Thursday, March 28, 2024 Mar 28, 2024
64° F Dallas, TX
Advertisement
Publications

Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Enjoy beauty, sport, and relaxation at these two picturesque destinations set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
By Stacey Yervasi |


photography courtesy of Banff Lake Louise and Travel Alberta


O CANADA: Exploring Johnston Canyon

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH: The drive from Calgary into Banff is a perfect introduction to the lofty peaks for which the Banff National Park is famous. The town of Banff is about 1.5 square miles, but the park encompasses more than 7,700 miles of the Canadian Rockies. Wintertime visitors flock to the slopes at Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay, both of which offer a variety of runs well-suited for novice and experienced skiers alike. Just beware Delirium Dive, Sunshine’s premier expert bowl, which requires a shovel, an avalanche transceiver, and a buddy to enter. In addition to skiing, adventurous spirits in search of a good workout should strap on some ice cleats and explore Johnston Canyon. Balance along catwalks and traverse narrow ice-covered trails while a guide shares details about the wildlife, vegetation, and history of the area.

The castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs

CASTLE IN THE SKY: At 4,537 feet above sea level, Banff is Canada’s highest town. It certainly helps lend majesty to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a stately landmark perched just outside the tiny downtown. The hotel was designed to resemble a Scottish baronial castle, and its sprawling floor plan hints at the add-ons needed to accommodate an expanding clientele. Breathtaking views are available from just about any vantage point, and it’s common to spot wildlife such as deer and caribou on the grounds.

Taking to the streets of downtown Banff

PAMPER ME, PLEASE: The Willow Stream Spa is a destination in itself. Its succession of pools, set at graduated temperatures, provides a mellowing precursor to the menu of spa treatments. One signature offering is the Rockies Rehydration, a soothing massage that incorporates dry brush exfoliation and scented oils to quench moisture-starved skin. The spa’s common area, upstairs from the natatorium, is a peaceful spot to unwind before or after a treatment, and guests can enjoy a specialty menu of spa-focused cuisine while gazing at the mountains outside. GOOD

FOOD, EH? For such a tiny town, Banff has some big culinary choices. Fuze (110 Banff Ave., 403-760-0853), a global-fusion restaurant with an extensive wine list, is one example. Dishes such as Moroccan charbroiled lamb loin chops and Alberta beef tenderloin perigourdine combine traditional ingredients with a dash of the exotic. When you’re on the slopes, try poutine, a uniquely Canadian indulgence consisting of french fries smothered in brown gravy and cheese curds, to provide fuel, albeit high-fat, for your outdoor pursuits.

IT TAKES THE LAKE: Lake Louise, named for Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, is inside Banff National Park, but it has a character all its own. The lake itself is a scenic spot for ice skating, snow shoeing, and taking in the seasonal ice sculptures dotting its frozen surface. The Fairmont Château Lake Louise sits right on the shores and is about 2.5 miles from the township proper. It’s a brief shuttle ride away to the slopes at Lake Louise, which are some of the best around. Skiers from all over the world swarm to the high-quality runs, which also afford some of the area’s best views.

 

TAKE A BIKE

For those who are wary of skiing, plagued with bad knees, or have no interest in snow-ploughing upright through fresh powder, snow biking might be for you. The snow bike contraption bears resemblance to a traditional bicycle, but instead of tires, breaks, and gears, there are truncated skis in the back and front and on the biker’s feet. Riders maintain the same stance as on a road bike but use their foot skis to steer. Despite the extra stability of traveling downhill in a seated position, maintaining control of the snow bike—especially with skiers and snowboarders whizzing by—presents its own challenges. So be sure to give yourself plenty of time to practice the sport (a good excuse to schedule extra vacation days), which is also called ski biking or ski bobbing. Once you’ve acclimated to the snow bike itself, it’s time to take to the slopes and test out your new toy on Sunshine Village’s varied runs. The bikes are lightweight and can be easily transported uphill. It’s up to you, however, as to how easily they come back down.

 

 

FAST FACTS

 

WHERE TO STAY
FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
405 Spray Ave.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
403-762-2211

 

THE FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU
LAKE LOUISE
111 Lake Louise Dr.
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
403-522-3511

 

HOW TO GET THERE
American Airlines (aa.com) flies direct from DFW into Calgary. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Calgary to Banff. Lake Louise is an additional 50 minutes west of the airport. Car rental or paid shuttle service can be scheduled in advance or arranged at the airport upon arrival.

 

WHAT IT COSTS
Banff: average is $379/night
Lake Louise: average is $450/night

Related Articles

Image
Politics & Government

Q&A: Senate Hopeful Colin Allred Says November Election Is ‘Larger Than Our Own Problems’

The congressman has experience beating an entrenched and well-funded incumbent. Will that translate to a statewide win for the Democrats for the first time since 1994?
Image
Hot Properties

Hot Property: This Preston Hollow Modern Has Limestone as Old as Dinosaurs

Designed by Todd Hamilton, the mansion features lots of organic elements, including a shell stone only found in Texas.
Advertisement