Tackling the Globe…

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning, postcard-worthy spot in North America than Canadian’s natural gem, Banff National Park. Nestled among craggy mountains, fresh-water streams, and melting glaciers, the town of Banff–located a couple hours from Calgary in Alberta–quite resembles a less snobby version of Aspen, while offering a peaceful respite from the chaos of city life.

When to Go: It all depends on your likes and dislikes. Banff is every bit as beautiful bathed in summer sunlight, as it is blanketed in a dazzling display of white fluff. Snow bunnies will prefer to go when they can utilize the slopes (or rather, sip hot chocolate in the ski lodge): The season runs from early November through the end of April, and sometimes into May, depending on the year and snowfall. The warmest, driest time spans from May through September, though July, weather-wise, is absolutely perfect.

Where to Stay: The sprawling, castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs (pictured above) has, by far, the most luxurious digs in town. The Fairmont was first opened in 1888, and much of Banff has been developed around its presence. You practically need a map to navigate through the confusing, winding corridors. But if you can’t (or don’t want) to spend a week’s salary on one night’s stay, there are plenty of options downtown that are more centrally-located. The Ptarmigan Inn, for example, appeals to backpackers with its clean, comfortable, rustic wooden lodging and proximity to so many bars and restaurants. Likewise, nearby Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa and Rundlestone Lodge remain popular options. A little ways outside of town, the Rimrock Resort beckons to families looking for a bit more luxury and those wishing to stay closer to the slopes.

Where to Eat: Even if you don’t have the dough to spring for a room at the Fairmont, you can still feign importance by dining in one of its handful of restaurants, like fancy-schmancy Banffshire Club (the finest establishment in town) or the slightly more casual Bavarian eatery Waldhaus (reservations for both required), or simply sipping a cocktail at the Rundle Lounge. Downtown you’ll stumble upon cheaper, albeit delicious options like Bison Bistro, which serves a scrumptious brunch; Wild Flour Bakery, offering plenty of sandwich and organic offereings; and Elk and Oarsmen, a pub restaurant that cooks up a mean bison burger.

What to Do: Wildlife–like caribou, elk, bears, wolves and marmots–run a muck in the area; you just have to know where to find them. Stop by the Visitor’s Center on 224 Banff Ave. for some insight, or book a tour through one of the many outdoors companies that dot the downtown (like the recommended Banff Adventures Unlimited). While the upper hot springs are known to draw tourists from all over, we find them to be a bit overrated. (A kidney-sized swimming pool crammed with people that reeks of eggs gone rotten? No thanks, we’ll pass–though we admit the surroundings are amazing.)

But the gondola ride that takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain is simply not to be missed: The views are unsurpassed. Another area favorite is a trip to see the magnificent Columbia Icefield two hours away by car. You can either drive there yourself taking precaution due to slippery conditions, or book a tour that will cover the transportation for you. Banff itself is a hotbed for all kinds of outdoors activity: Rafting, caving, canoeing, biking–you won’t get bored here if you love Mother Nature.