Brewster Sleigh Ride at Lake Louise

This past week I had the opportunity to go on a horse drawn sleigh ride around Lake Louise! It was such a great time and definitely made me feel like I was in a winter wonderland.


You catch the sleigh behind the Chateau Lake Louise and it then goes along the lake for around 2km. It turns around at the end of the Lake Trail and if lucky, you will be able to see some gorgeous frozen water falls at this spot. We even saw someone ice climbing on it!


The sleigh drops you off back where you began by the Chateau and you can then go in and warm up with a hot chocolate in the historic Chateau Lake Louise. Check out www.brewsteradventures.com for more information!

Valentine's Contest

Help us celebrate Valentine's Day by guessing the number of cinnamon hearts in the Banff Aspen Lodge Jar to win a free night at the hotel! (FYI the jar can hold 16 liquid ounces).



Please send me an email at sales@banffaspenlodge.com with your guess by Sunday February 14th, 2010 to qualify to win the free night. I will contact the winner by Friday February 19th.

Guest Comments~

Here are some comments from Mr. D MacNeil who stayed at the hotel this January:

"All of the employees were helpful and courteous all of the time....can't think of anything at the hotel to change...thank you very much for a wonderful holiday."

Thanks for staying with us and hope to have you stay with us when you are in Banff again~

Emerald Lake Lodge

I had a wicked two day mini vacation to Emerald Lake Lodge last week. It is just over a one hour drive from Banff, located past Field British Columbia and is a true winter wonderland!

The food and wine are delicious and staff can be outstanding. We had one staff member build us a snowman one night after we made a jokingly comment about wanting one :)



We ate in the Mount Burgess Dining Room the first night and in the Lounge the second night...both places were awesome. I recommend the Ranch Elk Ribeye Steak and Roast Pumpkin Seed Crusted Lamb Rack.

There are some great cross country ski trails in the area, we did the beginner trail that goes along the lake and around the Alluvial Fan Loop. The scenery is gorgeous and the trail is flat for the most part...so perfect for beginners :)



If you are looking for a secluded winter getaway, check out www.crmr.com/emerald-lake-lodge.php for more information ~

Snowtips in Banff~

I am heading up to Emerald Lake Lodge on Sunday for a couple of nights and plan on doing some cross country skiing and snowshoeing. I personally do not own any snowshoes or cross country skis...so went downtown to Snowtips/Bactrax to see about renting some.

Snowtips is the ultimate rental store in town; you can rent downhill and cross country skis, ice skates, snowshoes, etc. They also have sleds, winter jackets, snow pants, helmets and ice walk crampons. The ice walk crampons are perfect to rent if you want to go and see Johnston's Canyon in the winter time.

Snowtips is located at 225 Bear Street, beside the movie cinema. All rental information is found at http://www.snowtips-bactrax.com/

The best thing about Snowtips? All Banff Aspen Lodge guests receive a 10% discount off all rentals! So I am now all set with some cross country skis and snowshoes and cannot wait for my weekend away :)

Guest Comments~

Hotel guest comment card comments:

"This accommodation was perfect for my daughter and me. Might make this an annual event" Ms. Bell, December 2009. When asked if they were to return to Banff, would they stay at the Banff Aspen Lodge again, Ms. Bell responded with "In a heartbeat!"

I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with us and we'd love to have you stay with us again!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from everyone at the Banff Aspen Lodge!

Christmas Party!

We had our Christmas Party at Melissa's Restaurant this past week! We have it there every year and it is always a blast. To eat we have a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a lovely festive dessert.


My favourite part of the evening is the Secret Santa Gift Exchange. Everyone brings a wrapped gift and leaves it on the table. We then get to choose a gift from the table for ourselves. The fun part is that if you find yourself admiring someone else's gift, you are able to "steal" it from them (instead of picking a new one). This year I received a ITunes gift card...I am so exited to use it!



Thanks to Barbara for organizing this great dinner for us and as well, thank you to Melissa's for hosting us. For more information on Melissa's, check out their website: http://www.melissasrestaurant.com/