Banff Aspen Lodge

Dragan Boat Festival

2009-07-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Banff Lake Louise Tourism has scheduled the second annual Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival on August 15 & 16, 2009 !

Held at spectacular Lake Minnewanka, the races feature boats with teams of 22 paddlers, a drummer and steers person in heats of 200 and 500 metre stints and a selection of specialty cup races. The festival kicks off on Friday with the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony where Buddhist monks bless the Dragon Boats. This ancient ritual of “awakening the dragon” is done by painting the eyes on each of the Dragon Boat Figureheads to call forth their spirits.

The weekend offers an opportunity for families to watch the competition from the shores of Lake Minnewanka plus witness the lion and dragon dance performance in downtown Banff.

Canada Day in Banff

2009-06-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Canada Day in Banff this year! The schedule of events are as follows:

9 - 11am - Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast at the Parks Canada Admin Grounds ($2/person)

10:20am - 2:30pm - Sidewalk Art outside the Whyte Museum

12pm - Central Park Activities Start (live dancing, music, etc.)

5-6pm - Canada Day Parade on Banff Avenue

6:30pm - 11pm - Central Park Evening Entertainment

11pm - Fireworks!

The Banff Aspen Lodge still has availability to stay overnight on July 1st - call 1-800-661-0227 to book your room now!

Explore Banff and Lake Louise

2009-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Banff Aspen Lodge is Very Excited to announce our new three day vacation package ~ Explore Banff and Lake Louise. This is the ultimate package allowing you to explore Banff, Lake Louise and the surrounding areas while receiving savings up to 20%! You will receive three night's accommodation with our Canadian Rockies Continental Breakfast daily. Enjoy a $25 gift card to use at Discover Banff Tours (valid on any tour booking), a ride up the incredible Lake Louise Gondola, admission to the relaxing Banff Upper Hot Springs, a three day GyPSy Guide rental giving you detailed facts about the area you are driving in and a dinner voucher to one of the following restaurants: Coyotes Southwestern Grill, St. James Gate or The Elk and Oarsman ~ all located in downtown Banff.

Check out our availability now!

Turn off the Tap~

2009-06-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Starting in July, the Banff Aspen Lodge will be reminding our guests to "Turn off the Tap". Did you know that you can save 11 liters of water if you turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, leaving the water running for even 14 seconds while brushing your teeth can wast 64 ounces of water ~ that is equivalent to the eight glasses of water we're encourages to drink each day.

Depending on where your water resources come from, turning off the water while brushing your teeth can have a positive impact on springs, rivers and wetland habitats for wildlife that would otherwise been damaged by water treatment plans. The impacts from taking water out of processing can be lessened in small ways that will positively affect of Planet Earth.

Let's all do our part!

Banff Aspen Lodge

2009-06-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

The hotel has received a rating of Two Green Eco-Leafs on the website www.istaygreen.org

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GOOD RATING
2 Green Eco-Leafs

Banff Aspen Lodge

Banff Hotels

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Enjoying time at the Banff Aspen Lodge

2009-06-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

A photo sent from some past guests at the Banff Aspen Lodge ~ your home away from home in Banff National Park:

Banff Legacy Trail

2009-05-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Exciting news just out from Canada's Environmental Minister Jim Prentice;

"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce the creation of Banff Legacy Trail ~ a new multi-use recreation trail that will be completed in time to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the creation of Banff National Park in the fall of 2010"

This hard-surfaced trail will form part of the Trans-Canada Trail network. It will be a non-motorized multi-use recreational trail suitable for walking, biking and in-line skating. It will enable users to safely travel from Canmore to Lake Louise and beyond on a combination of trails and parkways.

This new segment of the Trans-Canada Trail provides everyone with a unique opportunity to experience the Canadian Rockies ~

Comment Cards ~

2009-05-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of comments from some recent guests:

"We were very pleased with the size of our room, it was also very quiet. The Breakfast Room is lovely and the food exceeded our expectations" from the Giebelmaus, May 2009

"Loved the stay; relaxing, nice views, good staff and close to everything (walking distance)" from Jessica, May 2009

Bike Fest 2009

2009-05-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

After the overwhelming success in 2008, Banff National Park is hosting the second annual Banff National Park Bike Fest road race event from June 18 - 21, 2009. Cyclists will be racing through the streets of Banff and throughout Banff National Park over the course of four days. The athletes can expect tough and challenging courses with hairpin turns, breakaway sprints and fierce competition while spectators can enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and be part of the excitement as cyclists whip past at remarkable speeds.

The weekend will also feature two family-friendly events. The Little Crits Race will have kids from three to eleven years old racing their bikes along the same course the pros do and the Cruise Crit will have participants donning fun costumes and riding brightly decorated bikes as they race through the streets of Banff.

Make your reservation now to stay at the Banff Aspen Lodge to enjoy this Full-Filled Weekend ~

Virtual Tour of the Banff Aspen Lodge

2009-05-07T14:10:00.001-07:00

Please find to follow a link for a virtual tour of the Banff Aspen Lodge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnNkMPJ8BJk

Doing Our Part ~

2009-04-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

New at the Banff Aspen Lodge ~ all guestrooms are now equiped with Eco-Friendly amenity containers and soaps. The new eco bottles are biodegradable and the soaps are made using palm kernel oil, a 100% vegetable soap base. They are gentle on your skin and made using a renewable resource.

We are so happy and excited about this and will continue to do our part to help the environment!

Spring Skiing is Here~

2009-04-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

The weather has been amazing in Banff for the past week...sunny and warm! Skiing conditions are perfect for spring skiing, with fresh snow still falling at some hills. And don't worry, there is still over a month left to ski in Banff National Park...

If skiing is not your thing, stay overnight in Banff and venture out for some wicked hiking. I went on my first hike on Monday to Barrier Lake Lookout in Kananaskis and it was gorgeous ~ we were the only ones on the trail! There was still lots of snow on the trail, but it was hard-packed making it easy for walking.

Book your Spring Getaway at the Banff Aspen Lodge today!

TripAdvisor~

2009-04-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

Some exciting news for everyone...the Banff Aspen Lodge is now rated 8 out of 31 for hotels to stay at in Banff. Check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g154911-d182230-Reviews-Banff_Aspen_Lodge-Banff_Banff_National_Park_Alberta.html to read how great your trip to the Banff Aspen Lodge can be!
Book your Banff Getaway today ~

Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival

2009-03-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Banff is holding the second annual Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival on Saturday May 2nd, 2009. Visit Banff and taste the finest in local cuisine along with an extensive selection of unique wines, high quality ports, fine single-malt scotch, imported beer and premium spirits.

The Banff Aspen Lodge has created a package that includes two night's accommodation, a Canadian Rockies Continental Breakfast daily, passes to the Banff Upper Hot Springs and tickets to either the Afternoon Tasting Session (2:00-5:00pm) or Evening Tasting Session (7:00-10:00pm). The festival’s ticket provides entrance into the Grand Tasting Hall at The Fairmont Banff Springs where beginners, intermediates, and connoisseurs will have the rare opportunity to learn more about their favourites from industry experts in a casual and social atmosphere.

Call 1-877-886-8857 today to make your booking!

Summer Vacation Packages

2009-03-20T16:26:00.001-07:00

Seeing as today is the first day of spring, I am sure you are now all wondering where to book your summer holiday! Come to the Banff Aspen Lodge in the Canadian Rockies ~ our summer vacation packages are now available. Check out http://reservation.worldweb.com/booking-request.html?login=10 for all the details!

Snow Angels in Banff National Park

2009-03-03T13:24:00.001-08:00

The following video is a "how-to" video on how to make a snow angel. You will notice that it is slightly difficult to stand-up once the angel has been made. It is very helpful to have an extra person around who can help the angel-makers stand-up :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Uf8JomTAA

The Snow is Still Falling ~

2009-02-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing for the past two days in town and the ski hills are loving it! In the past 24 hours Norquay has received 4 cm of fresh powder, Lake Louise has 7 cms of new snow and 9 cms has fallen at Sunshine Village~

All three ski resorts have a forecast of more snow...so things are looking good. Call the hotel today or book online for a last minute ski holiday!

The Bruno Engler Memorial Veterans' Ski Race

2009-02-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

The 43rd Annual Bruno Engler Memorial Veterans' ski race takes place on Saturday March 28th at Mount Norquay in Banff National Park. This is the longest consecutively running ski race in Canada. Prizes are awarded for the fastest competitor in six age categories, including prizes for oldest competitor, best family combined time and best costume. The event features lunch and a buffet dinner award night.

Come out to Banff Mount Norquay for this historic event ~ visit http://www.banffnorquay.com/ for more information or call 403-762-4421.

Some Words to Pass Along....

2009-02-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

The hotel received the following comment from a past guest:

"This was about my 6th time staying at your hotel. We always come in November for the Banff Film Festival with our friends. With the washroom and sinks in the middle between two queen beds, we have privacy and quiet despite four to a room. This time I brought my mom. We were offered a better room for no charge and asked for a king bed with a nice sitting area. It's in the heart of Banff, we found good prices in the gift store, the staff were fantastic, the room was clean and cozy, breakfast was great, we kept snacks in the fridge, had free coffee in our unit, and loved the outdoor hot tubs. We'll be back!!!! ...and thanks for being kind to the environment."

Call 1-877-886-8857 to make your reservation today!

Ski Louise - Downhill at Dusk

2009-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

Lake Louise Ski Area is now offering a fun evening event on Friday nights from now - March 27th, 2009. Arrive at Whitehorn Lodge (mid-mountain) at 4:30pm for the après ski party. Hot appetizers, live entertainment and two beverages are included in your après ski. Next enjoy an after hours, escorted ski down the mountain on a freshly groomed run. At the bottom of the mountain, a delicious buffet dinner and more entertainment awaits you!

A bus service will be available to take you back to the Lake Louise and Banff hotels.

Visit http://www.skilouise.com/things-to-do/events/downhill_at_dusk.aspx for more information~

Sledding in Banff!

2009-01-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

This past Friday was the hotel's monthly staff event and this month, a group of us went tobogganing at the hill behind the Banff Springs Hotel.

We had a super evening ~ some of our staff went sledding for the first time and LOVED IT!

The evening finished off with a wonderful campfire for us to roast marshmallows and hot dogs while drinking hot chocolate! A great evening had by all ~ thanks to everyone who came!

New in Banff ~ Banff Alpine Lights atop the Banff Gondola!

2009-01-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

New at the top of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola ~ the Alpine Lights Mountaintop Evening Experience! Your evening will include a full dinner of Canadian Cuisine, live entertainment with local band Swanee & Friends and a scenic evening light display. Enjoy the fabulous panoramic views offered at the top of the mountain. And not just any views~ this event will offer a perspective that until now, has not been available. The views of Banff at night are spectacular with the lights of town giving you a rich perspective that is uniquely offered and so truly a rare and unique dining experience.

Dates of Operation:
Now - April 14 = Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Event Schedule
6:00PM First Gondola departs the base of the Banff Gondola
6:00-7:30 PM Reception & Live Entertainment
7:30-8:30 PM Buffet Dinner
8:30-9:15 PM Live Entertainment
9:30PM Last Gondola departs from the Upper Terminal

The Banff Public Transit frequents the route from downtown to the Gondola's Lower Terminal. For more information about their schedule please call (403) 762-6770.

*Note: Please dress with warm clothes for the Gondola journey, making the Banff Alpine Lights view even more enjoyable.

Ice Magic in Lake Louise!

2008-12-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Lake Louise during the Ice Magic weekend January 23 - 25, 2009 ~ witness teams of professional carvers as they compete in the prestigious International Ice Carving Competition held each year at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Twelve teams are given 15 blocks of ice, weighing 300lb each. They must then transform the blocks into seven-foot tall world class ice sculptures in three days.

Also check out the Little Chippers Festival held in Samson Mall of Lake Louise Village. Children will have a chance to learn the art and science of ice carving first hand! Free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, learn to drive a dog sled, interact with the local Fire Department, face painting, a fun craft zone and walk the Wilson’s Mountain Sports and Samson’s Mall Enchanted Forest ice creation and more!! Fun for the entire family!

Come out on Sunday to see the finished sculptures at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award and Children’s Choice Award competitions. Winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony at 4:00pm. For more information on Ice Magic and for a full schedule of events please visit our event website at www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic

Happy Holidays~

2008-12-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

From all of us at the Banff Aspen Lodge, have a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Relaxing at the Banff Aspen Lodge~

2008-12-06T09:49:00.001-08:00

Relax and recharge at the Banff Aspen Lodge. Call 1-877-886-8857 today for more information. Ask about one of the hotel's amazing packages~