Hello we are a family of 8 adults and one three year old. We are planning to go to Banff over Christmas (we want more of a variety to do). We have been looking at accomadations. Most of what we are finding is in Canmore. I am not familiar with that area. Does anyone have any recs? Our goal is to rent a house with at least 4 bedrooms.<BR>Thank you.

Hi Kate,<BR><BR>I've been working in Banff about two years ago and I worked at the Douglas Fir Resort and Chalet. This is a very great place, with accomodations that should fit with what you are looking for. I believe the prices are also reasonable. <BR><BR>This hotel is located on Tunnel Mountain, right in the middle of Banff town. It's a great place to be with a beautiful view of the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle. You won't be deceived.<BR><BR>Furthermore, if you have kids, there are also indoor waterslides at this hotel. In the every room, chalet or condo, you have a fireplace and a full kitchen, which might be great for a large group of people.<BR><BR>They have a website, I don't have the exact address here with me, but I'm sure you will find it!!<BR><BR>

Another good one is the Buffalo Mountain Lodge which has accomadations similar to the Douglas Fir.<BR>Canmore is also a very nice little town, about a 30 minute drive from Banff. I dont know of any accomadations off hand, but just go into a search engine and enter "Canmore Accomadations" and many will appear. Ditto for Banff.

Thank you for your replies the Douglas Fir will not accomadate our party according to their reservations. I have heard about the Buffalo Mountain Lodge so I will check that out as well. I saw a lot of vacation homes for rent in Canmore but it seems so residential and less resort like. Anyway thank you so much for your feedback. As I plan my trip I will definitely keep posting. And,of course, I will give a trip report after we take the trip. I will take copious notes!

Hi Kate,<BR><BR>As far as I remember, Canmore was the town where I went to do my grocery when I was working in Banff. Canmore is about 20 minutes drive from Banff and is not a resort like town. If you are expecting some kind of "touristic town" spirit, I don't believe you're going to like Canmore. There are not many restaurants, nor shops in Canmore. However, you might find it practical to sleep in Canmore since it's not as expensive as Banff and it's not very far from Banff too. The view in Canmore is as great as in Banff, and there are a lot less tourists than in Banff. As you probably know, Banff is filled with tourists and tour buses, which I believe tends to spoil a little bit the virgin nature of the rockies. I'm sure you will love Banff, but if you have a car and expect to travel by car, you might as well enjoy Canmore, for the tranquility and the unspoiled nature.<BR><BR>

Did you try Tunnel Mountain Chalets? We spent Christmas there a few years ago and even cooked our turkey dinner in the small kitchen. <BR><BR>www.tunnelmountain.com