Growing up in one of the most beautiful places on the planet spoiled me. Before I traveled, all I did was complain about how much I wanted to leave this small town and move to the “exciting” big city. Although traveling will always be my first love, and I’m so grateful for each and every experience I’ve had abroad, I’ve come to the realization that nowhere on Earth compares to my Banff.

From the unbelievably deep blue of Lake Louise, to the nights spent camping under a billion stars, the Northern Lights at 2am, the unparalleled skiing, world-class hikes and the wildlife that literally lives in your backyard, I can’t believe I ever wanted to be anywhere else.

Banff is one of those places you literally can’t take a bad picture. No photoshop needed here, guys. There’s an ongoing joke with the locals that anybody can come to Banff and become a “professional photographer” – nobody can take a bad picture of these mountains! The views and the scenery will take your breath away around each and every corner. No matter if you’re here in winter for the deep powder and big mountain skiing that we’re famous around the world for, or in the summer for the stunning hikes, hot springs and camping, your camera roll will be filled with gold by the end of your visit.

If you’re not excited about the nature, there’s the town of Banff itself. I don’t know why anybody would want to suffer through the hassle of going out in a big city when you can literally show up at the nightclub in Banff in your skiing/hiking gear, see all your friends in one place, stumble between whichever club happens to suit your mood, and then walk home after McDonald’s without paying a $50 cab fee. The nightlife in Banff is ridiculous (in a good way), nowhere else boasts a majority population of working holiday adults between the ages of 18-26 (mainly from the UK and Australia).

Banff also has the small-town friendliness I’ve searched for around the world and never found. Need your picture taken? Looking for the next bus stop? Don’t hesitate to ask a local. The friendly Canadian attitude is contagious here, as I’m sure many of the workers from abroad will attest. So contagious, in fact, that it’s not uncommon that someone visiting for a few weeks will decide never to leave again.

And since we’re a food blog and you’re obviously wondering about food: YES, Banff has an incredible selection of local restaurants (we’re sick of chains too) ranging from Asian to French to Canadian (yup, that exists) cuisine.

(High Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

If Banff sounds like the kind of place you’d enjoy visiting but you’re put off by the price tag (as many people are – yikes!) don’t be afraid to reach out to us and have a custom itinerary planned for your group, complete with booking recommendations and assistance. We are seasoned locals who know the town inside and out and we want the rest of the world to see what they’re missing out on. Don’t hesitate- drop me a line today: [email protected] or visit us at Elite YYC

Happy traveling, guys 🙂