Banff is one of Canada's hotspots for adventure sports enthusiasts and outdoorsy types - and not a bad destination for those who like to take life at a rather slower pace too.

Whether bathed in sunshine or covered in snow, Banff is the most picturesque of towns, framed by the massive Canadian Rockies in all directions. Deer wander the streets at their leisure and the lovely Alberta wilderness starts minutes from the centre, which boasts an array of restaurants, shops and bars. This small but bustling downtown area caters to the broadest possible range of adventure-seekers and tour bus occupants.

Things to do: Take a hike

When the summer sun comes out, Banff National is a first-class region for hiking. Plenty of trails start from the town itself and many more wind their way around the dramatic Lake Louise, 35 miles down the road. Contact Parks Canada for a map of routes, info on which trails are open and tips on avoiding bear-related mishaps. Hiking pros looking for a broader challenge might consider taking a backcountry trek to idyllic Egypt Lake or Shadow Lake.

Or a bike

The 200km of mountain biking trails snaking around Banff National Park mean it's a fine idea to tour on two wheels rather than four, taking in more of the incredible scenery and crisp, fresh air than you would from behind the wheel. Again, Parks Canada have all the up-to-date info cyclists will need.

Get soaked

An hour from Banff, the Kicking Horse River is a local hotspot for whitewater rafting. If you fancy tackling some rapids, contact Hydra Whitewater Rafting who will pick you up from Banff for your day on the water. Tours run from mid-May to mid-September.

Spot some wildlife

Banff National Park and the rest of the state of Alberta brim with impressive animals and birds; at any time of year you might run into Elk or Caribou around the town and park, and summer visitors stand a chance of encountering creatures as exotic as Grizzly bears. For your safety and theirs, always give animals a wide berth and don't even think about antagonising or feeding them.

Winter wonderland

Banff town itself doesn't have ski slopes but is handily set up for hitting the pistes at nearby resorts like Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse and Panorama. Regular shuttle buses run to these from Banff during winter; for a more dramatic route to the white stuff, jump on a helicopter at Panorama, where RK Heliski whisks visitors to the top of mountains to experience pristine powdery conditions. Heavy snowfall in the Banff region means that the ski season can last from November right through to late May.

Beyond the skis

Alternative wintery activities in the area include dog-sledding, wildlife viewing and snowshoe walks; contact Discover Banff Tours for excursion info. If you fancy trying your hand at snowmobiling - officially the most fun you can possibly have with your salopettes on - then Toby Creek Adventures near Panorama are a good bet; they'll let you hurtle up the side of a mountain on a snowmobile, pausing for a cup of hot chocolate at the summit before winding back down through a snowy forest.

Practicalities: Getting there

The town of Banff sits in the Southwest corner of Alberta, some 85 miles west of the state capital Calgary. Pick up a flight from the UK to Calgary's international airport, and Banff is a modest two hour drive or bus-ride away. Air Canada and Zoom Airlines fly in several times a week, year-round. Banff is also a stopping point for the Rocky Mountaineer, a tourist-focused train which runs along several ultra-scenic routes around Western Canada.
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Sleeping

Overlooking the town, the peerless Fairmont Banff Springs istheplace to stay in Banff; if your budget won't permit it, a quick peek inside this enormous landmark building is still worth the effort. Rates can be surprisingly affordable considering the level of luxury and jaw-dropping views it delivers, so look out for specials. Banff needn't be a pricey place base yourself; hotels to suit all wallets can be found in and around town, and there are even several hostels for budget travellers.
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Out on the town

It's not quite Ibiza, but Banff manages to serve up a number of cosy night-spots for après-ski frolics. Head for clubs like Aurora or HooDoo Lounge for the noisiest music, or try Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon to enjoy tex-mex fare and line-dancing action.