Canada's Winter Wonderland Province

A little over nine hours flight time from the UK brings you to Calgary in Alberta, one of Canada's most beautiful provinces (in my opinion, THE most beautiful!) Alberta is often a second destination of choice for skiing holidays after Whistler in neighbouring British Columbia.  But delve a little deeper and you will find that a winter holiday to the Canadian Rockies is perfect as a ski or snowboard holiday, or if you just want a holiday in the snow then you'll be spoilt for choice as a non-skier as well.  You won't find anything better - guaranteed. Arriving at Calgary airport we were met by our driver who had actually emigrated from the UK several years before.  Suitcases in the boot we were ready to set off for the town of Banff. The drive to Banff was simply amazing and lasts just under two hours.  Not that you notice the time as there is such magnificent scenery to look at along the way.  We were driven past the Canada Olympic Park, home to the 1988 Winter Olympics and onto the TransCanada Highway.  After a while we reached the entrance to Banff National Park and what an amazing sight this was as we witnessed the majestic Rocky Mountains emerging. Arriving at our hotel the 'Banff Rocky Mountain Resort' in the heart of Banff National Park, the much talked about Canadian hospitality was evident and the staff offered a real warm welcome. We chose this hotel as we wanted to be near the centre of Banff but still wanted to experience the great Canadian outdoors as much as possible.  We were not disappointed by any means as we were staying in eight acres of private woodland with the most spectacular mountain views beside the hotel.   On our second morning I opened the front door to find an Elk sitting in the snow only a few feet away which was absolutely amazing. Neither of us had been skiing before so we decided to get up early and catch the coach that goes to the local hotels and transports everyone to one of the 3 Banff-Lake Louise Ski Resorts.  After all we couldn't go all the way to Canada and not have a go at skiing! We got off at Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort (which has around 30ft snow a year) and were soon on our skis and feeling slightly worried as we hadn't skied before. We needn't have worried though our instructor was incredibly patient and soon had us skiing down the nursery slope. I thought the resort was going to be full of young skiers and snowboarders in the latest designer ski gear but I was completely wrong.  There were people and families of all ages.  If you're looking for a family ski holiday then give Banff serious consideration. There was also lots to do Apres Ski and the most memorable was the husky sleigh ride that set off late afternoon and before we knew it we were sleighing along in the moonlight wrapped up in thick blankets inside our sleigh and gliding through the forest with snow gently falling.  This felt truly magical and looked like a scene from Narnia. We stopped half way by a frozen lake covered thick with snow where we had a hot drink and then fed the dogs.  When we returned we were allowed to unleash the dogs and feed them again (they really deserved a treat after all that running).  Then it was our turn for a snack of Beef Jerky and a lovely hot chocolate. The snowshoeing activity was also the most amazing experience.  Our tour guide took us to Kootenay National Park where we walked along a frozen river bed beside a forest and were shown drawings on the canyon face by the native Indians from many years gone by. Banff is only a small part of Canada but it has so much to offer.  Whether you're looking for your first ski holiday or have been skiing many times before then consider a holiday to Canada.  Even if you have no intention of learning to ski Banff in Alberta has everything you could want from a snow holiday, ranging from husky sleigh rides, snowshoeing, taking a ride on a snowmobile or a horse drawn sleigh ride along the beautiful Lake Louise with views of the magnificent Chateau Lake Louise and mountains. With its friendly people, crystal clear lakes, vast open spaces and where the fresh air really doesn't get any fresher than this then Banff is the ideal winter holiday to Canada - wouldn't you agree?