BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 93

UNDER $50
Thirty-two kilometers (20 miles) from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway, HI-Castle
Mountain is near several interesting hikes and across the road from a general store with
basic supplies. This hostel sleeps 28 in two dorms and has a kitchen, octagonal common
room with wood-burning fireplace, hot showers, and bike rentals. Members of Hostelling
International pay $24 (nonmembers $28). Make bookings through the association's reser-
vation line (866/762-4122) or book online ( www.hihostels.ca ) . Check-in is 5pm-10pm.
$100-150
Johnston Canyon Resort (403/762-2971 or 888/378-1720, www.johnstoncanyon.com ,
mid-May-early Oct., $149-314 s or d) is 26 kilometers (16 miles) west of Banff at the be-
ginning of a short trail that leads to the famous canyon. The rustic cabins are older, and
some have kitchenettes. On the grounds are tennis courts, a barbecue area, and a general
store. Resort dining options are as varied as munching on a burger and fries at the counter
of an old-time cafeteria to enjoying pan-fried rainbow trout in a dining room that oozes
alpine charm. Basic two-person duplex cabins are $149, two-person cabins with a gas fire-
place and sitting area are $189, and they go up in price all the way to $314 for a classic
bungalow complete with two bedrooms, cooking facilities, and heritage-style furnishings.
$150-200
Constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1922, M Storm Mountain Lodge (Hwy.
93, 403/762-4155, www.stormmountainlodge.com , early Dec.-mid-Oct., $199-239) fea-
tures 14 historic cabins restored to their former rustic glory. Each has its original log walls,
along with a log bed, covered deck, a wood-burning fireplace, and bathroom with claw-
foot tub. They don't have phones or TVs, so there's little to distract you from the past.
Off-season deals include a breakfast and dinner package (mid-April-mid-June) for $250
d. Outside, the wilderness beckons, with Storm Mountain as a backdrop. The lodge is at
Vermilion Pass, a 25-minute drive from Banff or Lake Louise (head west from the Castle
Mountain interchange). The lodge restaurant (7:30am-10:30am and 5pm-9pm daily) is one
of my favorite places to eat in the park.
OVER $200
At Castle Junction, 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Banff, is Castle Mountain
Chalets (403/762-3868 or 877/762-2281, www.castlemountain.com , $255-335 s or d). Set
on 1.5 hectares (four acres), this resort is home to a collection of magnificent log chalets.
Each has high ceilings, beautifully handcrafted log interiors, at least two beds, a stone fire-
place, a full kitchen with dishwasher, a bathroom with hot tub, and satellite TV. At the back