Only 1.5 hours from the centre of Calgary lies the gorgeous mountain town of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, sparkling blue lakes, an abundance of cute vacation rentals and excellent restaurants, this is truly one of the best weekend getaways from Calgary. During winters, Banff teams with snowboarders and skiers who come to play at Sunshine, a ski resort located just minutes away. In the summer time people come to experience the views from aboard the chairlift or the gondola. It is here in this town where the historic Fairmont Springs Banff Hotel is, set up on a hill, towering amongst the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It is Banff where visitors can relax in the hot springs, dine at one of the many local pubs and shop along the quaint main strip. From white water rafting to ATV tours to endless hikes to helicopter tours and more, Banff certainly doesn’t disappoint. Visitors should know that the town of Banff is part of Banff National Park and visiting here requires you to purchase a park pass for each day you are going to be in town.