Banff SnowDays Festival
From January 14 to February 12 2012 Banff SnowDays winter festival will bring a whole host of exciting winter activities and events to the town of Banff and other venues in Banff National Park. Like Jasper in January, a popular annual event in Jasper Alberta, SnowDays is a chance to celebrate everything that is wonderful about winter in the Canadian Rockies. While skiing and snowboarding are already extremely popular activities for winter visitors to Banff, SnowDays introduces some new ways to enjoy and appreciate the winter months, with story telling, outdoor skating, curling, mountain films, wildlife walks, live entertainment and street hockey joining existing events and festivals such as Celebrity Ski and the Ice Magic Festival.
Banff SnowDays Events & Activities
Banff Snow Days kicks off with the Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrity Sports Invitational, otherwise known as Celebrity Ski on Thursday January 12 2012. Taking place until January 15, Celebrity Ski brings together Hollywood stars such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Alec Baldwin at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with skiing, snowboarding and other fun events at Sunshine Village in aid of the Waterkeeper Alliance.
The same weekend, the Mountain Adventure Festival will take place on January 14 and 15 with ice climbing in downtown Banff, outdoor skating, snow carving, and mountain adventure stories.
January 20-22 sees the first weekend of the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise where masterpieces will be carved from huge blocks of ice, while on Jan 21 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel there’s a chance to join a free guided hike with Parks Canada to learn how to identify wildlife tracks. Kids will love meeting sled dogs on the evening of Jan 21, and on Sunday January 22 the famous Lake Louise to Banff Loppet cross country ski race will take place.
On the evening of Friday January 27 the hilarious Cardboard Sled Derby takes place at Mount Norquay and on Janury 28 and 29 the second weekend of the Ice Magic Festival takes place with an emphasis on family fun for the Little Chippers. Also on Jan 28 is a talk about bear safety courtesy of Parks Canada, and that night you’ll have the opportunity to join the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for an evening of star gazing.
Saturday February 4 sees the Dave Irwin Dash for Cash at Sunshine Village, free snowshoeing lessons at the Fairmont Banff Springs golf course, and fireside stories about Norman Sanson at the Banff Park Museum. On Sunday February 5 visit the Mary Schaffer Story Tent to hear historical stories about early explorations in Banff National Park.
For something completely different, on the final weekend of Banff SnowDays, why not go and see the Victorian Soldier Drumming and Firing Demonstration on the evening of Friday February 10. One of the highlights of Banff Snow Days 2012 has to be the street ball hockey tournament taking place on Banff Avenue throughout the day on February 11 and 12, and for a historical perspective on Canada’s national game there’s also the opportunity to see a Victorian Hockey Demonstration on Feb 11 at the Banff Community High School Outdoor Rink.
The above SnowDays activities are just a small selection of what’s on offer throughout this exciting winter festival, and you will find a full schedule of events by visiting www.banfflakelouise.com.
Find a Banff Hotel
In general, Banff hotels do not offer special packages or deals specifically for SnowDays, however if you need accommodations during this winter festival you can simply click here and enter your dates to see rates and availability for a selection of hotels in Banff.
Banff Ski Resort Opening Dates
It’s mid November and with snow on the ground in the Banff and Lake Louise area thoughts about skiing and snowboarding have already 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 2011-2012 ski season?”
Well, the long wait for the winter season is now over and all of the ski resorts in the Banff Lake Louise area will be open by the end of the week!
The Lake Louise Ski Area has already enjoyed its opening day on November 5 2011 and is now open 7 days a week until early May 2012.
After a 40cm snowfall over the weekend Sunshine Village has a confirmed opening day of Thursday November 17 2011 with Strawberry, WaWa, Wolverine and Jackrabbit quads all expected to be running.
Mount Norquay opened on November 5 2011 for limited operations at weekends only, with just the Cascade Chair running from 9am to 4pm. Full operations at Norquay are due to start on December 2 2011.
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.
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 2011 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 festivities 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 2011:
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 2 night stay from December 17 to December 30 2011, 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 welcome gift, a Christmas tree in your room, breakfast each day and gratuities. The package is valid from Dec 22 to Dec 30 2011, with rates starting at $499 per night based on 2 adults in a Deluxe Room for a minimum 2 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.
6-9pm, Cost $74 adults, $37 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 $56 adults, $28 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 $45 adults, $22.50 kids 6-12 yrs, 5 and under free
Family Christmas Buffet with Children’s Entertainment – Dec 25
Extravagant Christmas dinner buffet in the Alberta Room.
6-9pm, Cost $70 adults, $35 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.
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 $195 per person plus tax, based on double occupancy.
Juniper Hotel
Last year 2010 the Juniper Hotel offered a Sugar Plum Christmas Package which included 2 nights in Mount Norquay accommodation and a 3 course Christmas dinner in the Bistro on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We will bring you details of the package for Christmas in Banff 2011 as they come available.
**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.
New Years in Lake Louise
If you are planning to celebrate New Years in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is well worth having on your shortlist of potential destinations. With attractive hotel packages, awe inspiring scenery, and world class skiing on your doorstep, New Years in Lake Louise is sure to provide an experience to remember.
If you are looking for a New Year package at a Lake Louise hotel, we have listed some interesting options below:
New Years at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Surrounded by magnificent views on the shore of Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise boasts an idyllic location for any occasion, and will indeed be a memorable place to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011. Throughout the Christmas and New Year period the hotel is offering a special Holiday Package which includes your hotel accommodation, one sleigh ride per stay, daily breakfast, and self parking. The package is valid from December 1 2011 to January 5 2012 with rates starting at $329 per room per night.
Click here for details and to check availability.
In true Fairmont style, the Chateau Lake Louise has a wide variety of fun activities and events taking place during the holiday period, with several options for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet – December 31
In the Victoria Ballroom, a family friendly New Year’s Eve dinner buffet will be offered on December 31 2011, including face painting and kids’ entertainment.
6-9pm
Adults $89, Children 6-12 yrs $44.50
Fairview Dining Room – December 31
An adult only New Years celebration featuring a four course New Year’s Eve menu.
6-10pm
Adults $95
Glacier Saloon – December 31
See in 2012 in a fun pub style atmosphere in the Glacier Saloon, including a live DJ. (not recommended for children)
10pm-2am
Lakeview Lounge – December 31
A sophisticated venue for enjoying your favorite drink and celebrating New Year’s Eve.
9pm-12.30am
New Year’s Day Brunch – January 1
For your first meal of 2012, the famous New Year brunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is sure to please the whole family, with an impressive buffet including children’s specialties, taking place in the Victoria Dining Room.
1st Seating 10.00-11.00am
2nd Seating 12.30-1.30pm
Adults $59, Children 6-12 yrs $29.50
As well as the dining options above, there is a whole host of festive activities taking place at the Chateau Lake Louise on December 31 and January 1 including Ice Walks, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Fondue Lessons, and Children’s Sledding.
To check availability and rates for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Click Here.
For details of New Year events and activities, take a look at the official Chateau Lake Louise Christmas Guide.
New Year at the Lake Louise Inn
At the time of writing, the Lake Louise Inn still had rooms available for a 2 night stay or longer over the New Year period. To check current availability and rates, click here.
If you are interested in a special package, the Lake Louise Inn also has a 2 night deal for New Years, which includes accommodation for two nights, plus a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet. This package is valid for arrivals on December 30 or 31 2011 and rates start at $220 per night.
Deer Lodge New Year’s Eve
Deer Lodge is offering a one night special package for New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Package includes accommodations for one night, plus a gourmet dinner with a glass of sparkling wine on December 31 and a buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day, with rooms starting at $450.
*The above rates are generally based on double occupancy, are subject to applicable taxes, subject to availability, and subject to change without notice. To check current rates and availability please use the links provided.
Thanksgiving Weekend in Banff
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you are planning to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Banff you should consider making your Banff hotel reservation as soon as possible while availability is still good.
To check availability and rates at several Banff accommodations for Friday October 7, Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9 2011, click here and enter your travel dates.
If you are looking for a special hotel package for Thanksgiving weekend, you may wish to try the Fall into Savings Package at the luxury Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Although this package is not specifically for Thanksgiving, it is available over the Thanksgiving weekend. The package is available for a minimum 2 night stay and gives you a bigger saving the longer you stay. For example a 2 night stay qualifies for a 25% discount, a 3 night stay would get you a 30% discount, and a 4 night stay or longer would save you 45% off the nightly rate. At the time of writing (Sept 26), we managed to find a rate of $292 per night for a Fairmont Room for a 2 night stay on the nights of October 8 and 9 2011. In addition to the discounted room rate, this package gives you a Value Card which can be used for discounts on food and beverage, spa treatments, golf, bowling and bike rentals.
To check rates and availability for this package, click here.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel boasts several excellent restaurants and is offering a variety of options throughout the weekend for Thanksgiving dinner and brunch.
Although most Banff hotels are not offering Thanksgiving deals as such, there are many other properties which still have vacancies for Thanksgiving weekend. For a complete list of accommodations in Banff, please visit our hotel, motel or condos & chalets pages.
Many hotels and restaurants in Banff will be offering special menus for Thanksgiving dinner or Thanksgiving brunch.
Click here to see some great options for Thanksgiving dinner in Banff.
* The above rates are generally based on double occupancy and are subject to applicable taxes, subject to availability, and subject to change without notice. For current information and for reservations, please click on the links provided.
Subaru Banff International Triathlon – Sept 10 2011
Against the spectacular back drop of the Canadian Rockies, athletes from across North America will be competing in the second annual Subaru Banff International Triathlon on Saturday September 10 2011. The setting for the race could not be more scenic, with the swim taking place in Two Jack Lake, the bike race around the stunning Minnewanka Loop and then into the town of Banff, followed by the run along the banks of the Bow River, with the finish on Banff Avenue in the heart of downtown Banff.
The race will include three distances, with the Olympic distance starting with a 1.5km swim, followed by a 38km bike ride and finishing with a 10km run, and the shorter Sprint distance including a 500m swim, 25km bike ride and 5km run. New for 2011 there will be a Super Sprint distance which includes a 300m swim, 12km bike ride and 5km run. There will also be relay teams in all distances.
Our interactive Banff Triathlon Map shows an overview of the full course, as well as all start and transition zones and allows you to zoom in to view detailed close ups of any section of the course. To view the Banff triathlon course map, click here.
For further information about the race, visit the official race website.
Dragon Boat Festival August 13-14 2011
Now in its 4th year, the annual Banff Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place on the weekend of August 13 to 14 2011.
Dragon Boat races take place each day from 9am to 3pm on Lake Minnewanka, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, approximately 10km from downtown Banff. Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, the 40ft long boats have a dragon’s head and tail and are decorated in vibrant colours, with a team of 20 paddlers and a drummer beating the rhythm, which can be heard from the shore, adding to the spectators’ excitement.
The event is lots of fun for participants and spectators alike, and while you are waiting between races there is of course the beauty of the Lake Minnewanka area to discover with its scenic beaches, hiking trails and picnic tables. As parking at Lake Minnewanka is limited, spectators are encouraged to take the free Dragon Express Shuttle which runs every 30 minutes from 8am to 4.30pm, with departures from the Brewster Bus Depot, Mount Royal Hotel and Banff Ave/Fox St in downtown Banff. There is also a shuttle every 15 minutes from the Overflow Camping parking lot on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road.
As part of the Dragon Boast Festival celebrations there will also be cultural performances from 3pm to 6pm august 13 in Banff Avenue Square.
For further information, as well as some stunning photos from last year’s event, visit BanffLakeLouise.com.
Tribute to Phil Michaud at the Whyte Museum
On Saturday April 9 from 7-9pm, the opening reception for the exhibition White Mountain will take place in the Main Gallery at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff Alberta. The exhibition is a tribute to artist Phil (Gaspar) Michaud (1935 – 2010) who lived and painted in Banff from 1964 to 2001. The exhibition, which runs from April 9 to June 12 2011, documents the journey of an artist from the prairies, through the foothills, to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, and features Phil’s last body of work “White Mountain”.
Also opening the same evening is the exhibition Reckonings: Michael Cameron & Karen Maiolo, featuring the work of 2 contemporary Bow Valley artists.
Short opening speeches introducing both exhibitions will take place in the Main Gallery around 7pm.
For more information about these and other exhibitions at the Whyte Museum, visit www.whyte.org
Visit Banff for Easter Weekend
Easter is a excellent opportunity for a springtime visit to the Canadian Rockies. With Easter Sunday 2011 falling relatively late on April 24, there is a good chance that the weather in the town of Banff will be spring-like, while the ski and snowboard season will still be in full swing at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. 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 at Easter
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 April 23 are likely to become limited, while Friday April 22 and Sunday April 24 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. Also, thanks to excellent ski conditions, Mount Norquay will be open for Easter weekend from Friday April 22 to Sunday April 24.
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 2011 will take place in the Riverview Lounge, Cascade Ballroom, and the Alhambra Room, which is a rare opportunity to dine in those venues, which are reserved for special occasions.
When: April 24, 10.30-14.30
Where: Riverview Lounge, Cascade Ballroom, Alhambra Room
Cost: Adults $55, Children 6-12yrs $27.50, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 762 6860
Easter Sunday Brunch at the Banff Park Lodge
The Banff Park Lodge will be serving Easter Sunday Brunch in the Chinook Restaurant, with seating times at 10am, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 1pm. The buffet includes a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items, and make sure you leave plenty of room for the excellent desserts!
When: April 24, 10.00-14.00
Where: Chinook Restaurant
Cost: Adults $33, Seniors $28, Children 6-12yrs $23, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 760 3255
Rimrock Resort Hotel Easter Brunch
Sunday Brunch will be offered in the Banquet Area at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, and will feature a buffet with breakfast and lunch items and chef attended stations.
When: April 24, 10.00-13.30
Where: Banquet Area
Cost: Adults $36, Children 6-12yrs $18, 5yrs + under free
Reservations: 403 762 3356
The Juniper Hotel & Bistro Easter Brunch
There will be a special Easter Brunch menu at the Juniper Hotel & Bistro which will feature a choice of organic split pea and mint soup or salad as a starter, followed by a selection of one of four main courses which include seared wild sockeye salmon, Bistro eggs benedict, and Rocky Mountain bacon and eggs, plus dessert.
When: April 24, 11.00-15.00
Where: Juniper Hotel & Bistro
Cost: Adults $32, Children’s menu for 12yrs and under $12.95
Reservations: 403 762 2281
The Keg Easter Sunday 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: April 24, 11.00-14.00
Where: The Keg at the Caribou Lodge & Spa
Cost: Adults $21.99, Children 12yrs and under $9.99
Reservations: 403 762 4442
*The above rates for Easter Sunday Brunch do not include tax and service charge.
Prince William and Kate Middleton to Visit Banff ?
**Update – it now appears that Will and Kate have in fact included a visit to Banff National Park as part of their Royal Tour, and spent the night of July 6 at a remote hotel near Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.**
It has been announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be visiting Canada from June 30 to July 8 2011, just 2 months after their much anticipated Royal Wedding on April 29. Although their Canadian honeymoon schedule is still somewhat vague, it seems certain that they will be ending their tour in Alberta on July 8. The obvious question from the Canadian Rockies is, will the royal couple be paying a visit to Banff, Canada’s own crown jewel? The Canadian Rockies are no strangers to royal visitors, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip having visited in 2005, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. July would be an ideal time to visit Banff National Park, when views of the magnificent mountain peaks and pristine lakes would offer the perfect last impression from the final section of what is sure to be a wonderful tour of Canada. If they do pay a visit, there can be no Banff hotel more fitting for a future king than the Castle in the Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel where the luxurious Presidential Suite would seem like the obvious choice for the newlyweds.
One thing is for certain, if Will and Kate do spend part of their honeymoon in Banff, it will be a huge boost for tourism in the whole of the Canadian Rockies, as the natural wonders of this region will be seen on TV by millions of people throughout the world.
In addition to Alberta, the royal couple will be visiting Ottawa, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and the North West Territories.
