You lucky duck! I've always wanted to go there! Can't offer any advice, but have a wonderful time!

No advice here either but I can't wait to hear about your trip! I hope to get there one of these days.

DW & DD were just there last month! It was their 2nd time.

Faron

Faron, do you mind asking them what their favorite things to do were?

Do you enjoy hiking?

Consider a day trip to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho, close to Banff. You can see the falls, then climb up to the Iceline Trail and then the rest is pretty easy to a couple of other waterfalls. You can see a lot of different things . . . I don't recall the exact length but I think it is easy to make the loop hike shorter or longer. If you prefer flat terrain an out and back to the other waterfalls is pretty easy. Emerald Lake also is close by and gorgeous.

If you are serious hikers I can give you some other suggestions.

Have a great time!

Banff is a very crowded tourist town. I'd head north along the Icefields Parkway (HWY 93) to Jasper and spend my time there.

I wanted to go for my 50th this year, but couldn't get it together in time, so I'm hoping for next year. Congratulations to you and your friend. My plan was to hike to the tea house trail. I saw it once on PBS or something and I've wanted to do it since. I'd also love to kayak while up there. If you haven't tried kayaking, it's much easier than it looks and great fun!

I believe the teahouse trail is in lake louise, not banff. We wanted to do it but were put off by the rain and snow we faced when there in June.

I actually found banff the least interesting of the 3 places and found the views and the drive from Jasper to Banff to be the highlight of the trip. Lake Louise is something to see, but for me, Moraine Lake was incredible...the 2nd most beautiful spot on earth I'd ever been.

If you didn't want to drive it, you could look into taking the train which I understand is a pretty spectacular ride.

We were there in early July.

Banff is a cute little town, kind of looks like a copy of an Alpine town. Lake Louise has no town to speak of.'

We went because I always always wanted to see that gorgeous turquoise water. And when we got to our room at the Fairmont Lake Louise, and my kids opened the drapes, they audibly gasped. It is truly gorgeous.

One thing I did not realize though, is that there are a ton of lakes -- and streams --- in that area that are the same color. When you drive around, you are stopping all the time to take in the views and compare the colors. So gorgeous.

We flew into Calgary, stopped in Canmore for an ice cream, continued on to drive thru Banff just to check it out, and then to LL for our stay. While we were there (4 nights) we went kayaking, white water rafting, hiking and to see the glacier). IMHO the glacier was a disappointment (small) esp if you have seen one before. The rafting (in a turquoise river!) was the highlight. Dining was surprisingly good at the Fairmonts. Spa was ok. Just ok.

I am getting so excited after reading all your posts of what to do! I am making my list and will keep you posted. Thank you all so much!

If you like waterfalls the Athabasca falls are nice to see. I believe we took a nice horseback ride in that area...

The Hot Springs is great, especially in the evening. Lots of people love the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, and time their trip up to coincide with a meal time; walking around at the top of the mountain affords one some amazing views. Banff is well known for its many shops that sell items which range from very tourist-y, souvenir type trinkets to fine jewellery and art of various types. There are lots of shops selling fudge, ice cream, and various candies made on site - strolling the main street and window shopping and indulging in some treats is on many people's lists of things to do. The white water rafting excursions are a highlight for many, and you should be able to find one to suit you in terms of length of time and degree of difficulty; many include a lunch cooked on shore over an open fire - after the icy mountain water, a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate is extremely welcome! Dining opportunities abound - from fast food to fine dining. We have always enjoyed popping into the grocery store and selecting a picnic lunch from the deli counter to eat at one of the many outdoor sites - you might want to buy some barbeque supplies since there usually are small barbeques at picnic grounds. Take in some of the museums to learn about the history of the area - there are several. Most of all, breathe in that fantastic mountain air and revel in the scenery. Enjoy!

I wanted to update everyone after all the great advice...Last Thursday, the night before we were supposed to leave, with my packed suitcase ready at the front door, my BFF called on her way to the hospital. She had broken her ankle! We had to cancel our trip. I am still in disbelief. We had been planning this trip for eight months. In order to reuse this ticket you have to travel within a year of making your reservation. I will no longer ever book that far out. I would have to go on an international trip before Nov. 30. We were traveling in the summer not fall! So again, thanks to everyone. Hopefully, someday I will get to Banff.

Oh what horrible luck. I guess this time around, it wasn't meant to be.

Maybe head to the east coast of Canada to use your ticket...it can be beautiful in the fall!

Oh no - how disappointing.

September, on either the Cdn east coast or the west coast is gorgeous weather wise.

So sad! Vancouver is fantastic, even in Sept-Oct, and would be a lovely consolation prize.