About Banff

The small town of Banff (pop. 10,000) is located in the centre of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The closest airport is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada - just under two hours drive, due east on the Trans Canada Highway. International visitors flock to the small community each year, lured by its unique mountain resort character. One can camp, hike, or take a scenic excursion (perhaps a drive on the Icefields Parkway or to Lake Louise) and look for wildlife in the wide open spaces of the National Park which surrounds Banff, and yet still enjoy the appetizing cuisine, decadent spas, eclectic shopping, intriguing art galleries and bustling nightlife of the town. Oh, and you may well see wildlife in the Town of Banff! Whether festival goers want a break from the busyness of the event or if they are planning to extend their stay, there are lots of things to do...

...in and around the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Willow Stream Spa offers first-class pampering in the midst of mountain beauty. Cond? Nast, Travel UK and Travel & Leisure magazines have all praised the luxurious amenities and spectacular surroundings of the 38,000-square foot spa. The Fairmont Banff Springs' 27-hole golf course, with its 360 degree mountain panorama and a challenging layout is a golfer's dream. Other activities include: mountain biking, bowling, swimming, water sports, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, self-guided walks, and a trip up the Lake Louise Panorama Gondola. More details will be available for hotel guests upon arrival.

...for the culture vulture, there are interesting aesthetic and heritage venues such as The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, home to a historical collection and travelling art expositions. The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum displays a small collection of unique First Nations artifacts and many specimens of Rocky Mountain animals and birds. Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada and second oldest in the world, so the preservation of that heritage is important. The Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada's original exhibit collection reflects and commemorates the early approach to interpreting natural history in Canada while the architectural style and detailing of the 1903 log building is characteristic of early federal buildings in the Park. At the Cave and Basin National Historic Site you can learn about the amazing discovery of the thermal springs in 1883 that led to the creation of Banff National Park and Canada's national parks system. The Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre presents the latest in contemporary art, with exhibitions by national and international artists.

...for the nature nut and (gentle) exercise fan, there are lovely trails to explore, within a stone's throw of the festival (Bow Falls), or a little further afield. Take a ride up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola and walk down after a workout to relax in the Upper Hot Springs. Located on Sulphur Mountain, just ten minutes from the festival, these naturally-heated springs are the birthplace of Canada's first national park. The elegant outdoor pool is heated to a soothing 40?C (112?F).

...for all visitors to the Banff World Television Festival, Banff offers a feast for the eyes and a balm for the spirit.