Banff, Canmore & Area

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Canada > The West > Canadian Rockies > Banff, Canmore & Area

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of your visit: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Banff Moonlit Wilderness Walk

DBT's Evening Icewalk & Campfire

Discover Banff Tours Evening Icewalk & Campfire is a night stroll transformed by the winter wonderland into an evening of enchantment. Outfitted with headlamps, ice cleats and walking poles, hikers are transported to Lake Minnewanka 15 minutes from Banff townsite to experience sparkling stars of the clear night sky, serene mountain landscapes and the history of the lake. “Listen for the distant howl of wolves or the ice crackling,” suggests guide Rick Bulich. The tour closes with a good old-fashioned marshmallows roast.—LA

Mine Direct (Canmore)

Ammonite-Factory-3-pendantcrop-wordpress

Ammonite Factory pendant

At Ammonite Factory see how ammonite fossil fragments are turned into ammolite gemstones, each unique in colour and brilliance (by law, whole fossils remain intact). Displayed are owner Richard Morgan’s personal fossil, cathedrals of citrine and amethyst, and Art Thru Stone sculptures. Loose and set ammolite gems and fossils are sold at mine direct prices.—JN

Banff Brew by the Bottle

Beers at Banff Ave Brewing Co

Now fans of fresh and tasty Banff Avenue Brewing Co. beers can purchase Head Smashed IPA, Reverend Rundle Stout, Brewer’s Oar Cream Ale or other made on-site brew to take home or to their hotel room. ‘Off sales’ are available in 650 ml bottles or 1890 ml growler jugs that are perfect for parties. All Banff Avenue beers are made from four simple ingredients — premium hops, malts and yeasts plus pure Canadian Rockies water.

Charming Changes

Charm by Thomas Sabo

Charms are hot, and the choices are many. Dave Stratton, owner of the jewellery store that bears his name, Stratton’s Jewellery, classifies charms into three categories:

Traditional: Soldered silver and gold charms that dangle from chain bracelets have been popular for over forty years. Stratton’s Jewellery displays 500 styles.
Beads: Each colourful bead is purchased as a souvenir of a person, place or event, so bracelets become a string of memories. Rearranging the beads changes the look. Stratton’s sells Chamilia, Bacio and their own custom beads, some 250 styles.
Lobster Clasps: Easily placed or removed from bracelets or necklaces, these versatile charms can be coordinated with outfits and moods. Stratton’s features the Thomas Sabo 500 piece collection that changes every 6 weeks. There are larger items as well as charms with coloured stones, crystals and enamel.

Heliskiing for Intermediates

You drool over the movies, but wonder if heliskiing is only for extreme athletes. RK Heliski’s Lauren Brudenell replies: “If you can get down a black run, you’re good to go.” Expect:

RK Heliski equips you with custom fat skis (or snowboard) specially built to turn easy and float atop powder.
Groups are based on ability. Intermediates ski gentler slopes, while advanced skiers tackle more challenging runs.
Guides give practical instruction on deep snow techniques.
To effect graceful powder turns, keep your weight centred on both skis equally, exaggerate knee compressions and allow turns to take their own sweet time to complete. My best mountain memories are of powder slopes skied well.—JN

Hidden Patio Views

Juniper Patio

It’s worth dining five minutes north of downtown Banff across Hwy 1 for the majestic view of Mount Rundle and the Sundance Range from the expansive Juniper Bistro & Lounge deck and windowside tables (free taxi vouchers, 403-763-6205). “The sun shines on us throughout the day,” notes Juniper Hotel manager James Kendal. Downtown, the Elk & Oarsman has a hidden rooftop patio with an amazing view.—AW

Hot Rock Relaxation

There’s nothing like a massage after a strenuous day to achieve sublime serenity. Take relaxation and indulgence to the next level with a Warm Earth hot stone massage ($169) from Red Earth Spa. Smooth lava rocks transfer heat deep into the muscles. “It’s 90 minutes of pure bliss,” says spa director Suzannah Patmios. A unique twist is the optional use of cold stones to add an extra therapeutic benefit. —Lisa Stephens

Locomotive Lookout

Morant's Curve by Rob Eull

To sightsee at a relaxed pace, drive 5.5 km (3.4 mi) west from Banff to the Bow Valley Parkway. Take this 58 km (36 mi) scenic alternative to Hwy 1 to Lake Louise. Stop at Morant’s Curve 54 km (33.5 mi) en route. This lookout, named for CPR photographer Nicholas Morant, has a great view of the mountain-framed Bow River and railway. This may be the best spot in the Rockies to take pictures of trains. —Ally McConnell

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Sleigh Ride with Holiday on Horseback

Dash through the snow on a one-horse, two-seat sleigh and jingle all the way. A Holiday on Horseback cutter ride is pure romance, with mountain views, a meadow that’s home to elk and hot spring marsh with birds all winter. Snuggle under buffalo hides, and indulge in liqueurs and Callebaut chocolates. Alternatively, Brewster Lake Louise Sleigh Rides feature picturesque lake and glacier views, plus the lights of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise if you go after dark. Both also offer traditional sleigh rides for larger groups. —JN

Winterstart Festival Nov 28-Dec 6

Winterstart Festival (credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau)

Celebrate winter during the Winterstart Festival in Banff and Lake Louise. The event kicks off with the World Cup Alpine Ski Racing (men’s Nov 28-29; women’s Dec 4-6) at Lake Louise Mountain Resort—cheer on world-class athletes as they vie for the final positions on the Olympic team. There’s also free on-hill entertainment by the Mocking Shadows Rhythm and Blues Revue (Nov 28). If you can’t make it to the hill, you can watch live racing action via Jumbotron’s big screen in Banff Avenue Square (200 Banff Ave). The festival continues in Banff with the Castle Carolers roaming downtown streets (Nov 28/Dec 5), Warren Miller’s Dynasty film screening (Nov 30), retail window decorating contest (Dec 4), Christmas in the Rockies with face painting, cookie decorating and free wagon rides (Dec 5), Santa Claus Parade of Lights (Dec 5), performances of Parks Canada’s Mountain WIT Theatre Troupe’s “Imaginanation”—a tale of hope, inspiration and natural wonders explored through puppetry, masks and music (Dec 5), Stuart McLean and a Vinyl Café Christmas (Dec 5), Mountaintop Christmas Sing-Along (Dec 6), and Bow Valley Chorus’ Christmas musical concert (Dec 6). With all of these family fun events, come and celebrate the glorious winter season in Banff and Lake Louise.