Banff holidays take you to an outdoor playground, made up of jaw-dropping mountains and glass-like lakes – so, naturally, there are all sorts of adventures to be had. In spring and summer, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain-biking and horse-riding are all on offer. There’s even a couple of golf courses, surrounded by staggeringly good views.

Moraine Lake is famous for the amazing colour of its water – a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, Moraine Lake looks almost unreal. Simply sit by the water and breathe in the pure mountain air, or explore further by going on a hilly hike.

The Banff Gondola is another must-do. This scenic ride takes you up more than 2,200 metres high to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the top, you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views of six mountain ranges, as well as Bow Valley and Banff town.

Meanwhile, snowsports enthusiasts will be pleased to know there are three ski resorts in Banff National Park, all with varied runs suitable for skiers and boarders of all levels. And there are plenty more winter activities available, including ice-skating, dogsledding, ice-climbing, snowshoeing and tobogganing.

A Banff holiday is a wildlife-lover’s dream. Banff National Park is home to thousands of different species of animals and plants, so you’ll have the perfect opportunity to see iconic Canadian animals in their natural habitat.

The best time of the year to see wildlife in Banff is during the quieter seasons of spring and autumn. During this time of year, many of the animals move to lower ground, for mating rituals or food. During the elk rutting season between mid-September and October, you’ll see the bulls gathering in the lower meadows. Listen out for the bugle of the male elks – it’s a high-pitched squeal, followed by deep grunting.

But the star of the show is the grizzly bear. About 65 of these creatures call Banff National Park home and, between April and November, there’s a good chance you’ll see one. It’s best to set your alarm early so that you can search for them before the crowds arrive. You could go on a guided tour or simply hop in your car. Either way, it’s a magical experience not to be missed.

You know that feeling you get when you sink into a cosy chair after a day of adventures? It’s a mix of relief, accomplishment and contentment. You’ve given it your all, and now it’s time to kick back and unwind. Well, the vibrant and diverse food scene in Banff lets you do just that. With modern restaurants downtown, elegant hotel dining rooms, and cosy lounges in mountain lodges, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds

The oldest pub in Banff, The Rose and Crown is a great spot to enjoy an ice-cold beer and some tasty grub, while admiring the jaw-dropping views of Cascade Mountain. But The Bison is the best place in town for Sunday brunch. You can start the day right with eggs Benedict while sitting on their stylish rooftop patio. Meanwhile, the patio at The Elk & Oarsman patio is ideal for soaking up the sun on a warm day. After an afternoon of hiking, canoeing or biking, you can sip a fruity cocktail or tuck into the Portobello burger to refuel. You’ve earned it.

Although Banff is a great year-round destination, the best time visit really depends on how you want to spend your time. Some activities are only available at certain times of year, you’ll need to consider what activities you are wanting to enjoy during your trip.

If you’re planning to explore the great outdoors and go hiking along the mountain trails, you should plan your Banff trip between late June and mid-September. This is when Banff is busiest, but there are all sorts of activities on offer – and you’ll have pleasant temperatures around 22°C. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds, though, consider going in May or late-September, when you’ll have the best of both worlds.

If winter sports are your thing, December to March is the best time for your Banff holiday. At this time of year, the national park is blanketed in thick snow, so you can look forward to amazing skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and much more. Just remember to pack your thermals, as sub-zero temperatures are the norm.