Hello! We are in need of some suggestions for "special hotels or B&B's" for our trip to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Taking an anniversary trip next Fall. Any help would be appreciated....We are planning to splurge a bit. Thanks!

We had a great time at Becker chalets in Jasper.Paul

No need to stay in both Banff and Lake Louise. They are close enough that you can go back and forth easily. Breakfast in Banff, lunch somewhere up the Icefields Highway, dinner at Lake Louise, back to sleep in Banff is easy.

Step one is decide on spectacular or intimate. Me? I'd pick the Fairmont Banff Springs castle-like world-famous masterpiece.

BAK

Agree with BAK about the Banff Springs - I stayed in a wing where we had a living room and bedroom with a fabulous view - of course, it's hard not to have a great view in the Rockies.

Another vote for the Banff Springs. Another place that you might consider is Emerald Lake Lodge. We stayed at both of these (as well as Baker Creek Chalets) on our honeymoon years ago. We have returned to BCC with our family several times and love it. We have stayed in the cabins which are great, but I believe the lodge is more luxurious. So that might be a consideration as well.

The Banff/Lake Louise tourism bureau has accommodation listings for those two: www.banfflakelouise.com In LL, the two nicer hotels are the Fairmont Chateau LL and the Post Hotel, but I am partial to Deer Lodge, as I worked there for three summers many years ago. LL has no B&Bs - there is only government & employee housing there, no privately owned housing.

For B&Bs in Banff, Canmore and Jasper: www.bbcanada.com

Jasper has over 150 licensed "private home accommodations" (similar to B&B, but no breakfast - only about a dozen homes there offer breakfast, usually self-served, continental) - www.stayinjasper.com These range from basic to very deluxe - price is a pretty good indication.

Jasper hotel listings are on Jasper Tourism's site: www.jaspercanadianrockies.com

hth

I spent some time yesterday with a photographer who showed me some of his advertising phtos for Chateau Lake Louise.

Some great views, remeind me that this is a pretty cool place, too .

One photo was of a room on the Gold Floor, whcih he recommends, with a beautiful view out the window.

Another photo was of the chef, surrounded by some of his great creations. They set the shot up for five in the morning.

BAK

I been to the Rockies several times and have found a couple of unbelievable places that are great for an anniversaery....I use one for my engagement.

www.mountengadine.com...great place to see moose

www.nipika.com...beautiful cabins in the middle of the bush

www.lakeohara.com...where God goes on vacation

They are all beautiful and unique.

We really liked Emerald Lake Lodge (situated on a lake almost as beautiful as Lake Louise). It's a smaller, more rustic hotel and is much less crowded than Banff Springs or similar, large resorts. Our room was cozy and confortable, with a beautiful view of the lake (make sure you get a lakefront cottage).