What to do and what to skip on your next trip
Not all of you may know this, but your girl lived in Banff, Alberta for almost a year and half. This was from the summer of 2013 until almost the end of 2014
It was a fun time in my life. Working for a big hotel and living the ski and outdoor lifestyle made me very happy. In the winter we would snowboard in the morning and go to work in the afternoon and in the summer we would hike mountains on our days off. You met people from all over the world and got to see so many beautiful things.
I am lucky to have a brother who lives in Calgary and therefore I go to visit him once or twice a year. Every time I come to visit I go to Banff and Canmore. I just love it there. The vibe is cool and relaxed and most people are really nice and helpful. It also brings back memories of my past and gives a little warmth to my heart.
So a couple weeks ago, I travelled with my family to go see my other family in Albert and hang out back where I used to live. Most people are only lucky enough to go to Banff National Park once in their lives, but I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to go once or sometimes twice a year
Banff and Canmore are two very special places in Western Canada and have many activities that you can take advantage of. Depending on the season in which you visit, you can decide on what you want to do and see in the area. Canmore is less touristy than Banff, so expect more small business and fewer crowds. Many people live in Canmore since it is a bigger town and work in Banff because they are so close together.
Today I’m giving you a few lists of what to do and what not to do while visiting Banff and the surrounding area. I’ve also put a list together of some good places to get a cold beer after a hike or ski session at the bottom of the page. Most of the places to grab a beer are actually brew pubs and have some really nice food selections, so I would check them out!
Travelling is weird now and it makes me sad. I used to love going to an airport and chilling, while waiting for the plane with a beer in my hand. Now when you go to the airport you just want to get it over with as quick as possible to avoid any problems or infection. That whole allure of going somewhere cool and looking forward to that is totally gone and it makes me sad. Looking around to see a whole airport basically closed down has got to be one of the saddest things you could ever see.
This pandemic has given everyone one of us who loves to travel outside our country, a great chance to explore our own country and travel here. You can get a decently priced flight or you could rent a car and drive to where you are visiting if you have a bit more time. I believe travel is really important to people’s lives and helps our mood and anxiety levels. It’s a great feeling to get out of a big city and breathe some fresh air.
Things to do in Banff and the Bo Valley
Try and climb up as many mountains as you can and like. There are many marked trails all over the area for all levels of difficulty, so be cautious and have fun. Do a bit of research, prepare and get out there
Go to see the Banff Springs hotel, even if you’re not staying there. Trust me, it is more majestic in person. Besides the beauty of the building, there is a lot of history inside. There is even a small gallery of black and white pictures to give you an idea of what it would have looked like in the 1940's and 50's
Have a cocktail at a nice bar while you’re in town, since Alberta is having a really good craft liquor movement right now. Some bars might even have specials on cocktails!
Try to get in a hot pool or hot tub, depending on what is now open or offered at the place you have decided to stay (they are super relaxing and good for your circulation especially after a long day or hiking or skiing)
Go to see a beautiful lake and plan for it, if you don’t want to wait in a huge lineup. The tourist groups are mainly gone for now, but the parking lots are small and only allow for a certain number of cars. Plan ahead!
Walk as many places as you can. The nature and views you can see are pretty spectacular and I think you can enjoy them more outside of a car
Go on a long drive. The Trans-Canada highway goes to many places, so if you have a car, get in there and drive somewhere cool or take the bus.
8. Sit by the fire outside and drink a hot beverage in a blanket. People love the outdoors here and are always sitting outside, even when it gets a bit colder out. So enjoy the patio season longer and hang outside!
Probably buy a park pass on the website for the days you will be visiting. You can get ticketed by parks people if you don’t have indication on your car
Cool things in the area you may or may not know about
Most ski hills and mountains have restaurants and bars open in the summer time. This is a great way to see some awesome views and get some great snacks. I usually get the ploughman’s platter to split and have it with a beer (I like the Cliffhouse Bistro on Norquay and Whitehorn Bistro on Lake Louise)
Most days of the week, restaurants and bars have specials, so look out to see what they are offering and always ask if there is a special of the day
Shoulder season is the best time to get deals in the Bow Valley. If you happen to be looking for some ski or hiking gear, try looking at stores in September or the beginning of October…more deals
Things you can probably skip
Feed any animals in the area. There is a lot of wildlife in a national park, but they should not be eating human food. Sure stop and take a picture, but that’s it
Buying tacky souvenirs on Banff Ave. The town is full of tacky souvenir shops, so unless you want the tacky mousse shirt, try and stay away and look for something elsewhere you actually like and will use
Expect that everything and all roads are open at all times of the year. Some roads close during the winter season and are off limits to cars, so you may not be able to go and see that mountain you planned on seeing
Going on a tour in a little bus to take pictures and see the surrounding area. Honestly I don’t want to tell you what to do, but you could just do these yourselves. Get in the car, get a map, get a book and don’t get ripped off.
Top places in Banff and Canmore to get a good beer
Banff Ave Brew Pub-A classic pub for visitors and locals-Good food and good beer
Bear Street Tavern –A big selection of beers from all over Alberta and also good pizza
Waldhaus Pub-Overlooking the 15th hole on the Banff Springs golf course, the German style cottage offers food and brews from the local area with a Bavarian feel
Grizzly Paw Brewery-Grizzly Paw is both a brewery and brew pub-Find them both in Canmore and stop for a flight of beer brewed there and some good snacks
Canmore Brewery-Located in an industrial plaza in Canmore, the beer is fresh and brewed on site-The food options are only snacks and pies, but you can still sit down with a flight and play some board games in a charming atmosphere
Well that was fun! I hope you all got something good from that and use some of these pointers when thinking about what you want to do in Banff and Canmore. Look there is a million things that you may want to do when you get there, but sometimes it's nice to just take a breath and walk around and see what you can see.
Plan your vacation in Canada and go see parts of the country while you can and while it is cheaper. Every time I go to the mountains, I get a warm feeling inside, so I hope you al can feel that when you visit too.
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