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| The
Glacier Fed Moraine Lake Near Banff1 |
Resting high in the
Rockies and surrounded
by natural hot springs, snowcapped peaks and evergreen glades is the beautiful
town of Banff,
Alberta located 135 km (85 mi) west of Calgary
in the Banff
National Park. Just off the Trans-Canada
Highway along the Bow
River, Banff has a total area of only 4.5 square km (1.7 square
mi).
For those considering
a stay in Banff, the area offers scores of hotels,
bed
and breakfasts, campgrounds
and hostels.
Making sense of all these options can be somewhat overwhelming. Furthermore,
depending on the time of year one decides to plan their stay, many accommodations
may be completely booked. So to ensure a great trip, planning and reservations
need to be made months in advance in the high season.
Because Banff sits
within the boundaries of the national park, a pass must be purchased to
park a vehicle in the area. This pass can be purchased at the entrances
to the park on the Trans-Canada highway. For those without vehicles, Banff
has a speedy and convenient public transit service to help visitors navigate
the city.
This alpine resort
town is arguably the most popular tourist destination in Canada
given the vast plethora of year-round outdoor activities
in the area. The surrounding countryside offers dozens of trails
for hiking and scrambling including an easy trek to the peak of Tunnel
Mountain or a slightly more challenging ascent up Castle
Mountain. A gondola is available to lift visitors to Sanson Peak
at the top of Sulphur
Mountain for a breathtaking view of the region. The town of Banff
is also tremendously popular with skiers and snowboarders and has a close
proximity to multiple ski
resorts in and just outside the immediate area. Nearby slopes
include Norquay
and Sunshine.
Other snow-ridden resorts like Fortress,
Nakiska
and Lake
Louise are less than an hour's drive away. The town sits at 1,463
m (4,800 ft) above sea level making it the highest elevated town in Canada.
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Downtown
Banff2 |
Banff has multiple
attractions
in the townsite itself. The Banff
Centre and Canada
Place are two interpretive
centres that receive thousands of visitors each year and offer
an insider's perspective of the history and cultural antiquity of the
area. The Banff
Park Museum is another of the town's historic sites and is the
oldest natural history museum
in the country. Furthermore, ice explorations are offered in town, giving
visitors the opportunity to experience the Columbia
and Athabasca
glaciers
and ice-fields. In addition, Banff also offers great alpine shopping
and exquisite Canadian dining.
USEFUL ACCOMMODATION
LINKS FOR BANFF
- Banff
Accommodations Guide – This provides links to the the accommodation
guide for Banff. It is categorized into hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts,
hostels, extended stay suites, conference centres and more.
- Map
of Banff – This is an interactive map of Banff and the surrounding
area.
- Hotel
and Motel Room Search/Reservations – This gives the ability
to securely book accommodations online.
CELEBRITY STAYS
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| The
Banff Springs Hotel in 19023 |
|
William Cornelius
Van Horne, the appointed general manager of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, knew that the Banff region would draw international
tourist attention. On June 1st, 1888, his dream was realized and the Fairmont
Banff Springs Hotel opened its doors with his foresight. Almost
overnight, the hotel became one of the top three alpine destinations in
North America. In 1992, it was dubbed a national historic site by the
Canadian government. Today it is known worldwide as a pinnacle of the
hospitality industry and attracts heads-of-state, celebrities and royalty
from around the globe including Woody Harrelson, Alec Baldwin and Peter
Frampton. The Banff Springs is architecturally stunning and is of late
Victorian design, looking much like a Scottish baronial castle. This monumental
hotel offers an enormous 3,530 sq m (38,000 sq ft) spa, a gorgeous Canadian
wine bistro, a sushi bar, a tavern and one of the most highly acclaimed
golf
courses in Alberta.
Then there's the famous
Rimrock
Resort Hotel. This classic Banff resort is one of the finest stays
in the region. Its site overlooks the township from a perch at the top
of Mountain Avenue and offers one of the most astounding panoramic views
in the area. The hotel is enormous and decorated in a contemporary fashion.
A full service luxury spa,
fitness centre, business centre, valet parking, dry cleaning services,
laundering services and concierge services ensure every stay is as relaxing
and as memorable as possible.
BANFF AVENUE HOTELS
AND RESORTS
Banff is home to some
of the most exotic and luxurious accommodations in the country. Whether
visitors are looking for excellent Canadian
cuisine, a soothing spa experience, proximity to ski hills or
just somewhere close to downtown, the many accommodations of Banff Avenue
have it all.
The
Inns of Banff is one of the first hotels visitors will come across
upon entering town via Banff Avenue. It has an architecturally attractive
atrium at the entrance and contains over 244 units of varying decadence.
They offer cost-conscious rooms, rooms with views of Cascade
Mountain, luxury executive suites and even a rental
cottage. All beds are equipped with down duvets and signature
mountain luxury mattresses for a seriously comfortable night's sleep.
Farther down Banff
Avenue on the north side of the street, one will come across the majestic
Rundlestone
Lodge. This hotel is reminiscent of the classic ski chalets of
the 1920s. There are 22 different styles of room available at the Rundlestone,
many with two-person jetted tubs and authentic wood-burning fireplaces
to give visitors a true taste of the Great White North.
Just past the Rundlestone
is the Banff
Caribou Lodge and Spa with 195 rooms and six loft suites. This
wooden log lodge has a very peaceful and earthy décor. It is home
to the elegant Red
Earth Spa which provides natural treatments for every muscle and
the entire body.
Charlton's
Cedar Court is the next accommodation travellers will come across
just off Banff Avenue on Cougar Street. Having just undergone extensive
renovations, the hotel is the perfect destination for the family, providing
loft suites, kitchenette suites and deluxe rooms. Guests can relax by
the new fireplace in the lobby, hit the spa, take a dip in the indoor
pool and whirlpool or soak in the steambath after a long day of outdoor
activities.
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A
Boarder Rides the Snowy Tide4 |
In 1993, the Banff
Inn opened its doors just past Cedar's Court on Banff Avenue.
This hotel is literally seconds away from Banff's downtown area, which
is just a block down Moose Street. A complimentary continental breakfast
is provided to all guests whether they choose one of the deluxe, loft
or honeymoon suites, which each have their own private whirlpools and
fireplaces.
At the intersection
of Banff Avenue and Fox Street is the brand new Fox
All-Suite Hotel Banff. The Fox fuses style, luxury and service
to provide one of the most memorable stays in town. Each one and two bedroom
suite has an 81 cm (32 in) LCD television, air conditioning for the summer
months and complimentary Internet service. The hotel also has a full service
health club, a whirlpool and a steam bath to help folks relax a little.
Due to the spaciousness of the rooms, extended stays here can be more
than comfortable.
Directly beside the
Fox is the striking Delta
Banff Royal Canadian Lodge. Canadian décor prevails with maple
furnishings and a custom design in each room setting this hotel apart.
Authentic Canadian artwork is also displayed throughout the hotel and
they serve savoury Canadian cuisine in their delicious on-site restaurant.
The hotel's Grotto Spa has soothing mineral waters, a warm and relaxing
whirlpool, a mineral pool and an invigorating steam bath.
The next hotel just
up the street is always looking to take care of visitors to the Banff
National Park. The Best
Western Siding 29 Lodge is the modern version of the railway workers'
living camp called "Siding 29" that existed in 1883 before Banff
became a budding resort town along the Canadian Pacific Railway. They
offer king-sized beds and deluxe suites with private Jacuzzis. They have
a monstrous heated indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool. The Delta is
only moments away from Banff's downtown area on Banff Avenue right before
Moose Street.
Irwin's
Mountain Inn Banff is the next accommodation one will pass while
driving along Banff Avenue right before hitting Moose Street and Banff's
bustling downtown. Here, more affordable rooms are provided as well as
plenty of deluxe rooms. Many rooms sleep up to six people making this
hotel perfect for over-night family trips to the park or for groups of
travellers sharing.
The Red
Carpet Inn is just next door. Affordable rooms can be found here.
Complimentary wireless Internet service is also on-site, offering guests
a free line of communication to the world outside of Banff. Satellite
televisions, air-conditioning, free local telephone calls and a hearty
complimentary breakfast are just some of the amenities offered at the
Red Carpet Inn.
The Banff
High Country Inn is also on the same block. Sitting at the fireplace
in the common area will remind visitors of the prevalent Austrian mountain
chalets of the 1930s. Although the rates here are tremendously reasonable,
no luxurious detail has been overlooked. Rooms are clean, comfortable
and cozy.
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| The
Banff Aspen Lodge5 |
|
The earthy and naturalistic
rooms of the Banff
Aspen Lodge await guests past the Banff High Country Inn along
Banff Avenue. They offer a total of 89 spacious rooms, all of which have
recently been renovated. Panoramic views of Banff's natural beauty creates
the draw visitors feel towards the Aspen Lodge. Additionally, downtown's
fine dining and splendid shopping are literally steps away.
Also on Banff Avenue
rests the Mount
Royal Hotel, a tribute to modern comfort and design. This hotel
is home to plush and elegant furnishings and wooden ski-lodge paneling.
Tony
Roma's Restaurant and the Paddock
Bar and Grill are both on site, providing guests with instant
access to delicious drinks and fare. They also have an indoor whirlpool
and spa on the property.
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The
Banff Ptarmigan Inn6 |
The Banff
Ptarmigan Inn is situated past Moose Street on Banff Avenue. This
134-room hotel offers scenic views of the area and all amenities including
their very own on-site restaurant. Affordable room rates, a hotel ski-school
and complimentary wireless broadband is provided. If a guest desires more,
a few steps down Moose Street provides more countless amenity options
in Banff's downtown area.
BANFF ACCOMMODATIONS AROUND TOWN
Hotels
The
Juniper is located at the base of Mount
Norquay. It has 52 rooms, many with fireplaces, and they have
two tempting wood chalets. Muk
a Muk Bistro, a café serving distinctly Canadian food inspired
by the natural beauty of the national park is on site. Dishes include
dark ale bison ribs, duck with Saskatoon berry sauce, organic chicken
with rhubarb vanilla compote and the fish hot pot with scallops, salmon,
halibut, prawns and mussels. The Juniper is also completely pet friendly
and will accommodate not just families, but the furry ones too.
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| Brewster's
Mountain Lodge7 |
|
Brewster's
Mountain Lodge is behind Banff Avenue on Caribou Street. Swedish
log furnishings and historical photographs set the scene for true Western
hospitality at this accommodation. Their facility includes numerous retail
shops, an indoor whirlpool, a sauna, a Mediterranean restaurant, a guest
library and wireless broadband service. They serve a continental breakfast
each morning. This hotel has the highest possible Four Green Leaf rating
for environmental initiatives. To achieve this, a hotel must reduce hotel
laundering, offer recycling programs and encourage guests to be as conservative
with energy and heat as possible. Of course, non-smoking rooms are always
available.
At the base of Tunnel
Mountain just south of the east entrance to Banff via Banff Avenue is
the Douglas
Fir Resort. These folks specialize in the highest calibre of fancy
family accommodations. Their facility offers everything one would expect
from top-of-the-line accommodations right beside Banff's downtown. They
also have two of the few waterslides in Banff, a steam bath, a whirlpool,
a kiddie pool and a games room.
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Tunnel
Mountain Executive Accommodations8 |
Also at the bottom
of Tunnel Mountain in southeast Banff is the Tunnel
Mountain Resort. This 95 suite facility offers a lagoon-like indoor
swimming pool, whirlpools, saunas, Jacuzzis and a full exercise room.
They also provide an outdoor barbecue facility, ski storage and a children's
playground.
Hidden
Ridge Resort provides some of the most outstanding views of the
area due to their spot on Tunnel Mountain. They host condo-style accommodations
and wood chalets for larger parties. Full kitchens and wood burning fireplaces
come standard with each unit. A gigantic outdoor whirlpool is offered
to help visitors relax after a long day on the slopes.
The Banff
Park Lodge Resort Hotel and Conference Centre is just off Banff
Avenue on Lynx street. It is a four-star, full-service hotel. The Park
Lodge contains two upscale restaurants, an intimate cocktail lounge, an
indoor saltwater pool, a Jacuzzi and steam bath with eucalyptus essence,
a shopping mall, 24-hour concierge service, laundry service, valet indoor
heated parking and ski storage. The Lodge is the first independent hotel
in Canada to have received the 2002 Four Green Leaf rating for corporate
pro-environmental action.
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| The
Bow View Lodge from the Bow River9 |
|
The Bow
View Lodge located at the southwest corner of Banff is the only
hotel in the area situated directly on the Bow River. Just past Moose
Street, the hotel is still only moments away from downtown. They, too,
have all the amenities one would expect from a higher-end accommodation:
an indoor saltwater pool, a whirlpool, a steam bath, a concierge service
and much more.
OTHER BANFF ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed and Breakfasts
The Bed
and Breakfast on Mountain Lane has a deluxe suite to accommodate
two to four individuals and is tucked back on Mountain Avenue about a
ten minute walk south of downtown. The Rundle Suite contains a sitting
room, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, coffee maker, toaster and a river
stone fireplace. Outside, there is a large outdoor hot tub that provides
shocking panoramic mountain views.
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Thea's
Bed and Breakfast During the Summer10 |
On Otter Street rests
Thea's
House Bed and Breakfast. Under the roof of this beautifully crafted
lodge, guests experience old-fashioned hospitality and the bliss that
comes with alpine serenity. Guest rooms have a vibrant décor, king-sized
beds, private bathrooms with jetted tubs and showers. A fresh and unique
hot breakfast is served to guests each morning.
A
Good Nite's Rest Bed and Breakfast is located right behind Banff
Avenue in the centre of town. This bed and breakfast features three guest
suites with private entrances. The staff serves ensuite breakfasts so
that guests can enjoy their meal while taking in the natural splendor
of Sulphur Mountain.
In the southern part
of town is the Wit's
End Bed and Breakfast. They're open all year round and provide
guests with a full hot breakfast each morning. Bright and clean rooms
are available, each with their own private entrances. There is a guest
lounge and two friendly dogs waiting to greet every visitor.
On Muskrat Street
in south Banff rests the Blue
Mountain Lodge and its ten different European chalet-style rooms,
each with their own private bathrooms. They offer a few different historical
theme rooms as well. A healthy buffet breakfast is served each morning.
The property is also just a short distance away from the ski and tour
bus pick-up point. The lodge welcomes all children over eight years old.
For a more secluded
bed and breakfast, many visitors choose to stay at the Banff
Boutique Inn. Centred on Cave Avenue just outside of the main
residential area in south Banff, this accommodation provides its guests
with a stay amongst the mountains and the pines. They feature a high-ceilinged
living room with an Italian marble open fireplace. Their ten different
rooms each come with varied amenities and different views of either the
mountains or the woods.
Other bed and breakfasts
can be found in town. These include, but are not limited to, the Mountain
Country Bed and Breakfast, the Big
Horn Bed and Breakfast, Banff
Avenue Bed and Breakfast, Mountain
Home Bed and Breakfast and the Buffaloberry
Bed and Breakfast.
Hostels and Affordable
Rate Stays
The Banff
Y Mountain Lodge specializes in providing accommodations for the
budget traveller and is associated with YWCA. They have an enormous property
just off the bank of the Bow River on the south side of town. They have
a variety of common areas and provide private and dorm-style rooms. Some
of the most affordable rates in the area of available from the Banff Y.
Hostelling International
is one of the largest hostelling organizations in Canada. Their Banff
Apline Centre Hostel in town specializes in affordable rate dormitory
stays. Cougar
Pete's licensed pub-style restaurant and the Storm
Cellar Pub and Bar give guests places right on the property to
relax and meet fellow travellers without having to leave the hostel. Wireless
Internet is available anywhere on the property. Private accommodations
are also available by reservation, otherwise guests are issued locks and
lockers to protect their belongings.
Campgrounds
Sundance
Lodges (Teepees) and RV Park provides visitors with RV accommodations
and tent pads. They have 30 teepee
sites with wooden flooring, bed frames and mattresses, heaters
and lanterns. They also have 30 unserviced campsites with picnic areas
and firepits and access for RVs. This site is only 45 minutes away from
both Calgary and Banff 22 km (13.8 mi) south of the Trans-Canada Highway
on Highway 40 in Kananaskis
Country.
Mount
Kidd RV Park is another campground providing a place to park 229
campers or RVs just outside Banff in Kananaskis Country. Amenities
include bike rentals,
an indoor whirlpool, a tennis court, a gift shop, an arcade, a sauna,
cable hook-ups and a snack bar.
In Canmore,
45 minutes away from Banff, one can find RV accommodation at the Restwell
Trailer Park and Cabins. Cabins are available along with 250 sites
offering tap water hook-ups, public phones, firewood and laundry services.
PHOTO COURTESY
- c/o Wikipedia Commons; Lake Moraine Near Banff; Banff, AB, Canada
- Kevin Staff; c/o Wikipedia Commons; Downtown Banff; Banff, AB, Canada
- The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel as it Appeared in 1902.
- A Snowboarder Catches Air in the National Park.
- c/o The Banff Aspen Lodge; An Exterior View of the Banff Aspen Lodge;
Banff, AB, Canada
- c/o The Banff Ptarmigan Inn; An Exterior View of the Banff Ptarmigan
Inn; Banff, AB, Canada
- c/o Brewster's Mountain Lodge; A Typical Bathroom at Brewster's Mountain
Lodge; Banff, AB, Canada
- c/o The Tunnel Mountain Resort; An Executive Suite at the Tunnel Mountain
Resort; Banff, AB, Canada
- c/o The Bow View Lodge; A Tourist Kayaks Down the Bow River in Front
of the Lodge; Banff, AB, Canada
- c/o Thea's Bed and Breakfast; Thea's Bed and Breakfast as it Appears
During the Summer; Banff, AB, Canada
