Banff Aspen Lodge

My Favourite Picnic Spots in Banff National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:03:00 +0000

With summer rapidly approaching, I always start to get a little antsy waiting for my first picnic of the season. Last year I remember driving for a picnic on a sunny day in April down to Kananaskis...unfortunately there was much more snow there than in Banff and the picnic had to take place in the car :)

Clearly the most important part of picnicking is what you've packed to eat. There needs to be a perfect balance of good food, drink and a nice sweet thing to finish things off with! Banff has a lot of great bakeries to buy a brownie or cookie for your picnic dessert.

If planning on visiting Banff in the next few months, have a look at my favourite picnic spots in the area and check a few of them out if you have time:
*Two Jack Lake - a short drive from Banff on the way to Lake Minnewanka; no hiking required...an easy car picnic with amazing views
*Banff Central Park - right in the town of Banff and on a sunny day, there is amazing people watching :)
*Most picnic areas along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A between Banff and Lake Louise). Just such gorgeous scenery on this drive and always a good chance to see some wildlife. If feeling like a walk before eating, hike up to the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon...amazing views and comfy rocks to enjoy your picnic
*Lake Agnes Tea House in Lake Louise - one of my favourite hikes to do in the area...I ensure it is done at least once a summer. It is an easy-moderate hike and the reward is your prepacked picnic at the top. Once you've finished your picnic, enjoy a nice cup of tea inside the Lake Agnes Tea House.

This photo was taken during my first summer in Banff at an evening picnic at Two Jack Lake...it has all the essentials in my opinion!

Happy Picnicking to all!

LIVE! with Kelly...in Banff

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:49:00 +0000

There has been a lot of excitement this past week in Banff. Kelly Ripa from the show LIVE! with Kelly was in town hosting her daily talk show and showcasing the incredible Banff Lake Louise area.

When I heard that Kelly Ripa was coming to Banff, I was excited that Banff Lake Louise and Alberta would be receiving some awesome exposure through her show. I didn't try to get tickets, as I wasn't an avid watcher of her show and didn't think I needed to go.

I was at the grocery store on Sunday evening and ran into a friend who had tickets to the taping on Monday morning. She asked if I wanted to join her...I said yes and off we went to the Banff Centre early Monday morning.

I have watched LIVE! with Kelly a few times and she always made me giggle. Seeing her in person is so much better! She is exactly as she seems...sweet, funny and incredibly genuine. She was so grateful for everything that she experienced in Banff National Park and Alberta and didn't appear to take anything for granted. She was able to promote Alberta and make all Canadians look fabulous doing so :)

Peter Facinelli (or P-Fatch as Kelly calls him) was the co-host of the show that I saw. The guests were Johnny Galecki (Leonard from Big Bang Theory) and Canadian R&B singer Melanie Fiona; who had just won a Juno the night before. This photo is blurry...but it is of Kelly, "P-Fatch" and John Galecki during his interview.

I know that I am lucky to live in Banff, but watching LIVE! with Kelly this past week has made me SO much more grateful for this awesome place that I call home :)

Guest Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:59:00 +0000

Thank you for your kind words and look forward to seeing you again!

Spring Skiing in Banff National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:20:00 +0000

I feel like I do a post on this every year...but seriously...it is required! My favourite time to ski in Banff/Lake Louise is mid-March and April. The snow is amazing and the temperatures are around 0 Degrees Celsius. This year is no exception and I think 2012 may be the best Spring Skiing I've experienced yet!

Around three weeks ago we had the biggest snow storm in years, with heavy snow starting to fall in the evening on March 4th and finally stopping in the morning of March 6th. Here I am skiing in Lake Louise after the snow stopped on Tuesday March 6th:

We've had more snow in town since then, but the ski hills have been receiving almost 5-10cm almost nightly! And today? I wake up to another awesome storm...I was covered in snow by the time I got to work (with a guest saying to me as I walked inside "wow...you're covered in snow"). This photo was taken on my walk to work today (Mar22):

Here is why you need to experience spring skiing in Banff/Lake Louise:
~Warmer temperatures
~Champagne powder
~No lift lines if skiing midweek
~Sunshine Village is only 15cm away from breaking their all time snowfall season record!
~Night skiing, tubing or enjoying a cup of tea at the top at Mount Norquay
~The Powder Bowls at Lake Louise
~Weekend concerts at each mountain
~Sitting outside at any of the mountains while enjoying a BBQ lunch & beverage break

See you all on the slopes!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:36:00 +0000

To celebrate Valentine's Day, I am posting my top five favourite romantic things to do in Banff National Park:

1) Sleigh Ride along Lake Louise (through Brewster Adventures)
2) Ice Skating on the Bow River or on the new rink beside the Banff High School
3) A winter walk (Tunnel Mountain, Fenland Loop, Marsh Loop)
4) Downhill skiing with a picnic somewhere on the mountain
5) Cross country skiing with a picnic on the way (my favourite place to cross country ski is at Emerald Lake Lodge - it is amazing!)

Please note; all of these things MUST be followed up with a lovely dinner! The restaurants that I enjoy are Georgio's, The Banff Balkan and The Maple Leaf; all are delicious!

Facebook & Twitter Friend Special

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:26:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who currently follows the hotel on Facebook, Twitter and through our Banff Aspen Lodge Blog. We really appreciate all of your support and feedback! To show our appreciation, we'd like to extend a special rate to everyone who is apart of the Banff Aspen Lodge Online Community:

Travel from March 11 - 31, 2012 and stay in our Premium Room for only $99+tx/night; this is savings up to 40% and includes our delicious Canadian Rockies continental breakfast, wireless internet and parking! Book online here and ensure you use the special access code: March99. This code must be used in order to access the discounted rate.

For more information on the special, visit our Facebook Page

Mount Norquay's $2 Lift Ticket Days, Tea House & More!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Skiing in Banff just got easier with Mount Norquay's $2 Lift Ticket Days. On the second Thursday of each month, ski tickets to Norquay will only cost you $2. This awesome deal is available on February 9th, March 8th and April 12th, 2012.

Norquay is one of the oldest ski areas in North America. Be apart of its history and visit the newly restored tea house at Norquay at the top of the North American Chairlift. Enjoy a ride up to the tea house where you will experience panoramic views of Banff National Park. Snacks, sandwich's and tea are available for sale. This is the most accessible tea house in the area, as you take a chairlift to get to it instead of hiking. The tea house is available to both skiers and non-skiers; pricing to access the tea house and more information is available here. The following is a historic image of the tea house from it's early days:

Norquay also offers tubing and snowshoeing. Night skiing is available on Friday and Saturday nights from 5-10pm; it is the only ski resort in the area to offer night skiing! If interested in trying a bit of skiing, some tubing and visiting the tea house in one visit, Mount Norquay has a ticket available for all three for only $59. For more information on Norquay, please visit www.banffnorquay.com

Valentine's Day Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is approaching and to celebrate love, we want to know the most romantic thing that you've ever experienced while visiting or living in Banff National Park. Banff is the perfect setting for all-things romantic; you couldn't ask for a better backdrop!

Write your story on our Facebook Wall and let us know what you experienced. Did you fall in love here? Have a picnic on top of Rundle Mountain with someone you love? Enjoy a romantic canoe ride on the Vermillion lakes? Get married on one of our many mountains?

Post your story by January 31st 2012 for the chance to win a one-night stay at the Banff Aspen Lodge on this Valentine's Day - February 14, 2012. You will also enjoy a $50 dining voucher to the Balkan, Banff's premier Greek dining experience. Enjoy their many flavourful dishes from the Mediterranean, while nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Finish your night off on the dance floor at Banff's favourite night club, the Dancing Sasquatch, as you will be receiving a $20 voucher to this exciting dance club!

Celebrate love and the beauty that is Banff National Park; look forward to reading about your experiences! Just post your story here and I will be in touch with the winner on February 1st 2012.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Happy Holidays to all from everyone here at the Banff Aspen Lodge! And all the best in 2012~

Snowshoeing on Top of the World at Sunshine Meadows!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:05:00 +0000

New this year at Sunshine Village are Guided Snowshoe Tours lead by White Mountain Adventures. The adventure starts with a gondola ride to the Day Lodge at Sunshine Village and then up a chairlift to the top of Mount Standish. You then strap on your snowshoes, walk away from the ski area and into a white powder paradise!

The views are incredible and it is so serene! This is a half day trip with a professional hiking guide leading your group. The tour includes transportation from Banff to Sunshine Village (scheduled departures only), snowshoes, trekking poles, Gondola & chair lift ticket, hot chocolate and snacks.

Interested in a two-day winter package that includes snowshoeing, an ice walk on Johnston's Canyon, a trip to magical Lake Louise and two night's accommodation at Banff Aspen Lodge? This is all possible through White Mountain Adventures; click here for more information

Facebook Contest Expanded!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Our Facebook Contest has been very successful and we've exceeded 150 likes; thank you all so very much for your support and welcome to our online community! The hotel's special midweek January rate will be disclosed to all of our Facebook Friends and Twitter followers...but before this happens, I've decided to take things one step further;

**Help Banff Aspen Lodge receive '250 Likes' on our Facebook Page by December 15, 2011 and receive even more savings!!! Once we achieve 250 Facebook 'Likes', I will be offering a special January midweek room rate of $79. This is savings of over 50% and your will receive complimentary continental breakfast, wireless internet and parking. Please note this rate is available on Sunday - Thursday night stays and is subject to availability.

Thank you again and look forward to interacting with you all :)
Christy

Banff Aspen Lodge on Facebook~

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:22:00 +0000

The Banff Aspen Lodge has been active on Facebook for the last few months and we want to thank everyone for supporting us so far! Our Facebook page is the place people can go to discover "all things Banff"; we are your local expert!

Our goal is to have 150 Facebook 'Likes' by December 28th, 2011. Once we achieve this, all Facebook and Twitter followers will receive an awesome midweek special rate of $89+tax on our premium rooms for travel throughout the month of January. The regular rate is $155 per night; you will be saving over 40%!

Visit our Facebook Page and "Like" us today! If you've already done this, please recommend the page to anyone you know who enjoys Banff National Park!

Help us reach our goal of 150 'Facebook Likes' by December 28, 2011 and let us thank you by offering a special rate of $89 on all new midweek reservations traveling to the hotel in January 2012. This rate includes our Canadian Rockies continental breakfast, wireless internet, parking and don't forget that you are saving over 40% from the regular room rate.

Click here to visit the Banff Aspen Lodge on Facebook. The promo code for the midweek special will be released once we have 150 Likes.

Bon Appetit Banff!

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:59:00 +0000

I'm getting SO very excited for Bon Appetit Banff! From November 17 - 27, 2011, 18 of Banff's restaurants are participating in this delicious Rocky Mountain festival! The restaurants are offering three-course menus for a fixed price of either $25 or $35. This is an awesome opportunity to experience the culinary delights at some of Banff's finest restaurants at a very reasonable price.

The following photo is from the Maple Leaf - located at 137 Banff Avenue. Their Beef Tenderloin melts in your mouth and my favourite dessert there is the molten lava chocolate cake!

I highly suggest checking out the Maple Leaf, Giorgio's Trattoria, the Balkan and the Bison Restaurant. I've been to all four and the food is amazing! I will be heading to Sleeping Buffalo Restaurant at Buffalo Mountain Lodge. I've never eaten here before, but it is run by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) and they're food never disappoints. Known for their "Rocky Mountain Cuisine", CRMR has their own game ranch to ensure the highest quality of meat in their restaurants. Check out Bon Appetit Banff for more restaurants and details~

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:03:00 +0000

One of the things that I miss living in Banff is "street meat": sometimes all that I want is a hot dog from a street vendor and I don’t get that very often. So when I was downtown last week and started craving a good hot dog, I decided to try out Shakes. I have now discovered my favourite Banff restaurant to go and get a fabulous hot dog; I love everything about this place!

Shakes is located at 201 Caribou Street, right beside Foot Locker. I ordered a Cheese Dog, my boyfriend had a Chili Cheese Dog and we shared some French Fries. The hot dogs are “Nathan’s World Famous Beef Dogs” and they certainly life up to their name; absolutely delish!

There is an area to eat in Shakes or you can take your food to go. Their food menu includes Hotdogs, Chili Cheese Dogs, French Fries, Poutine and Vietnamese Subs. They also sell milkshakes (which I am getting on my next visit) and Bubble Tea. I wasn’t familiar with Bubble Tea (or “boba tea”) and it is a really cool drink. You have tapioca pearls at the bottom of the cup, flavored back or green tea, blended with either milk and ice, fresh fruit or fruit juices blended with ice. You are able to drink the Bubble Tea hot or cold (it is normally served cold).

So when visiting Banff, make sure you check out Shakes to get a really good dog and let me know what you thought.

Value for Money....

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Wondering where to stay when you are in Banff National Park? Our previous guests agree that the Banff Aspen Lodge is the place to be:

Check out our hotel packages and specials to see what is the best option for your vacation!

Canadian Citizenship Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Congratulations to Banff Aspen Lodge Housekeeping Manager Angel Santos who recently received her Canadian Citizenship at a ceremony at Lake Minnewanka. Angel was apart of a ceremony that welcomed 50 people from 17 different countries to become Canadian Citizens.

Angel is originally from the Philippines and came to Banff in September 2004. She choose to come to Canada so that she would be able to help her family in the Philippines financially. Angel started working at the hotel as a room attendant; she then moved into the Housekeeping Supervisor role and is now our Housekeeping Manager (currently on maternity leave). Angel met her husband here in Banff and they have an adorable daughter Lexi, who is six months old.

After the ceremony I asked Angel what being Canadian meant to her and she said "happy and healthy living". I love this answer! I am so lucky to have been born in this amazing country and Angel's story is a perfect reminder of this.

Angel enjoys living in Banff for the nature and the great friends she has here. She has been part of the Banff Aspen Lodge family for seven years this September and we are so blessed to have her!

Banff Lake Cruise - Lake Minnwanka

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:41:00 +0000

My dad was visiting from Ontario recently and I decided to take him on the Banff Lake Cruise on Lake Minnewanka. I have been to Lake Minnwanka many times, but I've never had the opportunity to take the boat cruise; so this was the perfect opportunity! We got a ride on the "Sandra Lynne":

Lake Minnewanka means "Water of the Spirts" and is the largest lake in Banff National Park. It is located a 15 minute drive from Banff and has some of the most amazing views in the Banff area. Brewster runs a lake cruise giving people the opportunity to see parts of the lake that you are only able to see via boat, providing us with some incredibly unique photos. The cruises run from mid-May - mid-October and are an interpretive tour. We learned about the area's vegetation, wildlife and history; including stores of the First Nations people and early explorers who have made the area what it is today.

It was a cloudy day, but this is the view at the end of the lake:

For more information and to make a booking, please visit http://www.explorerockies.com/minnewanka/

Day Hikes in Banff National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:36:00 +0000

Hiking is one thing that I never really did before moving to Banff; it just never interested me. Since moving to Banff five years ago from Ontario, I have been able to really get into it and have been lucky enough to do some amazing hikes; some of which I've written about here.

Parks Canada has just released their new Day Hikes in Banff National Park brochure, so I thought I'd go over a few of them:

Easy Hikes; I've done all of these and would describe them as enjoyable, peaceful walks. Time to complete ranges from one - four hours and there isn't a lot of elevation gain:

Johnson Lake / Fenland Trail / Bow River/Hoodoos / Spray River Loop / Sundance Canyon

Medium Hikes; I've also done the majority of these hikes; they are definitely more intense with elevation gain ranging from 170 - 760 metres and longer distances (up to seven hours):

C-Level Cirque / Tunnel Mountain / Upper Hot Springs / http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifSulphur Mountain / Stoney Squaw Mountain / Cascade Amphitheatre / Healy Pass / Bourgeau Lake / Rockbound Lake

*I've never done done Healy Pass and Rockbound Lake; but I hear they are incredible! I also really enjoy the Bourgeau Lake Hike and C-Level Cirque.

Difficult Hikes; I've never done either of these, but friends have and if you are up for a challenge, they would be perfect. Elevation gain is over 900 metres the hikes can take from 6- 8 hours.

Harvey Pass / Cory Pass Loop

For more information on the above hikes, please visit http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ1.aspx.

Here are some tips from Parks Canada:
*Get advice from Parks Canada Information Centre Staff
*Study trail descriptions and maps before starting
*Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before leaving (and dress accordingly).
*Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group
*Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters
*Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 - 50 metres away from most animals and 100 metres away from bears
*Carry bear spray and know how to use it
*Pets must be on a leash at all times

Prairie View Lookout - Barrier Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Did an awesome hike this week in Kananaskis; Prairie View Lookout at Barrier Lake. The parking lot is located off Highway 40 in the day use area by the Barrier Lake dam. It is around a 25 minute drive from the Trans-Canada Highway.

The trail follows an old fire road and you are also able to mountain bike on it. It is definitely a good climb with a decent amount of elevation gain. Luckily the view from the top is so incredible and makes it all worth it!

Barrier Lake is a gorgeous colour and seeing it at 1917 metres gives you a totally different view. If wanting to go further, the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout is another 600 metres from the Prairie View Lookout and although it is a very steep climb, the views are even more incredible (you can even see Calgary on a clear day).

Hike Details:
Prairie View - 10.8 km (return) at approximately four hours with 537 metres in elevation gain
Barrier Lake Lookout - 14 km (return) at approximately five hours and 625 metres in elevation gain

Remember to always check trail conditions before starting a hike and dress appropriately!

Guest Comments~

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Gabby stayed at our hotel this past week and had to say the following:

"I want to thank you for the stay at your beautiful hotel! We had a wonderful time hiking and shopping in Banff and a great stay. We thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor hot tub in the evening and the breakfast was amazing! Furthermore, location is great. So close to to everything. I'll be recommending even more visitors to your hotel. Thanks again!!! We had a great experience."

Thank you Gabby; so glad we were able to accommodate you and that you enjoyed Banff! Look forward to having you stay again~

Singing Park Wardens...

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Parks Canada has announced a new program for visitors coming to Banff National Park this summer; singing park wardens will perform original songs, poetry and stories about the history and tradition of Banff National Park's warden service.

Park Wardens are so important to Banff National Park. They keep us safe, along with all the animals living here and so much more!

Performances take place at the Tunnel Mountain Campground Outdoor Theatre on the following dates:

July 14 - 8-9pm
July 22 - 8-9pm
July 28 - 8-9pm
August 23 - 8-9pm
August 26 - 8-9pm
September 2 - 8-9pm
September 4 - 8-9pm

Performances are free with admission into Banff National Park. Take advantage of these shows to learn more about our history; I know I will!

Free Entry into Banff National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:20:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Canada Day and what better way to enjoy our country then visiting one of our amazing National Parks? All National Parks are offering free entry on July 01, which is a great incentive for you to come and explore everything Banff National Park has to offer. There is a free Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast at Canada place, Sidewalk Art outside of the Whyte Museum, the Parade starts at 5pm on Banff Avenue and the fireworks are scheduled for 11pm. The best view to watch the fireworks is Central Park. The complete schedule for July 01 in Banff can be viewed at www.banff.ca

Another opportunity to visit Banff National Park is on July 16; Parks Day. All National Parks are again offering complimentary entry and Banff has some special activities at the Banff Park Museum Historic Site from 11:30am - 5pm. There is an outdoor festival of music, theatre, exhibits and most importantly...birthday cake.

Hope you are able to take advantage of the July 01 and July 16 free entry into Canada's National Parks and Banff Aspen Lodge still has guestrooms left for July 16 if you are in town!

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in Banff

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:25:00 +0000

This September the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing an outdoor concert in Banff. It is taking place on the afternoon of September 17 at the Banff Centre, in the newly renovated Shaw Amphitheatre.

Imagine relaxing in the Rockies, enjoying our amazing views and listening to Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6". The Orchestra is led by Melanie Leonard and this program features one of Banff's own, Shauna Rolston. Shauna has been playing the cello since her second birthday, when her father gave her a customized cello that was one-eighth the size of a regular cello.

Special packages are available for the weekend including a pre-show reception, VIP seating and a post-show dinner. Tickets are $49 for adults and $45 for senior/students. Call the Banff Centre Box Office at 1-800-413-8368 to reserve your tickets.

Banff Aspen Lodge Guest Responses

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Thanks to Maria and her family for leaving us this lovely comment; it was a pleasure hosting you in Banff National Park and I look forward to having you stay with us again! Click on the image to zoom in:

Spring Skiing at Sunshine Village

noreply@blogger.com (Banff Aspen Lodge) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:23:00 +0000

I had the most amazing day skiing at Sunshine Village this week; the powder was so incredible that I had a hard time believing I was skiing on "mid-April" snow. We've had awesome snow this season, the ski resorts in Banff Lake Louise have received some of the best snow that we've had in over five years.

You could hear random cheers and screams of excitment all over the mountain from people enjoying the conditions; it was a blast! My friend Karen and I found a run off of Goat's Eye that didn't get a lot of traffic and had very soft powder. I definitely had a smile on my face the whole way down, not sure if you can see it in this photo:

Spring Skiing is my favourite because the temperatures are usually between -8 and 0 degrees Celsius and the snow is always good. I was skiing at a resort in the United States at the beginning of April and the snow was a little bit icy and by noon, very slushy. In my opinion, there is no comparison to spring skiing in Banff Lake Louise to other resorts in North America.

Picnic tables are setup outside some of the restaurants on the hill, making it very easy to enjoy a beverage and some food for an outdoor lunch break. My favourite are the hamburgers are cooked on BBQs.

One thing that you cannot forget - sunscreen, even on a cloudy day. The goggle tan look doesn't always work in the office ;)