Banff vs tunnel mtn

[HeatherPR]

Hello! We (family of four with 13/17 yr old) headed to Banff and Lake Louise at the end of February. We usually stay in a place that has a kitchen or kitchenette whenever we go on ski trips. Wondering if anyone has opinions or experience on staying right in banff vs the tunnel mountain resort (which seems to be a little outside of banff but not too far?!)
Banff would have a direct shuttle to sunshine (more expensive accommodation) and tunnel mountain would be a bus to a shuttle (less expensive).
Would love your thoughts. Thanks!
ps i searched a bunch of the forums and can’t find anything on this…my apologies if this is a duplicate post and someone has already posted about these two places.

 

[Jilly]

You might take a look a thread from SkiTalk. Similar to our Diva Trips, they have 1 large gathering every year, and this year it's Banff. There is lots of discussion about accommodations, transportation etc.

Go here.

 

[Christy]

I've only stayed IN Banff, but it looks like the resort is only a mile to the heart of town. That in and of itself wouldn't stop me; when visiting Sun Valley we always stay at the lodge which is a mile from town. But they have a paved walking path to town (we walked to dinner every night), and it's only one short bus ride to the ski mountain. I'm guessing you are not getting a car at all, and so would need to take the two bus rides to ski? That personally would give me pause. One thing I would investigate is the likelihood of bus lines and waiting. But if you are getting a car, I don't see any issue with staying there.

 

[MrsPlow]

We've stayed at a couple of the places up there - once with a car and once without. I don't remember the walk down to the bus being outrageous but it was a few years ago and just 2 of us to organise. I think there was a short cut down some stairs to the main drag to catch the shuttle.

The apartment we stayed in up that way was lovely and we had deer wandering around the yard. You are a fair distance from the shops up on the hill though.

Another option to consider is the hostel at Lake Louise if a family room and shared kitchen would work.

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

Are you going to have a car? That makes a big difference. Tunnel mountain is definitely one of the most family friendly resorts in Banff national park and a very pretty setting but not super friendly if you don’t have a car (hauling groceries, going into town for dinner, shopping etc). If you don’t plan for a car I would lean towards being right in town (but limited kitchen options—there are a few).

Another choice either with or without a car is Lake Louise Inn which has comfortable family apartments and should be similar in price. They have a direct hotel shuttle and it is a quick drive (only a few minutes—much shorter than Sunshine-tunnel mountain) to lake Louise resort which is fantastic if people want to come back at different times in the day. I can’t remember what options are if you want to go from Lake Louise Inn to Norquay or Sunshine from there—I think they have a hotel shuttle to all three but you could check with the hotel directly.

Canmore is a town close to Banff (15 minutes) that has tons of amenities (great shops, restaurants, cross country skiing, very scenic) and many more accommodation options including lots of apartments with kitchens and many food choices. I know there are lots of shuttles running to mountains from there but not as often from the town in general—you could inquire with specific hotels. It is an excellent choice if you plan to rent a vehicle and could be definitely possible without a car (if good hotel shuttles).

You mentioned Sunshine only—I personally love Lake Louise for skiing and it is great for families too—some new lift options have really decreased crowds since last year. Though Sunshine is closer to Banff, Louise is not all that different when you factor in that Sunshine requires taking a gondola to the base. Norquay is a nice, smaller family oriented resort that has much shorter runs but can be fun depending on skier level/interests (and very close to Banff).

Let me know if you are renting a car and your family ski level(s) and I am happy to make any additional recommendations. I also have a teen and this is my home area.

 

[contesstant]

Are you going to have a car? That makes a big difference. Tunnel mountain is definitely one of the most family friendly resorts in Banff national park and a very pretty setting but not super friendly if you don’t have a car (hauling groceries, going into town for dinner, shopping etc). If you don’t plan for a car I would lean towards being right in town (but limited kitchen options—there are a few).

Another choice either with or without a car is Lake Louise Inn which has comfortable family apartments and should be similar in price. They have a direct hotel shuttle and it is a quick drive (only a few minutes—much shorter than Sunshine-tunnel mountain) to lake Louise resort which is fantastic if people want to come back at different times in the day. I can’t remember what options are if you want to go from Lake Louise Inn to Norquay or Sunshine from there—I think they have a hotel shuttle to all three but you could check with the hotel directly.

Canmore is a town close to Banff (15 minutes) that has tons of amenities (great shops, restaurants, cross country skiing, very scenic) and many more accommodation options including lots of apartments with kitchens and many food choices. I know there are lots of shuttles running to mountains from there but not as often from the town in general—you could inquire with specific hotels. It is an excellent choice if you plan to rent a vehicle and could be definitely possible without a car (if good hotel shuttles).

You mentioned Sunshine only—I personally love Lake Louise for skiing and it is great for families too—some new lift options have really decreased crowds since last year. Though Sunshine is closer to Banff, Louise is not all that different when you factor in that Sunshine requires taking a gondola to the base. Norquay is a nice, smaller family oriented resort that has much shorter runs but can be fun depending on skier level/interests (and very close to Banff).

Let me know if you are renting a car and your family ski level(s) and I am happy to make any additional recommendations. I also have a teen and this is my home area.

I'm going to piggy back on this thread--how is the Lake Louise Inn as far as overall comfort and cleanliness? We are debating staying in Banff vs. Lake Louise in March. It sounds like we would enjoy skiing at LL more, but the town of Banff sounds amazing.

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

At lake Louise inn, There are two older buildings (I think most are two queens, I believe at a lower rate) then some newer, renovated buildings, including the ones with the kitchenette/one and two bedrooms. Definitely would go newer and could always call to clarify the room type.

L Louise Inn is pretty average range, the infrastructure of the buildings is not amazing, however I remember the breakfasts to be decent, mid range hotel average. There is a decent pizza/italian restaurant, though a short walk takes you to a super (but expensive) Swiss restaurant across the road or a cute little downstairs pub also nearby. The pool is ok but if it is busy (and it is a big place so can busy, especially on weekends), I find it overcrowded (same with hot tub—get there soon after skiing).
The real plus is price (can get good deals sometimes) and proximity to hill. Another similar option but without kitchenette (if you just want a room) is Mountaineer Lodge—if you get a lodge room (newer) they are quite decent and very clean with a boot dryer and well set up, and a decent, basic breakfast is included. I just stayed there a couple of weeks back (got stuck in lake Louise during a snowstorm—too bad ) and it was really inexpensive and very comfortable (plus super easy in and out to the mountain)

Lake Louise is beautiful and you don’t want to miss skating on the lake (look up the images online), or at the actual lake (10 min from lake Louise town) you can take a horse sleigh ride, walk around the lake or XC ski on/around the lake. If you are there in feb, the ice sculptures will still be out. It is magical.

if you want to splurge (your us dollar goes a long way) you can stay at the post hotel in town (boutique) or chateau lake Louise (a fairmont) but prices are very high peak season.

Banff definitely has more options for food, lots of shops etc. it is a real mountain town.

 

[contesstant]

At lake Louise inn, There are two older buildings (I think most are two queens, I believe at a lower rate) then some newer, renovated buildings, including the ones with the kitchenette/one and two bedrooms. Definitely would go newer and could always call to clarify the room type.

L Louise Inn is pretty average range, the infrastructure of the buildings is not amazing, however I remember the breakfasts to be decent, mid range hotel average. There is a decent pizza/italian restaurant, though a short walk takes you to a super (but expensive) Swiss restaurant across the road or a cute little downstairs pub also nearby. The pool is ok but if it is busy (and it is a big place so can busy, especially on weekends), I find it overcrowded (same with hot tub—get there soon after skiing).
The real plus is price (can get good deals sometimes) and proximity to hill. Another similar option but without kitchenette (if you just want a room) is Mountaineer Lodge—if you get a lodge room (newer) they are quite decent and very clean with a boot dryer and well set up, and a decent, basic breakfast is included. I just stayed there a couple of weeks back (got stuck in lake Louise during a snowstorm—too bad ) and it was really inexpensive and very comfortable (plus super easy in and out to the mountain)

Lake Louise is beautiful and you don’t want to miss skating on the lake (look up the images online), or at the actual lake (10 min from lake Louise town) you can take a horse sleigh ride, walk around the lake or XC ski on/around the lake. If you are there in feb, the ice sculptures will still be out. It is magical.

if you want to splurge (your us dollar goes a long way) you can stay at the post hotel in town (boutique) or chateau lake Louise (a fairmont) but prices are very high peak season.

Banff definitely has more options for food, lots of shops etc. it is a real mountain town.

Thank you! I just stumbled across the Mountaineer Lodge and it does look more like a place I would enjoy. The Chateau is definitely out of our price range! I think we'd be more inclined to want to stay closer to the slopes and travel into Banff once or twice vs. stay in Banff and drive 45+ minutes to ski.

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

Mountaineer is not fancy but I find the rooms well laid out, good mattresses and clean and very well priced. I have only stayed in the main lodge which you enter rooms from the inside--I think maybe the Timber building is more like a motel layout. May want to double check shuttle details--I saw people getting on some sort of shuttle but good if you can confirm or if you see that listed online. It is about 10 minutes to the ski resort one direction and about 10 minutes to 'Lake Louise'--the lake surrounded by mountains--which is worth the trip. If you want to splurge you could spend time at the 'Chateau' (either a day or evening)--you can rent skates, XC skis, and it is worth walking around the lake if you can get there in the daylight. It is a very famous and classic spot.

Big drawback to Lake Louise for accommodation is it is not really a town and there are only a few things you can walk to so you really need a car--on the other hand, Banff has everything a tourist town should have and you could manage without a car potentially. In LL, there are limited restaurants though several are VERY good. There are 3-4 excellent choices at the Chateau which you need to reserve in advance (I personally love the fondue at the Walliser). You would need to drive or get a taxi (though you need to book ahead). As mentionned, within walking distance of Mountaineer or Lake Louise Inn (take the pretty bridge behind the main plaza as a beautiful shortcut if at Mountaineer) is the Post Hotel restaurant (Swiss) which is quite famous for amazing food, wine list and classic decor (requires reservations). There is also a little bar hidden below the Post hotel (Outpost) which is more casual and has excellent food (don't think you need a reservation). Let me know if you want suggestions in Banff--there are many restaurants to choose from and lots of online reviews.

 

[contesstant]

Mountaineer is not fancy but I find the rooms well laid out, good mattresses and clean and very well priced. I have only stayed in the main lodge which you enter rooms from the inside--I think maybe the Timber building is more like a motel layout. May want to double check shuttle details--I saw people getting on some sort of shuttle but good if you can confirm or if you see that listed online. It is about 10 minutes to the ski resort one direction and about 10 minutes to 'Lake Louise'--the lake surrounded by mountains--which is worth the trip. If you want to splurge you could spend time at the 'Chateau' (either a day or evening)--you can rent skates, XC skis, and it is worth walking around the lake if you can get there in the daylight. It is a very famous and classic spot.

Big drawback to Lake Louise for accommodation is it is not really a town and there are only a few things you can walk to so you really need a car--on the other hand, Banff has everything a tourist town should have and you could manage without a car potentially. In LL, there are limited restaurants though several are VERY good. There are 3-4 excellent choices at the Chateau which you need to reserve in advance (I personally love the fondue at the Walliser). You would need to drive or get a taxi (though you need to book ahead). As mentionned, within walking distance of Mountaineer or Lake Louise Inn (take the pretty bridge behind the main plaza as a beautiful shortcut if at Mountaineer) is the Post Hotel restaurant (Swiss) which is quite famous for amazing food, wine list and classic decor (requires reservations). There is also a little bar hidden below the Post hotel (Outpost) which is more casual and has excellent food (don't think you need a reservation). Let me know if you want suggestions in Banff--there are many restaurants to choose from and lots of online reviews.

I booked a King deluxe room at the Mountaineer! It is newly renovated. The shuttle is free and runs several times per day to the resort. We will be driving from Utah so will have our car with snow tires and AWD so getting around won't be an issue. We are fine with limited restaurants and more sight seeing and outdoor activities but will definitely take a trip to Banff at least once (plus on our way through, as we are planning to stop in Great Falls for the night on our way up, so should arrive in Banff fairly early.

I am excited--this is a big deal for me as I tend to stay closer to home but I have always wanted to take a trip to Banff/LL. Thank you for all the advice! I will definitely hit you up via PM as the trip gets closer. I had to book hotels in case we need to cancel due to my knee (ugh.)

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

Hope it’s a great trip. Let me know via PM your dates, preferred type of skiing you/your group prefers and I can either meet up if around or give you some hints on my favourite runs.

 

[HeatherPR]

Are you going to have a car? That makes a big difference. Tunnel mountain is definitely one of the most family friendly resorts in Banff national park and a very pretty setting but not super friendly if you don’t have a car (hauling groceries, going into town for dinner, shopping etc). If you don’t plan for a car I would lean towards being right in town (but limited kitchen options—there are a few).

Another choice either with or without a car is Lake Louise Inn which has comfortable family apartments and should be similar in price. They have a direct hotel shuttle and it is a quick drive (only a few minutes—much shorter than Sunshine-tunnel mountain) to lake Louise resort which is fantastic if people want to come back at different times in the day. I can’t remember what options are if you want to go from Lake Louise Inn to Norquay or Sunshine from there—I think they have a hotel shuttle to all three but you could check with the hotel directly.

Canmore is a town close to Banff (15 minutes) that has tons of amenities (great shops, restaurants, cross country skiing, very scenic) and many more accommodation options including lots of apartments with kitchens and many food choices. I know there are lots of shuttles running to mountains from there but not as often from the town in general—you could inquire with specific hotels. It is an excellent choice if you plan to rent a vehicle and could be definitely possible without a car (if good hotel shuttles).

You mentioned Sunshine only—I personally love Lake Louise for skiing and it is great for families too—some new lift options have really decreased crowds since last year. Though Sunshine is closer to Banff, Louise is not all that different when you factor in that Sunshine requires taking a gondola to the base. Norquay is a nice, smaller family oriented resort that has much shorter runs but can be fun depending on skier level/interests (and very close to Banff).

Let me know if you are renting a car and your family ski level(s) and I am happy to make any additional recommendations. I also have a teen and this is my home area.

Thanks so much! This is very helpful. We are renting a car. And for the first half of the week we will be skiing lake Louise!
Usually when we go out west to ski we have stayed at ski in and ski out (more or less) condos. That way it makes it easier to go back to the condo for lunch. And then same goes for the convenience of calling it a day 2pm when I reach my limit but the rest of the family wants to ski til last chair. My son and husband are expert skiers and ski all day and this year my younger kiddo will also be wanting to ski as much as possible. We can drive to the mountain in the mornings but we’re trying to figure out an accommodation that was easier to get to via public transit/shuttle. So if one of us wants to head home with the car the others can take the bus back later. After much thought we booked at tunnel mountain. The space was bigger and less expensive. So we will make it work with one car and/or the shuttles.
Also would love any recommendations you have! Runs, restaurants, non ski activities like hot springs. As mentioned my husband and son are expert. I am a solid groomed black but am sometimes looking to push myself a bit more.