Kim Logan traded Melbourne for the Canadian province of Alberta in 2011, however it was the mountain way of life that drew her to Banff to work for Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, three years in the past. “I really like having the ability to stroll out my door and head out on an journey – like a path run, bike trip, SUP, or cross-country ski,” she says. “You might reside right here your whole life and nonetheless not have explored each path or summited each mountain. It is a very particular place.” banfflakelouise.com

SEE

On a transparent day, head as much as the alpine in a gondola to soak within the sweeping mountain vistas. There are three distinctive methods to do that. The Banff sightseeing gondola is 5 minutes’ drive from the city and in eight minutes you may be whisked to 2281 metres. There’s additionally the Lake Louise Gondola from which you’ll be able to see iconic Lake Louise within the distance and the Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift, from which you’ll be able to take pleasure in views of the city of Banff.

DO

A terrific place to benefit from the vistas and wildlife (fingers crossed) is on the windy and scenic roadway which connects Banff and Lake Louise known as the Bow Valley Parkway (Freeway 1A). In spring and fall, a portion of the roadway is closed to public car site visitors, which has created a implausible biking alternative. You’ll be able to lease a motorcycle or e-bike, or hop on a bus that may take you half means. Maintain your eyes peeled for wildlife; I’ve seen black bears, grizzly bears, deer, large horn sheep and elk right here.

EAT

My favorite restaurant in Banff is Nourish Bistro. It is vegetarian and accommodates vegans as effectively. I am going to admit I have not tried an excessive amount of of the menu as a result of I often order the identical factor – the mushroom ravioli. That is absolutely the must-eat. The “world-famous nachos” are my favorite for sharing – they’re totally loaded with over 27 elements – all the things from beans and quinoa to dill pickles and strawberries. Additionally they have kombucha on faucet, which I really like as a refreshing beverage on a heat day. They’re positioned on vibrant Bear Avenue, and you may dine outside throughout the hotter months. E-book forward, nourishbistro.com

DRINK

As a self-confessed tea addict, I am unable to suggest Jolene’s Teahouse sufficient. On Bear Avenue in a historic cabin they inventory completely different flavours of bagged tea or free leaf. Creamy Early Gray is my favorite and is one thing you will all the time discover in my tea stash at residence. You may discover their tea in cocktails at most Banff Hospitality Collective eating places, like Lupo, Park Distillery and Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant, jolenesteahouse.com

AVOID

Do not attempt driving to close by Lake Louise or Moraine Lake in summer time. You’ll get caught in site visitors and can want you took the bus from Banff or a Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort or a guided tour from Banff. Do your self a favour and plan forward to see these locations for a much more pleasurable expertise (and you will be a extra sustainable traveller, too!). Downtown Banff is finest explored on foot. Lace up your comfortable strolling sneakers and go away your car behind.

THRIVE

Mountain climate may be unpredictable so pack for all circumstances. And, should you’re heading out on an journey, go along with a information. You may have a much better expertise and you will go away with a deeper appreciation for the primary and most visited nationwide park in Canada and study all of the locals’ secrets and techniques.

Know an expat within the know? Contact belinda.jackson@traveller.com.au