Banff National Park Hotel Tips by Camping_Girl Top 5 Page for this destination

Hidden Ridge Resort: Great Views of the Valley

The Hidden Ridge is made up of a number of lodges and cabins, most of which contain 4 suites - 2 up and 2 down. (If you don't like the sound of footsteps above you, make sure you ask for a suite on an upper level.) All suites are self-catering and even include a dishwasher. In addition, all suites have a wood burning fireplace.

We really enjoyed our stay here Feb/06. The feather beds were the best I've ever slept on! The rooms are very comfortable and all units have a locker outside your door to store your skis in.

The resort underwent some major renovations from 2008 and into 2009. There is a new hot tub, overlooking the ridge. The views are incredible! You won't be disappointed at this resort.

Unique Qualities: Candles on the mantle and hand-made soaps from Rocky Mountain Soap company are a really nice touch. So were the nice thick comforters.

The resort has a huge outdoor hot tub which is centrally located. In addition there are a couple of gas bbq's in this area for the use of guests.

Address: 901 Hidden Ridge Way Box 1070 Banff, AB T1L 1H8

Comparison: about average

Directions: Off Tunnel Mountain Road, just up the mountain from downtown Banff.

Other Contact: 403-762-3544

Phone: 800-563-8764

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.bestofbanff.com

Tunnel Mountain Resort: *LOVE* the Executive Suites!!

The executive suites at Tunnel Mtn were completely redone a couple of years ago. The suites are GORGEOUS!!! These suites are strictly for 2 people - king size bed, leather couch, marble countertops, steam shower, jetted tub, gas fireplace & private balcony. This is a great place to go for a romantic retreat. All suites also come equipped with a mini fridge, microwave and inroom safe.

I have stayed in one of these suites twice now - once during the winter and once in the fall. The hotel also has an indoor pool & 2 indoor hot tubs, which I have never made it to yet!

Front desk staff are awesome here - super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I want to extend a special thank you and 2 thumbs up to Curt - the Ozzie who was working the front desk during our most recent visit. He is a perfect example of everything a front desk employee should be. He even helped me get my laptop connected to the wireless internet! Thanks, Curt.

Unique Qualities: I have never stayed in the chalets at this resort, so I can't comment on those at all. But the newly re-decorated executive suites are super comfortable and beautiful. They have pretty much every amenity you could ask for.

The resort also has a small outdoor playground for the kids and a few barbecues which can be used by resort guests during the summer time.

*Fall is a great time to spend a weekend at this resort if you're looking for a great deal. We rented the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving, and got a rate of $101 per night for an executive suite!

Address: Tunnel Mountain Road

Comparison: about average

Directions: Above the downtown area, on Tunnel Mountain Drive.

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Bow Valley Provincial Park: Campground away from Crowds

BV Prov Park is just east of Canmore about ten miles, which puts it about 15 miles from the Banff park gates.

This is a really scenic campground - lots of tall trees to provide shade and privacy from your neighbours.

This park consists of 7 separate campgrounds - Lac des Arcs (28 non-serviced sites, pit toilets), Sibbald Lake (134 non-serviced sites, pit toilets), Three Sisters (36 non-serviced sites, pit toilets), Dawson (equestrian campground), Willow Rock (group camping, serviced sites), Bow River (32 non-serviced sites, RV accessible, pit toilets) and Bow Valley (169 sites, RV accessible, some serviced, flush toilets).

Activities include hiking trails, fishing, cycling, windsurfing, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs - to name a few!

They are open March 31 to October 1-30 each year (dependent on weather).

Unique Qualities: They take reservations - call the number below during the camping season.

Address: 25 km east of Canmore, off Hwy #1

Comparison: least expensive

Phone: 403-673-2163

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Campground

Website: http://www.bowvalleycampgrounds.com/