banff area basics
getting there: calgary international airport in alberta is
less than an hour and a half from the town of banff on highway 1
(the trans-canada). there are shuttle buses that travel from the
airport to various local hotels. if you'd rather drive yourself,
avis, budget, tilden, and hertz have rental car offices in both
banff and calgary. be aware that there is a national park entry fee
of $5 per person per day or $10 per car per day to enter banff
national park.
where to stay: after a long day of skiing, nothing sounds
nicer than a relaxing
massage under expert hands, and the recently
installed $12 million spa, solace, at the banff springs hotel
(800-441-1414; $168-$298) is sure to please. both banff springs and
the waterfront chateau lake louise (800-441-1414; $162-$259) are
part of the prestigious canadian pacific hotels chain. the post
hotel (800-661-1586; $117-$350) is a charming alpine chalet, which
offers more intimate accommodations. the sunshine inn
(877-542-2633; $116-$234) offers on-site lodging at sunshine
village and provides lift passes for each day of your stay.
where to eat: dubbed "rocky mountain cuisine," the
eco-conscious food dished out by the area's upscale eateries is
both delicious and nutritious. homegrown produce, like juniper
berries and wild mushrooms, is served with game, such as caribou
and
buffalo, and the combination is getting a two-forks-up rating.
chateau lake louise serves pastry flour derived from ancient grains
upon special request. after the grains were recovered from the
thatched roofs of old homes in
scotland,
ireland, and england, they
were re-bred and harvested as a specialty crop. the chefs use the
flours in their vip vegetarian and vegan breads and pastas, often
accompanied by organic produce or cheese from a local dairy farm.
the emerald lake lodge (800-663-6336) and the buffalo mountain
lodge (800-661-1367), both part of canadian rocky mountain resorts,
serve up atlantic salmon and alberta beef tenderloin paired with
canadian and international wines. to ensure a steady supply of
quality game meat, the resort company opened their own game farm in
1998, raising buffalo, elk, and white-tailed deer to be served in
their restaurants.