Banff – A Quiet Slice of Heaven

Nestled in the lap of the Canadian Rockies, Banff town is a postcard-perfect destination that feels like it has stepped straight out of a painting. With the turquoise Bow River flowing gently through, snow-kissed mountains all around, and green spaces to soothe the soul, Banff is a traveller’s dream.

River Bow Bridge Banff town — River Bow with its majestic wooden bridge.

I recently visited Banff while staying with my son in Canada for two months. He planned this short but beautiful getaway, and I must say—it was one of the most memorable trips of my life.

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Journey to Banff

Our journey started with a flight to Calgary. From there, we hopped onto a shuttle that took us straight to the heart of Banff. The ride itself was scenic, with the Rockies slowly revealing their majesty as we approached. By late afternoon, we checked into the Banff Park Lodge Hotel downtown.

The hotel’s location was perfect—right in the middle of town, within walking distance to shops, cafés, and the bustling Banff Avenue.

Wooden Bridge, river Bow — The Wooden Bridge and colourful fall trees!

First Evening in Banff

We arrived at the hotel around 4 PM, and after a refreshing cup of tea, my son surprised us with a pizza from Domino’s nearby. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we rested a bit, and by 6 PM, we stepped out to explore the town.

Banff town has a unique charm. Though small, it’s vibrant, colourful, and full of life. The streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy restaurants. Since it wasn’t the weekend, the crowd was mostly international tourists and a few local retirees. The pace was laid-back, calm, and inviting—just the way a mountain town should be.

Serene beauty of river Bow

Slow Travel in Banff

Unlike the usual whirlwind tours, we had planned a slow travel itinerary. This wasn’t about rushing from one attraction to another—it was about soaking in Banff’s essence. We allowed ourselves to sit by the Bow River, watch the clouds drift lazily over the peaks, and wander through the market streets without a clock ticking in our heads.

That rhythm of slow travel made Banff feel even more magical. We weren’t chasing moments; we were living them.

Banff – A Town Wrapped in Nature

Banff isn’t just a town; it’s an experience. The Bow River runs gracefully through, offering picture-perfect views at every turn. Walking along the river or sitting by its banks is like therapy for the soul. With the mountains standing tall on all sides and lush greenery in between, the town feels like a perfect balance of nature and modernity.

If I compare Banff with Indian towns, it reminds me of Srinagar in Kashmir—both surrounded by mountains, blessed with natural beauty, and carrying an unhurried, timeless charm.

A street in the city of Banff! — Lively Street in Banff

Things to Do in Banff Town

While Banff is the gateway to many adventures—like lake visits, gondola rides, and mountain trails—just exploring the town itself is worth the trip. Some highlights include:

Strolling Banff Avenue – the main street filled with shops, bakeries, and souvenirs.
Relaxing by the Bow River – perfect for a quiet walk or simply watching the world go by.
Exploring local cafés and restaurants – from international cuisine to cosy mountain food.
Enjoying the mountain views – every corner offers a different perspective of the Rockies.

We spent three nights here, with lakes and gondola adventures on the following days (I’ll be writing separate posts about those experiences). On the fourth day, around 11 AM, we began our journey back, carrying memories stitched with mountain air and river whispers.

Masala Indian restaurant — Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine

Where to Eat in Banff – Indian Food Options

If you’re craving Indian flavours after a day of sightseeing, Banff won’t disappoint. Three restaurants that serve authentic and delicious Indian food are:

Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine – popular for its curries, naan, and vegetarian options.
Zayka Indian Cuisine – known for North Indian specialities and a warm, homely vibe.
Saffron Indian Bistro – a modern take on traditional Indian dishes with good portion sizes.

These restaurants are centrally located, making them convenient for travellers staying in or near downtown Banff.

My personal food experience

After our little city walk on day 1, we craved something simple and comforting, so we went for dal makhani with different breads—roti, naan, garlic naan—and even samosas on the side at Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine. It felt safe, familiar, and oh-so-satisfying in an unknown place. Honestly, that meal didn’t make me feel like I was thousands of miles away from home. Later, after returning from our lake trip, our hearts (and stomachs) demanded “Yeh Dil Maange Indian Food!”—so we ordered biryani and paneer tikka from Zayka. The taste was authentically Indian, though the spices were quite strong—you can always request a milder version. On our last day, after the gondola ride, we tried something different at Nourish Bistro. From their creative menu, we had Gyoza, Falafel Salad, Boss Bear Burger, and ended with a Chocolate Raspberry Cup. Each dish was a delight and gave us a change from the usual, yet comforting in its own way.

Travel Tips for Banff

If you’re planning a visit to Banff, here are a few tips that might make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:

Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to August) for pleasant weather, clear hikes, and lake visits.
- Winter (December to February) for skiing and snowy landscapes.
- Shoulder seasons (May, September–October) are quieter and perfect for slow travel.
Ideal Duration:
3–4 days in Banff town is perfect to soak in the atmosphere. Add a few extra days if you plan to explore Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or the Icefields Parkway.
Getting There:
The nearest airport is in Calgary. From there, shuttles, rental cars, or buses connect you to Banff in about 1.5–2 hours.
What to Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes (the town is best explored on foot).
- A light jacket, even in summer, mountain weather can surprise you.
- Reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
- A camera—you won’t forgive yourself otherwise!
Where to Stay:
Downtown Banff offers easy access to shops and restaurants, while hotels slightly outside town provide quieter, nature-wrapped stays.

Why Visit Banff?

Banff is not just for adventure seekers—it’s equally perfect for those who love peace, scenic beauty, and slow travel. Whether you’re strolling through the downtown market, sipping coffee with a mountain view, or simply sitting by the Bow River, Banff leaves you with a sense of calm.

If Canada is on your travel list, make sure Banff is at the top. It’s not just a destination—it’s a feeling, a place that lingers in your heart long after you leave.

Neerja Bhatnagar

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Banff Town – A Quiet Slice of Heaven in the Canadian Rockies