Welcome to another post of helping a reader travel!
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So this weeks travel destination includes Banff. I received the following email from reader Matt:
“My wife and I are looking to do some sort of outdoorsy trip in September and have decided to go to Banff. We were thinking about 5 days, but wanted to make sure that was enough time – we also want some relaxation time (and hopefully a spa). We are looking to do some hiking and white water rafting. Any other suggestions on activities? Also, any particular white water rafting companies you’d recommend. What hikes are recommended at the intermediate level. Any other areas that are worth seeing nearby? And lastly… recommended hotel? Sorry for all the questions, but thank you so much for the tips! It looks beautiful and we are very excited to go.”
If you’ve ever been to Banff, let’s help out reader Matt and I am sure many other interested readers!
Also, if you have any upcoming travel where you need some help, feel free to email me at dealswelike@gmail.com to be a featured “Help a Reader Travel” Monday special. Thanks!
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You may find the information about a recent trip we took to Banff helpful. http://blog.aniljohn.com/2014/07/relaxing-recharging-hiking-banff-national-park-canada.html
It is up to me, I would definitely stay at least a couple of nights at Chateau Lake Luise of Fairmont Hotel. The view of Lake Luise and the glacier is absolutely breath-taking. There are nice hiking trails around the hotel, and allegedly some people are able to hike all the way to the top of the glacier and back in one day.
I would also drive up to Columbia Icefield, where you can join a tour to go on the glacier. Afterwards, I would either keep going to Jasper, or stay a night at Glacier View Inn (http://www.brewster.ca/rocky-mountains/destinations/columbia-icefield/hotels/glacier-view-inn/). Ask for the glacier view room. If you have kids, ask for room with a loft. I never done the skywalk, but it could be something for you to consider.
For relaxation, I recommend visiting a hot spring, such as Banff Upper Hot Springs (http://www.hotsprings.ca/BANFF_UPPER_HOT_SPRINGS.php)
We stayed a couple of years ago with a tour at the Banff Park Lodge. It was right near town which was nice but the hotel was nothing to speak of.
Without ever staying there, the most impressive hotel in town appeared to be the Fairmont Banff Springs. It is located a bit outside the town but has an amazing location.
Lake Louise is a wonderful location and the Fairmont there is right on the lake. There are hikes you can do from the area BUT that is ALL there is to do there. You also have to deal with day visitors coming to visit as the hotel is the main stop for the busses visiting the area.
Our family of 4 just got back a couple of days ago. We stayed 4 nights at the Fairmont in Banff (by my husband and I opening up Fairmont credit cards) You can us suite upgrades and get free breakfast. It was great–we would highly recommend. Took a day and went to Lake Louise–very busy there.(we would not stay there) Took another day to travel on the Ice Felds Parkway and rode on the glacier. Also took Banff and Lake Louise gondola rides. Lots to do!