Advice about Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore

As a special treat to ourselves we are not skiing in France this year but have flights booked to Calgary for Xmas. We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids aged 11, 13 and 14) and are strugging to decide where to stay. I guess we are all intermediates but some are more confident than others. I don't know whether to stay a week in Banff (or Canmore) and then a week in Lake Louise or stay put all in one place and just spend a bit more time on the bus (or hire car). I also fancy a visit to Kicking Horse for a day as well. SO my questions are:

stay in one place or two
Canmore looks like you get a bit more for your accomodation money (any problems with Canmore - Falcon Crest looks nice)?
if we hired a car where would we out the skis (do hire companies also include ski boxes or roof racks?)

So far have quotes from Big3 for Fox (might be out of our price range), Banff International, Lake Louise Inn, Douglas Fir and Hidden Ridge. So quite a price range but now my brain hurts and can't decide.

Any advice gratefully received.

Mark

I'm so jealous! what a fantastic trip you've got ahead of you.

I haven't been there but, depending on how high your budget is, the fairmont on lake louise is supposed to be out of this world. Their christmas activities are the stuff of fairytales. Also, what a view!

If it was me, with two weeks to play with, I'd travel. However, a lot of people would stay put so I think it depends on what sort of person/family you are.

My sister tells me that banff is a "christmas village" so, whatever you do, I think you'll enjoy it :D

one other thing, my sister also tells me it's bloomin freezing!

Wheres Ross when you need him :lol: (think hes back soon tho)

I'll be back in action on Tuesday.

mtr259 wrote:if we hired a car where would we out the skis (do hire companies also include ski boxes or roof racks?)


Mark

Mark

If you rent a mid size SUV, it will have a roof rack. Assuming your skis will be in ski bags, just take some straps to tie them down. Four wheel drive will cope with any road conditions and doesn't cost much more.

Trencher

Further to car rentals.

Most if not all of the Calgary car rental agencies are set up to accommodate the ski market. They will supply roof racks if you ask. The SUV - sport utility vehicle is an all wheel drive that is rather like a tall estate wagon. They pack a lot and have the all road/weather conditions aspect to them. Having said that all Canadian cars come with all season tires that will handle the plowed roads of Banff National park. In fact you cannot drive the mountain roads with out said tires. One last comment consider a mini van with the family. These things are a God send for any time on the road and are specifically designed for the traveling family. Take a look at dodge.ca to get an idea of the types of cars you would probably be renting. Don't rent what you get at home that's just darn boring! www.dodge.ca/en/grand_caravan/

The fuel costs for the heavier SUV might swing the decision for you but gas (petrol) here is cheaper than Europe at $1.25 per liter as I write this. I find that gas prices tends to follow the price per barrel fairly closely. If a barrel of oil is $125.00 then gas is $1.25 per l. give or take.

You will need to rent in Calgary as that's your probable port of entry. Car is the easiest way to get to Banff an hour or so away and about 1.5 hours to Lake Louise. The car will prove invaluable to getting about as the ski hills are only marginally served by shuttles. ( well that's my opinion some people like waiting for the buses or hate to drive or.....)

You will find that if you stay in Canmore where it is more economical to stay you will need the car. To drive to Golden and Kicking Horse is an easy 1.5 hours. Revelstoke and Mount McKenzie the newest of the Western resorts is a more challenging 3 hours or so but it can be a longish day trip. It depends on the kid's and your stamina - endurance.

All of the resorts of the Canadian Rockies are achievable on your two week stay if you rent a car.

My comment on cold... yes it gets cold but it's a dry cold... this is the real fact of the matter, when the temps drop to minus 20C- 25C you should call it a day and sit by the fire place. Bring as many clothes as you can carry for cold weather and you'll probably be OK. When it get cold ski in the sunshine as those two things go hand in hand, cold and cloudy is rare. Most Albertians love the cold as it brings the sun and all the joys of a bright albeit cold day of dry crunchy snow that is easier to ski than that frozen slush that warm weather brings. Remember the powder is reason you want to come ... no really, cold means dry fluffy snow that is easier to ski well fall down in at least.

Remember to bring warm hats/helmets and mitts (they are warmer) for all. Check out MEC.ca for the kinds of layers of clothes and the kinds of apparel that I/we ski in.

Last come and enjoy no matter what your choices of car hotel or resort you will have a grand holiday.

There you have it. I hope that it helps.

Thanks to everyone who has responded. We are just about to finalise the accomodation so getting very excited. Looks like 8 days in Banff and 5 in Lake Louise. We drive a minivan over here in the UK so may go for the small SUV for a change. Have experienced -20 to -25 a few times in the Alps so sort of know what to expect but the extreme cold is always a bit of a worry with kids sat on stopped chairlifts as they lose heat so quickly.

Next big question is where to book for Xmas Supper!

Thanks again.

Mark

Whilst it does get down to -20 or -25 it is not that often during the day. I can think of only 2 or three days when I have been skiing in banff when it was arround the -20 mark and to echo what JamesA said, I could only do a run or two and then had to spend an hour defrosting my feet. Probably would have been better to stay by the fire. You sould probably pack some emergency rations in your SUV (lots of chocolate, and loads of water, some warm cloths) there are many places in the parks that have no cell reception, so if you break down, you should be prepared for a long wait. Also, remember to brush the snow off your tail lights!

For Xmas dinner - try the Banff Park Lodge - they have a nice restaurant and will have a good value deal on. Other good places to eat:
Bison Mountain Bistro, The Restaurant at the Juniper hotel (good value), Banff Springs, Fuze Fine Dining, Athena Pizza (the best Pizza), Melissa's for breakfast (an institution), Bumpers (Really good value).

One way or the other, check out the Banff Springs, have a meal there or something. The common parts of the hotel, the dining room and lobby etc.. is one of the most amazing buildings in the greatest setting you will ever see.

Other non-skiing things to check out:-
-Take a day to drive the Icefields Parkway. This will be the most amazing drive you will ever do:
- Stop for a coffee at num-ti-jah lodge along the way.
- Park up at Bow Lookout and walk to the Lookout (its the view they always show on the HD demos for new TV's). It's a liitle bit tricky if there has been some snow, hence you really need to hire some snow shoes to do it easily. You can try it without, but it will be tough going. It is well worth it though.
-Stop and look at the athabasca glacier (but don't go on it, obviously.

-Drive along the bow valley parkway, you will almost definately see some wildlife.
-Drive to lake minnewanka (a few minutes from town).
-Vermillion Lakes - a few minutes at the edge of town
-Discover Banff tours do some good excursions if you want somebody else to take the strain. (the Ice walk is good)