We are staying at Chateau Lake Louise for a meeting for 5 nights in March. We're taking our 2 teenagers who we hope will learn to ski/snowboard while we are there. Any advice anyone can offer on skiing, restaurants, shopping, etc. in that area? Since we do not arrive in Calgary til 5:00 p.m. the first day, we are thinking of staying in Calgary overnight. (Coming from Texas, the idea of driving at night on snowy roads is scary!) Any lodging suggestions and restaurants there would also be appreciated. Many Thanks!

You're pretty smart. A 5 p.m. arrivalisprobably a six p.m. arrival, plus delays getting bags, rental car, etc., so staying in town one night is a pretty good idea.<BR><BR>Besides, the drive to the mountains in the daytime, so you can see the sights, is well worth the delay.<BR><BR>If you can, take the road through Cochrane rther than the mainhighway, and you'll see some Canadian cowboy country you can compare to back home.<BR><BR>Lake Louise is a tiny town; make a point of spending one late afternoon / dinner time in Banff.<BR><BR>It's been too long since I ate in Calgary to give you much in the way of advice. I'd pick the Delta Hotel downtown as my first choice as a place to stay.<BR><BR>BAK<BR><BR>

yes, stay in calgary the first night. there are two main areas to ski - lake louise and then closer to banff is sunshine. they should try both. definitly go to banff one afternoon/evening.

Kathy,<BR><BR>The other posters are correct in saying it is better to drive to LL in the morning. The drive will take you about 2 hours and the scenery is spectacular. I live in Calgary and offer the following hotel suggestions:<BR><BR>If you want to save a day on the rental car then i would recommend staying right at the airport at the Delta Hotel. It is attached to the terminal and has an indoor pool. In addition to the hotel's restaurant there are a few inside of the terminal. Also in the terminal is an area called "Space Port" that is dedicated to hands on experiential things controlling the lunar modual, logging onto NASA, and aircraft simulators.<BR><BR>Another option at the airport (a shuttle ride away) is the Sheraton Airport which has an indoor waterslide. If price is a concern check out Greenwood Hotel. Both hotels have numerous teenager friendly restuarants within walking distance.<BR><BR>If you want to stay downtown I would recommend the Sheraton Suites at Eau Claire. It is an all suite hotel located in the heart of Eau Claire Market. At the market you will find numerous restaurants, a movie theatre and an IMAX theatre.<BR><BR>If your teenagers are interested in learning how to ski you might want to look at the Lake Louise website which offers ski lesson and rental packages. The hill is across the valley from the Chateau and has a shuttle from the Chateau to the hill.<BR><BR>the website is www.skilouise.com<BR><BR>I do not have allot of experience eating in LL with teenagers but I would do a search on this thread because I know that there have been numerouse posts asking similar questions. If you want a gourmet meal in Banff there are two options; just down the hill from the Chateau (walking distance) is Deer Lodge and they have a wonderful restaurant. In addition down in the townsite of LL is the Post Hotel that has wonderful food also.<BR><BR>LL is about a 45 minute drive from Banff you you could also look there for eating out (more teeneage friendly) and shopping. LL really does not have a shopping area.<BR><BR><BR>www.skilouise.com<BR>

whoops!<BR><BR>I meant to say . . . "If you want a gourmet meal in LAKE LOUISE (not Banff"

I absolutely loved the Chateau Lake Louise, as for restaurants it is only a small town but the hotel has exceptional dining. For the teens you might stop at Earle's in Banff, lively atmosphere and good food. I agree with the other posters that staying in Calgary one night is best and drive through the Rockies during the day - awesome.

We stayed at the ResidenceInn near the Calgary airport and found it to be perfect for our family of four. We had a 2 bedroom suite with a pull-out in the family room. The Post Hotel has a casual pub in addition to their gourmet restaurant. The pub is at the far end of the hotel but I can't remember the name. You'll also like the Station restaurant down the road from the Chateau.

Ok, I'll give alternate advice. We fly from Texas to Calgary to ski in Lake Louise each year. We usually arrive around 5pm (sometimes later) and drive to Lake Louise that evening. If you've never been to Calgary in winter, you'll be surprised that there usually aren't snowy roads. In fact, in the last five-six years of doing this, we've only experienced snowy roads once. The roads are typically very good from Calgary to the entrance of Banff National Park. From there, it's another hour or so drive up to Lake Louise. I think the total drive trip is no more than 3 hours. <BR><BR>We love to get up there around 9pm or so, and settle in for dessert/coffee at the Post Hotel in front of the fireplace in the Lounge.<BR><BR>While the Chateau is lovely, I prefer the Post Hotel. Dinner hers is a must, especially if you like fine dining and wines (they have a great cellar). <BR><BR>For teenagers, I'd also recommend the fondue place (can't remember the name) at the Chateau.<BR><BR>For your first trip there, Lake Louise will be the closer ski area. It's very large and can easily keep skiers happy for a few days. It beats the bus ride to Sunshine or Norquay which are closer to Banff. (Sunshine gets more snow, but this year it shouldn't make much difference. We were there the end of January and the snow was great at Lake Louise!) <BR><BR>An afternoon in Banff is also ok for shopping--but I'm not sure if teenage boys would be excited by this. <BR><BR>Check into some of the other winter activities--the folks at the Chateau can help--snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice skating, etc. will help to keep the kids busy. It's a great place. If the weather's clear, drive the Bow Valley Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff). <BR><BR>Have a great time!

Gosh, thank you ALL for your wonderful advice. We are a few days out from leaving now, and your advice has really assisted me in trip planning. We are staying in Calgary that first night on a special deal at the Palliser --- $30 food credit, free parking and reasonable rates. On our way out of Calgary, staying by the airport for just that last night at Hampton Inns, although the Residence Inn comment has peaked my curiosity! One is never, ever through when it comes to vacation planning. Thanks again all!

As an added note about the Palliser.<BR><BR>Their aim is to please and they go out of their way to do so. <BR><BR>If there is anything wrong with your room or service, politely tell the reception staff and they will do whatever it takes to remedy it including giving gift certificates etc.<BR><BR>It is a really hospital and beautiful old hotel right in downtown Calgary.<BR><BR>Do have fun while here. Welcome to Alberta.

Meant to say hospitable, not hospital. LOL