Banff is ranked as Canada's top vacation destination and a mecca for a dizzying array of outdoor activities. Every year, over 5 million people visit the area to enjoy world-class skiing, golfing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, ATV adventures, snowmobiling, mountain biking, dogsledding and more!
In the midst of all the offerings, but away from the crowds, is Birch Haven. Ideally situated in downtown Canmore, this brand new luxury loft is 3 minutes from the Banff National Park gates and just over an hour from the Calgary International Airport.
Our downtown Canmore location means that everything is at your doorstep or just a short walk away — from trendy cafes, restaurants and supermarkets to health food, sporting goods and video stores, and even doctor's offices and ATMs.
Birch Haven is blessed with easy access to four national parks and several provincial parks. The national parks marked with * are, in fact, honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites:
24 km / 15 miles to Banff townsite (approx 15 mins)
80 km / 50 miles to Lake Louise and the start of the Icefields Parkway (approx 45 minutes)
60 km / 35 miles to Kootenay National Park* entrance (approx 45 mins)
80 km / 50 miles to Yoho National Park* entrance (approx 1hr 15 mins)
200 km / 125 miles to Jasper National Park* entrance (approx 2 hrs)
26 km / 16 miles to Kananaskis Country (approx 0.5 hrs)
One thing that sets the Canadian Rockies apart from other mountain destinations is how little effort it takes to reach spectacular scenery. Truly stunning vistas that may require hours of hiking in other parks are right on the highway, accessible from the window of your car or tour bus.
Indeed, some of these drives (including the Icefields Parkway drive) are rated as one of the most scenic highways in the world. You can even drive up to Columbia Glacier, the largest non-polar ice-cap in the world, hop on a snowcoach and walk on the face of the glacier!
Summer activities are seemingly endless: world-class golfing, whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife-watching, hiking, heli-hiking, ATV expeditions, caving, rock climbing, mountain-biking and more.
Winter is romantic and simply magical. Ice-skate, snowshoe, snowmobile, dog-sled, ice-fish, ski and more in postcard-perfect surroundings! Follow the tracks of wolves and learn the hunting patterns of owls in snowshoe excursions. Or take guided ice walks through Johnston and Grotto Canyons.
Don't miss the world-class skiing and snowboarding on dry champagne powder. Banff/Lake Louise was recently voted "Best Ski Resort of the World" by over 25,000 readers polled by the respected London Daily Telegraph! Other accolades include Good Ski Magazine's "#1 Ski resort in North America" and Thomas Cook's "Favorite Destination for British Skiers."
Five downhill ski areas are within easy reach of Birch Haven. Banff's Norquay, Sunshine and Nakiska are within a 20-30 minute drive. With over 30 feet of natural snow every year, Sunshine has one of the longest seasons in North America (mid November to mid May) and offers supreme skiing above the timber line. Norquay, meanwhile, boasts the "Best Fall Line Cruising," according to Ski Canada magazine. The ski resorts of Fortress and Lake Louise are 45 minutes away and feature breathtaking drives that are as highly recommended as the destination.
The Canmore Nordic Center, just 5 minutes from the Birch Haven, was designed for the Calgary Olympics and offers 40 miles of smooth cross-country and biathlon trails. Beginner skiers can explore the gentle touring trails of the national park while experts will enjoy the high-alpine glacier traverses rivaling the "haute-routes" of the European Alps.
And how does one top an exhilarating out in the mountains? By returning to the warm comforts and romantic ambience of Birch Haven, of course! After all, our rooftop hot-tub awaits your sore muscles... Nothing beats a soothing massage from a host of steaming aqua jets, the crisp mountain air and 360 degree panoramic views, all from the convenience of your very own complex!
Indeed, there is so much to do and see near Birch Haven that planning the ideal itinerary can be somewhat over-whelming. That's why you'll find an assortment of brochures (organized by activity) and the area's best travel guidebooks (loaded with trail maps and photos) waiting for you on the bookshelves of the Birch Haven.
It's just one of the many thoughtful conveniences we hope you'll appreciate. After all, the owners are avid travellers and keenly aware of the little personal touches that make a welcomed difference! |