Last month my family was asked to seize the Summer and travel thanks to Travelocity.ca. We decided to take two mini-vacations in order to #goandseizethesummer, the first one being a trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
We took in some super fun attractions such as the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour, and a Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewanka {full posts at the links}. Yet it was the town of Banff that we called ‘home’ for our stay.
Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, the town of Banff is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Rated as one of the top locales in Western Canada, it’s a gorgeous and quint town full of things to do, all with the scenic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Hotels, chalets and resorts in the town of Banff can be booked on Travelocity.ca. One click and your accommodations {and flight if you choose} are booked, all that is left is a wonderful travel experience.
My family, having been to the town of Banff on a number of occasions through the years, always tried to stay at a different hotel each time we go. While we loved our family-friendly hotel in Banff on our last trip to the mountains, this time we chose to stay at the Best Western Plus Siding 29 in Banff.
Booking our stay through Travelocity.ca was a breeze for this trip, we were able to narrow down exactly what we wanted and choose from a list of available hotels. Right from the comforts of home, I had our trip booked in minutes.
The rooms were lovely, ample room for our family of 5 to stay and feel comfortable {without being cramped}. We had 2 queen beds and a cot, full bathroom and the best amenities of all – free breakfast. This is a big deal to us when traveling as a family, since we could eat before we ventured out for the day, saving time and money. That way we could have a snack later on {I packed snacks for our trip} and just buy an early supper. Consider this a major frugal trip in family travel, since meals and food are a big expense.
This Best Western hotel also had a pool, another amenity which was important to us for our trip. One of the things that my girls get most excited about when we travel, is the pool. It had a deep end, a shallower end that was just above the twins waists and then a hot tub. The best part was that the pool was actually a very warm pool, my pet peeve is cold pools. After a long day of sightseeing and walking, this pool was much needed in the evenings.
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This hotel also has large balconies with amazing views. Quiet during the day and night, it was a great place to stay.
While we usually opt to stay on the Tunnel Mountain road, more ‘in the woods’ and scenic – this was actually the ideal location as it’s close to the heart of ‘downtown Banff’. It’s situated on the end of Banff Ave, so many times we enjoyed a leisurely walk to shop, without having to pay and battle for parking. Taking on so much sightseeing by foot is a great way to see beyond the main street as well.
Banff Ave has many little trinket shops like any tourist town all the way to the upscale shops featuring the hottest handbag. There’s pretty much something for anyone.
Of course, my kids will always want to hit the candy store first. ‘The Sweet Shoppe’ is one of our all-time favourite stores in the town of Banff, owned by the same friendly lady we’ve visited with for years.
Yet, aside from shopping, there’s plenty to do just in the immediate area. The most gorgeous golf course nestled in the mountains {drive this loop to spot wildlife}, gazing upon the FAMOUS Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
The town of Banff is close to my heart, and we’ve been there many times before. It’s an ideal destination for couples looking for romance {we spent a couple nights here on our honeymoon}, outdoors adventurers wanting to hike and ski, to families cherishing time together in a gorgeous location with many attractions to choose from.
Whatever your reason to seize travel and explore + live + experience, Banff is one destination to add to that must-see list.
Don’t forget to take advantage of this special code: ‘CHAOS10′ – It’ll save you 10% off a prepaid GoodBuy Hotel booking of $200 or more on Travelocity.ca {terms & conditions}. This offer is good until August 31, 2013.
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Disclosure: I received travel credit at Travelocity.ca in exchange with my participation in this program.
All opinions are 100% my own
Marian Delaney says
I always love coming by to see your beautiful photos, you captured this place beautifully. Always wanted to visit Banff. Someday.
Tammi says
Thank you so much Marian! I love a good opportunity to take luscious photos!!
sara c says
Hey! We sat on that same bench once, I’ll never forget our stay there. Just fantastic!
Tammi says
Nice!! Relaxing spot on main street, isn’t it?
Jessica says
I just love the photo of your twins with the map, what cute little explorers you have!
Susan White says
I love Banff
Aimee Geroux says
WOW, such a beautiful place … I will sit here in envy 😛
Elizabeth Vlug says
I love Banff. That part of the country is just so unique and scenic. Would love to go back one day.
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says
I sooooo need to visit Banff! All the photos are so fabulous and I would really love to visit the Fairmont for afternoon tea!
melanie bonder says
i want to experience that
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I love Banff! We go there almost every year (didn’t go this year though… and the mountains are “calling” me.
Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
seham says
love it! so nice
Judy C (Cowan) says
Great pictures, it looks amazing there. Really hope to visit it one day!
Judy C (Cowan) says
The Sweet Shoppe looks like it would be a first to visit for us too!
Tammi says
Oh … it’s wonderful!!! Any kind of candy you can imagine!!
Teresa Claire says
You take amazing photos! The long shot of the village is wonderful.
Tammi says
Thank you Theresa! There’s a great photo opp at every turn – simply beautiful there!
Teresa Claire says
My goodness…the girls have grown so much! I hope everyone is excited for the new school year!
Tammi says
Oh yes, they never stop, right?! We had a wonderful Summer but the countdown is on for back to school!!!
Stacie says
We stopped in Banff years ago and it was gorgeous! I’d love to go back. It looks like you all had a fun trip!
I’ll have to check out Travelocity when we plan our next trip. John never likes to plan ahead but I do!
Tammi says
🙂
caryn s says
I love Banff it one of the best places to visit on earth! Looks like an awesome vacation and lots of fun that were had by your family!
Tammi says
We had the best time – always do when we come to Banff. I know it’ll be a place that generations of our family will enjoy!
Catherine Robichaud says
Nice picture’s, they bring back memories of my own when I was there many years ago!
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) says
I’m totally jealous of all the beautiful places you get to take your family. I wish we had more places around here we can visit. I really do miss living near such gorgeous mountains, so pretty. Looks like your girls had a great time.
Tammi says
I feel very fortunate to live so close, thank you Tiffany!
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
beautiful I want to go into the sweet shoppe
Tammi says
A store we ALWAYS go to!! Mmmm!
Doris Calvert says
I love Banff! Beautiful isn’t it, we don’t know how fortunate we are to have it so close! Great shots! Ardvark pizza by the slice of whole, yum!
Tammi says
Oh … yes!!! We didn’t have a chance to have a slice this time, but they do have the best pizza!!! ok … and now I want to go back just for that …
Anne Taylor says
Banff is an amazing place! We’ve never stayed there but we have spent a couple of days there while driving through! Gorgeous!
Lynn M says
beautiful,I would love to visit!
Florence C says
Banff is beautiful. I was lucky enough to visit with my daughter a few years back.
Clifford says
Banff is so beautiful, we loved it when we visited. Looks like your family had a wonderful stay and your room looks great. My family has to go back soon, my Mom calls it God’s Country.
Sydney D says
I’ve never been to Banff. The pool at the hotel looks wonderful, I can say though!
Teresa Claire says
The picture of the hotel where you stayed on your honeymoon looks amazing! You really do take wonderful pictures Tammi. It must have been sweet for the whole family to go to the same place where Mummy & Daddy stayed after they were married!
MLV says
i’ve always wanted to go to Banff. It looks so beautiful! great photos! makes me want to go even more
Becky says
I can’t wait until we move closer to the Edmonton area so we can go to Banff and Jasper. It’s on my travel to do list!
Victoria Ess says
I have always wanted to go to Banff. A couple of friends went this summer and, like you, they raved about it! Next summer! It would be beautiful for a honeymoon!
Crissy says
Look at those mountains! It doesn’t even look real!
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
beautiful its been over 23 yrs since Ive been there it would be nice to see again
Jamie says
What a gorgeous place.
Lynn M says
Would love to bring my boys there.
Athena says
This seems like it would an amazing family experience 🙂
Brindy says
This place looks so beautiful, but still warm and inviting! I sure hope to be able to visit there!
Kayla J says
I grew up in Calgary, but now live in Vancouver, and I miss Banff so very much.
Sarah says
I’d love to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel someday!
alicia says
I would love to visit!
Alouise says
Banff is such a lovely place to visit. I wish I was there now, and that it was summer.
Suzanne G says
I have never visited Banff but loved your pics and article on this great place.
Rachel says
I havent been there is so long but its very beautiful!
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Marilyn Legault says
Banff has changed since I was there 30 years ago. Love the snowboard bench.
Ester G says
We adored Banff National Park, but the town itself felt a little too touristy. We were happy to have visited, but even happier to be out in the park afterwards
Krissie says
My son is dying to take the train from Vancouver to Banff and one thanks to you we have some tips for while we are there!
Kawaii says
This is a beautiful place. Your entry makes me really want to visit it!
baidu says
My brother suggested I might like this blog.
He was totally right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t consider
just how much time I had spent for this information!
Thanks!
Cindy L says
We have not stayed here .. but thanks, we usually stay at the best western in Canmore .. short drive – great place.
Alexa Nernberg says
Banff is special. Although I don’t get their often, I love it there when I do. Would love to spend a weekend there and play tourist. Thanks for sharing The Best Western Plus Siding 29 info with your readers. It sounds like a great place to stay.
Leslie says
Banff is beautiful whether it’s sunny, snowing, or storming!
sweetkeet says
Wonderful! I was there many years ago. This post brought back memories.
michelle tremblett says
Looks so beautiful !! Very inspiring to travel there 🙂
Haley says
Beautiful shots. I lived there for 6 months, 7 years ago. It’s such a beautiful town and I miss being beside the mountains.
Holly Wright says
I was lucky enough to visit Banff once and it was absolutely beautiful, I recommend it to EVERYONE!