Property
A gorgeous and newly remodeled property perched above Banff with amazing views of the Canadian Rockies and plenty of room to spread out.  All units are condos and range in size from one bedroom to two bedrooms with lofts.

Location
Located above the town of Banff on Tunnel Mountain. Just minutes from downtown but away from the crowds and noise. Walk to hiking trails, take a free shuttle into town, or just soak in a hot tub and take in the spectacular view.

Sleeps
2-9.

Highlights
Where to begin?  Perhaps I should start with the wood-burning fireplaces in every condo. Or maybe the full kitchens with granite counters. What about the outdoor hot pools with amazing views of Banff and the Rockies? Here you can have all the space you would normally get while staying in a vacation rental with the benefits of hotel service. Pets are welcomed with first class treatment including special beds, doggie bowls, and treats. There is free internet access in 95% of the rooms and all of the common areas. All condos have either patios or balconies. Some condos even have game rooms with hockey tables and Wii gaming systems!

Good to Know
Stop by the grocery store, pick up some steaks, and enjoy barbecuing in the fresh mountain air at one of the built in barbecues in the courtyards. DVDs are available for rent at the front desk. Once you arrive you may never want to leave.

Contact
http://www.bestofbanff.com/hidden-ridge-resort/index.html

Written by Sharlene Earnshaw

Property
The Delta Lodge is consistently rated as one of Alberta’s best family hotels. The views are gorgeous and hotel amenities include a spa, indoor/outdoor hot tub, indoor pool, game room, shops, restaurants, babysitting service and many child-friendly activities.

Location
Kananaskis Country is Alberta’s best-kept secret. While all the other tourists head to nearby Banff or Jasper, locals sneak off to Kananaskis’ 4,000-square kilometer outdoor playground, which is just as beautiful but without the crowds and cost.

Winter boasts skating at the pond on property, skiing at former Olympic venue Nakiska or tobogganing at the nearby hill. Summer activities are endless with hiking, biking, horseback riding and rafting. There are daily resort activities that include Bingo, movie night, scavenger hunts and milk carton bowling. Kananaskis Outfitters offers many reasonably-priced rentals for family-friendly items such as baby backpacks or Chariot strollers for skiing or biking with your children.

Sleeps
2-6 people. We stayed in a Deluxe Family Room, which accommodated our party of six just fine.

Highlights
We went just prior to Christmas and were amazed at the variety of mid-week activities. My children cooked banana boats over an open fire, went for walks along the Rim Trail overlooking the valley, played Santa Bingo with Mrs. Claus, and wrote a letter to Santa and had a response delivered to them the next morning. Their favorite thing of all? The elf tuck-in service where an employee dressed as an elf came to read them a bedtime story and put them to bed.

Good to know
The on-site restaurants were too pricey. The rooms were standard without a lot of bells and whistles. Television in our room was outdated and reception was not the best.

Contact
http://www.deltahotels.com/hotels/hotels.php?hotelId=30

Written by Amber Johnson

Property
Specialty suites, studio and 1-bedroom condos, and 2 and 3-bedroom chalets featuring modern kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, and daily maid service. Playpens and highchairs are available by request. The resort is a children’s paradise with a gigantic indoor playzone, two indoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, and two enormous waterslides. Lifejackets are available for non-swimmers. The waterslide complex (complete with toddler pool and 2 mini-waterslides) is open to the general public, but there is a second aquatic complex that is for resort guests only.

Location
Four minutes above beautiful downtown Banff in the Canadian Rockies. Hardy types can walk down to the city center in 25 minutes; taxis are easily hired for the journey back. One hour’s drive from Calgary.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Watching wildlife (mule deer, elk, and occasionally coyotes) through the sliding glass door in your room. Beautiful mountain views. Loooong summer nights at this latitude.

Good to know
The accommodations are adequate, but far from fancy. You’ll be comfortable and entertained here, not pampered. Waterslides are being refurbished and will be closing from mid-May to mid-June 2008. No restaurant on site, so stock up on groceries at Safeway or Keller Foods in town.

Contact
www.douglasfir.com

Written by Jamie Pearson