Banff Springs, a spectacularly situated site with natural hot springs, has long been a popular destination. Now Banff has grown into a beautiful little town in its own right. To protect the country's assets for future generations, the Canadian government established the National Parks Authority, and in 1885 the area of Banff became Canada's first national park.
Banff offers a choice of skiing destinations. The nearest mountain is a small family resort called Norquay – pretty as a button, it won't win awards for challenging skiing, but it has a charm that has long since disappeared from most ski resorts. Further afield (a twenty-five minute drive) is Sunshine Mountain, famous for having the best snow in Canada. Feeling brave, try the completely new development of Goatshead, an all black and double-black diamond mountain. Also within easy reach of Banff are Lake Louise, Kicking Horse (a brand-new mountain development) and Nakiska, site of the Calgary Olympics.
1 Hip Hotel in Banff
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Buffalo Mountain Lodge (so named because the mountain it sits on was said by indigenous peoples to resemble a buffalo lying down) is a timber and fieldstone complex on the slopes of Tunnel Mountain, in 9 acres of woodland.
The owners, the O’Connors, firmly believe that Canada's mountain sanctuaries are without equal, even the food they serve at Buffalo Mountain Lodge – local game, indigenous berries, wild fruits – is sourced from their own ranch.
This mountain retreat is completely in harmony with its surroundings. Rooms achieve a rugged effect with a large wood-burning fieldstone fireplace in the corner, two Adirondack chairs, and lots of exposed timber. Hiding in a large timber cupboard is a gigantic cable television. Bathrooms of the premier rooms have heating under the floor and both a clawfoot bath and a separate shower booth.
The food, the ambience and the architecture are all wholly in sympathy with a setting that is among the most picturesque in the world.
Photos of Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Prices from:
£1,030 pp
Skiing Season!
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