Banff / Lake Louise questions
 

Wonderful brother is taking us on a trip to the Banff/Lake Louise area mid-Sept. '06. We will stay at a place he says is very pretty, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Questions:1. average temps in mid-Sept. 2. special informal places to eat great food. 3. spectacular scenery and/or good spots to see wildlife 4. is this a rainy season (do we need to bring rain jacket). Anything else would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. gg

>>>>>>1. average temps in mid-Sept.<<<<<<

Knowing the average temperatures is only partially helpful. What's more useful to know is the range of temperatures you could experience.

The average daily high at that time of year is in the high 50s F. The average night time low is in the high 30s F. However, you could experience anything from as high as 80 deg F down to as low as the high 20s F.

>>>>>>2. special informal places to eat great food.<<<<<<

I don't know what you mean by informal. There are no places in the mountains that are very formal. All mountain restaurants, even the most expensive ones, are casual at lunch time. Moderately priced restaurants are casual at dinner time too. Expensive restaurants are smart casual in the evenings.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has excellent restaurants, all the way from upscale restaurants to casual coffee shops.

THE restaurant in the area is the Post Hotel, but it's expensive.

Baker Creek Bistro is neat.

Deer Lodge, which is a stone's throw from Chateau Lake Louise, has a very nice restaurant.

If you're willing to drive a little further, Emerald Lake Lodge, which is near Field, British Columbia, has an excellent restaurant called Cilantro.

In the hamlet of Field, BC, the Truffle Pig is a unique experience.

>>>>>>spectacular scenery<<<<<<

My website has a suggested itinerary that I've called "Four Days in Lake Louise." It should give you an idea of what there is to see in the area, aside from the beautiful view out your hotel window.

http://groups.msn.com/CalgaryandCana...ips/4days.msnw

>>>>>>good spots to see wildlife<<<<<<

Wildlife is, well, wild. Animals go where they want to go. There are no guarantees. I suggest you don't go looking for wildlife, or else you may be disappointed. Just figure out the scenic places you want to see. In visiting those places, you may or may not see wild animals en route.

>>>>>>is this a rainy season (do we need to bring rain jacket)<<<<<<

It is not a particularly rainy season, but you could encounter a bit of snow. At that time of the year, it would not last long on the roads.

>>>>>>Anything else would be greatly appreciated.<<<<<

You've already got the link to my website above. If you go to the TIPS section there are links to practical information like Weather, What To Pack, National Park Entry Fees, etc.

Hope that helps.

You be doing yourself a disservice if you do not venture to spend a few nights at Lake Ohara Lodge. It is absolutly the best and captures the beauty of the Rockies in a natural, classy setting with exquisite food and without the commercialism and crowds of Chateau Lake Louise. Check it out on its website.

And just how does one get a reservation at Lake O'Hara Lodge? It usually sells out for the summer by March.

It is definitely worth a try Mr. Brown as you never know if there might be a cancellation. Its always good to try and this is the gem!!

Laggan's in Lake Louise Village is a wonderful bakery/deli/coffee shop. There is a tiny grocery store there too for basic supplies. Sitting in front of the Chateau Lake Louise on a summer evening is the best!

Thank you so much for all your information. Question: what is the "Chateau Lake Louise". Is that the Fairmont hotel or something different ?? I know the Fairmont is on Lake Louise, but is that also a town ? How far is the hotel from Banff? Thank you, gg

We had a wonderful meal at the Glacier Saloon, which is the bar at the Chateau. Their Poppy restaurant also looked very nice but we were dressed for a sleigh ride and thought that best left for another time.

I think you should look at the website for the hotel and a lot of your questions will be answered. Have fun... you're in for a treat.

Yes the Chateau Lake Louise is the Fairmont hotel. There is a small village close by, the town of Banff is about a half hour drive away.

I guess old-fashioned me still refers to the Fairmont as the Chateau! Anyway, it is the same place. The village at Lake Lousie is on the Trans Canada Hwy about 30 minutes from Banff. You drive up the hill for a couple of miles to the actual lake of Lake Louise, and the Fairmont is right on the shore of the lake.