Banff Travel Guide - Banff National Park » The Naughty Otter http://www.banffnationalpark.com Up-to-date information on Banff National Park and area hotels, restaurants and tours, with useful pictures and maps. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:44:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Where to shop in Banff for souvenirs http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/where-to-shop-in-banff-for-souvenirs.html http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/where-to-shop-in-banff-for-souvenirs.html#comments Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:29:12 +0000 The Naughty Otter http://www.banffnationalpark.com/?p=281
bearbutterfly 300x211 Where to shop in Banff for souvenirs

The Bear and the Butterfly, 214 Banff Ave

When I travel, I like to bring home gifts that are unique to the country I’m visiting. I try to pick-up things locals buy too, not just tacky key chains or t-shirts. If you also like to hunt for authentic keepsakes, try the following stores:

  • The Bear and the Butterfly (214 Banff Ave) On top of typical Canadian keepsakes, this store has loads of art, books and jewellery created by locals. Plus, it’s the only store in Banff that is not-for-profit; proceeds generated are put towards Park programs.
  • Rocky Mountain Soap Company (204 Banff Ave) Be warned, it’s a girly store and fruity scents hit you before you even enter. They offer 100% natural body products that are handmade in Canmore, Alberta. It’s a great place to browse for gifts for your mom/sister/grandma/girlfriend.
  • Lululemon Athletica (121 Banff Ave) I know, I know, this store is pretty global now but it’s still a Canadian brand. If you haven’t even heard of Lulu yet, it’s a must. The clothes are for yogis and active types. Their mantra can be a much but the clothes are just so damn comfortable. Get some pants to wear if you have a long journey home—you won’t regret it.
  • A Liquor Store or Banff Wine Store (302 Cariboo St) When all else fails, bring home some brew. You can’t go wrong with a nice Canadian Ice wine. If you’re shopping for the here and now, try Grizzly Paw (brewed in Canmore) or Traditional by Big Rock (Calgary’s based brewery). The locals shop here often, promise.
]]> http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/where-to-shop-in-banff-for-souvenirs.html/feed 0 Timely trail updates, animal sightings, and weather reports http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/timely-trail-updates-animal-sightings-and-weather-reports.html http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/timely-trail-updates-animal-sightings-and-weather-reports.html#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:27:52 +0000 The Naughty Otter http://www.banffnationalpark.com/?p=279 During berry season (mid July to end of September), it’s important to know which trails are safe to explore—you don’t want to risk of startling a grizzly mid-berry binge. Before heading out, check out www.trailex.org to view regular postings about animal sightings, trail closures, and other useful hiking info.

If you’re already on the road and don’t have access to the Internet, tune-in to Park Radio 101.1 FM. You can pick-up the station as you enter Banff National Park from the east. They have hourly weather warnings and trail updates plus informative talks about the Park’s history and surrounding animals. It’s how I learnt what a porcupine likes to eat…

]]> http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/timely-trail-updates-animal-sightings-and-weather-reports.html/feed 0 Stop for lunch at The Bison for Rocky Mountain food and flair http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/stop-for-lunch-at-the-bison-for-rocky-mountain-food-and-flair.html http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/stop-for-lunch-at-the-bison-for-rocky-mountain-food-and-flair.html#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:24:35 +0000 The Naughty Otter http://www.banffnationalpark.com/?p=276 bisonbistro 300x209 Stop for lunch at The Bison for Rocky Mountain food and flair

The Bison, open Mon-Sun 10 am to 7 pm

If you’re looking for a quick and easy spot for lunch in downtown Banff, head to The Bison Mountain Bistro and General Store (211 Bear St.). The General Store is a unique bistro style restaurant with indulgent salads, soups, and sandwiches like Prosciutto and mozzarella with tomatoes and grainy mustard mayo, drizzled with balsamic. mmmmmm, my favourite. Better still, it’s under $10—this place is a must!

Need to pick-up a snack for a hike or the journey home? The Store also sells cheeses, specialty meats, and house-made mustards and spreads (great gift idea).

— The Naughty Otter

P.S. If you have time to lounge, climb the staircase to the dining room for a formal feast of Canadian Rockies cuisine.

]]> http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/stop-for-lunch-at-the-bison-for-rocky-mountain-food-and-flair.html/feed 0 Banff Live: free concert, August 21, 2008 http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/banff-live-free-concert-august-21-2008.html http://www.banffnationalpark.com/the-naughty-otter/banff-live-free-concert-august-21-2008.html#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:58:35 +0000 The Naughty Otter http://www.banffnationalpark.com/?p=272 On Thursday, August 21, the Town of Banff will host the biggest street party the Bow Valley has ever seen. Best part is, we get to see Ron Sexsmith, K-OS and Theory of a Deadman for FREE. It’s gonna be a riot. The party gets under way at 1 pm and will wrap up at 9pm. Unofficially, I’m sure it will carry on late into the night/early morning.

The party is to celebrate ‘Banff Refreshing’, a yearlong infrastructure initiative that involved closing off Banff Ave for the better part of a year. Cheers to being refreshed!

See you on the Ave,
The Naughty Otter

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