Banff

Douglas Fir Resort, quiet with no nightlife great for families

Nine of us planned a snowboarding trip from Australia. Snow, conditions, terrain etc in Banff area were amazing. We stayed at Douglas Fir Resort, a quiet, comfortable family friendly resort just out of town. Had everything we needed. Is a long cold walk from main shops and nightlife. If you party hard dont stay here.

Recommend having a car as buses leave every hour or so to town and back. Would definately stay here again.

We like to snowboard, then sleep. Waterslides and spa at Douglas Fir were great after a days riding.

Staff were great.

Luxury Castle in the Mountains

We have been going there for 16 years. The Banff Spring Hotel is unique in its superb situation in Banff and flanked by the most awe inspiring peaks. The hotel itself is like a Scottish castle with towers of stone but the rooms are warm and cosily comfortable. The staff are attentive without being obsequious and are not supposed to accept tips as it''s all included.

The ski bus picks you up right from the hotel and the best skiing is only 35 minutes away at Lake Louise. This ski area offers 3 mountain sides of groomed and tree lined pistes, which are open nearly 6 months of the year. It''s unbelievably scenic, and is so far superior to skiing in Australia it doesnt compare. You can also ski closer to  Banff if you prefer beginner slopes at Norquay, or deep powder at Sunshine. These are included on the 3 area lift pass.

There are many food choices in the Banff Springs hotel but we like eating in the restaurants in town. Our favourites are the all-you-can-eat Sukiyaki House, Silver Dragon Chinese and the Magpie and Stump. In the hotel the Rundle lounge has soup and sandwich with a magic view over the Bow Valley and the Grill room buffets for breakfast or Sunday Brunch are memorable.

After skiing a swim in the 32m indoor pool or the heated outdoor pool is on the cards,sometimes we''ve seen deer walk past. If you want a massage there''s a spa for extra. The gym has also got the amazing view to exercise to.

This hotel is quite unique and a real bargain. Kids stay free and ski free in January! You need never leave, but the slopes beckon and we always want another ride on Paradise lift for a mogel run before lunch. Heaven.  

A castle in the snow

Banff Springs Hotel is an amazing resort in the heart of the rocky mountains. I have stayed there twice with my family and would go back there again. It is truely a castle in the snow. The resort features a bowling alley, an outdoor natural ice-rink, shops and indoor/outdoor heated swimming pools and spas just to name a few. Banff is a wonderful town with a vast array of shops, restaurants and bars. We were lucky to be there at Christmas time one year, which was magical to have a white christmas. For a special hotel experience I would recommend Banff Springs Hotel.