Banff’s a winner
No wonder Banff, Alberta features on another ‘Best of the World’ hot destination list. As well as drop-dead gorgeous scenery, there is some stunning accommodation available.
Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park, founded in 1885, and is home to Rocky Mountain beauty and wildlife and recreational activities. The mountain town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise are revered by skiers, snowboarders, campers, hikers and nature lovers around the world. Authentic Canadian cuisine is met with mountain inspired wellness and accessible adventure, making it an attractive destination all year round.
Much like its neighbouring destinations in Canada, Banff and Lake Louise are diverse, accepting and awe-inspiring in their own right. No matter what season, skill level, or age, Banff National Park is a place that can be enjoyed by all.
Must-stay mountain lodges in Alberta
Skoki Lodge
Eleven km from iconic Lake Louise in Banff National Park, at an elevation of 2,164m, is the one-of-a-kind Skoki Lodge. The only way to get here is to cross country ski in during the winter, or hike it in the summertime. Even though there is no electricity or running water, the comfortable beds and gourmet meals even fit for royalty. In fact, HRH Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge honeymooned here. The lodge offers gourmet food, fabulously inviting rooms and the scenery is also five star. Attentive staff will help plan expeditions into the surrounding valleys – and they pack an amazing picnic lunch.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Just off the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park, Baker Creek Mountain Resort is an ideal base for summer and winter fun. In winter guests can hit the slopes at nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort, or explore by snowshoe or cross-country ski; in summer the hiking and wildlife spotting are simply the best. Guests can pick of 25 authentic log chalets or book a cosy room in the lodge. Rounding up the stay divine Baker Creek Bistro dishes up local and seasonal delights for everyone’s palate.
Mount Engadine Lodge
In the heart of Kananaskis County just 37km from Canmore lies Mount Engadine Lodge, an inviting, intimate retreat that accommodates no more than 19 guests at a time. Guests are invited to have a mug of hot cocoa on the deck while watching the wildlife wandering through the aptly-named Moose Meadows. Hike in the summer, snowshoe in winter and return for gourmet fare in the evening before retiring to your private cabin.
Sundance Lodge
Resting near the shore of Brewster Creek with the Sundance Mountain Range as a backdrop, Sundance Lodge has plenty of rustic and cosy appeal for those who make the 16 km hike from the town of Banff. The 10-room log cabin was built in 1991 and features a large kitchen, a comfortable living room, hot showers and tasty home cooked meals. Guests can watch for wildlife on the porch or settle into a comfortable chair near the crackling fireplace and kick up their feet.
Shadow Lake Lodge
Shadow Lake Lodge, nestled near the towering grandeur of Mt. Ball, is a comfortable day’s hike into the backcountry of Banff National Park. The property is an excellent base for exploring the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Lodging in private cabins and hearty, healthy, gourmet meals prepare guests for memorable mountain activities.
Contact details:
For more information about Banff and Lake Louise and Banff National Park visit www.banfflakelouise.com
*The Finer Things in Travel will be visiting Banff and Lake Louise in January so keep an eye out for our stories.
