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Banff Pop. 6,700. Province – Alberta AB. Currency – Canadian Dollar, Language – English. Time Zone – GMT minus 7 hours. Nearest Main Airport – Calgary International Airport YYC. Best time to go – good for winter skiers and summer walkers. Banff is located in the Alberta Canadian Rockies and is a major tourist destination for both winter and summer activities. The town takes its name from the Scottish town of Banff, which was the place of birth of Lord Steven, a former Canadian Pacific Railway director. The town is surrounded by mountains notably Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. This topography is ideal for both winter skiers and summer walkers. The town was established in the late 1800’s after the opening of the transcontinental railway in the nearby Bow Valley. In 1893 the accidental discovery of hot springs on Sulphur Mountain led to Banff becoming a spa resort. To protect the springs the area around springs area was designated as a reserve and became the precursor of the Canadian National Park structure. Notable attractions in Banff include: Banff Upper Hot Springs; Tunnel Mountain; Lake Minnewanka; and Banff Gondola. Arguably the most iconic attraction is the famous Banff Springs Hotel which is designed in the manner of a Scottish Baronial house and features on numerous postcard and Canadian tourist brochures.