Winter Honeymoon in Banff, Canada

[RoseAngel04]

Hello Ladies!!

FI and I will most likely honeymoon in December of 2007 (4 months after we wed) and are discussing Banff, Canada. We''ve look around on the web and found some good hotels, cabins etc but was wondering if any of ya''ll had first hand experience?! We''re hoping to dog sled, ski, and other fun activites while we''re there.

We''re so excited. It will be our *first* Christmas as a married couple and I think it will be so special that we''ll be alone in a winter wonderland (compared to Houston, TX).

We will of course stay in a nice hotel our wedding night but wait untill December for our honeymoon. Anyone else done this?! Thoughts?!

 

[firebirdgold]

oooh, that sounds like fun!! and so very romantic. I''ve never been to Banff, but may I suggest something if you''re there for christmas? Get a mini table tree and decorate it a little together.

 

[Regular Guy]

Whether you stay there or just visit, consider making time to check out the Banff Spring Hotel, also now under the Fairmont name. It is Banff, to me, from my visit now many years ago in 1981.

 

[canuk-gal]

Hi:

Fab idea! I live in Calgary, AB, which is 90 minutes drive from Banff, and the city you''ll likely fly into. FYI, ccuheartnurse is also coming this way in October and has a slightly older thread about this in Hangout--I''d provide the link if I knew how-- but searching her name will find what I am referring to. In this thread we talk about hotels and spa''s, but she has some great plans and got info. from travel Alberta, which i think is a great idea for you as well.

Of course I am biased, but "our" part of the Rockies are stunniing--and while I cannot attest to "dog sledding" there are so many wonderful activities to do and places to see, that you may not have time for anything else!

.

I''d be happy to provide any details (if i can)...just ask!

cheers--Sharon

 

[anchor31]

I''ve never been to Banff but I''m Canadian, and since you''re from Texas I wanted to warn you... Be prepared for VERY cold weather and bring lots of warm clothes!

"Winter wonderland" as you say, is very beautiful and romantic, but it''s cold!

 

[RoseAngel04]

Indie: I know I thought of that too!!! That would be a MUST! I''m wanting to get a ornanment that they make for married couples that says "Our First Christmas."

RegularGuy: Oh my stars thank you for sharing! The Banff Springs Hotel looks amazing. I am forwarding this website to FI. And it looks like they can provide all the activities that we are wanting!!

I''ve found other lil cute cabins but this one is going into my *favorites.*

Sharon: Aw thx so much! I will have to look up that thread in the hangout for more information. And we don''t want to stay busy all the time with outdoor activites

but do want to do somethings! I''m sure I''ll think up some questions to ask you later.

Anchor: When I started this thread I thought of you bc I know that you live in Canada. We are VERY aware that we will freeze our butts of in Canada but will be prepared with lots of layering clothes! It will for sure be a change from Houston weather, but we can keep each other warm by snuggling!!

About how cold is it around Christmas? FI was thinking in the negative degrees?!

 

[San Diego Bride]

we attended a wedding at the banff springs hotel this february. the place is just magical. it''s a nice walk or a short cab ride (depending on the weather) from the very quaint downtown area. if you do go you should also check out chateau lake louise. i think that''s what it''s called. it''s also part of the fairmont chain and is literally steps away from lake louise. the scenery is absolutley gorgeous. there are many ice sculptures to look at on the frozen lake. you can ice skate and then just a minute later be warming yourselves by the fire inside. they have a great restaurant/bar that looks out onto the lake. both hotels are pricey, but i think they''re soooo worth it. we want to go back for new years.

 

[anchor31]

Date: 9/28/2006 7:53:44 PM
Author: RoseAngel04

Anchor: When I started this thread I thought of you bc I know that you live in Canada. We are VERY aware that we will freeze our butts of in Canada but will be prepared with lots of layering clothes! It will for sure be a change from Houston weather, but we can keep each other warm by snuggling!!

About how cold is it around Christmas? FI was thinking in the negative degrees?!

Hm... Let me see... I know you guys work in degrees Fahrenheit, we (at least, us French Canadians) use degrees Celsius... Well, for starters, we usually don''t get the coldest temperatures in December, more in January and February. Also, I''m in Quebec, which is on the other side of the country, so it''s probably not quite the same. But I did find this for you:

Maximum temperature in Banff in December: -4 degrees Celsius (24.8 degrees Fahrenheit)
Minimum: -13 degrees Celsius (8.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
Average: -9 degrees Celsius (15.8 degrees Fahrenheit)

Rain average: 3 mm (.12 inch)
Snow average: 44 cm (17.3 inches)
Snow on ground: 27 cm (10.6 inches)

According to the statistics, it''s an itty bit warmer in Quebec, but we have a couple of inches more snow. So, don''t worry... -13 (Celsius, that is) isn''t that cold. Well, at least for me it isn''t!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Good info posted by Anchor--on temps. There are so many mild days in Nov and Dec one can easily get away with a heavy sweater or mid weight fleece. In fact a few years ago, I bought a lined suede jacket since it wasn''t cold enuf to warrent a heavy coat! But good nonslip footwear--like Merrills--are always a staple. But do come prepared. Fleece and Gortex (layers) are good bets.

Either the Rimrock or Banff Springs Hotels are must stays in Banff. A few years ago Fairmont group bought the Canadian Pacific Hotel chain (CP) whihc included the BS. Some major reno''s have taken place but the original facade remains. It is perfectly situated in the Rockies and is unbelievably beautiful. The Rimrock is much newer, but has all the charm of a "ski lodge" (is very large and elegant). Both places have wonderful spas, and great dining. The town of Banff also has wonderful shopping and dining. Easy ewalking distance from hotels.

The Post Hotel is also a must stay in Lake Lousie (60 miles from Banff.) Small and intimate, it is an older hotel (Inn) but has a new spa and the restaurant is world renown. Lake Lousie is utterly breath taking in fine or cold weather (I posted some pictures in the Gallery section on PS), and the downhill skiing either there or in Banff is second to none. Also, The Fairmont Hotel in Lake Lousie--which is right on the lake--is delightful and sprawling providing great views as I beleive someone else here already mentioned. But I prefer the Post b/c of it''s intimate charm. But for afternoon tea the Fairmont in LL is devine. But you might prefer the large hotel and all it''s amenities. Tours, etc can be booked from any/all of the hotels.

I should get a job with Travel Alberta! Good luck on your planning. How exciting for you guys!

cheers--Sharon

 

[RoseAngel04]

Date: 9/28/2006 10:23:35 PM
Author: anchor31

According to the statistics, it''s an itty bit warmer in Quebec, but we have a couple of inches more snow. So, don''t worry... -13 (Celsius, that is) isn''t that cold. Well, at least for me it isn''t!

Hehe....that''s pretty dang cold for us! But we''ll be expecting it....we''ll just have to pack lots and lots of layering clothes!

Thanks for the info Anchor!

 

[Tybee]

ooooh,
I''ve never been to Banff, but I know a little something about cuddling up together in a cuddly ski lodge! It sounds so sweet, perfect and romantic! There is nothing more romantic than getting warm together after being out in the beautiful chilly air all day!
My wonderful husband and I take a yearly ski trip. It''s something that I look forward to all year!
Good for you two!

Tybee

 

[lovelylulu]

wow! what a fantastic idea for a honeymoon. fireplaces, snow, hot chocolate, newlywed love = bliss

i also have friends that absolutely love whistler in BC.