We've got an up-coming trip for which I'd made reservations about six months ago. I'd thought that by booking well in advance, I'd be assured not only of getting the space we wanted, but of getting good rates also. In fact, though, when I recently called each of the hotels, the rates had gone way way down since time of booking. I was able to obtain the better rates, of course, so I'm posting here just to advise others that they may want to inquire about their own reservations. Our hotels are Rimrock, Fairmont Lake Louise, Fairmont Japser Park, and Emerald Lake. Every single one dropped rates considerably from my time of booking. JPL, for instance, now has a "Pay 2 nights, get 3rd night free" special. LL now accepts Entertainment rate, and they didn't when I first inquired. Etc. Happy Travels!

Thank you poss for taking the time to post this helpful tip. It's information-sharing like yours that contribute to making this travel board work so well!

I'm curious also as to what is driving these price decreases?????.....

I'll second bmacdon's thanks, poss.

>>>>>>I'm curious also as to what is driving these price decreases?????.....<<<<<<

If I was to hazard a guess, I would say it was the exchange rate between the American dollar and the Canadian dollar. I think Americans do not get as much of an "uplift" when they come to Canada as they did previously.

When I was out and about during Stampede this year, it seemed to me that downtown Calgary was less crowded than it had been in previous years.

I don't know if it's my imagination, but I think Banff also has been less crowded during a couple of visits there this summer.

I'd say your guess is likely quite accurate Judy. I've been hearing many reports of decreased cross-border visits, including less Canadian trips into the US. i know we too are staying closer to home these days what with the high cost of gas and air travel...

what's jpl?

Jasper Park Lodge

Regarding the original post---I have often found that the rates will drop on the website, especially with upscale accommodations. I always check about a month before my trip and have often found discounted rates. I book the discounted rate and cancel my more expensive reservation. Two years ago we only paid $200CND for Emerald Lake Lodge---one of our all time favorite places.

I still think it's good to book early if you can cancel the reservation.

An article in the local rag recently implied that the Empress in Victoria was suffering from a lack of USA tourists. Occupancy rates are apparently down.

The same recheck policy probably applies to all of Canada.

I wonder if 'walk up rates' are also down, or if they are still a 'crime of opportunity.'