Requested info on Banff - 4/21. Was told the above. OK, but we are booked. Would appreciate more constructive critisism of the town. Does anyone know about the good restaurants? (or) What did you find most interesting about your stay? Thanks for any help.

Yeah, it may be a tourist trap but a beautiful one. You'll love it!! Go for a gondola ride up Sulpher mountain, The views are the best I've ever seen, or hang out in the sulphur pool. Thr Banff Springs has a really great deli that I make a point of going to whenever I'm there. Its even fun to take a drive up a ski mountain. Another great drive is up the Icefields pkwy to Jasper. It will take about 3 hours but well worth it! If you go to Lake Louise, take the old 1A highway. Don't worry, you won't regret going to Banff. Hope this helps.

We went to Bnaff last year and were not sure what to expect. The valley is absolutely picturesque. We found the Bnaff Springs Hotel overrated and too full of tourists touring through it to truly enjoy - it was far too busy too relax. Sulphar Mountain was also busy but was interesting to go too - I would get there early because the queues can be long. In Bnaff itself - it is a very tourist orientated centre of the town although not very big. The central part of the town is all cosmoplitan shops. The best place we found to eat was at Craigs Weighdiner which was behind a service station on the corner of Dynasty Inn and Bnaff Avenue. In fact the most interesting sights we went to were the Bnaff indian Trading Post, the Luxton Museum and the Cave and Basin which were the original sulphar baths. Driving to Lake Louise was so easy and a definate must to to go canoeing on the Lake. The memory will always stay with you. The water is truely that blue and still. You have the glacier behind you and the chateau in front you while you paddle on a quiet lake.

Banff a tourist trap???!!!????????? The town, yes; its only function is to give tourists a place to stay. But the National Park is one of the most of beautiful sites I've ever been to -- and I've been to a lot!!! Just get out of the town as soon as you can and drive up to Jasper. You'll be saying "ohh" and "ahh" so often you'll probably not make it all the way. One suggestion, often overlooked, is to drive up the Mount Edith Cavell Road; which will give you a better idea of just how BIG these mountains really are. Just remember: the TOWN is for tourists; the PARK is spectacular!!

Jenny: Banff is a good jumping off point for seeing the incredible scenery that's nearby. Carla's recommendation for 1A (also known as Bow Valley Parkway) is a good one, as the pace is slower and less congested than Canada 1. Moraine Lake near Lake Louise has the most spectacular mountain view I've ever seen. The Caboose next to the CP railroad tracks has good food, and I'll echo Carla's recommendation on the deli at the Banff Springs. Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls are within easy driving distance. Have fun!

It's a great place depending on what you do. Go to the Cave and Basin ($2.25 adult). Tells the history of the springs and the park and you can go inside the cave. Then walk up the stairs to see what a little hole in the ground with some steam turned into. The gondola ride is expensive but the view is incredible. In the Lake Louise area again Moraine Lake is spectacular and the dining car at the old train station in Lake Louise provides a lovely meal.
Takakkawa (I can never remember the spelling) is just into British Columbia (expect to get wet). The falls are among the highest in Canada and the closer you get the wetter you get. Very exciting drive up the switchback. In Banff I hear the Planet Hollywood is very good. Banff Springs hotel is fun just to wander around and at least all the shops in Banff are good quality and reasonable price. You'll want to spend more time at Lake Louise though. I've been all over the world but Lake Louise is unbelievable. Have fun!

I live in Calgary, an hour from Banff. If you're flying up you'll probably land here first. Banff has some great restaurants. I recommend Ticino (Swiss),
Melissa's MissSteak (beef!) and the restaurant at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge. These are a tad more expensive but are still reasonable and the food is dependable. They will be busy though so reserve.
The Banff Springs is an interesting browse, it's quite baronial but the restaurants are so-so save for the German one in the old golf club house.
Depending on your budget, the Post Hotel at Lake Louise is superb as both a place to stay and to dine. Also, there are the Storm Mountain Chalets and
restaurant on the Radium highway. Even if you don't stay there it's a great stop for lunch. If you would like more specific information, just e-mail!