When it comes to gorgeous scenery and a fantastic place to stay, the Banff Springs Hotel is hard to beat. I've been there a half dozen times and every time I find something new and unique about it. In the list of my favorite lodges it ranks at the top, followed by the Bryce Canyon Lodge, Crater Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn and the Prince of Wales Hotel. All of these have one thing in common, you better book now or you won't get in. For the Prince of Wales Lodge it's probably too late now.
The springs at the Banff Springs Hotel are world famous for their healing and soothing abilities. The lodge is a city in itself with shops on the lower level and a trail room where you can get maps for trails "only recommended in a four wheel drive vehicle." It's a nice drive in your Hummer from the border into Calgary for a day of sightseeing, then on to Banff. Even if you're not a golfer, the golf course at Banff Springs is worth an afternoon's ride in a golf cart. The moose and the elk think they own this course and the course marshaller may ride up to you and tell you to head for the shelter due to bear activity on one of the holes.
When you leave Banff head for Lake Louise and be prepared for some of the most awe inspiring dirt trails you've ever been on with your Hummer. One of the brochures even says "Duke of Windsor Trail only recommended in a Jeep, Land Rover, or Hummer." Summer may seem like a long time off, but if you want a room, now is the time to plan. If you don't want to make the long drive, fly into Calgary and reserve your Hummer with Banff Hummer Tours & Safaris, but be warned in advance, $850 (US dollars) a day is the peak season rate for one of their white H1s with a $2000 damage deposit refundable when you return.
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