Hotels in Banff with Pools

After a day in Banff National Park, what better way to unwind than a soak or a swim in your hotel pool, or if you are a family with kids, some of the indoor or outdoor pools can be a destination in their own right. Most hotels in Banff have some sort of hot tub or whirlpool, but several Banff accommodations offer a lot more than that, with some hotels offering swimming pools and others having larger hot pools with unique designs or in special locations. Below you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Banff with pools that we regard to be a level above the average hot tub.

The Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets has one of the most popular swimming pools for families with 2 indoor waterslides plus whirlpools. This facility is free to hotel guests, and costs $20 for general admission.

As part of its impressive sports facilities the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a 15 metre indoor pool as well as an indoor and outdoor hot tub.

Guests at Best Western Siding 29 Lodge can do laps in the indoor swimming pool, or just relax in the hot tub.

Not surprisingly, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has an excellent selection of pools, with a 20 metre outdoor heated pool (open year round), a 32 metre indoor pool, as well as a shallow indoor pool for small kids plus an indoor jetted hot tub. These pools in the Aquatic Centre are free of charge to hotel guests, while the mineral pool with waterfalls in the Willow Stream Spa as well an indoor and outdoor hot tub are available for an additional charge (currently $69 per day for hotel guests).

The Banff Park Lodge has an indoor heated swimming pool as well as a large Jacuzzi. Guests of the nearby Homestead Inn can also make use of these facilities.

The Banff High Country Inn offers an indoor heated pool plus hot tubs which guests at their sister property the Red Carpet Inn can also enjoy.

Guests at the Inns of Banff can take in some impressive mountain views from the large outdoor roof top hot pool, as well as having an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool at their disposal.

The Rundlestone Lodge can offer its guests a 45 foot indoor lap pool plus a large whirlpool.

The Voyager Inn has a large outdoor heated pool which is open year-round, plus an indoor jacuzzi. Guests at the neighbouring Spruce Grove Inn can also use these facilities.

A unique hot pool can be found at the Fox Hotel & Suites, whose grotto-like appearance resembles the historic pools at the Cave & Basin.

The Grotto Spa mineral pool plus a whirlpool can be found at the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.

At the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa you’ll find a large 26 person jetted hot pool which is part of their Red Earth Spa facility, but is free for all hotel guests to use.

The Rimrock Resort Hotel offers its guests an indoor pool as well as a whirlpool as part of their spa & leisure facilities.

The indoor pool, hot plunge pool, and hot tub at the Banff Park Lodge can be used by guests of sister hotel, the Bow View Lodge.

Guests at the Hidden Ridge Resort can enjoy magnificent mountain views from the two outdoor hot pools perched on a ridge looking west down the Bow Valley.

And finally, Tunnel Mountain Resort has an indoor heated pool and 2 indoor whirlpools for its guests to enjoy.

If you don’t stay at a Banff hotel with a pool, you can always make use of one the public pools in Banff Alberta, namely the 25 metre swimming pool at the Sally Borden Fitness & Recreation Centre (public swim price $4.50 adults, $2.50 6-15 yrs), or the pool with waterslides at the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets ($20).

Accommodations in Banff with Kitchens

Whether you are travelling with your family or you simply like the taste of your own cooking, staying in a hotel, condo or suite with kitchen facilities can be a convenient and cost effective way to visit Banff. With two large grocery stores and a fantastic bakery in town, it is easy to be self sustaining and the following list of Banff hotels with kitchens gives you a wide selection of self catering accommodation to choose from:

Popular with families due to its waterslide, Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets offers a range of Banff accommodations with kitchens for various group sizes in a peaceful location on Tunnel Mountain. Each unit has a full kitchen with a cook-top, oven, fridge, microwave, pots, pans and utensils.

Surrounded by magnificent mountain views on the edge of the town of Banff, Banff Rocky Mountain Resort offers Banff lodging with cooking facilities. Their studio suites, one bedroom condos, two bedroom condos and loft suites each boast a kitchen with a stovetop, microwave and dishwasher, as well as pots, pans and utensils.

Charlton’s Cedar Court is a Banff hotel with a convenient location close to downtown. Their Kitchenette Suites offer two sleeping areas plus a kitchenette featuring a four burner stove top, microwave, mini-fridge, dishes, and cooking utensils.

With a quiet location on Tunnel Mountain, Hidden Ridge Resort offers a range of modern condo style accommodation in Banff, with one or two bedroom condos as well as some jacuzzi suites. Each unit offers a full kitchen including a stove, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, as well as stylish granite countertops.

Also located on Tunnel Mountain, Tunnel Mountain Resort offers cabins, chalets or suites for 2, 4, or 6 people. Their loft chalets, mountain cabins, one bedroom suites and loft suites each offer kitchen amenities which include a stove top, oven, dishwasher, microwave oven, full size refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, pots, pans and utensils. If you do not require a full kitchen, their executive suite offers just a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker.

The Rundle Manor offers basic, affordable accommodations in a central location just one block from the shopping and restaurants of downtown Banff. Their studio, and one and two bedroom apartments each boast a kitchen with a stove, fridge, microwave, pots, pans and utensils.

Visit Banff for Easter Weekend

Easter is a excellent opportunity for a springtime visit to the Canadian Rockies. With Easter Sunday 2013 falling relatively early on March 31, the ski and snowboard season will still be in full swing at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort, and Mount Norquay. Easter is also a great time to go sightseeing in Banff National Park as the views of the snow-capped peaks are stunning at this time of year, and the roads are very quiet compared to the summer months. Alternatively, strolling through the streets of downtown Banff discovering the excellent restaurants and shopping can be a fun and relaxing way to spend the Easter holiday weekend.

Banff Lodging for Easter 2013

Easter weekend is usually a busy one for hotels in Banff, and most Banff accommodations do not offer specific Easter packages or special deals. That being said, at the time of writing, availability is quite good for Easter weekend and it is recommended that you make your reservations as early as possible while there is still a wide selection of hotels to choose from. As the holiday weekend approaches, vacancies for the night of Saturday March 30 are likely to become limited, while Friday March 29 and Sunday March 31 will probably have more openings.
To check rates and availability for several Banff hotels, click here.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The Banff area is blessed with a long winter which means that by Easter the ski resorts often have some of their best snow of the whole season. Both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort are open until May and with the amount of snow they have on the ground at the moment, it looks like spring skiing will be as good as it gets this Easter 2013. Also Mount Norquay will be open for Easter weekend skiing, with a closing day of April 14 at the earliest.

Easter Sunday Brunch in Banff

One of the best things to do on Easter Sunday in Banff is to treat yourself to one of the amazing brunches offered by several hotels in town, and we have listed some of the most popular options below. These events are extremely popular and are likely to sell out, which means early reservations are strongly recommended.

Easter Sunday Brunch at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Sunday Brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel is legendary, and their Easter Brunch is no exception. In addition to the impressive breakfast and lunch specialties, there are often extra Easter themed treats which make the Easter Brunch buffet even more special. Also, the Brunch for Easter 2013 will take place in the Van Horne Ballroom, which is a rare opportunity to dine in this venue which is reserved for special occasions.
When: March 31 2013, 10.00-14.30
Where: Van Horne Ballroom
Cost: Adults $59, Children 6-12yrs $29.50, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 762 6860

Easter Brunch at the Evergreen Restaurant
The Evergreen Restaurant at the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge will be hosting a delicious Easter brunch buffet on March 31. Among the breakfast favorites on offer are an omelette station and eggs benedict, with a cold buffet featuring smoked salmon, tiger prawns, a charcuterie platter and a selection of salads. Hot lunch items include coq au vin, poached salmon, and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, rounded out with a selection of desserts.
When: March 31 2013, 10.30-14.00
Where: Evergreen Restaurant
Cost: Adults $30, Children 6-12yrs $16.00, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 760 6956

Rimrock Resort Hotel Easter Brunch
Sunday Brunch will be offered in the Hawthorn Room and Ballroom at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, and will feature a buffet with breakfast and lunch items and chef attended stations.
When: March 31 2013, 10.00-13.30
Where: Hawthorn Room & Ballroom
Cost: Adults $35, Children 6-12yrs $17.50, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 762 3356

Eggs Benedict at the Juniper Hotel & Bistro
With spectacular lake and mountain views, the Juniper Bistro will be offering a special Easter Eggs Benedict a la carte menu on Sunday March 31 and Monday April 1 from 7.30am to 2pm. You can enjoy your eggs benny with delectable pairings such as duck confit, beef tenderloin, back bacon or spinach & tomato. This special menu also includes other breakfast and lunch items.
When: March 31 & April 1 2013, 7.30-14.00
Where: Juniper Bistro
Cost: a la carte items at approx $15 each
Reservations: 403 762 2281

Easter Sunday Brunch at the Banff Park Lodge
The Banff Park Lodge will be serving Easter Sunday Brunch in the Chinook Restaurant from 10am to 2pm. The buffet includes a wide selection of breakfast and hot & cold lunch items, and make sure you leave plenty of room for the excellent dessert station!
When: March 31 2013, 10.00-14.00
Where: Chinook Restaurant
Cost: Adults $33.95, Seniors $28.95, Children 6-12yrs $23.95, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 760 3255

Easter Brunch at Mount Norquay
If you are skiing or riding on Easter Sunday, why not have your brunch on mountain? Kika’s Cafe at Mount Norquay will be hosting brunch on March 31st from 10am to 1pm. There will be plenty of breakfast goodies on the menu including eggs, bacon, and French toast with maple syrup, and the kids are sure to enjoy the Easter egg hunt outside the lodge at 10am.
When: March 31 2013, 10.00-13.00
Where: Kika’s Cafe, Mount Norquay
Cost: Adults $17.00, Children 6-13yrs $8.50, 5yrs + under free

The Keg Brunch Buffet
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa will be offering a brunch buffet on Easter Sunday with breakfast and lunch items such as eggs benedict, French toast with strawberries, peel ‘n’ eat shrimp, salad bar, honey glazed ham and prime rib.
When: March 31 2013, 11.00-14.00
Where: The Keg at the Caribou Lodge & Spa
Cost: Adults $24.99, Children 12yrs and under $9.99
Reservations: 403 762 4442

*The above rates for Easter Sunday Brunch do not include tax and service charge.

Get Away From It All

There is no doubt that all Banff hotels can offer a welcome change from city living, but if you really want to escape there are some fantastic resorts and chalets hidden away in their own quiet corner of Banff National Park. Each of the following properties has a unique location and charm, and they all offer a way to bring you closer to nature while providing the perfect base for discovering the rest of the Banff and Lake Louise area.

Johnston Canyon Resort is located west of Banff on Highway 1A, between Banff and Castle Junction, and offers cabins and chalets of various sizes. The resort has an idyllic location at the end of a picturesque canyon, which guests can walk up on a series of interpretive trails and bridges that take you past amazing waterfalls and geological formations.

Baker Creek Mountain Resort is a charming property located on Highway 1A, approx 15 minutes east of Lake Louise. Choose between 3 types of Lodge Suite or 3 sizes of chalet, each with kitchen or kitchenette. The locally sourced water is magical both for bathing and drinking, and the Baker Creek Bistro provides a fantastic dining experience.

Castle Mountain Chalets are located roughly half way between Banff and Lake Louise on Highway 1A not far from Castle Junction. The accommodation is in the form of log cabins or chalets of varying sizes, each with a kitchen or kitchenette.

Storm Mountain Lodge is found on Highway 93 south of Castle Junction, around 25 mins from Banff. Accommodation is in log cabins which are well appointed and charming, with the type of rustic feel only attainable in such a historic location. The fine dining restaurant is excellent and is well regarded throughout the area.

Family Day Weekend in Banff

For anyone living in Alberta, Monday February 18 2013 will be the annual Family Day holiday, meaning that Family Day Weekend from Feb 15 to 18 2013 is a great opportunity for 2 or 3 days of skiing or snowboarding, or simply visiting Banff National Park for a long weekend. If you have previously had the pleasure of spending Family Day Weekend in Banff, you will know that it’s one of the busiest weekends of the winter for Banff hotels, which means that it’s highly recommended that you make your hotel reservations as early as possible, while there are still rooms available.
At the time of writing there are still rooms available at Banff hotels throughout the weekend however availability for a one night stay on the night of Saturday February 16 is becoming limited, and there may be more options open if you select a stay of 2 or more nights.
Click here to check current rates and availability for hotels in Banff

No Vacancy?
If you are unable to find suitable accommodation in Banff, you could consider staying at a hotel in Canmore, which is an easy 20 minute drive away from Banff and well located for skiing at Banff’s three ski resorts as well as at Nakiska. On holiday weekends it is generally easier to find availability at hotels in Canmore, possibly at a lower rate!
Click here to check current rates and availability for hotels in Canmore

Another option would be to try hotels in Lake Louise which lies 60km west of Banff, and is of course ideally located for skiing at Lake Louise Mountain Resort.
Click here to check current rates and availability for hotels in Lake Louise

Because it is such a busy weekend for hotels in Banff, most accommodations do not offer any Family Day weekend packages or special deals, with the busiest night for lodging likely to be Saturday February 16, however accommodation for Friday February 15, and Sunday February 17 is also sure to eventually fill up.
Once you have booked your Banff hotel, you should consider making your other arrangements for the holiday weekend, such as booking tours or making restaurant reservations, and if you are planning to ski, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at the ski resorts as early as possible so that you can park your car, purchase your ski pass and head up the lifts before the crowds arrive.
Banff is a wonderful place to spend the Family Day holiday, and if you plan ahead you will find the ideal hotel in Banff to experience a truly memorable weekend.

New Year Hotel Packages in Banff

Banff is a superb destination for celebrating New Years, where sophisticated New Year’s Eve parties, mouth watering New Year menus, and fun family activities, all combine to make New Years in Banff Alberta very difficult to beat.

Find a Room

For hotels in Banff, New Years is a much busier time than Christmas in Banff and early reservations are strongly recommended. Although many Banff accommodations do not offer specific packages for New Years, you can be sure that they are all open for business, and those with restaurants will generally have special dinners or festive menus available.
*Note that at this busy time you will generally find better availability for a 2 night stay or longer.
To check availability and rates at Banff hotels for New Years or other dates, click here.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a special New Years hotel package or festive menu, we have featured some interesting options below.

Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Guests of the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge are fortunate to have the Evergreen Restaurant on the property, one Banff’s finest dining establishments.
For New Year’s Eve the Evergreen is offering a delectable 4 course menu for $75 per person. The choice of appetizers includes Classic Provencal Seafood Bourride, Tian of Sushi, and a Terrine of Quebec Rabbit. The entrees consist of Alberta Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras Parfait, Curry Crusted New Zealand Orange Roughy, or Braised Elk Osso Bucco Bourguignon. The meal is rounded off with a Duo of Chocolate or Apple Filled Creme Brule dessert.
To check room availability at the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, click here.
For dinner reservations, contact the Evergreen directly.

New Years at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

For years the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has been renowned for hosting the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Banff, and December 31st 2012 will be no different. If you are thinking of visiting the Banff Springs for New Years, you should take a look at what they have planned for their New Years Gala, and indeed throughout the holiday period there is a whole host of exciting festive activities and events taking place at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, as well as several ways to spend New Years Eve itself:

New Year’s Gala – Dec 31
This is Banff’s big New Years celebration – in the Van Horne Ballroom a wonderful 4 course dinner is served including wine service and a host bar, with a nine piece band playing in the background. Following dinner the music becomes livelier and dancing begins for a fully fledged New Year’s Eve party until 1am, with a midnight buffet included. After dinner from 8pm children aged 6-12 yrs are invited to attend the New Year’s Kids Party (see below).
7pm-1am
Cost for the whole evening $295 adults, $149 teenagers (13-17 yrs)
Cost for dance only $125 adults, $90 teenagers (13-17 yrs)
Cost for dinner & kids party $149 (6-12 yrs)

New Year’s Kids Club Party – Dec 31
This children’s party is ideal for the 6-12 year old kids whose parents are attending the New Year’s Gala party (see above), and includes dancing, bowling and kids’ activities.
8pm-1am in the Upper Level of the Banff Springs Conference Centre
Cost for gala dinner & kids party $149 (6-12 yrs)
Cost for kids party only $79 (6-12 yrs)

New Year’s Family Skating Party – Dec 31
Three course family dinner in the Waldhaus Pub, followed by ice skating on the Waldhaus Rink
5-9pm, Adults $55, Children 6-12 yrs $27.50, skate rental extra.

Hunters Brunch – Jan 1
What better way to start off 2013 than to enjoy the New Year’s day brunch in the Bow Valley Grill? A veritable feast and, for many, a New Years institution.
11am-2pm, Adults $59, Children 6-12 yrs $29.50

To check room rates and availability at the Banff Springs Hotel for the holiday period click here.
For further details of all the festive activities and dining events taking place over New Years, take at look at the Banff Springs Hotel’s Christmas at the Castle Guide by clicking here.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is offering a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Package, valid for one night on December 31st 2012. The package includes lodging and a gourmet dinner with a glass of sparkling wine, DJ entertainment, plus a buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day. Rates start at $299 per person based on double occupancy.

Rimrock Resort Hotel

The Rimrock Hotel has several dining options for New Year’s Eve, including a 6 course gourmet dinner in the Eden Restaurant, a five course New Years Eve menu in the Primrose Dining Room, and a Ballroom Gala including a cocktail hour, four course dinner, and live music.

Restaurant Le Beaujolais

Le Beaujolais is Banff’s premier fine dining restaurant and for New Year’s Eve they have put together several delicious menus, ranging from 3 or 4 course dinners with early seating from 5.30-6.30pm to a superb 6 course Gala dinner with seating at 8pm. There is also a late seating 3 course option at 9.30pm. No matter which dinner you choose, at Le Beaujolais your last meal of 2012 is sure to be a memorable one.
To view the full menus and prices visit www.lebeaujolaisbanff.com.

*The above rates are subject to applicable taxes, subject to availability, subject to change without notice, and hotel room rates are generally based on double occupancy. For current information, please contact the Banff accommodations directly using the links provided.
If you are spending Xmas in Banff, you may be interested in reading our article about accommodation packages in Banff at Christmas.
If you are looking at various options in the Rockies for New Years, you may also wish to consider New Year’s Eve in Lake Louise.
If you cannot find a vacancy at a hotel in Banff for December 31, you may wish to consider spending New Year’s Eve in Canmore, just 20 minutes drive east of Banff, where room availability can often be better.

Christmas Packages at Hotels in Banff

Christmas in Banff is a truly magical experience for many reasons; the snow covered Canadian Rockies, warm hospitality, world class skiing, and a great selection of winter activities make Banff the perfect destination for your 2012 Christmas vacation. Although Christmas is much quieter than New Years in Banff, it is still advisable to book your hotel accommodation early.

Find a Room

Hotels in Banff know how to celebrate Christmas in style and although many Banff hotels do not offer specific Christmas packages, they are certainly open for business right through the Christmas period, with no shortage of festive dining and celebrations throughout the town.
To check availability and compare rates at several Banff hotels for the Christmas period, click here.

If you are looking for special Xmas packages offered by Banff accommodations, you may be interested in the following options:

Christmas at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

It is difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting than the Banff Springs Hotel to celebrate the Christmas of your dreams with your family or loved ones. As soon as you arrive at the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ during the holiday period and see the enormous and lavishly decorated Christmas trees and hear the festive music you know you’re in for a truly memorable experience. Throughout the holiday period there is a whole host of fun and festive activities taking place at the hotel – in fact there is so much going on, they produce a special Xmas guide booklet to help you keep up with all the fun!

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers two Christmas packages for 2012:
Couples just looking for a room at a favourable rate should consider the Couples Holiday Getaway Package, which is basically a ‘stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free’ deal. The package is based on a minimum 3 night stay from December 21 2012 to January 5 2013, with rates starting at $299 per night based on double occupancy in a Fairmont Room. Click here for details and to check availability.
For families or couples who are looking for deluxe accommodation with plenty of ‘extras’ included, the Family Christmas in Banff Package may be just the ticket. This packages includes deluxe accommodation, self parking, a decorated Christmas tree in your room, breakfast each day and gratuities. The package is valid from Dec 20 to Dec 26 2012, with rates starting at $549 per night based on 2 adults and 2 children in a Deluxe Room for a minimum 3 night stay. Click here for details and to check availability.

Once you have booked your room, you can look forward to taking part in Christmas activities such as the gingerbread house workshop, the great Santa send-off, Santa’s workshop, cookie decorating, curling, the Traditional Christmas sing-along, ice skating, snowsheing and much much more.
For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining, there are a variety of options including:

Traditional Christmas Dinner Buffet – Dec 24 & Dec 25
A Christmas buffet with international flair in the Bow Valley Grill.
5.30-9pm, Cost $75 adults, $37.50 kids 6-12 yrs, 5 and under free

Cascade Supper Club – Dec 24 & Dec 25
A sophisticated adult-only 1940s themed dinner & dance in the Cascade Ballroom, with a five course meal and a five piece band.
Seating at 6.30pm, 7.00pm and 7.30pm Cost $125

Christmas Day Brunch – Dec 25
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Christmas Day brunch – sure to impress.
9.30am-1.30pm, Cost $59 adults, $29.50 kids 6-12 yrs, 5 and under free

Christmas Day Afternoon Tea – Dec 25
Traditional Afternoon Tea on Christmas Day in the Rundle Lounge with some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies.
noon-4pm, Cost $49 adults, $24.50 kids 6-12 yrs, 5 and under free

Family Christmas Buffet with Entertainment – Dec 25
Extravagant Christmas dinner buffet in the Alberta Room.
5.30-9pm, Cost $79 adults, $39.50 kids 6-12 yrs, 5 and under free

For full information about Christmas activities and Christmas & Boxing Day dining at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, be sure to view the official Christmas at the Castle Guide.

Juniper Hotel & Bistro

The Juniper Hotel & Bistro is offering a Christmas Package which includes 2 nights in Mount Norquay accommodation and a 3 course Christmas dinner for two in the Bistro on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The package is valid from December 24 to 26, with rates starting at $445.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is offering a Christmas Package which includes one night’s accommodation on December 25th, Christmas dinner, plus a buffet breakfast on Boxing Day, December 26th. Rates start at $197 per person plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Rimrock Resort Hotel

The Rimrock Resort Hotel has lots of fun activities taking place over the Holidays, such as gift wrapping, children’s crafts, a Christmas Eve celebration with Mrs Claus and the Elves, a magician, carol singing, a visit from Santa on the morning of December 25th, and a selection of venues to enjoy Xmas dinner.
Rates for the 2012 Holiday Season from December 24-31 2012 start at $238 per night.

**The above hotel rates are subject to applicable taxes, subject to availability, subject to change without notice, and generally based on double occupancy. To confirm details and availability for all hotel packages and Christmas dining, please use the links provided.
If you are going to be in Banff for New Year’s Eve, you may also be interested in seeing some Banff New Year hotel packages.

Banff Film Festival Hotel Deals

If you are coming to the 2012 Banff Mountain Festival and are planing to book a hotel in Banff, you could save money by taking advantage of one of the special Film Festival rates offered by several Banff hotels:

For absolute convenience and the shortest possible walk from your hotel room to Festival events, you can’t beat staying at the Banff Centre itself. Their superior lodge style rooms are being offered at the Mountain Festival rate of $95 per night.

At the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs you can treat yourself to a luxury hotel at a reasonable rate by taking advantage of their special Film & Book Festival package. Valid from October 27 to November 4 2012, rates for this bed and breakfast package start at $249 per room per night.

In the heart of downtown Banff and a pleasant stroll from the Banff Centre, the Mount Royal Hotel is offering rooms for $79 per night from October 26 to November 5 2012.

Banff Aspen Lodge is also offering a Film and Book Festival rate of $94 per room per night which includes a continental breakfast, valid October 25 to November 12 2012. Use the online booking code:Film.

An $89 room rate can be found at Brewster’s Mountain Lodge. The special rate includes a continental breakfast and is valid from October 1 to November 30 2012 (excluding Thanksgiving), using Promo Code: FILM.

The Banff International Hotel is offering rooms for $109 per night during the 2012 film festival, which includes a free breakfast in Ricky’s All Day Grill, valid October 27 to November 4.

For $99 per night you can find accommodations at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn from October 22nd to November 8th. This rate includes a hot buffet breakfast for 2. Use online booking code:FILMFEST.

The Rundlestone Lodge is offering lodging in a Premium room for $83 per night between October 8 and December 20. Use booking promo code:Film.

* The above rates are generally based on double or single occupancy and are subject to applicable taxes, subject to availability, and subject to change without notice. For current information and for reservations, please contact the Banff hotels directly.

Banff Ski Resort Opening Dates

Although it is still October, there have already been several snowfalls in the Banff and Lake Louise area, and it certainly looks and feels like mid winter in downtown Banff. Not surprisingly, thoughts about skiing and snowboarding have started to dominate the minds of snow sports lovers across the country.
Probably the most common question for skiers and riders from now until the season starts is:
“When do Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay open for the 2012-2013 ski season?”
Well, the long wait for the winter season is now over with Mount Norquay enjoying their earliest ever opening on October 25th!! And if mother nature cooperates, the other ski resorts in the Banff Lake Louise area will be open in a little over 2 weeks!

Mount Norquay will be the first resort to open, at noon on October 25, with just the Cascade Chair in operation. On October 26, 27 & 28 the Cascade Chair will be open all day from 9am to 4pm, and this schedule will continue on Saturdays and Sundays until Norquay opens for full operations on November 30 2012.
The Lake Louise Ski Area has a tentative opening date of November 9 2012.
Sunshine Village has a tentative opening date of November 9 2012.

The reason of course that some of these opening days are ‘tentative’, is that the resorts need enough snow on the ground to operate. For this reason the dates are subject to change so be sure to confirm the actual opening day and the current conditions directly with the ski areas nearer the time if you are planning to head up the mountain on the first day of the season.

Thanksgiving Special Menus

If you are planning to spend thanksgiving weekend in Banff, you will no doubt be searching for a special meal to mark the occasion. While all Banff restaurants will be open for business as usual, you may find that the following special Thanksgiving menus will make your holiday weekend that bit more festive:

The Evergreen Restaurant at the Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge have put together a mouth-watering Thanksgiving menu, starting with a choice of cream of butternut squash soup, or salad of char grilled asparagus, or tempura crab roll. For the main course choose between traditional roast tom turkey with mousseline potatoes and gravy, or Italian style roast porchetta. Finish with a dessert of iced hazelnut semifreddo or a crepe suzette. This Thanksgiving special will be served on October 6, 7, and 8 2012 and costs $54 for adults and $24 for children under 12.

Melissa’s Restaurant are serving a Thanksgiving dinner from 4-10pm on Sunday October 7 and Monday October 8 which includes a salad and bread starter followed by roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables for $22.95, or $13.95 for children. Dessert is not included in the price, however pumpkin pie will be available as an extra for those who have saved room for it!

The Keg Steakhouse at the Banff Caribou Lodge is serving a Thanksgiving Sunday brunch from 11am – 1.30pm which will include roast turkey with stuffing & gravy, and all the trimmings as well as breakfast items, costing $20.99 for adults and $9.99 for children under 12.
At the same venue, there will be an evening Thanksgiving dinner buffet from 4pm to 10.00pm featuring roast turkey, oven roasted prime rib, peel & eat shrimp, salad bar, dessert bar and much more, costing $30.99 for adults and $12.99 for children.

The Chinook Restaurant at the Banff Park Lodge will be serving a Thanksgiving brunch on Sunday October 7th 2012 from 10am to 2pm. The buffet will include a selection of salads, cold cuts, smoked salmon, shrimp, as well as some Thanksgiving specials such as roasted turkey with port wine gravy, sage and chestnut dressing, butter whipped potatoes, carved Alberta beef, and roast pork in wild mushroom sauce. You will also find a selection of delightful desserts, including a chocolate fountain and pumpkin pie! The cost is $31 for adults, and $21 for children 6-12 years. Be sure to bring a good appetite!

The Juniper Bistro is offering a special 3 course menu for Thanksgiving on Saturday October 6th, Sunday October 7th and Monday October 8th, costing $28 for adults. Start with a spiced carrot & parsnip soup with candied pecans & creme fraiche, followed by roasted turkey with turkey confit mashed potatoes, gravy and seasonal vegetables, with a home made sticky toffee pudding for dessert. There is also a children’s menu for $9 with a small portion of turkey with regular mashed potatoes & gravy followed by vanilla ice cream with maple caramel sauce for dessert.

At the Rimrock Resort Hotel, a Thanksgiving dinner is being served in the Primrose Dining Room on the evenings of October 6, 7 and 8. The delicious menu, costing $39pp can be seen here (pdf). A special children’s menu (pdf) is also available for $19.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are offering a Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Sunday & Monday (6-9pm) in the Bow Valley Grill for $55pp ($27.50 for children 6-12yrs). On the menu you will find roasted turkey plus all the trimmings as well as a wide range of other dishes.
The Bow Valley Grill is also featuring their regular brunch on October 6 & 7, costing $45pp ($22.50 for children 6-12yrs).

The Bison Restaurant is offering a Thanksgiving special on Sunday October 7th and Monday October 8th which includes a ham hock & parsnip soup to start, followed by honey brined turkey breast and confit leg, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, gravy and cranberry sauce as the entree. Finished off with warm pumpkin pound cake with white chocolate cranberry ice cream for dessert, and you’ve got a fine 3 course meal for $40.

At Banff International Hotel, Ricky’s All Day Grill is serving turkey dinner from 4pm on October 6, 7 and 8 for just $15.99pp. The meal includes a soup or salad starter and a dessert of creme brulee cheesecake or sticky toffee pudding .

*The above prices do not include tax or tip.
Please contact the above restaurants directly to book your table.
To avoid disappointment, early reservations are recommended for Thanksgiving events at all Banff restaurants.

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