lanejohann

Hi all, hope you can help a non-skier to fill in five days in and around Banff come winter.
I have been there and to Lake Louise and as far as Jasper...been through Radium Springs Kimberley and Nelson and out west to Whistler and Vancouver but Im thinking that there's not a lot of outdoor sightseeing coming my way in February or am I wrong?
I love the natural sights but am happy to shop too...so ...what's in store for me whilst my OH is out there playing in the snowfields?
Any bus daytrips I could do? Dont mind going to all the above places again but any new destinations would be great.

Oh ...and about the accommodation. Years ago one summer I stayed at the Banff Inns..the Swiss one and found it to be great lodgings ...about a half hour walk into Banff but I wont want to be driving...so maybe a winter stroll wont be so much fun for me...Im not used to snow...havent seen any since I was 16 and I do feel the cold something dreadful!
Anyone found some cosy lodgings closer or in the village itself?

Any input would be very much appreciated!

lanejohann

have been looking at Theas House in Otter St as our base but I think I prefer a hotel
Can anyone recommend a hotel right in the middle of town..say in Banff ave area
thanks

ShelliDawn

You can probably find a lot of your answers here: http://www.banff.ca/home.htm

lanejohann

thanks Shelli
ill have a look right now
we have just booked the seven nights at charlton cedar court in banff avenue...the loft suite with the fireplace

reviews are pretty good...though noise seems to be a factor and the heating is a problem...the loft design seems to trap the rising hot air and make it very hot to sleep at night and the room downstairs remains chilly\\

we will see..the price at 140 canadian per night is very attractive
im hoping the walk into downtown banff is doable...four blocks they say...
might be an exaggeration ...i think the receptionist said it was a 2km walk
fingers crossed it wont be unbearable...can always take the bus

krp329

Sightseeing is beautiful in winter, with snow covering everything, but some access roads are closed. Besides downhill skiing, you can do nordic (cross country) skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, walking .... there are lots and lots of things to do. Banff has a couple of museums, and lots of shops to browse. Visit the Banff Springs Hotel, or the Sulphur Mountain gondola (check their website - they close in January for a while for annual maintenance). Go to the hot springs. Go to a spa.

sludick

OK, I know where the Charlton Cedar Court is. It would be a simple walk in summer, with good sidewalks, but you are right, those can be very long blocks in the winter if you don't care for the cold.

Not a bad area at all, just not right in the middle of town. And right near The Key restaurant. A year or so ago we stayed in a timeshare near there, a bit farther out, so we came that way when we went into town.

lanejohann

thanks krp... i did read that there were lots of activities to occupy those who dont ski...but i doubt ill do more than maybe take a short supervised walk with a guide if there are some on offer
no doggy sleds nor snowshoeing for me lol

sludick...thanks...ill keep the key restaurant in mind..always good to know

i think there might be a bus to calgary ...might go there for a day if possible...if however in the beginning of our trip we end up flying to calgary and then driving to banff...i guess i wont be going to calgary twice...dont know
would love to get up to jasper by coach...but i dont know if there is a day trip in winter

sludick

Oops, meant to say "The Keg" restaurant.

lanejohann

Okay thanks for that, sludick
the keg it is!