Banff, Alberta, Canada

Banff the town -- which is within Banff National Park-- got its start with the Banff Springs Hotel, a classic railway hotel, still imposing today and run by the luxury Fairmont chain. Some 8700 people live in Banff, and 4.5M visitors come every year.

Banff town is small-scale (--in fact, it's not allowed to grow)-- and families will quickly feel at home in its grid of Caribou Street, Bear Street, etc. Eateries range from Subway to family-friendly sit-down restaurants to fine-dining; Banff may be a small town, but it's long served sophisticated and international visitors.

A short stroll takes a visitor to several museums in Banff, or to the Bow River, or out of civilization altogether and into the Great Outdoors.

Families will find plenty of lodging choices along the main Banff Avenue. Or try the Juniper Lodge just out of town, which has a couple of condo units, a fine restaurant with awesome breakfasts, and -- in summertime-- a popular outdoor patio with mountain view.

Top To-Do's in Banff Year-round: ride the Banff Gondola up to awesome views; take a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs outdoor swimming pool.

-continue to Lake Louise or Summer in Banff

^{photo © Teresa Plowright}