Banff Travel Forum

We love Banff! My wife and I, along with my 1 year old daughter went last June, and we fell in love with the whole area. We want to go this year, and we are going to take my daughter and father-in-law. March is the only time that will work, so I have booked a room at the new Fox Hotel & Suites from March 20 to March 24. What should we expect as far as weather, and options for things to do. I am the only snowboarder of the group, my wife is going to be 5 months pregnant and we will have our almost 2 yr. old daughter. We really enjoy just driving around, hiking, eating, shopping, etc. I am just not sure what to expect that time of year. Any advice would be most helpful--specifically regarding activities, food, weather conditions, etc.

Ah, food glorious food! We spent 3 days in Banff a couple of years ago and were recomended to Bumpers which serves excellent steaks! It was sooooo good that we went there 2 nights running out of the 3 that we were there. Check out their details on http://www.dininginbanff.com/restaurants/bumpers.shtml

At that time, be prepared for winter driving. It has been warm these past few days and positively spring-like, but still the weather can be unpredictable even at the best of times. Bring warm clothing you can layer.

Spring skiing is great right now and I suggest you go to the Sunshine and Lake Louise websites for updates on snow conditions. All you can do are snow sports for now, as you can't really hike until maybe June. You may not be able to do snowshoeing as the snow will be getting pretty soft. Many tourist sites are closed right now.

For entertainment, look up the Banff Centre of Arts website to see if there's any concerts or exhibits you'd like to see. The Whyte Museum of the Rockies has wonderful exhibits about the area as well as art exhibits. There is also ample shopping on main street.

For dining, many of the great restaurants in the area are located in Canmore, which is 20 minutes from the Banff Gates. For family dining, I would suggest Murrieta's and Chef's Studio Japan is great for sushi. Crazyweed is our favorite restaurant. Maple Leaf Bistro in Banff has very good dining, and Fuze on Main Street is great for high-end dining.

Hi We had 8 days in Banff & Canmore last June, cannot help you with March weather but can suggest a few restaurants we enjoyed.

Canmore: Tapas Restaurant& Bodega , 33 10th Street, we had magnificent meals and nice indoor and outdoor dining.

Banff

The Balkan Restaurant on Banff Ave for Greek food

Seasons Restaurant at the Banff Rockymountains Resort located approximately 5 minutes from Banff town, on Banff Ave going towards Canmore.

Wild Flour Bakery, serves organic foods, all excellent quality, located in Banff one or 2 streets off Banff Ave ,

On a wet day visit the Museum of American Indian ( Plains), cross the bridge over the river at the end of town and immediately turn right, it is in a building which looks like an old wooden fort.

Good Luck,
Mike

Since you are a snowboarder you know how to dress for winter conditions. Late March is winter in Banff. As for food check out the lunch Buffet in the Banff Springs Hotel, if it is in fact available in March . Also check out Emerald Lake Lodge.

if you get a craving for mexican, check out magpie and stumps.
you could go for a dog sled ride - there was one outfit just down the hill from lake louise. go for a skate on the lake if it's still going. the hike up johnson's canyon will likely be open and it's an easy hike. go to the hot springs. take a drive down the ice field parkway and do the trek on the glacier. do the gondola. go for a massage. walk to the bow falls.