Banff : Ski Vacation Destination

Banff : Ski Vacation Destination

Banff is one of the natural wonders of the West, from high snow covered peaks to roaring rapids and stunning canyons Banff has something different to offer everyone. If your heading to Banff to ski the fresh powder, be excited, three world class resorts await you: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay.  With a local Airport Banff can accommodated any occasion you might have in mind whether a leisurely golf escape or a beautiful wedding.  The point off this article is to offer some practical information of Banff and some basic information about the ski resorts located there.

1)   Banff is a small town nested in the Alberta Rockies of Alberta, Canada. With two towns located in the Banff Nation Park, Banff being the largest and closest to Calgary which is about an hour and a half drive to the west.  Although Banff has a local airport for international flights, Calgary will be your first destination. After landing in Calgary you will take the Trans Canada Highway west.  For those not renting a Vehicle the airport has access to three shuttle services which provide transport to the town of Banff and Lake Louis: Banff Airporter inc., Brewster Airporter & resort connector, and the Mountain Connector. So there is really no lack of quick access to the town.

2)   Lake Louise is probably the most known ski resort in the area. The ski resort has a base elevation of 5,400ft and a summit elevation of 8,652ft. With 15ft of snow a year covering a total skiable area of 4,200 acres there is no lack of fresh snow for everyone.  139 ski runs are accessible by a state of the art lift system: 9 lifts total wit 3 surface lifts, one triple, one fixed grip quad, two high speed quads (super chairs), one high speed 6 chair, and one Gondola. Also there are 3 terrain parks for the snowboarders.

3)   Sunshine Village is located about 15 minutes west of Banff. The resort has a base elevation of 5,446ft and a summit elevation of 8,957ft. With an average of 30ft of snow a year its almost double that of Lake Louis. 107 ski runs cover 8,957 acres of terrain. The runs are accessible by 12 lifts: 5 high speed quad chairs, 2 fixed grip quad chairs, one triple, one double chair, 2 magic carpets, and one Gondola. The resort can support 20,000 skiers an hour.

4)   Mount Norquay is the smallest of the three resorts. Its base elevation is 5,348 ft and has a summit elevation of 6,998ft. It has 33 runs which cover .3 sq miles of terrain. Access is provided by 4 chairlifts and has a terrain park for the riders.

Which ever way you decide to go once you reach Banff your sure to have a great time.

Written on March 14th, 2011 , Banff Hotels Tags: , , , ,
Vacationing In Alberta, Canada

Once you are there, you are certain to be impressed by Alberta’s grandeur and beauty, including its majestic mountains and rolling foothills. You will also want to see Canada’s world-famous Rocky Mountains and the popular resort towns of Jasper, Banff, Kananaskis, Canmore, Waterton, and Lake Louise, which attract many visitors every year.

Alberta Has Something for Everyone

If you are a “dinosaur hunter,” you should plan a visit to Drumheller, where the well-known Robert Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is located and the surrounding landscape has yielded an abundance of prehistoric discoveries and fossils. The museum features interactive exhibits that include a cretaceous garden and an interesting display of dinosaur skeletons. Located near Canada’s Badland trails, it provides a picnic area, a gift shop, and a cafeteria.

You can also explore the province’s rural heritage by visiting the farmlands of Northern Alberta, Southern Alberta, and Alberta’s Heartland. Calgary, which is close to the Rockies, is a leader in the gas and oil industry, and it is also a popular place to visit because of the warm welcome visitors receive when they get there.

Special Attractions

Edmonton

The provincial capital is one of the country’s most northerly cities and located above the North Saskatchewan River. While the city has its share of urban renewal projects, restaurants, parks, and festivals, most visitors are particularly interested in shopping at the West Edmonton Mall, especially for its curiosity value. Located south of the river, a restored district known as “Old Strathcona” will also pique your interest because of its modest museums, its heritage buildings, and its diverse array of venues for eating and drinking. Edmonton has its own noteworthy Space and Science Centre as well, and you may want to consider visiting when planning your vacation itinerary.

Banff

This town is looked upon as the Canadian Rockies’ capital, and nearly 50,000 people may gather here during the high tourist season, especially those who favor backpacking, mega-coach tours and RVs. The town’s main street, Banff Avenue, is notable for its up-scale outdoor-clothing and sports-equipment shops.

Jasper National Park

Located in the Canadian Rockies, this vast, scenic park is noted for its Columbia Icefield glaciers, and numerous lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and hot springs. People also enjoy viewing the park’s varied wildlife, which includes caribou, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears, beavers, mountain lions, wolverines, and gray wolves. Among the park’s major attractions are the Tonquin Valley, Mount Edith Cavell, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake and tours of the Athabasca Glacier on a bus-sized snowmobile. Numerous out-door related activities include fishing rafting, hiking, camping and kayaking.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Wildlife Tags:
Banff, Alberta – Golfing in the Lap of Nature

If ever there was a place on earth where you could swing your clubs in the stunning backdrop of nature, it has to be at Banff in the Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Known for its picture perfect beauty with its snow capped peaks, hot springs, greenery, crystal clear lakes and unending blue skies, a Banff summer golf vacation will be the memory of your lifetime.

North America’s most popular tourist destination, Banff has a plethora of activities that will make you one with nature. Biking, hiking, canoeing, skiing, kayaking, camping, fishing and of course golfing for all you golf addicts. The most spectacular championship course is the Banff Springs course. At the foot of Mount Rundle and along the picturesque Bow River this course has incorporated its natural surroundings into that of the play area flawlessly. Designed by Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson this was originally an 18 holes course. 9 more holes were added to it in the year 1989 making it a 27 holes challenging course. Amateurs and professionals alike will be astounded by its design and panoramic beauty. Natural beauty presents interesting optical illusions while you tee off and makes your game enjoyable. You also get to use clubhouse facilities, the pro shop, rental equipment, shoes and also use the practice area to brush up on your strokes.

The Stewart Creek in Canmore, Alberta is another scenic 18 hole course. Golf Digest has rated this course as Canada’s second best in its 19th annual ranking of courses. The course design and the views are enough to get you high playing golf. The Silver Tip course is a course which has its execution to perfection. The valleys and mountains are a part of this course and give you the most challenging game of your life.

It is in Banff where golf gets new dimensions, and new challenges which makes the game a rare package of high adventure and classic serenity; a truly rewarding experience. When you are in Banff, your vacation will be incomplete without sampling its shopping highs, exploring the town of Banff or skiing and mountain biking at the 3 ski resorts of Mount Louise, Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay, which are in close proximity.

If you want to unwind after all the adventures of Banff then head to the Banff hot springs. The spas and fine dining experiences will make your day worthwhile. Heading to Banff during the summers mean warm temperatures of 70-72 F and daylight hours of up to 11 pm during the summer solstice. However more time in the sun means you can suffer from over exposure to the sun so it is wise to carry ample sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses.

So what are you waiting for?? Make Banff your next golf vacation destination.  Get your vacation booked through a golf vacation planner so that you are not left to the tortures of an unplanned holiday. The best deals with nature are only at the recognized World Heritage Site – Banff. Make the most of it.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Banff Dining Tags: , ,
Snowboard resort review Banff Canada

Of all the places I have ever been, this is possibly the best snowboarding resort in my view. The snow is wonderful, the terrain is giant, pretty & filled with variety, & best of all the people are a  of the most laid back & genuinely friendly people I have ever met.

Banff itself is a little village located 45mins away from Calgary which is the most local airport to this snowboarding resort. Sitting inside a National Park, Banff is a stunning village surrounded by mountains. The main road through Banff (Banff Avenue) is lined with a immense choice of hotels, shops, bars, night clubs & restaurants to suit all snowboarders, there is something for everyone in Banff.

Getting to the slopes is simple in Banff, purchasing a tri-area lift pass is a must, this includes all shuttles & will give you access to the resorts of Norquay (Banffs closest mountain), Sunshine Valley, & Lake Louise, i believe this list pass is worth every penny and I’m sure you will agree.

The bus schedules are displayed inside  all hotels along banff avenue & in the event that they are not then I’m sure that your rep will have one for you. There are two buses which run at various times depending on which resort you need to go to. These buses are efficient & always run on time. They pick up from various hotels along the Banff Avenue, you’re nearest pickup is never far away.

So if you are thinking about going for a snowbaord Holiday in Canada, then Banff is certainly a place that you need to seriously consider.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Banff Hotels Tags: , , , ,
Luxury hotels Review – Banff

Banff is known for many things: unbelievable mountain scenery and outdoor sports in Banff National Park, stunning Lake Louise, and some of the most beautiful five star mountain resorts in Canada. Although the town of Banff is very small it receives more than 50,000 visitors per year, primarily by car and RV, making it one of the busiest urban centers of a national park anywhere in the world.

Luxury hotels in Banff are located within the town itself, on the shores of stunning Lake Louise or in the outlying areas of Canmore and Kananaskis. Although most famous for the elegant and traditional five star resorts that grace the national park there are also a variety of smaller lodges with excellent access to all of the park’s incredible outdoor activities.

Luxury Hotels Banff and Lake Louise

One of the most recognized luxury hotels in the world, the Fairmont Banff Springs is an elegant traditional hotel styled after a Scottish baronial castle. There are a variety of other beautiful options including the sister Fairmont property on the shores of Lake Louise, the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge and the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Truly one of the best places in the world to enjoy five star resorts in an incredible mountain atmosphere, Banff never fails to please for both accommodation and surroundings.

Luxury Hotels Canmore & Kananaskis

Canmore is located right outside the south boundaries of Banff National Park and is a short drive from the town of Banff. Canmore is the residential heart of the area and Kananaskis Country is a vast network of parkland that supports the area’s many outdoor pursuits. The region has a number of beautiful luxury lodges for visitors who don’t wish to stay in the town of Banff including the Grand Rockies Resort and the Solara Resort and Spa.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , About Banff Tags: , , ,
Holiday Rentals in Alberta, Canada

If you’re planning a holiday in the great outdoors, you need look no further than Alberta in Canada.

This Canadian province is perfect for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and those who crave adventure.

There are a number of regions in Alberta, including Alberta Central, Alberta North, Alberta South, Calgary & Area, Canadian Rockies and Edmonton & Area. Each region offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do.

You will also find a great range of holiday homes here, so it’s an ideal destination for a holiday property rental for all the family.

Alberta is home to five National Parks, including Banff National Park, Elk Island National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park. Here you can enjoy the stunning and beautiful scenery, the amazing wildlife and take part in many outdoor activities in this part of the world.

Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, is in the Rocky Mountains and is a popular destination with tourists. It has mountains, alpine meadows, rivers, glaciers, forests and valleys. Here you can do a wide range of outdoor activities, such as biking, bird watching, boating, canoeing, hiking, scuba diving, swimming, climbing/mountaineering and angling/fishing. In winter you can try your hand at cross-country skiing. Elk Island National Park, meanwhile, is a great habitat for wildlife. Here there are bison, deer, elk and moose, as well as many species of birds. Elk Island National Park is also ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

If you have the time, you should also check out one or more of the other National Parks in Alberta.

But whatever your favourite sport or outdoor activity – be it bird watching, caving, climbing, cycling, fishing, golfing, hiking or canoeing/kayaking – you will be able to enjoy it in this fantastic Canadian province.

There is, however, so much more to see and do in Alberta. There are some great cities to discover, along with museums, historic sites, arts and entertainment, shops and restaurants.

All the regions boast many exciting attractions, with something to appeal to everyone. And within the province there are lots of cities and towns, some of which you will want to visit during your holiday in Canada. The city of Calgary is brimming with things to see and do, such as The Aero Space Museum of Calgary, Calaway Park, Calgary Tower, Canada Olympic Park, Fort Calgary, Naval Museum Of Alberta, as well as Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park and more.

Meanwhile, Edmonton, which is the capital city of Alberta, also has plenty to offer its visitors. If you appreciate shopping, this is the place for you! West Edmonton Mall is a huge shopping centre which boasts hundreds of stores and services. And there’s a lot more than just shops here! There are plenty of places to eat here and there’s some fantastic entertainment too, should you get bored with shopping! There’s a large indoor amusement park, indoor waterpark, ice rink, indoor lake and two mini-golf courses. There’s also a sea lion show, and you can see the amazing collection of fish, reptiles etc and also the penguins while you’re there! There is also more to see and do at West Edmonton Mall.

Some other places you might like to visit during your travels in Alberta are Lethbridge, Drumheller, Red Deer, Lake Louise, Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat.

This is just a taster of what this amazing Canadian province has to offer its visitors. Alberta is an ideal holiday destination for all ages and it’s just perfect for a holiday property rental.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Wildlife Tags: ,
Tips on Having a Destination Wedding in Beautiful Banff, Canada

How far in advance should we book our venue and our vendors?

Banff and Lake Louise are limited in venues so its best to book as soon as you know that Banff is the place for your wedding.  Like anywhere else; its best to book at least a year in advance to be sure that you get the date that you want.  There are only so many Saturdays in the busy wedding month of May – October and venues like the Banff Springs Hotel and Buffalo Mountain Lodge fill up so quickly.  Some hotels like the Rimrock have strict booking policies so it’s best to check with the specific venue that you are interested in first before getting your heart set on something that you won’t be able to have.  There’s nothing worse than a bride in tears before she walks down the aisle because she didn’t get the aisle that she wanted!

Where can we have an outdoor wedding in Banff?

It all depends on how many guests you are planning on inviting and if you want your guests to be able to sit down for the ceremony.  There are a couple of places that are operated by the Town of Banff; Tunnel Mountain Reservoir ( sometimes called Banff Meadows) and the Central Park Gazebo.  Both sites have ample room for 50+ guests.  The Terrace at the Banff Springs Hotel is always a crowd pleaser with its stunning views of the Bow Valley.  The Juniper Hotel has an outdoor terrace that is spacious and looks out towards Vermillion Lakes.  The Rimrock Terrace has beautiful green grass and with Mount Rundle in the background your photos will be stunning.  If you are having a smaller wedding of ten guests or less you can always ask your marriage commissioner to meet you and your guests at popular places like Two Jack Lake, Cascade Gardens or Surprise Corner.  Again, check with the hotel that you would like to have a wedding ceremony at because most hotels have a food and beverage requirement.  We always recommend and indoor option as a ceremony back up.  Having a wedding in the mountains comes with risk and sometimes Mother Nature will not cooperate with you no matter what.  Be kind to your guests by saving the comments about the weather and have your ceremony indoors.  All your photos can be outside and your guests will be happy.

Where can we have a reception in Banff?

Banff has many different styles of hotels to accommodate you and your guests for your memorable wedding reception.  From a Luxurious high-end castle all the way to a rustic lodge nestled in the pine trees…..the possibilities are here!  When you book your wedding with a hotel in Banff or Lake Louise, you will be assigned a Wedding Coordinator or a Conference Services Associate.  This person is not your wedding planner.  If you want a Banff wedding planner you will have to hire one independently.  Your hotel contact is there to advise you of the hotel, it’s policies and procedures, the menu etc.  They are not there to advise you what color of eggplant goes with gold and what kind of gifts that you should present your brides maids with.  90% of the receptions in Banff are held indoors at hotels with the remaining 10% held outdoors in a more informal atmosphere.  Considering an outdoor event for 200; check with Parks Canada first to see if your event is possible.

Is the accommodation expensive?

Banff offers all types of accommodations from fun and funky B&B’s all the way to 4 diamond and 5 star luxury hotels.  Your guests do not have to stay at the same hotel that your wedding is being held at.  Most hotels will give you a preferred rate if your wedding is being held there.  Some hotels have a minimum room requirement on the night of your wedding.  It’s always nice to add a gift bag or something special to your guest’s rooms.  When they check in, have some maps of Banff and area as well as an itinerary for the weekend waiting for them in the room.  Guests will want to know what’s happening and how they can get involved while they are visiting the mountains.

How do we get to Banff?

Banff is located just a short one hour drive from the Calgary International Airport.  There are many different national car rental agencies at the airport that you can reserve a car at.  You will enjoy the foothills and the scenery as you approach the mountain range.  Canada’s highways are easy to navigate and driving a car to Banff will give you the freedom to explore the area while you are in town.  If you want to leave the driving up to someone else so you can enjoy the scenery and take plenty of photos; you can get a shuttle from the airport right to the front door of your hotel.  While you are in Banff and Lake Louise there are many tours that you can join in on.  Take some time to set something up with a local tour guide for your guests.  A nightly animal watch tour will be exciting and unforgettable for your guests.

Does Banff have vendors that can assist us with our wedding?

Banff has florists, DJ’s, photographers, videographers, wedding planners, limo rental agencies, and many other wedding providers to assist you.  That being said……if you want to bring your favorite Pastor to marry you just make sure that they have the necessary requirements to marry you in the province of Alberta.  Banff books up fast for vendors and we understand that you may want to bring your own flowers or photographer which is fantastic!  Enjoy your time here for your wedding and surround yourselves with the people who you love most on your special day.  GMiB will be able to advise you of the local vendors and match you with the vendors that suit your wedding day preferences.

After our wedding we want to stay and enjoy the area; is their enough for us to do for a week?

The wedding is over and you are free to enjoy your time together as newlyweds!  Start with a spa day at the Willow Stream Spa and pamper yourselves.  Take a hike, go up the gondola and maybe take in some golf at the Banff Springs Hotel golf course.  Drive along the highway to Johnson Canyon and see what beauty we have just 5 min off of the highway.  Take your time at Moraine Lake and have a tea while you watch the sun get lost in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.  See some elk and bighorn sheep at Lake Minnewanka while you are getting ready to board the Minnewanka Boat Tour for the afternoon.  Enjoy world-wide, award-winning cuisine on and off Banff Avenue, and if there is time….stop at Louis Vuitton and buy yourselves a wedding gift!

There are plenty of activities for all kinds of honeymooners.  If you want an adventure vacation or a nice relaxing retreat then Banff is the place to have your wedding!

 About the Author

Get Married in Banff is an all inclusive wedding providor located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Founded by Angie and Reg Spencer, GMiB offers all of your wedding needs from Elopements, DiY Wedding Kits, Wedding Day Coordination, and Luxury Wedding Planning. We are also the original providor of quality Wedding Rentals located locally in the town of Banff. 
Our company”s originality and non-traditional way of thinking have propelled it into one of the most pursued destination wedding service companies in the entire country.
We provide only top quality customer service and original products. We provide leadership, guidance and hands on availability. 
We provide you with what you expect a professional company to provide – peace of mind.
This is the foundation, this is Get Married in Banff.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Banff Hotels Tags: , , , ,
Some Interesting Things about the Banff National Park

Banff National Park has an location of roughly 2,564 square miles, and attributes incredibly beautiful views of glaciers and ice fields. The park also boasts a thick forest with Lake Louise on it, and a number of the most incredible and exclusive wildlife population.

Deemed to be probably the most beautiful landscape in Canada, Banff National Park is situated about 70 miles on the west aspect of Calgary, AB. The park was established inside the year 1855 and is considered as the first ever national park in Canada, although it is the third national park ever developed worldwide. You will find about five million tourists that pay a visit to the Banff National Park, and have contributed about six billion dollars of earnings to Canada’s economic system.

All in all, Banff National Park has a total of 3 ski resorts and functions both Nordic and alpine skiing, best for ski enthusiasts of all skill levels. The park also has a 27-hole golf course inside the location, along with a considerable quantity of day hikes. Hiking by way of the park will give you an chance to witness probably the most incredible views of the terrain along with the wildlife area.

Another interesting activity that you can do in Banff National Park is bird watching. The park is property to more than 280 bird species, and examples are the red tailed hawks, falcons at the same time as the golden eagles. Yet another enjoyable activity that Banff National Park offers is rock climbing, which draws attention from adventure seekers across the world. You may also try horseback riding which is one of the best techniques to knowledge Banff National Park.

Aside from the national park, the town of Banff has numerous other fantastic deals to offer to tourists visiting their beautiful town. Banff has a total population of 8,300 residents, and has the really feel of a small and friendly town equipped with fascinating tourist activities. Amongst other intriguing places which you can pay a visit to in Banff are the Whyte Museum, Banff Center, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum and the Cave and Basin National Historic Web site, which will undoubtedly capture the interest of all travellers, both youngsters and adults.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Ski Banff Tags: , , , ,
Notable Cheap Hotels in Banff

Banff is a small town within the Alberta Rockies of the Alberta province in Canada.It is the bigger of the 2 towns that are located in Banff National Park.This town is nestled within the mountains and situated about one hour and a half drive to the western portion of Calgary and 4 hours south of the town or city of Jasper.

Banff National Park is easily accessible for international tourists by means of the Calgary International Airport which has both charter flights and international scheduled flights.This small town in the country of Canada is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage area.

There are numerous cheap hotels in Banff.You can easily find a wide array of elegant and beautiful budget to mid-range hotels in the area.Below are some of the best budget and mid-range hotels in Banff:

Budget Hotels in Banff

King Edward Hotel This hotel is located at 137 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta.For more information, inquiries and other stuff, you can contact this hotel at +1-403-985-9734.You can also fax them at +1-403-985-3735.

This Banff hotel is significantly located at the heart of the town’s downtown area.It is near nature adventures, shopping, dining, the arts and the crazy nightlife.In addition, this hotel offers excellent guest rooms with all amenities such as free wireless Internet connection, in room tea and coffee, private bathrooms and cable television as well as concierge services.

HI Banff Alpine Center This hotel is located at 801 Cayote Dr., Banff.It is located on Tunnel Mountain Road.For inquiries about room rates, special packages and family discounts, you can contact the hotel at 1-866-762-4122.

Hotel amenities include private rooms, kitchens, lounge areas and fireplaces as well as an on-site restaurant called Cougar Pete’s Lookout and Kitchen.The hotel also features a pub and a game house wherein games such as football, pool and darts can be played by guests while sipping cocktail drinks or beer.

Same Sun Backpacker Lodge This lodge is located at 449 Banff Avenue.For inquiries about room rates, special packages and family as well as seasonal discounts, you can contact the lodge management at +1-403-7625-521.

This hostel contains about 130 beds along with numerous private rooms.Every room in this hostel has an ensuite.Laundry, common lounge, lockers and kitchen are among the hostel’s amenities.Guests can also get free wireless Internet connectivity as well as video games, BBQ, tours, nightly activities and an outdoor courtyard.Room rates at this hostel starts at only 32 US dollars per night.

Banff Mid-Range Hotels

Fox Hotel and Suites This Banff hotel is located at 461 Banff Ave.You can call their toll free hotline for more information or inquiries about their special packages, family or seasonal discounts and room rates.The hotel’s toll free number is 1-800-661-8310.You can also contact them at +1-403-760-8500.

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa This hotel is located at 561 Banff Ave.You can contact their toll free hotline at +1-800-561-8164.You can also contact them at +1-403-762-5887.This lodge & spa facility is mountain-themed and rated as a 3-star lodge.It is centrally located along Banff’s main street.

Written on March 12th, 2011 , Banff Dining Tags: , , , , ,
Hello From Banff: Taking The Gondola Up To Sulphur Mountain And A Last Walk Through The Village

Our skiing had come to an end and I allocated the last full day in Banff to explore some more local attractions while my husband headed into Calgary to do some shopping. We got going at about 11:30 am and Nigel dropped me off at the foot of the Banff Gondola. This historic attraction has been around since 1959 and the gondola was just recently reconstructed and reopened in 1998 and features a state-of-the-art gondola system engineered by a Swiss gondola construction company.

On the parking lot of the gondola you can see a big bus with oversized wheels called the “Ice Explorer”. This is the type of vehicle used to carry tourists onto the famous Columbia Icefields located between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park.

The gondola takes you from 1583 m (5,194 feet) at the base station to 2,281 m (7,486 feet) to the upper terminal on Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes. On the way up I enjoyed the wonderful view of the townsite of Banff, looking down at the Banff Springs Hotel.

At the top of Sulphur Mountain is a complex of visitor services that includes a restaurant called the Regal View Garden. No doubt this is a rather appropriate name since the panorama from Sulphur Mountain is truly something to behold. The summit gondola station also features a roof-top observation deck that is equipped with a variety of arrows, indicating directions and distances to major world cities.

The one kilometer interpretive boardwalk takes you over to Sanson’s Peak which is the location of the 1903 Stone Observatory. Norman Sanson observed the weather from Sanson’s Peak for every week for 30 years and recorded his observations. Near the observatory is the foundation of a designated National Historic Site: the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station that measured cosmic radiation during the 1950s and 1960s. Along this boardwalk there are a variety of informative panels informing you about local fauna and flora in this unique habitat.

The gondola brochure points out that you may actually encounter local wildlife such as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Golden Mantled Squirrels, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. Although I didn’t run into any major wildlife, I enjoyed the majestic view from the mountain and the peacefulness that surrounds it.

I had a little snack in the cafeteria and sat right next to the picture window and looked down onto the townsite of Banff. It wasn’t a perfectly clear day and Cascade Mountain’s top was covered in mist and cloud, but the view from Sulphur Mountain is one of the most astounding panoramas anywhere.

After my wonderful mountain break, I took the gondola down – although I was debating whether I should take a snowy forest pathway all the way down the mountain which I kept seeing from the gondola. From the base station I walked over to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Canadian Rockies limestone mountains have all sorts of fissures and hot springs feed geothermally heated water right up through one of the cracks to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The springs were discovered in 1894 and contain steaming water loaded with minerals. Even in the winter people sit in the open-air pool and enjoy the medicinal waters of the Upper Hot Springs. The fully restored bathhouse dates back to the 1930s and also provides day spa facilities offering massage therapy, a steam room, aromatherapy and other facilities. A restaurant and snack bar are also located in the Bathhouse.

For a minute I was tempted to try the Hot Springs myself, but I didn’t have a bathing suit with me. Although the retail shop in the Bathhouse sells bathing suits I decided that rather than relaxing in the hot water I’d get a bit more exercise and I started my walk towards town.

Instead of taking the main road back to town I took a forest path that connects the Banff Upper Hot Springs with the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It was a beautiful peaceful walk through the trees and it would have been perfect if I hadn’t been wearing the world’s most slippery boots. I had to watch every step on the sloping forest terrain to make sure I didn’t wipe out, and I finally arrived at the bottom of the hill, relieved to be back on a paved parking lot right next to the Banff Springs Hotel.

I strolled by this famous Banff landmark into town and crossed the road to explore the grounds of Canada Place, the home of the Banff Park administration since 1936. During the summer Canada Place offers free admission to an exhibit that celebrates Canada’s land, culture and achievements.

During the winter the facility is closed, but the view from the surrounding Cascade Gardens towards Cascade Mountain is stunning on a clear day. I wasn’t so lucky, for our entire week in Banff we never got to see famous Cascade Mountain completely clear and free of clouds. But never mind, the glimpses that we did catch gave us a feeling for this amazingly photogenic natural feature that is always pictured on Banff postcards.

From Canada Place I crossed the bridge over the Bow River and I visited another important landmark: the Banff Park Museum. It is one of Canada’s oldest and grandest natural history museum, housed in a historic “railway pagoda”, built in 1903, the largest and most elaborate example of early park design, using decorative cross-log construction.

Specimens inside the museum include mountain goats, deer, cougars, bisons, bears, a large variety of birds and mammals and some of these specimens date back to the 1860s. Norman Sanson, the weatherman on Sanson’s Peak, was the curator of this museum for over 30 years, and personally collected thousands of specimens for this museum.

The museum also holds a library where you can browse through a variety of books and magazines. After I had informed myself about Western Canada’s wildlife I strolled down Banff’s main street, aptly named Banff Avenue, I strengthened myself with a quick late lunch in the food court at the Cascade Plaza Shops, one of Banff’s main shopping plazas. After lunch I headed back out on the street and a very chilly mountain wind had started blowing. This was my last walk through Banff on this vacation and I was mentally saying goodbye to this picturesque mountain town.

For the entire article including photos please visit

http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/banff_sulphur_mountain.htm

Written on March 12th, 2011 , About Banff Tags: , ,
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