A place in my heart: Banff, Canada

Abbi Ayers, editor

Where? Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Why? Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery you are ever likely to see. Majestic mountain peaks, mile high glaciers and the almost neon blue waters of Lake Louise offer picture postcard views at every turn. And if you tire of marvelling at Mother Nature, there is an impressive choice of recreational activities to keep you entertained, from hiking and bear-spotting trips to skiing, fishing and mountain biking.

Where would you stay? Depending on your cash flow situation, you can take your pick from exclusive mountain retreats and luxury cabins to simple chalets and friendly B&Bs. If you’re on a budget and brave/foolish enough, pitch a tent or rent a trailer on one of the Park’s many wilderness campsites, where you’ll find the best bedside views available. Two nights in a trailer near Lake Louise was an unforgettable experience although the relative luxury of a local B&B in Banff town offered us a welcomed (and much warmer) retreat once we’d run out of wood for the campfire.

Best meal? Breakfast in the mountains at sunrise. The abundance of awe-inspiring scenery means that most diners in Banff offer mountain views with their morning bagels. Get up early to avoid the crowds of sightseers and you can enjoy watching the sunrise as you cram in your cornflakes before setting off early to miss the cable car scramble.

Best way to spend an hour? Following a tipoff from a local convenience store owner, we got up early to watch a grizzly bear and her cub foraging for food in a quiet corner of woodland not far from our campsite. Wild animals are fiercely protected by Park Rangers who police natural breeding and rearing grounds throughout the National Park, and we were only allowed within a certain distance of the mother and her baby so as to protect the young cub. But watching them in their natural habitat was a real highlight of the trip. Standing on a glacier in an ice field, knee deep in snow whilst posing for photos, was also a memorable moment.

Top tips? Wrap up warm! Never underestimate the harsh bite of the Canadian weather. Expensive snow suits aren’t really necessary unless you’re an avid skier or mountain climber, but invest in some good quality snow boots because nothing is much fun when you can’t feel your toes.