Our Stay At The Canalta Lodge Banff

Bobby was home for the week so we packed up all our (warm) stuff and headed to the mountains for a family weekend at The Canalta Lodge in Banff! This weekend was really special as the mountains got their first snowfall of the season. We drove there on a Friday in the Fall and woke up on Saturday morning to a winter wonderland!

WHERE WE STAYED

The Canalta Lodge is a relatively new hotel in the Banff area. It used to be the Spruce Grove Inn but was bought out and underwent a 5 million dollar renovation. It shows. There is nothing that has been overlooked at The Canalta Lodge. The rooms are spacious, completely updated ( in fact Trendy!) and the back pool / spa area is amazing ( more on this later!).

It is important to note that this is one of the first hotels as you come into Banff. It’s pretty far down from the start of the action on Banff Avenue. I would say a good 10 minute walk. It’s still on Banff Ave but a decent walk to the start of the shops.

ROOMS

There are a variety of rooms to stay in. Many have kitchenettes which totally helps when you are travelling with kids. We stayed in a 2 Queen Loft Suite and it was HUGE. Like 2 bathrooms huge. There was tons of room for us and the girls, a kitchen area with a sink, large fridge, stovetop, microwave and a dishwasher! We also had a dining room table and a fire place. There was just the 4 of us but this room could accommodate 6 + with the pull out couch. There was also a neat TV nook with bean bag beds. The girls loved these.

There are also rooms with bunk beds and triple beds!! Seriously - they can fit your needs!

The decor in the rooms is really neat. Think ski lodge meets cozy cabin. Checkered bathrooms, moose heads to hang your towels. Lots of wood and even camp lights.

We stayed in October and looking ahead from November - Feb I was impressed with the room rates. As low as $175 a night midweek. Watch their website as well as their Instagram for sales.

BREAKFAST

Part of the reason I was so impressed with the room rates is because breakfast is included in that rate. And it’s a great breakfast. Hot items like eggs, sausages and hash browns. Tons of muffins, bagels, banana bread and toasts. But perhaps what the girls loved most (and lets be honest ALL of us did!) was the pancake maker haha. Press a button and you can see your pancake being make in one minute flat. Pun intended.

THE BACKYARD

This is def the talking point of the Canalta Lodge. They have put a lot of time and effort in to the back area of the place. It offers 3 different pools for therapy. Although most people just stay in one of the warm pools! There are two hot tubs around 102F and 104F and then there is the cold plunge where you are supposed to stay in for 3 minutes in a pool that it is 48F ( 9C). I saw a few people brave enough to do so haha but most just took a quick dip in and then appreciated the hot tubs more! Super fun for the kids though!

There is also a barrel sauna for use. Always a relaxing time -and the smell! Nothing beats it!

Fun for everyone is S’MORES! They have them everynight where you can help yourself to all you need and go and roast some marshmallows on the fire out back. This was a great treat to look forward to every night.

PLACES TO EAT

There is a little bar with snacks and treats right in the Canalta Lodge called “The Happy Camper”. Although I could not indulge this time ( pregnant); everything looked wonderful. The Canalta Lodge truly has that “apres ski” feel where everyone joins in the big room afterwards with a drink and relaxes. They have a big fireplace that goes both indoors and outdoors. The atmosphere is spot on.

They also have a hug shelf of board games that you can play!

A short 10 minute walk brings you to main street Banff where you will find every restaurant you could imagine from chains like Earls and McDonalds to locals eateries like Park & 3 Bears Banff (great pizza!) . Along the way you will also see restaurants in other hotels like The Keg, Chili’s (YES there’s a Chili’s in Banff!) , Pacini and Farm & Fire.

PETS

The Canalta Lodge IS dog friendly! Although not all of their rooms are pet friendly so please call ahead and make sure to book one of those rooms if your furry friend is coming! Only their standard rooms are pet friendly.

PARKING

Underground parking is available as well as ski lockers for all of your equipment!

I hope this helps if you’re thinking of a trip to Banff! I was really impressed with our stay here and I thank the Canalta Lodge for hosting us and letting us share it with all of you!

xoxo Jacks

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