Q My husband and I are planning a summer trip to Banff. There are so many things to see and do, we could use some guidance. Also, we're looking for a place to stay with a view and good restaurants.
Chris Frillici
Washington
A The town of Banff, in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park, is a popular summer resort destination that has a downtown area with shopping, dining and nice hotels. It is set in a scenically beautiful region known for outdoor recreational activities.
A boat tour on nearby Lake Minnewanka (403-762-3473, www.minnewankaboattours.com), a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs (800-767-1611, www.parkscanada.gc.ca/hotsprings), a ride on the Banff Gondola (403-762-2523, www.banffgondola.com) and a guided nature hike (800-732-7251, www.backofbeyond.ca) are just a few activities that come to mind. For a full list, contact the Banff-Lake Louise Tourism Bureau (403-762-8421, www.banfflakelouise.com).
Banff has dozens of hotels, many with nice views. Top shelf is the Fairmont Banff Springs (800-441-1414, www.fairmont.com/banffsprings), with rooms in summer starting at $310 a night. If that's too rich, try the High Country Inn (800-293-5142, www.banffhighcountryinn.com), with views of the Cascade, Tunnel and Sulphur mountains, and rooms starting at $138 a night. Another choice is the Inns of Banff (800-661-1272, www.innsofbanff.com), with rooms from about $192 a night.
Banff has lots of well-regarded restaurants. For a special night, the Banffshire Club in the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, with great views of Sulphur Mountain, is top-notch. The Maple Leaf at Banff Avenue and Caribou Street offers a "Pan Canadian" menu and mountain vistas. For Chinese food with a view, try Silver Dragon Restaurant on Banff Avenue. For other good choices, go to www.dininginbanff.com.
Are there any cruise lines that have oxygen onboard for passenger use? My oxygen provider does not deliver overseas and I'd like to cruise from Santiago, Chile, around Cape Horn to Buenos Aires on Celebrity or Princess.
Betty Hagen
Vienna
