Time was the only limiting factor when driving to Canada from the US that might have put a damper on our explorations demanding time and resources.

But we somehow managed to quickly explore a a number of places in minimum available time. And this is how, Banff, a small town in Alberta  in the western Canada happened.

Once in Canada, the first place we decided to visit was the populous city of Calgary en route to Banff. Calgary is

famous for hosting annual, multicultural events like the Calgary Stampede lending it cultural diversity and entertainment. We visited the famous Chinatown as well, and indeed, it is fascinating to stroll at night along towering buildings and the picturesque, illuminated streets.

Since Canada was once a British colony, the city still reverberates with its many sights and sounds in different aspects. Places, for example, are still named after important political and historical leaders and figures of the British regime. That is how Alberta got its name, when it was christened after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the daughter of Queen Victoria.

It is an added benefit if you have a guided trip. Our guide, a local Canadian, gave us some nuggets of valuable information about Alberta which has wonders of both natural and built environment attracting thousands of tourists from around the world.

Since built environment is usually a technological revolution symbolised by tall buildings and concrete structures, many try to escape the hectic city life and opt for a leisure trip to mountainous areas to enjoy the serenity. This makes Banff one of the important places for tourists to experience the Canadian Rockies, lush green meadows, mighty towering mountains, gushing waterfalls, quite lakes, and busy town resorts.

Located in the foothills of Mount Rundle, Banff town is famous for its National Park established in 1885, which truly represents wild Canada. The park declared as World Heritage Site boasts of several recreational resources along with the ongoing scientific, floral and faunal research.

Located in the foothills of Mount Rundle, Banff town is famous for its National Park established in 1885, which truly represents wild Canada. The park is a World Heritage Site and boasts of several recreational resources and ongoing research

The trans-Canada highway running through the park exposes tourists to a number of sceneries and makes Banff town a commercial site for international tourists.

Darkness had fallen by the time we reached Banff and the tourist resort was fast asleep. The next morning we woke up to a well-developed town (in the middle of a forest) with shopping centres, restaurants, hot springs, and many other attractions for visitors. After breakfast we visited a high point to catch a bird`s eye view of the entire town nestled amid tall mountains.

The entire scene added to our excitement while increasing our urge to see more. The blue flowing river lined with tall coniferous trees presented a real amalgamation of built and natural environment. Banff not only offers shopping opportunities, leisure activities, hiking, biking, and fantastic landscapes, but skiing opportunities as well.

Next, we visited Cave and Basin and the hot springs site which is also managed for conservation of snails.

Another not-to-be-missed sight is the Springfield hotel, a place of historical importance, and a masterpiece of art and architecture. The solitary hotel has been constructed on an elevation that provides a magnificent view and at first sight the building may seem right out of a fairy tale. The interior of the building speaks volumes in class and style; hence an attraction for wealthier international tourists. After spending some time inside the hotel and visiting its photo-gallery and other places, we returned to our lodge.

Our last day in Banff was dedicated to the famous Lake Louise; typically named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. The sight which spanned beyond the horizon is breathtakingly ethereal. At the access point, there was a grand building where tourists could stay overnight.

We crossed the border at Blain port and eventually returned to the US with sweet and dear memories of the awesome, beautiful Banff and   Alberta.