Banff
 

Hello Canada forum-ites,

I'm popping over from the Australia forum to say hi and ask if anyone knows Banff at all? We're off there on a skiing holiday next week and really looking forward to it, so if anyone has got any recommendations or info or anything that would be great!

I've just been out to buy my thermal undies as I've heard it's a tad nippy over there! :D

Just got to hope I can remember how to ski.... :unsure:

Re: Banff
 

Can't help you on Banff but I think one of the Canadian regulars is going to ask you about your avatar. It looks like the one she uses. :D


Have a happy holiday in any case.

Re: Banff
 

Really! :lol:

Thanks, I'm sure we'll have a great time.

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I like the magpie and stump for meals and beer in jars

Re: Banff
 

Tripadvisor, which is a website dedicated to travel, has a good forum and Wiki section.

I recommend their Wiki article entitled Banff National Park : Clothing.

You may be interested in other Wiki topics in the Banff National Park and Banff (townsite) sections.

Taxi Mike's Dining Guide for Banff and Canmore is spot on.

I suppose you're aware that, if you stay in Banff townsite, you can buy a tri-area life ticket, and ski at Sunshine, Norquay and Lake Louise. This is explained in TripAdvisor's Wiki called Canadian Rockies : Skiing.

If you have chosen not to rent a vehicle while you're in the area, there are several shuttle bus services from Calgary Airport to Banff townsite. A good one is Banff Airporter.

TripAdvisor's general Canada section has info about Canadian money, tipping customs, taxes (the 6% GST is not shown on the price tag, but is added at the check out counter), etc.

Hope that helps.

Re: Banff
 

That helps heaps, thanks! Transport from airport is sorted and we've booked the tri area lift pass thing, but will definitely read those links thanks:)

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5% now.

And I think there is a form that can be filled out to get the gst back when you leave.

Re: Banff
 

Not any more:(

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The Harper Government canceled the GST rebate for visitors.

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Never mind. I just found out that as of April 1, 2007 you can't do that any more.

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And two people just corrected me. That was fast :rofl:

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Hot Springs are good! :thumbsup:

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Oh yes.... bring your swimwear and bask in the hot springs! So cool, when there's snow all around! :thumbsup:

The Ski hills ... well there's Sunshine, gets real busy for parking but you can bus from Banff. However busy it is, you can always find space to ski, especially up Goats eye, Jackrabbit and Wolverine side.:thumbsup:

Lake Louise has longer runs but is another hour away. Many people prefer it, and parking is better.:thumbup:

Norquay is nearest Banff, but has limited appeal from what I've heard .... never been there personally. :unsure:

Re: Banff
 

The gondola up to sulfur mountain is worth doing, the view is breathtaking.:ohmy:
http://www.banffgondola.com/

Re: Banff
 

Get a balaclava or one of those neoprene face masks - the Canadian mountain air is a bit nippy on the chops!

We're in Vancouver so ski Whistler and the interior resorts mainly, but going to Banff for Easter, so let us know what it was like please.

Have a great time, oh and enjoy the sniffle stations.
L2S

Re: Banff
 

All sounds brilliant, thanks guys. Will definitely take my swimmers then cos like the sound of hot springs! Never thought about having to cover my face.... :unsure: never actually been skiing when it's been really cold!

Really can't wait, thanks for the info and I'll let you know how I get on!

Re: Banff
 

Oh yes.... cover all exposed skin, especially if colder than about -12!
Going up on the ski-lifts can be bone chilling at best, and the wind-chill can be truly hazardous!

Make sure you dress in several layers ... makes for layers of warm air as insulation .... you can always take stuff off if you get too hot. :thumbup:

Re: Banff
 

Well we had an absolutely fantastic time! Got back yesterday and feeling a bit jet lagged! But we absolutely loved it - loved Banff, loved the skiing/boarding and loved Canada. Definitely the best skiing/boarding we've ever done.

It was cold but totally manageable with the right clothes on (lots)! And it was fine when you were skiing (although bloody freezing on the chair lifts!). We skied in Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise. Even had a go at night skiing.

Also visited the natural hot springs which was worth doing - they were proper hot (40 degrees) which was funny with snow all around you.

Anyway, it's crap to be back, I just wish we were still there, we loved it! I'll try and attach some pics....

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Some more...

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Last one...

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Looks beautiful Emma.... nice to have you back though :thumbup:

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See? Why would anyone move to Australia???? :eek: Oh Canada! My Canada!!!!!!!!..................:thumbsup:

Re: Banff
 

Of course us locals (well for 6 months I have been ;)) are complaining because of the relative lack of snow this year! Imagine what it's like during a 'normal' season. Having said that we did get over 40cm at Sunshine in the past few days so when I was out yesterday it was fantastic :thumbsup:

Re: Banff
 

Went to banff this time last year! Did nt get chance to ski. sulpher mountain experience great! Really great atmosphere night time! Can be really difficult getting a table for something to eat though! book early! Keg was great for steak! One thing we noticed was that is was at least 5 deg c warmer up in banff than in calagary!! It remained that way for the week! strange! Lake louise was great. Also check out banff springs hotel! Will defo be going back!!