Topic Wiki

List of TR's:

Kosher Food/ Restaurants:
The local supermarkets (e.g. Nesters or IGA in Banff) have many kosher shelf products.

There's frozen chicken and some meat products here, also a kosher aisle of dry foods: Safeway Glenmore Landing - 1600 90 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 5A8, Canada

Synagogue:
None, though check GoDaven for temporary minyanim

Things to Do:

Download the GuideAlong app (formerly known as GyPSy Guide) and purchase the package for the Canadian Rockies Tours for $24.99. This self-paced guided audio tour covers Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park and more. It's an incredibly useful and informative app.

Banff
Johnston Canyon hike, Upper Falls recommended, 2 hr round trip.
Banff Gondola, take boardwalk (15 min, spread out stairs) to peak for amazing views
Mountain Biking - e.g. Tunnel Bench Loop (moderate, lots of fun with great views)
Bow Falls and Bow River
Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake loop drive - boat cruise tour and speedboat rentals available

Lake Louise (45 min drive from Banff)
Shoreline trail walk
Canoe rentals
Lake Agnes teahouse hike (moderate, 2.5 hrs round-trip, can continue to Little Beehive or Big Beehive)
Plain of 6 Glaciers hike (moderate, 5-6 hrs round trip, Tea House along the way)
Lake Louise gondola


Moraine Lake (30 min drive south from LL)
2023 Update: Access by personal vehicle to Morraine Lake is no longer allowed. The only options to get to Morraine Lake are by Canada Parks Shuttle, private Lake Morraine bussing companies, and maybe a private tour bus. Local Banff bus service (Roam) may also have a shuttle to Morraine in addition to their service to Lake Louise. Reservations for busses get booked up early, so plan at least 3-4 days ahead. [Parking is extremely limited, arrive very early or later in the day, road is closed when parking is full.]
Walk along lake
Canoe rentals sometimes available
Rockpile climb to great viewpoint

Athabasca Glacier Adventure (90 min drive from Lake Louise or Jasper)
Early arrival recommended (first tour is at 10:30am, book online in advance)
2 hour duration, bring bottle to drink glacier water
Wear layers, temperature is unpredictable
Skywalk is a tourist trap, you can skip it and stay on bus to return to parking lot

Icefields Parkway drive from Athabasca Glacier to Banff with scenic stops:
Parker Ridge trail 2-hour round-trip hike (medium difficulty, uphill climb)
Peyto Lake viewed from Bow Summit (cars must park in lower lot and walk 10 min, but later in the day the upper lot can be used)
Mistaya Canyon (beautiful pull-off hike along Icefields Pkwy. Hike is about 10 minutes down to a powerful river rushing through a canyon with waterfalls)
Bow Lake (quick pullout stop)

Jasper

Yoho National Park
Takakkaw Falls
Emerald Lake
Natural Bridge


Hotels:

Getting Around:
A car is basically a must, though there are shuttles from Banff to the major attractions.
The nearest commercial airport is Calgary (YYC), a 90 min drive from Banff.

Notes:


Author Topic: Banff and Jasper Master Thread  (Read 155731 times)

Offline elya

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #300 on: February 10, 2016, 03:38:42 AM »
I think only points hotel in Banff is the Fairmont. Only other choice would be residence inn in Canmore
I understand this dosent exactly answer your question,

But the Rimrock is a really nice and very decently priced hotel, its about a 4 minute drve from the Fairmont Banff springs.

Offline Ysturmwind

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #301 on: March 29, 2016, 12:06:55 PM »
Has anyone stayed at any of these hotels? Any reviews?

Douglas Fir Resorts
Banff Aspen Lodge
Stoneridge Mountain
Bear and Bison Country

TIA

Offline Mutty

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #302 on: April 14, 2016, 12:00:30 PM »
I'm thinking of possibly going to Banff in July. I know I can read through the entire thread but figured I'd ask a couple of quickies. Are there and Marriots on this trip? I have some free nights and have points. A little bit of SPG. Also, can it work for Shabbos too? Like minyan, food, etc. I also was told to fly from NY straight to Calgary. Correct?
“You see things; you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?”

Offline Ergel

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #303 on: April 14, 2016, 12:57:33 PM »
I'm thinking of possibly going to Banff in July. I know I can read through the entire thread but figured I'd ask a couple of quickies. Are there and Marriots on this trip? I have some free nights and have points. A little bit of SPG. Also, can it work for Shabbos too? Like minyan, food, etc. I also was told to fly from NY straight to Calgary. Correct?
Only Marriot is http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyckv-delta-lodge-at-kananaskis/ which is pretty far from Banff.
Way I would do the trip is to fly into Calgary. Stay two nights in Banff (Fairmont). One night in Lake Louise (Fairmont). One night in Jasper. Spend shabbos in Edmonton. Fly out Sunday
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Mutty

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #304 on: April 14, 2016, 01:18:50 PM »
Only Marriot is http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyckv-delta-lodge-at-kananaskis/ which is pretty far from Banff.
Way I would do the trip is to fly into Calgary. Stay two nights in Banff (Fairmont). One night in Lake Louise (Fairmont). One night in Jasper. Spend shabbos in Edmonton. Fly out Sunday
Thanks for the comeback. If we decide on the trip, if you don't mind, I'll PM you for more info. Are the Fairmonts expensive? Have to fly to Edmonton from Calgary? Thanks
“You see things; you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?”

Offline Ergel

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #305 on: April 14, 2016, 01:22:07 PM »
Thanks for the comeback. If we decide on the trip, if you don't mind, I'll PM you for more info. Are the Fairmonts expensive? Have to fly to Edmonton from Calgary? Thanks
Sure, but you're better off asking here so everyone can see.
Fairmonts are expensive, but that's why there are CC free nights.
No, the point is to drive Calgary -> Banff -> Lake Louise -> Jasper -> Edmonton. Look at a map, it will be much clearer.

https://goo.gl/maps/VCWkESvkxEP2
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Offline Mutty

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #306 on: April 14, 2016, 01:25:52 PM »
Sure, but you're better off asking here so everyone can see.
Fairmonts are expensive, but that's why there are CC free nights.
No, the point is to drive Calgary -> Banff -> Lake Louise -> Jasper -> Edmonton. Look at a map, it will be much clearer.

https://goo.gl/maps/VCWkESvkxEP2
Thanks
“You see things; you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?”

Offline RabbiGoldenberg

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #307 on: May 09, 2016, 12:06:12 AM »
Calgary also has a nice (small) Jewish community that does host guests.  We have a local store that carries Kosher items, and a small Kosher cafe.  You can also work the trip the other way - go straight to Jasper, then spend your time coming back to Calgary. The drive is gorgeous either way. Last time we went, there was no itinerary. We just stopped by all the brown signs on the highway.

Offline blue eyes

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #308 on: May 17, 2016, 10:53:13 AM »
Can we expect a minyan in banff the weekend of Aug 20 2016?
I didnt see any official minyan on godaven.....

Offline blue eyes

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #309 on: May 21, 2016, 11:49:40 PM »
Just as an FYI:
I found an approved brg  opportunity for the holiday inn in Canmore for the date of August 17-18 standard room. Lower rate avail at happy rooms.
More Dates might be available

Offline blue eyes

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #310 on: May 23, 2016, 11:00:16 AM »
Just as an FYI:
I found an approved brg  opportunity for the holiday inn in Canmore for the date of August 17-18 standard room. Lower rate avail at happy rooms.
More Dates might be available
The dates of August 18-19 Work as well.

Offline Ysturmwind

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #311 on: May 25, 2016, 09:16:16 AM »
Does anyone know if theres anyway to get kosher food sent to the Banff Fairmont? Alternatively, does anyone have recent experience brining frozen food over the border?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #312 on: May 25, 2016, 10:07:52 PM »
Does anyone know if theres anyway to get kosher food sent to the Banff Fairmont? Alternatively, does anyone have recent experience brining frozen food over the border?
I've brought food countless times over the border. I declare it and usually no one even noticed I've declared it. My most recent trip the guard at baggage claim exit asked me what was in the box, I said meat, it's on my declaration form. She started to say i can't bring neat and I explained to her that I was below the limit. She didn't really to argue with me so she just let me go.
You are allowed to bring a certain amount of meat (I think 20KG/person, you can look it up). It needs to be marked that it's sources in the US
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Ysturmwind

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #313 on: May 26, 2016, 03:43:04 PM »
So she started to give you trouble then just decided to forget it?

Can you bring any meat as long as its under 20KG/person and marked that its from the US?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #314 on: May 27, 2016, 04:57:19 PM »
from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990#a1

Meat and poultry products (for example, jerky, sausages, deli meats and patties, fois gras)

up to 20 kilograms per person
packages must have identifying marks, indicating what the product is
proof of country of origin may be required


Meat and poultry: fresh, frozen and chilled

up to 20 kilograms per person
one turkey per person
packages must have identifying marks, indicating what the product is
proof of country of origin may be required
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline RabbiGoldenberg

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #315 on: May 29, 2016, 02:15:25 PM »
It is always cheaper to bring meat over the border, and they never give us trouble. We just bring one 50 lb bag frozen the night before, it works even for double stopover flights. The bags sometimes get inspected, and it's always ok, just vary the types of things in the bag, some meat, some chicken, some cheese. If it's too much trouble, just buy it all at Sobeys in Bridlewood before you head out to the mountains. They have a good selection.

Offline RabbiGoldenberg

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #316 on: May 29, 2016, 02:17:30 PM »
Can we expect a minyan in banff the weekend of Aug 20 2016?
I didnt see any official minyan on godaven.....
No Minyanim in Banff, but you can stay here in Calgary for Shabbos.

Offline mordechain

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #317 on: May 29, 2016, 06:01:32 PM »
Does anyone know if theres anyway to get kosher food sent to the Banff Fairmont? Alternatively, does anyone have recent experience brining frozen food over the border?
The Kosher Gourmet (meat and takeout) in Toronto packs up food and ships. Pretty decent stuff.

Offline BKYW

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #318 on: May 31, 2016, 01:22:45 PM »
Can we expect a minyan in banff the weekend of Aug 20 2016?
I didnt see any official minyan on godaven.....

Looks like Someone (you ?) started a temporary minyan on godaven & there is another 1 in jasper that already has 5 people

Offline Ysturmwind

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Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #319 on: June 01, 2016, 07:34:50 AM »
The Kosher Gourmet (meat and takeout) in Toronto packs up food and ships. Pretty decent stuff.

Thanks, I'll look into it. As of now just planning to shlep food from here with us, but if we can avoid that all the better.