I quit my job in Toronto to move to Calgary and be near the mountains. Best thing I have ever done. Those who move here NEVER tire of looking at the mountains and the wildlife.

Forget the elk, some people even report seeing cattle there on occasion

all I can do is second, third all the recommendations here. GO!!!. I've been to Banff area probably two dozen times and I never tire of it. I would take the drive to Jasper but turn around..Jasper's got little going for it that I can tell. One of the nicest hikes you can do is Moraine Lake (near Lake Louise) and a side trail called Consolation Lake. If you're lucky you may spot a grizzly (in the distance). And one dining rec: The Grizzly House, in Banff, is an eclectic leftover from the 60s-70s with stupendous fondue. Prior to that, go for a cocktail at the Rimrock or Banff Springs Hotel, both in Banff.

This place is a kick. Be sure and check out the bathrooms and maybe call one of the other tables from there.

I went there last fall and it was great. I would stay at the Fairmont if you have a chance, that's a stay in itself. There are some great hikes, and spectacular views all around. Don't forget to also visit Lake Louise.

I gotta agree though, Banff is teaming with Japanese tourists, they love the place!

Also, if you play golf and have a car, I HIGHLY recommend that you drive west out of the park and head to a course called Greywolf at Panorama. IMO Greywolf is the second most spectacular natual golf setting in the world, after Furry Creek on the Sea to Sky Highway out of Vancouver. There's a green on a cliff that you have to see to believe.

Bearfish,

I played them both and totally agree (for Canada)! Greywolf is the even more spectacular than Furry IMO! Jasper and Banff good as well, but no where near these courses.
There are plenty of spectacular ocean courses or some in tropical regions, but hole 6 (Cliffhanger at Greywolf) is unique.
I believe the long Par 3 14th is the signature hole at Furry Creek!

I only lost 1 ball on that hole. My buddy lost 6 balls He hit the green with one and it bounced over and with another the backspin pulled it off. It was sweet to watch.

Also consider playing SilverTip in Canmore (you pass it on the way to Banff)

What I love about this course is SilverTip climbs from an elevation of 1,310 metres (4,300 feet) to 1,560 metres (5,200 feet) and provides an awe-inspiring view of the Bow Valley and Town of Canmore" You overlook the Three Sisters Mountain range at one point and it is just breathtaking.

It's peak price is $140/CDN but there are a few ways to lower this price down to a low of $79-$99. I swear that the price is so worth it. Your cart is included in the fee as it would be impossible to walk this course. Yes Grey Wolf is a harder course but I think that this Silver Tip is more shocking to play if you don't live near mountains.

Here are some of the pictures from some tee's. You can view them by clicking below the image. I have the bottom right one set as my desktop wallpaper on my computer.

[This message has been edited by cattle (edited 06-18-2003).]

Also, here is a link to Greywolf with a picture that does no justice to the 6th hole. You really have to see it in person.

cattle, your suggestions are indeed great.
I played a Par with a 5 wood of the back tees and a 2 putt from the front fringe on the 6th at Greywolf. Kananaskis has great courses as well. Mt. Hood and Mt. Lorette if I recall correctly!

see the whole Panoramaresort and play at Greywolf, spectacular, awesome, sooooo nice !!!