Banff?
The wife wanted to go to the mountains this winter so I booked a cabin at Castle Mountain for her as a birthday gift. We will be going at the beginning of March and I am looking for tips on things to do that can involve a little one (17 months). We are not skiers so I do not spend much time in the mountains in the winter. We will go to the Hot Springs for sure as the little one LOVES water!! Is the gondola trip worth it? I have also looked at doing the Johnston Canyon hike to the falls. Phoned about the tour and they refused us as they claim it is not doable with the little one. I call garbage on this as I do not remember that as being very tough at all!! Funny thing is that when you google things to do in Banff in winter #2 on the list is to actually leave Banff and go to Calgary for a Flames game!!! I fund that very comical!! Promote our beautiful parks by telling people to leave them!! Any tips would be great!!!
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Candy factory
Ye Olde spagetti factory Check out the falls. Hot springs Gondola is expensive for adults ($30 per) - it has been wonderful, but check the conditions while your there. If it is cloudy or grey it isnt worth it. Check out some of the little shops. Hot springs. go for a hike along lake minnawonka (sp) |
Ya going to Castle or Banff? Little bit apart.
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Johnston Canyon can be pretty slick depending on conditions, especially the last bit to the falls. At your discretion there, it really depends on how icey it is that day. It's not physically challenging, but some sections can be slick.
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Ya won't make it past the ski hill at Castle this time of year. We may be talking bout two different places here. hehe
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We stay at the cabins right at the base of Castle Mountain on Bow Valley Parkway. It is about 25 - 30 mins from Banff. |
I would recommend The Cave and Basin but my wife thinks it's closed for renovations. Check if it's open before you go.
It's the original hot springs. Now a historical site, We love to go there. |
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Right on the main drag in Banff there is a fudge making place. They also have some other great treats. The kids love the carmel corn, or the hand made chocolate bear claws and the candy apples. If you go at the right time you can see them working the products right on the marble slab. (chocolate bear claw - size of a a grown ups fist. Chocolate, carmel, cashews and more chocolate See pictures - not the actual ones from Banff https://paulasedibles.com/wp-content...s/P7010108.JPG ) Ye olde Spagetti Factory, They have a few locations around the country. The prices are good and the food is pretty decent, Kid friendly. |
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Seoul Korean BBQ 215 Banff Avenue Banff, AB T1L Canada This is a one off place you might just love. Korean place, They have the bbq right in the tables. They serve flavourful soups, stews, rice and noodle dishes, hot pots and Korean BBQ. ( It is somewhat hard to find if you don’t know where to look because it is located within the Sundance Mall, along main street.) This is a favourite with Us and our friends. |
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Sounds interesting!! It is on the list now thanks!! |
Check out the tropical fish, believe it or not,:lol: in the ponds below the Cave and basin. We always eat at The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Grizz |
You don't need a tour group for Johnson canyon. It is a very accessible easy hike that I've taken my grandmother on and she was 80 at the time. It may be icy at this time of year which is the only problem, but Banff can be pretty mild so it's often fine. I've taken my 3 and 2 year old on that hike before and they made it to the upper falls. Also you can't get lost the majority of it is paved, even wheelchair accessible in the summer. It's a pretty nice hike tho, especially if you have one of those kid backpacks you would be fine.
If your in Banff check out Chez Francois in Canmore for brunch... it is by far the absolute best place for breakfast in the county. It will cost you a pay check at supper time, but breakfast is super cheap and amazing. If you get a night off from the kid, St James gate is the best pub in town. Tons of beer on tap and great food. There are some easy hikes to do around Lake Minnewanka as well that are good to check out. IF it gets nasty outside the douglas fir hotel has a water slide and pool that is open to the public for a small fee, and the hot springs of course. If your at castle mountain your half way to lake lousie as well. The chateau lake Louise is cool to check out as well, they have a nice outdoor skating rink I think you can rent skates there. They have a big ice carving festival sometime in the winter that we always went to and it was pretty cool. Lagans bakery in louise is the best place for snacks if your out there. |
Goobs, for SURE do Johnston's Canyon. We've been hauling the kids up there since they were too young to walk. It can be slippery but I've seen worse in the city. It's almost an annual favourite for us.
Two must-stops in town for me are the gem shop (Canada Gems ???) and the trading post accross the river. It's also worth taking a short jaunt up the hill to see the hotel and then down to Bow Falls. The gondla is always a hoot even in less than ideal conditions, and Minnewanka is beautiful too. There's an easy stroll along the north shore. You will probably see a small band of sheep that hang out there and like to like the salt off of the passing cars. Also, every Easter, we make the run out to Lake Louise. You can do the horse drawn sleigh ride, but we always hike the west shore of the lake to the big ice falls there. Flat, easy and quietish. You guys will have a blast. Nice gift. ;) EDIT: Gus types faster 'n I do! :lol: |
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Alpine Heli Tour, out of Camore.
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There's 2 excellent web-cams at the top of the Banff Gondola. You can check them out online at http://www.explorerockies.com/banff-webcam/
- or they have them live on big-screens at the lower terminal, so you can check the weather up top before buying tickets. The Banff Park Museum at the end of Banff Ave before the bridge is good, or the Whyte Museum is excellent - it's across from the town hall and often has children programs on - or kiddie 'museum packs' with activities. If you can join a Heritage Home tour with them, it's worth the time. http://www.whyte.org/programs/family_programs.html A cool trip is going to Simpson's Num-Ti-Ja Lodge, which is 40 km past Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. It's a real interesting building with ancient taxidermy in the dining room - ask if you can peek into their guest lounge too. Might want to phone ahead to see if it'll be open for lunch http://www.num-ti-jah.com/ Good choice on the Castle Mtn cabins. If you're looking for a little change next time, try Baker Creek Chalets just a little further up the Bow Valley Parkway. |
Definately go to Lake Louise and see the sculptures. They are worth the drive for sure.
A place that is good to take the kids in Banff is Magpie and Stump. It's just off the main street about a block. If you like Mexican food it is a good place to have a lunch or dinner. I would also say that the Old Spagetti Factory is a good family oriented place. My wife and I have eaten there several times. The food is good and the staff is really great. The OSF is upstairs in the mall which is at 317 Banff Ave. While your up there be sure and go in Editions art gallery. Have a look at the acrylic sculptures by Frederick Hart. They are just stunning. You could also take the family for a horse drawn carriage ride around Banff. That would be a good thing to do after visiting the candy shop across the street. That way everyone can have some chocolate while they are on the ride. Have a great time. Rob |
Stayed at Emerald Lake a couple winters ago and it's amazing up there. It's only I think about 45 mins from there maybe an hour. Can rent some snowshoes and go around the lake, or have a buffalo burger in the restraunt for lunch.(Food is a bit pricey there)
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Great tips folks, I appreciate the help!! Sounds like we will have lots to do as well as some relaxation!!!
The restaurant you recommended was a huge hit Fishingmom!!! Wife loved the sounds of it and we will be checking it out!! |
The BEST, and I mean BEST restaraunt meal I'd had in a loooong time was here.
http://www.thebison.ca/restaurant/ It was the first place that I felt was worth the $$ that we spent on a meal. I took my wife there for our anniversary. That will be the plan for this year's as well. |
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Goober, Cool glad to hear it. Its not your typical place, which I think is why our group loves it when we head out there. |
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