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This mountain town should be a must-visit destination for any traveller looking for the ultimate Canadian holiday experience. Located within the Banff National Park in Alberta, it is a fantastic place for a head-long immersion in the splendours of local nature without the need (but with numerous opportunities for) energetic physical exertion. A majority of its magnificent natural sights are located within walking distance from town giving visitors the best of both worlds: urban comforts and stunning nature. Gondola Ride up Sulphur Mountain A short five-minute car journey from Banff brings you to the gate of the mountain. Towering far above are jagged peaks which will both pique your curiosity and imagination. Take the gondola that will carry you up the steep mountainside and explore the nooks and crannies of its rocky heart. As you are riding in the gondola, you’ll have the opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of the splendid woodland that you’ll pass through. After eight short minutes you’ll arrive at your destination, 2,200 metres above sea level. From there you have the choice to pay a visit to some of the restaurants or cafes (because we know mountain air makes for the most delicious gastronomic experiences on your Canadian holiday); follow some of the short but scenic hiking trails; or venture along the ridge to take a peek at Canada’s historic Cosmic Ray Station. Johnston Canyon No Canadian holiday would be complete without visiting some of Canada’s fascinating rock formations. About 30 minutes’ drive from the town centre lies a great natural spectacle of rock, water and luscious greenery – the Johnston Canyon. Walking along the catwalks securely attached to its walls, you can’t help but feel the goose-bumps rising all over your skin as you lean over to see the tiny creek far below. A hole carved inside the wall at one point lets you stand mere metres away from a grand waterfall showering its misty droplets and splendour all over you. A more secluded trail starting from the canyon leads to a group of astonishingly green mineral springs. Surprise Corner Surprise Corner is a name which truly delivers its promise. Half an hour into your walk from Banff you reach a corner beyond which a breath-taking view unfurls. The Banff Springs Hotel, a veritable castle, rises up before you in all its majestic glory on the opposite bank of the Bow River. Beyond it the powerful slopes of Sulphur Mountain rise gently at first and then ever more steeply to form its tall jagged crown. Whether you visit this spot in summer or winter, make sure the batteries of your camera are fully charged. In order to experience the perfect Canadian holiday here, it is worth seeking the specialist advice and guidance of tour operators to the country. Take advantage of their expert local knowledge to craft your perfect travel itinerary. John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on bespoke Canadian holiday itineraries, handcrafted by his award-winning team. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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