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The Best Family Picnic Spots in Banff
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It’s time to bring out those
picnic chairs and sample some of the best family picnic spots in Banff!
If you’ve chosen the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets as your
hotel in Banff, chances are you already have the groceries for the perfect
picnic from your in-room kitchen
Head out for the day from your
hotel in Banff to enjoy the scenic views and sandwiches.
Close to
Home
Banff
Recreation Grounds
Location – Banff,
across the Bow River Bridge near the Luxton Museum
Facilities - 18 tables, 2 kitchen shelters, 2 toilet blocks
Close to home and
with home comforts! Shelters and flushing toilets available.
Cascade Gardens
Location – Banff, Administration building
Located in the
grounds of the historic Administration building, Cascade Gardens are
beautifully landscaped gardens that are the perfect setting for a picnic.
Banff's Back
Yard
Cascade Ponds
Location: Lake Minnewanka Road, 7 km from Banff
Facilities: 60 tables, flush toilets, kitchen shelter, fireplaces
You’ll find this open space just 5
minutes from Banff. Great spot for kite flying!
Lake Minnewanka
Location - Lake
Minnewanka Road, 10 km from Banff
35 tables, flush toilets, 3 kitchen shelters, 2 fire rings, 6 fireplaces
Pull up a picnic chair at this
iconic spot! Afterwards you can enjoy an hour long boat cruise around the lake
to work off that lunch, before heading back to your Banff hotel.
Johnston Canyon
Location - Bow Valley Parkway, 25km from Banff
Facilities - 2 tables, toilets
Enjoy the easy hike to Johnson’s Canyon Lower Falls (or the Upper Falls if you’re feeling active) and reward yourself with a picnic after! Perfect day out from your hotel in Banff.
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| Johnson's Lake |
Johnson Lake
Location - Lake Minnewanka Road, 14km from Banff
Facilities - 16 tables, toilets, 3 fire rings
With easy trails surrounding the picnic area and
a picturesque lake to paddle in, this is a perfect family picnic spot. Locals
Tip – See if you can find the elusive rope swing or the secret beach!
Muleshoe
Location - Bow Valley Parkway, 15km from Banff
Facilities - 10 tables, toilets
Take a rest stop on the Bow Valley Parkway at this scenic picnic place. While
you’re there, see if you can spot the peculiar ‘hole in the wall’ cave halfway
up the mountain!
Enjoy this low cost, family activity on your next vacation to your hotel
in Banff.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s finest Family
Accommodation
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Family Activities in Banff - Peyto Lake is OPEN for the Season
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| Peyto Lake Lookout - No Photoshop Required |
Renowned for its aqua-blue hue, Peyto Lake is a true gem glistening in the Canadian Rockies.
The beautiful, glacier-fed fed lake is named after one of the first pioneers of Banff, Bill Peyto and is a must-see for any visitor to Banff National Park.
The iconic shot of Peyto Lake is found atop a small peak, adjacent to the lake. The short, family friendly 10 minute hike to the lookout point is accessible from the Peyto Lake car park and along a paved walkway. From here you can breathe in the truly astounding mountain views as you look out across the lake and towards Jasper.
Located off the Icefields Parkway approximately 2hrs from your Banff hotel, the amazing drive is well worth making to see this iconic lake. There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, plus rest stops to give your little ones (and you) a chance to stretch your legs.
Family Travel Tip: Why not make Lake Louise your halfway point and pick up some tasty treats at Laggan’s Mountain Bakery, where the hardest decision of your day will be choosing between a bagel, brownie or homemade pizza!
We have great Summer 2012 prices available, including 15% off our Studio and One Bedroom Condo in July! Click here to check prices for you Banff hotel holiday.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s Finest Family Accommodation
Alison Jones
Alison@douglasfir.com
Banff hotel, hotel in Banff, Banff hotels, hotels in Banff, Family Activities in Banff
Labels: banff hotel, Banff hotels, family activities in banff, hotel in banff, hotels in banff, summer activities in Banff
Canada Day Weekend Celebrations in Banff
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Oh Canada! It’s that time of year again when we celebrate everything that is fantastic about our great country, Canada. And what better way to celebrate it then at your Banff hotel in Canada’s finest and first national park!
So don your Canadian flag, paint those maple leafs on your cheeks and come celebrate Canada Day at your hotel in Banff. Oh and did we mention, everything is FREE!
Canada Day Sidewalk Art
10:30am FREE Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Try your hand at some creative artwork, on the sidewalks outside the Whyte Museum. With an arrrary of colourful chalk on hand, adults and kids and let loose on a Canadian themed piece of artwork…or of your favourite Banff hotel…just saying.
Canada Day Parade
5pm FREE Banff Avenue
The annual Canada Parade will take place down Banff Avenue at 5pm. With brass bands and Mounties, this patriotic parade celebrates everything that is great about Canada.
Canada Day Fireworks
11pm FREE Central Park
As the sun begins to set behind the Canadian Rockies, locals and tourists gather in Central Park for the closing ceremony to a full day of Canadian celebrations. The Canada Day fireworks are a fantastic spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.
If all of those events weren’t enough there is also FREE entertainment happening throughout the day in Central Park. Check out the line-up below.
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
The Hunt Family
First Nations Dance and Drumming
1 - 4 p.m.
Kidzone in Central Park
Face Painting, Bouncy Castles, Balloon Artists, Food Booths
1 - 1:30 p.m.
Swanee and Friends
Music and Stuff
1:30 - 2 p.m
Red Dance Shoes School of Dance
2 - 2:30 p.m
Steve Harmer's Motivational Magic Show
2:30 - 3 p.m.
Banff's Stupid Pet Tricks
Pets come out to celebrate Canada Day!
3 – 3:30 p.m.
Amanda Rheaume
Singer/Songwriter
3:30 – 4 p.m.
Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance
4 – 4:30 p.m.
Calgary Stampede White Hat Round Up
Centennial Birthday Cake and Hat Ceremony
7 - 8 p.m.
Calgary Stampede White Hat Round Up
8 - 9 p.m.
Calgary Fiddlers
Toe tapping, foot-stamping fiddle
9 - 10 p.m.
Suzie Q
High-energy dance "HITS"
10 – 11 p.m.
Boneyard
"Local legends" swamp rock
Canada Day celebrations in Central Park - What to Bring:
• Lawn chair(s) or blanket(s)
• Sunscreen and hat
• An umbrella - this event is rain or shine
• Cash - no debit or credit cards will be accepted on site
• Share the spirit. Bring flags or wear shirts or hats sporting the maple leaf.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff's Finest Family Accommodation
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Long Summer Days in Banff – Summer Solstice
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Today, June 21st, marks our Summer Solstice. The sun is at its highest point in the sky and our hours of daylight are at their longest point of the year.
While you may think ‘it’s all downhill from here’ as the days will shorten from now, you will be delighted to know that during the months of July and August, your hotel in Banff receives a whopping 16hrs of sunlight per day!
That means you can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, explore, rock climb, picnic, party and BBQ till your heart’s content!
Make the most of the summer sunlight with a Banff hotel vacation and SAVE 15% on your room. Choose from either our spacious, open concept Studio in our main lodge or our One Bedroom Condo offering additional privacy with a separate bedroom, located within our 5.5 acre property.
Banff’s 16hrs of daylight in Banff also means it’s still light out after 11pm! So once you’ve put the little ones to sleep at your Banff hotel after a full day playing in our Giant Playzone, pools and Waterslides, you can relax on your balcony or patio and watch the sun set behind the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Click here to check dates and availability for our 15% Summer Save Sale on your Banff hotel vacation this summer.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s finest Family Accommodation
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Calgary Herald Readers Choice Awards – Chance to Win an iPad
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It’s time for Calgary Herald’s annual Readers Choice Awards!
This is your opportunity to voice your opinion on the best places to eat, shop and (most importantly to us) hotels to visit, in Calgary and the surrounding area, including your favourite ‘Banff Hotel’.
We would be honoured if you would support your Banff hotel, Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets in this years’ Calgary Herald Reader’s Choice Awards.
Plus the Calgary Herald is offering you the chance to WIN an iPad if you vote!
Just fill in the names of your favourite places in as many categories as possible (minimum of five), as well as your name and e-mail address to be entered to win one of five Apple iPads. Winners will be drawn on August 10, 2012
Click HERE to vote in the 2012 Calgary Herald’s Readers Choice awards.
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s Finest Family Accommodation
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Labels: banff hotel, Banff hotels, Calgary's Readers Choice Awards, hotel in banff, hotels in banff
Family fun Activities – Lake Louise Historical Walking Tour
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Cost: FREE
Length: 30 mins
Time 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Every Tuesday and Sunday
Where: Chateau Lake Louise shoreline
 We’re a strong believer in ‘Added Value’, which is why when you book a Banff hotel vacation at the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets we like to go the extra mile in providing added extras to make your stay really special (and not to mention, cost effective!)
Our blog posts are focused around highlighting FREE and low cost, family friendly events that you can enjoy on your Banff hotel vacation.
Today we are telling you about the fantastic weekly summer event, the Lake Louise Historical Walking Tour.
Enjoy this 30minute, interactive walk-and-talk from Banff Heritage Tourism as you take in the breathtaking surroundings of Chateau Lake Louise, the astonishing Victoria Glacier and the rich heritage of Banff National Park. The tour also visits Deer Lodge and the Chateau itself for an inside look at the architectural history of these incredible buildings.
Suitable for the whole family, this short and fun tour is FREE and runs 4 times throughout the day, every Tuesday and Sunday until August 26th.
You can take advantage of this mid-week activity and SAVE with our Summer Saver promotion. Click here for more details! Enjoy family friendly event this summer on your vacation to your hotel in Banff!
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s Finest Family Accommodation
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Labels: banff hotel, Banff hotels, family activities in banff, free activities in Banff., hotel in banff, hotels in banff
Banff Farmers Market Starts Today!
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When: Every Wednesday until September 12th Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: FREE
Where: End of Banff Avenue in the Central Park car park, near the gazebo
Fresh produce, local crafts and artisan stalls; the Banff Famer’s Market is HERE!
After its trial run in 2011, the Farmers Market is returning to a Banff hotel near you. Whether you’re looking for a special item to remember your Banff hotel vacation or if you’re just picnicking in the park, Banff’s Famers Market has a little bit of everything for everyone.
What to expect:
Fresh produce – Be sure to visit the fruit and veg stall for one of the best selections of fresh produce in town. Not to mention the range of items is amazing! Be sure to pick up a few items to take back to your hotel in Banff.
Hand-Made Crafts – Looking for that perfect birthday gift? Or what about a wonderful addition to your home? There are lots of stalls offering wonderfully quaint and individually handcrafted pieces to remember your vacation to your Banff hotel.
Baked Goods – Be warned, it is almost impossible to visit Banff’s Farmers Market without leaving with a bag full of baked goods. Especially when they have free samples everywhere! From scones to croissants, bagels to buns, the baked goods section is a must-visit! Your family might just have to roll you back to your hotel in Banff.
TIP: You don’t have to worry about trying to find a parking spot in downtown Banff. As a guest of the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets your whole family receives FREE and UNLIMITED access to the town shuttle bus with almost door-to-door service to and from your Banff hotel!
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s Finest Family Accommodation
Alison Jones
Alison@douglasfir.com
Labels: banff farmers market, banff hotel, Banff hotels, family activities in banff, hotel in banff, hotels in banff
Father’s Day Weekend in Banff!
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It’s time to
celebrate everything that is great about your Dad, so what better way than
biking, BBQ’s and live music all on the doorstep of your hotel in Banff.
Banff Bike Fest Thursday June 14th – Sunday
June 17th
Head to your
hotel in Banff this weekend to see 500 riders put through their paces through a
series of gruelling trials around Banff National Park. With events around Banff
townsite and along the Trans-Canada Highway to Lake Louise, you can secure the
best spectator spot as you cheer on the riders.
Saturday will see
the fun side of the event with the Cruiser Criterium and the Little Cirt event.
 Cruiser
Criterium: Ever seen a
gingerbread man cruising on a low rider? You may just get your chance if you
head down to Banff Avenue this Saturday afternoon.
The fancy dress
will be out in force as the 5th annual Cruiser Crit fun-race takes
place. See locals and tourists alike don their favourite fancy dress outfits to
make the 1km dash down Banff Avenue in this fun event. Or why not enter
yourself! Get your Dad in his best 70’s outfit (from his disco days) and cruise
down Banff Avenue in style!
Date: Saturday June 16
Registration
Opens: 2:30pm
- 3:45pm, 300 Block of Banff Ave, outside Unlimited Skate & Snow
Registration
Fee: $10 (all proceeds to the Banff
Community Foundation). Entry includes a free beer ticket courtesy
of the Banff Ave Brewing Co
Race Starts: 4:00pm
Tip: Look out for
staff members from your Banff hotel, the Douglas Fir Resort, dressed as her
Majesty herself, Queen Elizabeth ll
Little Crit: Get your little ones out of your Banff
hotel and involved in the race fun as they enter the shortened version of the
fun-race!
Saturday June 16, 2012
Registration: 2:30pm - 3:20pm, 300 Block of Banff Ave,
outside Unlimited Skate & Snow
Race Time: 3:30pm - 3:50pm
Race Fee: $2.00 - with all funds going to the Banff
Elementary School Food for Learning Program
Age Categories: 5 & Under, 6 -7 years, 8 - 11 years.
BBQ Community
fundraiser– Banff Avenue
Enjoy the bike
festivities with a taste of summer. Brought to you by the Banff Childcare
Centre, burgers, cookies and drinks will be on offer. 100% of the proceeds go
to the Banff Child Care Centre.
Live Music
Stan Jacobs -
Fairmont Banff Springs – FREE
Friday, June 15
& Saturday June 16th - 9 p.m.
Enjoy the wonderfully
talented Stan Jacobs with live music in the Fairmont Rundle Lounge.
Music for a Summer Evening –
Banff Centre - $25 Adult and $15 Child
Friday, June 15
& Saturday June 16th - 7:30p.m.
Musicians in residence perform with their
distinguished faculty in this perennial favourite. Featuring faculty artists
Donald and Vivian Weilerstein in George Enescu's haunting and rarely heard Impressions
d'enfance
Put a smile on
your Dad's face this Father’s Day weekend
with a fulfilled weekend at your hotel in Banff!
Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s finest Family
Accommodation
Alison Jones
Alison@douglasfir.com
Labels: banff hotel, Banff hotels, family activities in Banff., family events in banff, hotel in banff, hotels in banff
Hike Banff and Raise $25K for Your Chosen Charity
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Here is your chance to hike some of the most beautiful and
iconic peaks surrounding your Banff hotel AND raise money and awareness for
your charity of choice!
Banff Lake Louise Tourism announced their latest incentive
to experience the World’s finest National Park. Just in time to kick off the
summer hiking season at your hotel in Banff, outdoor adventurers across Canada
and the United States are invited to compete in this unique opportunity to
enjoy some of Canada’s classic hiking, while raising awareness and funds for a
charitable cause.
How to Enter:
The Banff National Park Big Mountain Challenge opens up to contestants on June
11, 2012, when entrants will be asked to share a photo on Facebook showing how
they are preparing for this epic challenge. The winner will be selected based
on their creativity and their ability to collect 'votes' on a special contest
site, www.bllt.ca/bmc
The successful
challenger will be announced on August 3, 2012 and be given two weeks to raise
pledges of support to be matched up to $5000. Upon completing the three summits
in seven days, the challenger will earn a guaranteed $15,000 for their charity
of choice and up to an additional $10,000 based on pledges.
- The Banff
National Park Big Mountain Challenge will take place August 27 through
September 4, 2012.
- The total prize package for travel to Banff National Park
includes
- Round-trip airfare for two to Calgary, Alberta and transportation to
Banff National Park.
- Eight nights' luxury accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs and The
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- Spa treatments at the exclusive Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff
Springs.
- Certified Mountain Guides for all three hikes
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
Looking to join the competition? Click here for full details
on how to enter the race and potentially earn up to $25k for your chosen
charity.
Douglas fir Resort & Chalets, Banff’s Finest Family
Accommodation.
Banff hotel, hotel in Banff, Banff hotels, hotels in Banff. Labels: banff hotel, Banff hotels, hotel in banff, hotels in Banff.
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