ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 552

Park-at-your-door, single-story road motels are mostly a thing of the past in the moun-
tains, although Radium Hot Springs, just outside Kootenay National Park, still has many
of these motels (one of which proudly boasts “Electric Heat”). In most cases rooms are
fine, but check before paying, just to make sure. Most have a few rooms with kitchenettes,
but these fill fast. Expect to pay around $80-100 for a double room. You will also find this
style of accommodation in Canmore, Waterton town site, and Golden.
Information and Reservations
For a list of all hotels, motels, lodges, and bed-and-breakfasts in Alberta, pick up a copy
of Alberta Accommodation Guide, available online, or order a free copy through Travel
Alberta (780/427-4321 or 800/252-3782, www.travelalberta.com ) . The same association
produces the Alberta Campground Guide (also online). Tourism British Columbia (250/
387-1642 or 800/435-5622, www.hellobc.com ) produces the free British Columbia Ap-
proved Accommodation brochure, which lists all accommodations and campgrounds in the
province.
BED-AND-BREAKFASTS
The bed-and-breakfast phenomenon is well entrenched in Canada. This type of accom-
modation is a good option if you don't mind sacrificing some privacy to meet locals and
to mingle with like-minded travelers. Bed-and-breakfasts are usually private residences,
with up to four guest rooms, although bylaws are different throughout the region. Amenit-
ies can vary greatly—the “bed-and-breakfast” may be a single spare room in an otherwise
regular family home or a full-time business in a beautifully restored heritage home. This
uncertainty as to what to expect upon arrival can be off-putting for many people, especially
with the possibility of sharing a bathroom with other guests—which is both a common
and accepted practice in European bed-and-breakfasts. If having a bathroom to yourself
is important to you, clarify with the bed-and-breakfast operator when reserving. Also, as
bed-and-breakfasts also function as private residences, book in advance—don't just turn
up. Finally, check payment methods when booking; not all establishments take credit or
debit cards.
Rates fluctuate greatly, with the least expensive rooms costing $60 s, $70 d and the
most expensive almost $300. Bed-and-breakfasts are located in Banff, Canmore, Bragg
Creek, and Jasper. In Jasper National Park, a park bylaw that prevented such establish-
ments from serving breakfast was recently lifted; some have started serving meals, but
those that don't are still known as private-home accommodations. The best way to find out