some say that a local on their way to work is as likely to see a deer as a neighborhood dog. Elk, sheep and bear sightings are not uncommon near this town filled with trees, parks and trails.

Climate:

The weather throughout the Canadian Rockies and around Banff is extremely variable, due to our high altitude and the rugged mountain topography.

Summer (July - August)

The summer season usually has low humidity, warm temperatures and daylight hours lasting until 11 p.m. at the height of summer. Average highs are about 21º C (70º F) with night-time lows around 7º C (45º F).

Autumn (September - October)

Fall sees diminishing daylight hours and warm days, with cooling evening winds. Average temperatures are dropping, but the highs remain well above freezing and lows hover right around the freezing point.

Winter (November - March)

Although it can and does snow at any time of the year, the first "real" snow generally begins to fall in November. The average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F); however it is not unusual to have a two-week cold snap during December or January where temperatures plummet into the -30º C (-22º F) range.

Fortunately, Banff, the National Park, and areas west and south, regularly enjoy a pleasant winter weather phenomenon called a chinook. The warm winds of the chinook produce spring-like temperatures in a matter of hours, and the moderating influence can last for days or even weeks.

Spring (April - June)

Rain and warming temperatures begin to melt winter away from the valleys in April. However, the high mountain passes and trails remain snow-covered until mid-summer. June is Banff's rainiest month: this combined with snowmelt pushes the rivers to their crests.

UV Rating

The UV rating for Banff and its surrounding area is usually high to extremely high throughout the year. Because of the altitude and the sun's angle of incidence in this section of the world, people's skin tends to burn much faster than usual. You really must use sunscreen, a shade hat, and sunglasses, to avoid sunburn.