Banff Park Lodge

This blog has moved

2010-03-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://blog.banffparklodge.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.banffparklodge.com/feeds/posts/default.

Spring Is Here - Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Spring has arrived in Banff. The Canada Geese are back along with the robins. This is a true sign as Springtime in the Rockies on this wonderful St. Patrick's Day.

With it being St. Patrick's Day today, did you know that "originally the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. However, over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew.[Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. Then in the 1798 rebellion in hopes of making a political statement Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching attention with their unusual fashion gimmick. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from the song of the same name."

This information can be found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day

Town of Banff Homegrown Art Show

2010-03-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

This past Friday night, March 5, 2010 the Town of Banff hosted the opening night to 10th Annual Celebration of Original Community Art.

The art show features approximately 40 locals artists displaying paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelery and other mixed mediums.

Works are on display Monday through Friday in the Banff Town Hall from 8:30 am till 4:30 pm daily till Friday, March 26, 2010.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the talents of our local community.

One particular artist is Christine Ford. To discover more of her works, website can be found at www.ChristineFord.ca and the following is from her website:
"Christine Ford was born and raised in Banff Alberta, where she attended Banff Community High School and graduated with honors. She was brought up in a very artistic family which has helped her dive into many diverse art forms and increased her knowledge and appreciation for different areas of art. Her Grandmother, Jeanette Ford who is an artist and art teacher, saw this interest and began to teach and guide Christine. It was the love of the art and the support and influence of her family that ultimately led her on her artistic path.

Being born and raised in a National Park filled Christine with a deep love and appreciation of nature, which has been a huge influence on her and her art. Christine's ultimate goal with all her work is showing the beauty, strength and quiet moments of the natural world as she see's it.

Christine attended the Alberta College of Art and Design, where she excelled, and is now working hard to increase her portfolio and become more active in the art community."

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

2010-02-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

We all held our breath as we headed for over-time, but now we celebrate.

Congratulations to the Canadian Mens Hockey Team for winning our final gold medal of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Thank you for the memories!

Found on Facebook at:

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/02/26/2213393.aspx

Leaving behind a thank-you note
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:56 AM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under: Brian Williams
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
After tonight's broadcast and after looting our hotel mini-bars, we're going to try to brave the blizzard and fly east to home and hearth, and to do laundry well into next week. Before we leave this thoroughly polite country, the polite thing to do is leave behind a thank-you note.

Thank you, Canada:

For being such good hosts.

For your unfailing courtesy.

For your (mostly) beautiful weather.

For scheduling no more than 60 percent of your float plane departures at the exact moment when I was trying to say something on television.

For not seeming to mind the occasional (or constant) good-natured mimicry of your accents.

For your unique TV commercials -- for companies like Tim Hortons -- which made us laugh and cry.

For securing this massive event without choking security, and without publicly displaying a single automatic weapon.

For having the best garment design and logo-wear of the games -- you've made wearing your name a cool thing to do.

For the sportsmanship we saw most of your athletes display.

For not honking your horns. I didn't hear one car horn in 15 days -- which also means none of my fellow New Yorkers rented cars while visiting.

For making us aware of how many of you have been watching NBC all these years.

For having the good taste to have an anchorman named Brian Williams on your CTV network, who turns out to be such a nice guy.

For the body scans at the airport which make pat-downs and cavity searches unnecessary.

For designing those really cool LED Olympic rings in the harbor, which turned to gold when your athletes won one.

For always saying nice things about the United States...when you know we're listening.

For sharing Joannie Rochette with us.

For reminding some of us we used to be a more civil society.

Mostly, for welcoming the world with such ease and making lasting friends with all of us.

2010 Vancouver Olympic Games

2010-02-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

Let the celebration begin. Congratulations to the Canadian Men's Hockey Team in their gold medal performance.

Canada is now the most winningest gold medal winner in winter Olympic history according CTV.

There is a wonderful Thank-you note published on Facebook at:

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/02/26/2213393.aspx

Leaving behind a thank-you note
Posted: Friday, February 26, 2010 10:56 AM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under: Brian Williams
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
After tonight's broadcast and after looting our hotel mini-bars, we're going to try to brave the blizzard and fly east to home and hearth, and to do laundry well into next week. Before we leave this thoroughly polite country, the polite thing to do is leave behind a thank-you note.

Thank you, Canada:

For being such good hosts.

For your unfailing courtesy.

For your (mostly) beautiful weather.

For scheduling no more than 60 percent of your float plane departures at the exact moment when I was trying to say something on television.

For not seeming to mind the occasional (or constant) good-natured mimicry of your accents.

For your unique TV commercials -- for companies like Tim Hortons -- which made us laugh and cry.

For securing this massive event without choking security, and without publicly displaying a single automatic weapon.

For having the best garment design and logo-wear of the games -- you've made wearing your name a cool thing to do.

For the sportsmanship we saw most of your athletes display.

For not honking your horns. I didn't hear one car horn in 15 days -- which also means none of my fellow New Yorkers rented cars while visiting.

For making us aware of how many of you have been watching NBC all these years.

For having the good taste to have an anchorman named Brian Williams on your CTV network, who turns out to be such a nice guy.

For the body scans at the airport which make pat-downs and cavity searches unnecessary.

For designing those really cool LED Olympic rings in the harbor, which turned to gold when your athletes won one.

For always saying nice things about the United States...when you know we're listening.

For sharing Joannie Rochette with us.

For reminding some of us we used to be a more civil society.

Mostly, for welcoming the world with such ease and making lasting friends with all of us.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

2010-02-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out our Colours and Culture Package because there are some great reasons to try out this package! Most of those reasons can be found within the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

Did you know you that when you reserve the Colours and Culture Package you can take in the following four exhibitions:

Exposure 2010
Calgary Banff Canmore Photography Festival (On display till April 4, 2010)

Through the Lens: A Stoney Perspective
Until September 15, 2010 (Located at the Juniper Hotel on Norquay Road)

Olympians of the Bow Valley
Until April 4, 2010

The Stuff of Legend: The Luxton Family in Banff and the Bow Valley featuring High Fashion in the Rockies

The Whyte Museum is open daily from 10 am till 5 pm & can be found online at www.whyte.org

Too the Whyte Museum are on Facebook & Twitter!

One More Day!

2010-02-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

One more day & we will start enjoying the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Catch the excitement of the Opening Ceremonies with us here at the Banff Park Lodge in our Terrace Lounge on the large screen television.

Rooms are available for Friday night, February 12, 2010 starting from a rate of $169 plus applicable taxes based on single/double occupancy.

8 Days & Counting

2010-02-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, only 8 more days and we will be welcoming the world to 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

As we look forward to the Winter Olympics, we are remembering the wonderful celebration that we had here in Banff on January 20, 2010 as we Painted the Town Red with the Olympic Spirit.

Here are some our memories that we'd like to share with you! Enjoy!

Travelocity Roaming Gnome Fun

2010-02-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Travelocity Roaming Gnome and his Banff Guide for coming by the Banff Park Lodge while enroute to Banff's Mount Norquay.

The following is from the Travelocity Roaming Gnome Diary. Great times!

Dear Diary,

I've just got back from my trip to Banff, which was a splendid antidote to this case of cabin fever I'd been battling. Despite worrying that my beard might freeze upon stepping off the plane in Calgary - only a 90-minute drive from Banff! - the weather was was pleasant and sunny. I did some marvelous skiing in the Canadian Rockies, went ice-skating at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and hitched a ride with KingMik Dogsled Tours (by jove, those puppies were fast.) I took a dip in Banff Springs, slipped into the hot tub at Sunshine Village, took a super ice walk with Discovery Banff Tours, and spent an afternoon at the Willow Stream Spa. I made some new friends at the Elk and Oarsman and sampled an embarrassingly large number of Banff’s excellent restaurants (yes, I’m carrying a little extra winter weight at the moment, don’t judge.) And I was certainly the life of the party at Aurora Nightclub and the Hoodoo Lounge. As if you’d expect anything less.

My word, I need a vacation after that vacation! Huge thanks to Banff Lake Louise Tourism and the entire Banff community for their warm welcome. Have a peek at my vacation snaps and videos below!

Toodles,
The Travelocity Roaming Gnome

PS: Want to cure your own cabin fever? You’ll find a host of smashingly affordable ideas here!

Skiing at Lake Louise. I was even better than this guy, I promise. You just can’t see it in the pictures.

In the hot tub at Sunshine Village. Steady on, ladies, there’s enough of me to go around.

It’s awfully hard to make snow angels when your hands are cemented to your sides. Hmm, bit of a flaw in that plan. Should have thought that one through.

Me and Dave Barton, Banff Guide & Social Media Guru. He showed me around town and made me feel right at gnome. Ahem, I mean right at HOME.

Taking a soothing dip at the Banff Hot Springs. This nice young lady made sure I didn’t get my beard wet. Honestly, it’s a nightmare to dry.

Riding the bull at Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon. Got ROPED into it, if you know what I mean.

Dinner at Saltlik. I’ve got a steak knife and I’m not afraid to use it.

"Come here often?" I asked this lovely bartender at the Hoodoo Lounge. Turns out she’d heard that one before.

Tubing at Mt. Norquay. Anyone want to give me a push?

The food at the Balkan restaurant was smashing. Get it? I’ve been wanting to make that joke for ages.

Taking an ice walk in Johnson Canyon: smashing fun!

Playing hockey on Lake Louise. Score!

Super-duper ski jump at Lake Louise

For more pictures, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/friends/?filter=afp#/album.php?aid=2051894&id=1477118851

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Fever

2010-01-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Town of Banff was painted red last night as we welcomed the Olympic Torch to Banff.

This morning the Management & Staff of the Banff Park Lodge had the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy having an Olympic Torch for some wonderful photos.

Keep checking back for more photos as the Olympic Fever grows. 22 days & counting to the Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies.

The Torch is on the way to Lake Louise as we post this message. Paint the Town Red.

Thank you to the Torch Relay Team!

Travelocity Gnome is Coming to Banff!

2010-01-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that Travelocity Roaming Gnome is coming to Banff this weekend, Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24, 2010.

Thank you to everyone who voted Banff as their favourite ski destination & recommended that the Travelocity Roaming Gnome come & experience winter in Banff.

The Roaming Gnome will be here to "visit with friends & locals, pose for pictures & participate in some of the most popular activities that Banff has to offer, including skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, flying down the luge & snow tubing. As with all celebrities, he will have a "personal assistant" who accompanies him along with way.

While in Banff this weekend, the Roaming Gnome will explore Sunshine Village & ice walking at Johnston Canyon, but is also asking locals to suggest some additional hotspots for him to check out. Throughout his adventure, he posts photos & comments about his experiences, allowing fans & followers to keep up with the journey every step of the way."

See you in the Rockies this weekend.

Olympic Torch - January 20, 2010

2010-01-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Olympic Torch will be arriving in Banff on January 20, 2010 at approximately 6:12 pm.

Our former home-town Olympian Karen Percy-Lowe will be carrying the torch on Banff Avenue just starting past the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.

Karen will bring the torch into Banff on Banff Avenue then turning right on Elk Street then following Lynx Street to Wolfe Street before turning right back onto Banff Avenue to Central Park for arrival at about 7:00 pm.

In Central Park, join the festivities as the Canadian Tenors will be singing our National anthem.
Performances will also include Bomba.

There is a wonderful link on CTV at http://www.ctvolympics.ca/torch/follow-torch/index.html
for live, up to the minute updates as to progress of the Olympic Flame.

28 days & counting till the opening of the 2010 Winter Games!

Travelocity Roaming Gnome

2010-01-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Travelocity Gnome wants to come to Banff. But you, your family & friends have to vote to bring him here.

The competition is on between Whistler & Banff. We, of course have better ski resorts, accommodations, restaurants, nightlife & scenery & we want to prove it!

So vote at www.facebook.com/travelocity & you can have a chance at winning a ski trip to Vail, Colorado.

Make Banff your favorite ski destination.

Attention Seafood Lovers!

2010-01-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy seafood & need a night out, try our Friday Night Seafood Buffet in the Chinook Restaurant.

Mouth watering hot & cold seafood delights await including snow crab legs, fresh mussels, shrimp flambe station & an assortment of salads & much more.

Don't forget to leave room for dessert.

Chinook Family Restaurant, located second level of Banff Park Lodge
Be sure to phone for reservations 403-760-3255.
Buffet available from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Adults $28 / Seniors $22 / Children $18 (6-12) years of age.
Children 5 years of age & under eat FREE.

Winter Survivalists

2010-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Banff Heritage Tours along with Friends of Banff National Park will be presenting a series of Interpretive Programs and Talks titled "Winter Survivalists".

The Banff Park Lodge is pleased to be the chosen venue for these presentations on the following dates:

Monday, January 18th
Monday, February 1st
Monday, February 15th
Monday, March 1st
Monday, March 15th
Monday, March 29th

The presentation is approximately an hour and half in length starting at 7:00 pm.

Season's Greetings from the Banff Park Lodge

2009-12-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Season as we gather with friends & family, others will be undertaking an adventure of a life time.

On December 25, 2009 a team of Canadian citizens will be climbing Mt. Aconcagua to raise awareness & funds for Prostate Cancer. Mt. Aconcagua is one of the "Seven Summits" located in Argentina.

You will be able to follow the adventure on their blog as their progress will be updated during the climb from base camp with the latest technology.

The website can be found at http://www.climbforprostate.com/ClimbforProstate/Home.html

Blog details at
http://climbforprostate.blogspot.com/

There is a Banff connection with this climbing team, the Medical Doctor for the climb is Dr. Donald Scaman, a former Banff resident.

Colours & Culture Package Deal Extended

2009-12-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Colours & Culture Package Deal has been extended for the new dates of January 23 - April 30, 2010.

Come to Banff & catch your breath. Relax while enjoying the view of the Rockies while standing on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the deep blue sky while relaxing in the Upper Hot Springs; be impressed by the vibrant colours of the many paintings depiciting the Rockies in our local museums.

When you are done taking in the views & colours, come back to the hotel & relax with a hot drink or dessert in front of the fireplace in our Terrace Lounge.

This Colours & Culture Package includes:

* Accommodations in Superior room with either two queen beds or one king bed
* Daily specialty coffee or dessert & pop in our Terrace Lounge between 4 pm - 6 pm
* Banff Gondola Admission
* Banff Upper Hot Springs Admission
* Banff Heritage passport with entry to the Whyte Museum, Cave & Basin Museum & Banff Park Museum

Package Details:

* Rates starting from $64.00 per person per night based on double occupancy
* Stay requirement, valid for Sunday through Wednesday minimum 2 night stay
* Taxes are extra
* Weekend dates are available for an additional fee
* Ask about possible upgrades to suites

Book online or call us at 1-800-661-9266 or 1-403-762-4433

Starbucks Coffee

2009-11-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Starbucks Coffee. Do we have your attention?

You can now start your day over breakfast while enjoying a wonderful cup of Starbucks Coffee.

We are now serving Starbucks Coffee in our Chinook Restaurant and this coffee of choice will also be available on coffee breaks if you are a conference attendee.

Snow Keeps Coming Down

2009-11-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Our 2009-2010 ski season is underway with some of the best ski resort conditions experienced in years. Our local skiers & boarders are a very happy lot and the snow keeps coming down. Be sure to check out the Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resort webcams and snow reports for up-to-date resort conditions.

Don't miss out on WinterStart. Winterstart will kick off with the World Cup Alpine Ski Races at Lake Louise on Saturday, November 28,2009.
Races will start at 11 am till 1 pm.

This will be the one and only opportunity to see our Canadian athletes before they head to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Be sure to be part of the action.

If you cannot make it to Lake Louise, be sure to experience the live racing action by watching the Jumbotron big screen in Banff located in the Banff Avenue Square, at 200 Banff Avenue.

See you in Banff soon.

Our Newest Addition

2009-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Banff Park Lodge is delighted to announce the acquisition of the Homestead Inn-Banff.

This affordable Inn offers 27 spacious rooms with one queen bed or two double beds and is pet friendly.

Guests of the Homestead Inn-Banff are welcome to indulge in our Banff Park Lodge facilities including our restaurants, indoor pool, hot plunge pool, exercise room, shopping and Concierge Services.

Visit the Homestead Inn-Banff at www.homesteadinnbanff.com

Welcome to our second blog.

2009-10-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Colours & Culture Package

Come to Banff & catch your breath. Relax while enjoying the view of the Rockies while standing on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the deep blue sky while relaxing in the Upper Hot Springs; be impressed by the vibrant colours of the many paintings depiciting the Rockies in our local museums.

When you are done taking in the views & colours, come back to the hotel & relax with a hot drink or dessert in front of the fireplace in our Terrace Lounge.

This Colours & Culture Package includes:

* Accommodations in Superior room with either two queen beds or one king bed
* Daily specialty coffee or dessert & pop in our Terrace Lounge between 4 pm - 6 pm
* Banff Gondola Admission
* Banff Upper Hot Springs Admission
(Please note that the Upper Hot Springs is undergoing a renovation/upgrade in services from October 19 to November 16, 2009. In lieu of admission to the Upper Hot Springs, you will receive a $10 credit towards purchase of Food Services in either the Chinook Restaurant or Terrace Restaurant. One credit per person, for one time use only)
* Banff Heritage passport with entry to the Whyte Museum, Cave & Basin Museum & Banff Park Museum

Package Details:

* Rates starting from $64.00 per person per night based on double occupancy
* Stay requirement, valid for Sunday through Wednesday minimum 2 night stay
* Taxes are extra
* Weekend dates are available for an additional fee
* Ask about possible upgrades to suites
* Package start date is September 27, 2009
Book online or call us at 1-800-661-9266 or 1-403-762-4433

2009-09-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the brand-new Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel and Conference Centre Blog.

We will be posting upcoming room specials, dining events along with local happenings in Banff and area.

2009 Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival
October 31 - November 8, 2009

Stay for just $115 per night plus applicable taxes. Based on single/double occupancy. Subject to availability.

Call 1-800-661-9266 or (403) 762-4433 for your room reservation.

Don't miss Santa!

It is confirmed Santa Claus will be in Banff on Saturday, December 5, 2009 for the annual Santa Claus Parada of Lights starting at 6:00 pm.

Catch the Olympic fever!
The Olympic Torch will be in Banff on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 and The Town of Banff will be celebrating to mark this special occasion.

Our hometown Olympic hero Karen Percy-Lowe will carry the Torch through Banff and the Canadian Tenors will be performing.