[Tim Taylor]

I have the great fortune of a company trip to Banff in July. I'll be able to play probably four days. Is there anything else worth seeing or should I just play at Banff Springs everyday?

Tim

[Kirk Gill]

Obviously your major interest may be golf, but there is so much to see and do in that area that is not golf-related. Yes, play the course, play it more than once, but don't miss out on the town, and the National Parks that surround it. Head to Lake Louise. Maybe go horseback riding.

I can't speak to any other golf destinations in the area, because I only played Banff Springs when up there, but that was only one stop on what was a fantastic trip. I envy you.

[Jason Shanks]

Tim,

If by "Is there anything else worth seeing. . ." you mean other golf courses, I thoroughly enjoyed the two courses at Kananaskis Country Golf Course (http://www.kananaskisgolf.com/).

Otherwise, I completely agree Kirk, don't overlook everything else the Banff area has to offer.  In fact, it might be worth a drive up to Jasper.

[cary lichtenstein]

You will want to drive to Lake Louise and have lunh and then head to Jasper Park and play golf there as well. The drive to Jasper is overwhelmingly beautiful. Every mountain has a different shape, size, color and character.

You will enjoy the Jasper Park Lodge, the Moose come out around 5 pm and come right in your yard. Hundreds of them and there is alot of Moose Shit to step in but its great steamy stuff, not too sticky .

[Bob Jenkins]

Tim,

I totally agree with the other responses you have received from the others below. There is lots to do in Banff and it is gorgeous.

Kananaskis is not far away and there are 36 good holes there. RTJ. Canmore is the town closest to Banff, as I recall about 15 - 20 minute drive, and it is located just outside Banff National Park. It is growing like mad as there are not the restrictions on development that there are in the Park. There are some courses in Canmore, one of which I recall is Silver Tip, a Les Furber Design and there are one or two others. Furber is from Canmore. Silver Tip has some significant elevation changes and some people like Furber, others do not. There is some pretty spectacular geography around there as well but not quite up to Banff. Personally I think his courses are fun. Not necessarily for purists but still some good work.

The drive from Banff to Jasper is quite incredible. It has been several years since I went that way but as I recall it is about 3-4 hours. Jasper is special and another Thompson.

Lake Louise well worth a visit and a long hike around the lake and up into the mountains.

Have fun.

[Jason McNamara]

What about Stewart Creek?  Not ahead of Kananaskis, but in case Jasper is too far to be considered?

[Tim Bert]

Banff stands as the ONLY place in the world (granted I'm not much of a world traveler) that I can recommend non-golf activity in the immediate company of a world class golf course.  You must play Banff Springs if you haven't played it before.  Maybe even twice.  But you've absolutely got to stop and look around and do some other stuff if you've got the free time.

Lake Moraine at sunrise
Lake Louise at sunrise (or any other time as well)
Trail of the Seven Glaciers (need a good half-day minimum for this one at Lake Louise but wow!!!! it is worth it)
Drive to Jasper
Lake Maligne
Columbian Ice Fields

The list goes on and on.

[Will MacEwen]

Stewart Creek is mountain golf.  Some of it is goofy, but you are really in the mountains, while the Kananaskis courses are more in the valley.  I have heard Silver Tip is more out on the extreme side of things.

[Pete_Pittock]

I think Stewart Creek is a better course than Silver Tip; however, Silver Tip is more spectacular because it is routed up and down the mountain with better views. Stewart Creek is routed along terraces at the base of a mountain. Lake Louise is a definite morning show for photography, it washes out as the sun gets above the massif.

[Ian Andrew]

Tim,

Play Banff and Jasper while your there they are two of Thompsons best five courses. The drive in between the two is stunning. For perspective I have been through that area five times and only choose to play golf on only two of the trips. The scenery is unrivaled in Canada - don't miss it.

I you don't stop at Peyto Lake, Morraine Lake (my favourite place in the world), Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Columbia Ice Fields, Sunwhapta Falls, etc. etc. you have missed a great opportunity. If its cloudy, just drive across the continental divide (into BC) at Lake Louise and go to Emerald Lake and it will be clear.

I once drove for 16 straight hours with my wife because we couldn't get enough of the mountains. Enjoy. I'm taking my kids there in the first week of July to see the mountains.

[Mike Nuzzo]

The drive between banff and Jasper was better than either course - and the courses were worth the trip.

Based on what I saw in the area I wouldn't play anywhere else.

[David Scaletti]

Tim

I have to agree with Ian. Play Banff and Jasper, but spend as much time as possible taking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper is stunning. As Ian suggests stop at Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefields and make certain you take a look at Lake Louise and the nearby Moraine Lake.

They are the obvious stops, but take time to do a bit of exploring. I spent a year living in Banff 20 plus years ago and I have to admit my memory of all the places to see is a bit hazy. Enjoy the golf, but make the most of the opportunity to see one of natures jewels.

[Jim Johnson]

Take some time to drive a half hour north to Lake Louise. Check out the Chateau Lake Louise, and plan a short dayhike in the region...recommended (in no particular order) would be the Lakeshore Trail (1.9 miles), Little Beehive (2.7 miles), Big Beehive (3.1 miles), Lake Agnes (2.1 miles), or Plain of Six Glaciers (3.4 miles)...
http://www.canadianrockies.net/luminous/mpplain.html
http://www.canadianrockies.net/luminous/mpagnes.html

A drive west from Castle Junction (halfway between Banff & Lake Louise) across the B.C./Alberta border and the continental divide on Highway 93 of some 65 miles, meandering through beautiful Kootenay National Park, will land you in the village of Radium, a good spot to stop for a night and relax in the soothing waters of Radium Hot Springs. A few minutes drive from there are several good courses, namely The Springs at Radium, Copper Point, and a bit farther along...Greywolf at Panorama...
http://www.radiumresort.com/golf/springs.htm
http://www.copperpointgolf.com
http://www.greywolfgolf.com

The drive between Banff and Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Alberta highway 93) is definitely recommended, a drive of some 150 miles. Plan on stopping numerous times for the views, particularly at Peyto Lake...
http://wikitravel.org/en/Peyto_Lake

and Mistaya Canyon...
http://www.mountainnature.com/Geology/LandformResult.asp?ID=32&CommonName=Mistaya+Canyon

and then the Columbia Icefield (try the Snocoach tour)...
http://www.columbiaicefield.com

and nearer to Jasper townsite, Athabasca Falls...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athabasca_Falls

As mentioned, Jasper Park Lodge golf course is a must if you have the time.

Have a great trip.

JJ



 

[Alan Carter]

Tim, let me know the dates as to when you are coming into the area I'd be happy to help you out where I can.

It will likely be easier to contact me via direct email at alan.carter@fairmont.com.  I can help you make some golf decisions and help you with what other things you should look at doing.

For your knowledge, I'm the Director of Golf in Jasper.

Let me know.

[Dan Smoot]

In addition to others recommendations .... Do not miss Mt. Edith Cavell on the way to Jasper.  Where else can you stand at the edge of a aqua blue lake with a glacier coming down to the very edge of the lake.   A friend and I walked into an ice cave in the toe of the glacier.  We then hiked through the glacial moraine and up above timberline.  Simply amazing and beautiful.

[Bart Bradley]

Thought I'd give you a taste of what you will be enjoying...

GOLF at Banff:



Hike Wilcox Pass on the way to Jasper:


Golf at Jasper:


Hike Parker Ridge on the way back from Jasper to Lake Louise:


Spent 10 days doing all sorts of things in the area with my family...if you want any more info don't hesitate to send me an email...You will have a great time

Bart

[Steve Lang]

 

I concur with drive between banff and jasper... stunning

golf at banff



golf with friends.. 2 legged


4 legged

[Robert Thompson]

I would argue that Kananaskis is very, very average RTJ golf designed, largely, by Les Furber. The course I played was forgettable. Silver Tip is goofy golf in the extreme, which huge cart rides between holes so one can get to the next tee 150 feet above the last green. There's also a 5 minute cart ride between two holes.
I found Stewart Creek to be very solid with the exception of one hole. It is mountain golf, but routed much more conventionally than Furber's Silver Tip. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Lastly, apparently Banff is going to start a program this summer where you can play the course in the original order.

[Jim Nugent]

How long is the golf season at Banff, from when to when? 

[Patrick Schultheis]

While at Lake Louise, be certain to rent a canoe and take it across the lake.  I first did that with my dad in the mid-1970s, then again with my wife a few years ago.  Stunning.

I concur with others re the drive from Banff to Jasper.  The courses are very different; while I prefer Banff, the Jasper course is a fine course.

[Duane Sharpe]

Jim
The golf season in Banff is from May 15th to October 1st. Enjoy!
Sharpee

[Tim Taylor]

THANKS so much everyone.

Jasper will have to be a separate trip someday as I have business stuff in Banff every night, so not enough time to get up and back to Jasper.

The plan now is 2 rounds at Banff (with possible replays ) and a road trip to play one of the Kananaskis courses and then Stewart Creek on the way back to Banff.

Tim

[Tom Ferrell]

I concur with most opinions - hit Banff Springs and Lake Jasper.  And I will add one more non-golf activity to the mix.  Hike the "Plain of the Six Glaciers" trail.  Head right out the back door of Lake Louise Lodge.  Take the trail to the top of the hotel property and have a snack at the little Swiss Tea House, which has been in operation for more than a hundred years.  Then, back to the trail!

As we were hiking it, I kept hearing thunder coming from somewhere ahead, but it was a clear blue sky.  Finally, we arrived at the "Plain" and sat there, watching a hanging glacier calve off - the rumbling of which through the valley was the "thunder" we were hearing.  Absolutely awesome and a feeling that I have yet to find on any golf course anywhere.

The golf in the Canadian Rockies is indeed sublime and magnificent, but the alpine environment is one of earth's most spectacular locales.  Get out there!   

[Howard Riefs]

"Morning Drive" aired a segment on Banff golf today. Matt Ginella played four courses: Canmore, Stewart Creek, Silvertip and Banff.

The visuals are amazing.  

http://www.golfchannel.com/media/morning-drive-alberta-canada-courses-101113/

[Martin Toal]

I went to a conference in Banff a few years back and played Banff Springs, Stewart Creek and Silver Tip. i must say the one I liked best was Stewart Creek. although that might be coloured by holing out for 2 with a 6 iron at the par-4 9th. Still, I thought it was a lovely coherent course. Silver Tip had some spectacular holes, but a few silly ones too. Banff Springs didn't really do it for me, I am afraid. Some lovely holes and a wonderful setting, to be fair.

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