We were looking to do something fun at night while on vacation. Snow tubing popped up, so we…read morefigured we would give it a try since we hadn't gone since we were kids. It ended up being such a good time, and probably laughed the hardest we had our entire vacation put together! The walk up the hill in the winter was more than I was expecting, but definitely doable. Pricing wasn't too bad, and they give you a tag to pin to your jacket that they scan each time you go up the conveyer belt to the top. The workers at the top made the experience even more fun by spinning the tubes if you chose to. They really get you going, and you feel like you're moving 100mph lol We we're tired by about the 7th go around, but it's an experience we will remember forever.

I am a snowboarder so I appreciate a locally owned skiing snowboard resort however I was visiting…read morein the summer. I wasn't sure which mountain/ski resort to see while visiting Banff, I thought I'd go with the recommended local resort. I might have given them a five star if I did the via ferrata (spell?)but we did not.. if there was maybe some little trails up there that also would've helped...you take the chair lift up, there's the valley city view & some chair. then you go down the chairlift and that's kind of it. the views are exactly what you would expect. I wasn't blown away because I've been doing so much hiking on this trip that I feel like I've seen it all already, however, if you're not someone who hikes this is a great way to see the views with little to no effort.

Banff Sunshine Mountain resort is the mid size and mid distance one about a 20 minute bus ride From…read moreBanff. The base area is on top of the gondola although there is one narrow trail to ski all the way down (green/blue options). Gondola has a mid point stop before the top base area for the Goat's Eye lift. Fewer green and blue trails than lake Louise but has some very wide open areas with expansive rolling hills and easy tree skiing. Pretty good for beginner/intermediates. Snow condition seems to be better although on cloudy days with the vast white expanse everything could look really flat. Lodges can get very crowded during peak lunch hours. You can't carry backpacks into the lodges (smaller bags are probably ok although it's not clear). Mountain tour starts late here at 11:45 and takes 3 hours. Waiting for the bus is always a bit of a pain as they always get crowded and full and you have to wait for the next on even when arriving at the stop on time. The pick up times are far apart although sometimes on the return they do start loading 10-15 min before schedule and leave when full. Ski/board storage in luggage compartment under the bus, some have limited shelves some just in a crazy pile. On some smaller buses you just carry skis onto the bus. Might want to consider putting skis in a bag or get some protection for the bindings as they can get really tangled when loading and unloading as people don't seem to care about damaging anyone else's equipment. They still give out paper trail maps which is great as some map boards a too high up and difficult to see. Although doesn't seem to show how to ski all the way down. To do that you have to go past the gondola and ride the short Jack Rabbit lift up. The trail is 5 miles long and surface can be hard, bumpy and slick when cold and shaded.

We have been traveling to Banff to ski for 6 years from Texas and have used Ski Big 3 each year for…read moreski instructors. Anytime we bring newbies with us to Banff we have requested Mike and Maja for lessons. They are totally amazing how well they adapt their instruction style to each of the new skiers in our group. They have now taught each of our teenagers, adult children, and a couple of friends how to ski and feel confident on the slopes. The skills that they have learned in just 2 or 3 days each season has been great and will last a lifetime. The changes that I have seen in my youngest skier is invaluable. I would highly recommend lessons with Ski Big 3.

I had a blast doing the Via Ferrata here at Norquay. My running group company booked this adventure…read moreas an excursion on our trip to Banff. The Via Ferrata (Italian for the Iron Path) has five different types of adventure tours: Explorer, Ridgewalker, Alpinist, Skyline and Summiteer. Each of these trails cater to all different types of skill levels. My travel company booked the Explorer package for our group which is 1 km (3,280 feet) in distance and lasts just over 2 hours. The views are breathtaking and I really enjoyed doing my first Via Ferrata. You can see one of the coolest looking mountains Mount Rundle in the distance while on the trail. Mount Norquay has a rich ski culture that goes back to the early 1900s. It lies directly northwest of the Town of Banff and is one of Banff National Park's three major ski resorts. The mountain has a top elevation of 6,998 feet. The main chair lift is one of the oldest lifts in North America and has been providing riders with views of the Bow Valley since 1948. Mount Norquay Ski Resort is operated by Norquay Mystic Ridge Ltd. Norquay has a total of 60 runs and is a huge supporter of alpine ski racing. The Mount Norquay Via Ferrata is located in Banff National Park. We had a great guide that took us up the sheer rock wall and across the suspension bridge. I initially was a little nervous, but felt safe the whole time with the harness that attaches to the mountain's steel cable pathway. Those cables can hold a ton of weight. Anyone without rock climbing experience can do this. Before we started our climb, our guide went over all of the safety rules and let us do a practice run on a short wall before we headed up the chair lift. Norquay Via Ferrata offers complimentary hiking boots if you forgot to bring some and has a bistro and snack bar if you are hungry. The Norquay Via Ferrata is a must if visiting Banff National Park.

The best experience we have ever gone into blindly. Very well curated guided experience, great…read morecondition equipment, amazing and funniest guide. We had lot of fun with the Ridgewalker hike/climbing we did. Worth every dollar we spent on it. It was safe and the instructions were clear, concise and easy to follow. The work that goes into maintaining those trails is very much unknown and underappreciated. So thank you!

When checking in the staff was pleasant enough but seemed annoyed we asked for a 2nd room key, for…read morea room of 3 adults. The room was as expected a little dated but it was nice to have a kitchenette and be on the ground floor with our dog. We could also hear what we think is we're gophers running underneath the room- which got loud at nighttime. Overall was a fine hotel to stay at.

Pour a half a cup of pinesol in a bucket of water and wash walls, doors, cabinets and floors every…read moretime the rooms are rented. It will keep smells and bugs out. Wash corners of dust and bugs out. Your furniture and curtains need washing. These cloths hold smells. Clean them quarterly. Your customers will leave better reviews and may return. Housekeeping needs training. Grounds keepers need home defense bug spray. Replace all rotted wood and remove all leaves and debris. Bugs live off that stuff. Fix uneven sidewalks one building a year. Start painting one building at a time. Update update update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If not no one will come! Review your own work!!! Your standards are non living standards.

I went to rent skis. The staff was friendly and helped get me fitted. It was busy but it went fast.read more

Adventure Hub in Banff was AWESOME! Team was so helpful and kind and professional, and we cannot…read morerecommend them highly enough. We were visiting Banff as a family, eager to ski at Sunshine and the team helped equip us and gave us great advice and helped make sure we received excellent value. In addition, sadly we had a family emergency during our trip and had to cut our trip short, and the team at Adventure Hub was so helpful, understanding, and humane - they helped credit us for some unused days of equipment and could not have been more kind and caring and communicative. Everyone we worked with was friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, a great listener and knew how to resolve all of our issues. Banff was great, Sunshine Village was fun and challenging to ski at, and we cannot thank the team at Adventure Hub enough! 5-star experience.

I stayed here for a few nights and it was my first time in Banff so I wanted an affordable hotel in…read morea good location. The hotel was convenient to town and close to the bus stop. They also provided a bus pass for the local routes (1, 2, 4, 6). The hot tub was large and not crowded at all. The room was a bit old and could be updated. The wifi was also spotty but it was fine for me since I ignore work emails on vacation (as it should be haha). It was a decent hotel but probably book a better hotel next time.

We needed a central and comfortable place to stay for our week visiting Banff National Park…read more First, the positives. We liked the location as it was central and walkable to downtown without being right in the heart of all the activity. The bed was firm and comfortable. There was good shower pressure. The staff was friendly. Now, the negatives. A very old and dated hotel. The bathrooms are barely functional. The toilet was very low to the ground and not even flat but sloping ever so slightly. There was no AC but luckily we could feel a breeze when we left our window open. The gym and pool are really dated and not particularly enticing to use. The parking structure is problematic to get in and out and very narrow around the turns. We got a good rate through Expedia but would likely not stay here again.

We planned our Banff trip a bit late for July and didn't realize it would coincide with the Canada…read moreDay holiday, so accommodations were limited. Hidden Ridge Resort was one of the only options left within our budget. After arriving in town by bus from Calgary, we took the Roam bus to the resort. Luckily, a Roam bus pass is included with your stay, and the stop is conveniently just steps away. Although on the return trip, you'll need to get off at the nearby Douglas Fir Resort. Hidden Ridge is located a bit farther from town, so if you don't have a rental car like us, you'll be relying on the bus system. The resort doesn't have an on-site restaurant but does offer a full kitchen, which was useful for storing leftovers and quick snacks thanks to the fridge and microwave. Our room was on the lower level, which made it feel a bit dark, it could definitely use more lighting. Also, Wi-Fi was nearly nonexistent due to the remote mountain location, so make sure to download your movies or shows in advance if you plan to unwind offline. The outdoor pool and hot tub boast a beautiful mountain view, but they were often filled with loud children, making it less relaxing than we'd hoped. Housekeeping came daily to tidy up, replace towels, and empty the trash, which we appreciated. Overall, it's an older resort, and the photos online look a bit nicer than what you get in person. Still, it served its purpose well enough for our 4-night stay in Banff.

We stayed here for two nights. We were in the lodge right next to the pool so it was very…read moreconvenient. I liked the pool and the small flower garden near by. The front desk staff was very helpful. We borrowed the bear spray - so that saved us $30. They also had a kindling kit which was necessary. They also had a smores kit but we didn't avail ourself of that offer. I liked also that you could get freshly made coffee in the front office as well as actual creamer. Our room was on the bottom. I liked that there was some privacy - you just look out the window and see trees. However, because of the direction it is facing, it's a very dark room. I think the room can benefit from more lighting, like some overhead lighting. The window in the bedroom looks out to the car tires. There was also some weeds growing there. However, the hanging baskets were some of the best I saw - even better than some of the Fairmonts we visited. Other members in our party had the room above the front office with a hot tub that we used. It was pretty nice - very good view. There are some trails nearby that we drove to. We mostly drove into town, but there is a shuttle that you can use although it can get very crowded. We often would drive in late and have to park further away, but we always found parking. There is also a parkade somewhere below, but we never needed it.

Great location with underground parking. Very helpful staff. We ate breakfast at Pacini the…read morerestaurant attached and it was very good. It has beautiful decor and is very clean.

Hi-ya! Moose suites…read morewas a great hotel. It's super clean, good staff and next to the Roam transit and shopping areas. When you first walk in the lobby check in area is next to the large sitting area with a big fireplace that is hot enough to warm you but not make the place uncomfortable. The rooms are very well maintained and so are the walkways, fitness center, sauna, jacuzzis (2 large ones) and pool. The restaurant that is nothing the hotel we didn't eat at, but I ordered and old fashioned and it was good and strong, but no black cherry, but that was fine. The sauna was so clean and it felt great to warm up more in the mornings and relax in the jacuzzis after a hike in the evenings. The jets were powerful and the views from that area overlook the the mountains and the gondola an Norquay. This hotel was great, only one thing really, the laundry room at 2 washers and 2 dryers which were of good quality, but one was down. We stayed here for 6 days and i thought that was a good amount of time without it becoming too day to day feeling. 5 stars because we had a great time there AND they provided loaner bear sprays for all of us. I don't know if they can do it for everyone, but that saves you at lease 35 bucks for each spray that you can't take back in the flight if you do t use (and don't check bags). That was an amazing food convenience.

Has what you need, at the end of town, decent stay with conveniences such as underground parking,…read morebut hotel needs updating. Carpeting is worn, literal holes left in the walls. No frills but functional. Staff is nice. Internet spotty on floor 2 (zero coverage in the loft space, best internet toward the hallway). Good space for parties seeking some privacy because there is a loft room option and a kitchenette. Has coin laundry and offers bus passes in stay.

Judging by comfort I give this lodge a gold star. The bed was super comfy and blackout curtains…read moreadded to a really high sleep score for me. The rest of the lodge could use updating but the staff are friendly and they keep coffee in the lobby all day.

Easy and longer walk where you're able to hear the sounds of waterfalls. Calming. Able to take…read morephotos from different vantage points. Spacious area to stop and go at your own pace.

HIKE TO BOW FALLS AND BOW RIVER…read more On our first day in Banff, we joined the Bow Falls Loop Tour hosted by the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The Tour began with a hike down a paved path leading directly from the hotel to the Falls. For those driving, there is a small parking lot that is steps from the Falls. Our guide told us that the Falls can be reached via an easy and scenic walk along the Bow River from downtown Banff. Bow Falls is a beautiful yet powerful waterfall. While Bow River appeared shallow and calm, it was deep enough for scenic float boat tours that began further downstream. A paved promenade runs along the Bow River - we walked up steps for a bird's eye view of the Falls. Our tour finished with a climb up and around the Falls before hiking on a forest trail back to the hotel.