Banff, Canada: Traveling CHEAP in the Canadian Rockies
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Wednesday 13th October 2010- Canadian outdoor adventures.
- What to do at night.
- Where to stay.
If you’re an adventure seeker who loves to unwind in style at the end of your day, Banff, Alberta - nestled deep in the Canadian Rockies - may very well be the perfect getaway for you. From outdoor pursuits to gourmet dining and luxury accommodations, Banff is the choice of tourists around the world during winter or summer. The best part? While only about an hour outside of Calgary and its convenient airport, Banff is light years away from the city in attitude and atmosphere.
What’s that? Low on coin? Cheap travel in the Canadian Rockies is a snap when you come armed with U.S. dollars. All prices quoted in this article are Canadian ("CA") - so go ahead and reduce all prices by at least 40 percent to determine the U.S. cost (Editorial Team note: currency conversion as of post date of June 2002).
SharpMan Tip: For an added savings to the American traveler, be sure to send in your receipts upon returning home to get a tax refund for all purchases made in Banff National Park. Learn more about this tax refund program at http://www.canadianrockies.net/convention_planner/general_info.html
More Than Just Skiing: Outdoor Adventures
Quick: think of a tall, majestic snow-covered mountain. What’s the next image that pops to mind? Of course, a skier or snowboarders careening down the slopes. While Banff is world famous for its skiing, you’ll also find many other opportunities for adventure in spring, summer and fall:
Skiing. There are two major ski resorts in the Banff area. The best value can be found at Mount Norquay, at $47 CA a day. Learn more about Mount Norquay online at http://banffnorquay.com/. The hottest local ski hill is at Sunshine Village, one of the most popular hills in Canada. http://www.skibanff.com/conditions/ provides info on current conditions and snow reports, along with all the information you need to make your day on the hill a great one.
Hiking. No matter your skill level, the Banff mountains offer a hike that is just right for you. Visit http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ1/a.aspx for a mapped list of easy hiking trails, provided by Parks Canada.
Horseback riding. Horseback riding is a slower, truly western way to soak up the scenery. If you’re up for an overnight tenting adventure, try Purewest Adventures at http://www.purewest.com/adventures/horses.html. They have overnight trips, or you can spend up to a week riding your horse during the day and camping outdoors every night. For a shorter ride varying from an hour to a whole day, check out Holiday on Horseback at http://www.horseback.com/. They even have sleigh rides in the winter!
Golf. For many, no vacation is complete without a good round of golf. Banff delivers, with a top caliber course. The Banff Springs Golf course certainly isn’t bargain priced, but you can save by visiting in the off-season. For example, a day on the course will set you back $85 CA in low season (May - October) vs. $165 CA in high season (July - September). All prices include cart rental, driving range, and taxes. If you save on everything else, a day on this pristine course - complete with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains - may be worth the expense.
Banff Hot Springs. So you’ve been skiing, hiking or golfing all day long and you’re exhausted. Muscles you never knew you had have ganged up on you to make you miserable. Doctor’s orders? A nice, long soak in Banff’s famous Hot Springs. More than just bubbling hot water, this mineral-rich bath helps soothe aching muscles and release tension after a long day of activity. No trip to Banff is complete without a stopover at this favorite spot. Best yet, it’s a true bargain at only $5.50 CA for adults low season; $7.50 CA high season. Bathing suit, towel and locker rentals are all available for around a dollar CA. Aromatherapy, massage and other spa services are also available.
Sulphur Mountain Gondola. If you’re not a ski bum or hiker, but you’d still like the eagle’s eye view of the mountains, then the Tunnel Mountain Gondola is for you. Gondolas leave every few minutes to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The view from here is breathtaking - a true photographer’s delight. In case you forgot film, there’s a gift shop both at the bottom and top of the mountain - and two restaurants in case you get hungry. Two adult round-trip gondola tickets will run you $20 CA.
Nighttime Fun - Good Eats and More
Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon. Looking to blow off steam? Wild Bill’s is the place to be! Whether you want to relax with a brew, take in the game on the big screen TV, or kick up your heels in the dance hall, Wild Bill’s is it. This is a fun place to hang out in, and the staff is terrific. You can view the menu online, make reservations, and learn about Bill Peyto - the cowboy for whom the saloon is named.
BTFSPLK’S. (pronounced Bit-if-splicks) This 1950s-style eatery featured everything from gourmet burgers and steaks, to fresh seafood. A favorite among locals, this was the spot to hit when you’re looking for an informal dinner after a long day of skiing. Btfsplk’s is closed now.
Places to Stay
Banff Info.com. Choose from a list of many Banff hotels, find out about rates and make reservations all at one handy Web site. I’ve found that by calling your chosen hotel directly, you sometimes receive even lower rates than what’s advertised.
Banff Springs Hotel . When you’re looking to splurge and hobnob it with the ritzy tourist crowd, don’t miss the Banff Springs Hotel. If you aren’t comfortable spending all that money on a hotel room, check out Solace, the Spa of Banff Springs. For $55 CA you get access to the spa facilities and can feel like Richie Rich, if only for a day. Visit online first to check out all the amenities.
Camping. If you want to rough it, visit this Government of Canada Web site - it’s filled with information about campgrounds in and around the Banff area. A great option for tenters or RV’ers.
Hostels. The cheapest of the cheap - a hostel! When you want to stay long-term or simply don’t have a lot of cash to spend, hostel living may be the best way to go. Check out Hostel Canada’s Web site to quickly and easily book a bed at locations across Canada.
From its world-renowned ski hills coated with a skier’s dream of powder, to horseback treks through the mountains, Banff has something for everyone - in every season. And while it’s a favorite hideaway for many of the rich and famous, it’s also down-to-earth enough for the rest of us. With a few easy tricks, you can stretch your budget to accommodate all of the greatest attractions Banff has to offer - without breaking the bank.
This article last updated on Thursday 9th February 2012