Banff vs. Whistler
 

My wife and I will be celibrating our 10-year anniversary next year and are starting to research destinations. We will be traveling next July for 3 or 4 nights. For one of these "mountain destinations" we are looking for relaxation, sightseeing, horseback riding, and to enjoy an interesting city with decent restarant choices. Nothing is too critical itinary-wise except we don't want to be driving hours and hours each day (I understand both are nearly 2 hours from the major airports).<BR><BR>What are the pluses and minus of each?<BR>Thanks!

I'd suggest Whistler over Banff. In my opinion, you go to Banff *not* because of the town itself (as it's quite touristy in nature), but because it's where you base yourself out of if you want to see the local natural attractions (Columbia Ice Fields, Lake Louise, Sulpher Mountain, etc). And you'd need to drive out of the town to visit these attractions. <BR><BR>The mountains in the Rockies are extreme - tall and jagged. They're majestic. For this reason I'd say Banff. But if you're looking for "an interesting city with decent restaurant choices", Banff isn't it.<BR><BR>Whistler will definitely give you more choice in the "village" (which is more like a city). You don't need a car in Whistler as it's pedestrian friendly - cars aren't allowed in the village anyway. The mountains aren't as high or as jagged, but are definitely beautiful and accessible. You can walk from the village to the gondolas, and then take the gondolas up to the top and feel like you're in the Swiss Alps in no time. The restaurant scene in Whistler is much more varied in Whistler, and it's larger. Here's a website that might give you a few ideas:<BR><BR>http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/default.html

i've never been but from what i heard, whistler sounds like the better choice. as mentioned above, banff is more of a base for exploring the surrounding areas. it is not that large of a town and so your restaurant selection is not as vast as whistler. however, for spectabular mountains, you can't beat it.

I admit to being biased, (I live in Banff) but,............<BR><BR>Whistler is more expensive. Banff has more options, not just as a "base" but it is truly the most beautiful place in the world.<BR><BR>Stuart

Stuart, please tell me how long the trip is from whistler to banff...also is there another route back to seattle? can hardly wait to see you home!!thanks, toye

Stuart:<BR>In July, Whistler is more expensive than Banff--come on, Banff prices are very expensive, whereas Whistler is in it's off season.<BR>There is no doubt the Banff AREA is truly spectacular but the town of Banff itself is nothing to brag about --- and getting worse each year.<BR>I would agree with the other posters that Whistler, with it's pedestrian friendly town center, horseback riding, fine resturants, and other things the poster wanted, is a better choice.

We've been to both in July and liked both. For 3-4 days only I would personally prefer Banff. Whistler is so much like many other big ski resorts these days that it's not particularly interesting IMO. Though in a beautiful setting, the village reminds me a bit of Disneyland. However everything is more conveniently located there, as opposed to Banff where you'd likely want to drive to Lake Louise and beyond for day trips, as I think the secenery is more spectacular there. If you just want to stay put in one place then Whistler is the better choice. We had fun taking the gondola to the top of the mountain there and hiking in the snow (yes, in July)! In any case, the drive from one to the other is a good two day trip.

I think Banff and area is a better choice for an anniversary trip. Banff is very 'touristy' to stay in, but I would suggest you look up Canmore - the next community to Banff. Only 18 minutes away, the prices are usually better, the setting is gorgeous and there are myriad activities to enjoy.

Give my vote to Banff. Both are very nice but Whistler is still a ski resort. Banff is a beautiful town in the mountains... Either way you'll enjoy it.