Which is better banff or whistler

The ski season runs from November to May here and the terrain can be quite varied. So where do locals hang up their skis after a day on the slopes? Due to its protected national park status, and "need to reside clause" people are not permitted to own property in Banff unless they have a job or are business owners there there is limited availability for homebuyers in Banff proper, although the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Spa is a bucket list-worthy stay for mountain-loving travelers there for a short stay.

In addition to athletes, Mr. There is not the scene you might see in other resort communities. Canmore is understated, yet affluent, and has one of the highest per-capita incomes in Canada, according to Mr. Scott Watson of the Alberta Collection,. Christie's International Real Estate, noted that area buyers are primarily from the oil or finance world.

The majority of residents are Alberta locals within a four-hour drive of the mountains. However, direct international flights to and from Calgary International Airport 60 miles from Canmore have contributed to an uptick in buyers from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Not just for snow-dependant sports, the area is a draw in all seasons for hiking, biking, and world-class public golf at local courses Banff Springs, Silvertip Resort, Stewart Creek Resort, and the Canmore Golf Club.

For those looking to purchase in Canmore, Mr. Of the housing style, Mr. There is some modern design, but generally more traditional architecture.

The area has a very limited footprint for building and could be completely built out within the next 20 years. However, there are several new projects in the works. Vincent cited the Three Sisters development of townhouses and condos that would include a resort center and hotel. Also of note is the Spring Creek Mountain Village, which will revamp an old campground in the heart of Canmore with luxury villas and a boutique hotel, and the addition of a casino and and a gondola at the Silvertip Resort, which is perched above the town of Canmore in an enclave known for some of Canmore's most exclusive homes.

The outlook is favorable for foreign buyers from outside of Canada. Watson said. The drop in prices and the strength of the U. Plus, the Spring Creek Mountain Village will revamp an old campground in the heart of Canmore with luxury villas and a hotel.

Skiers first blazed trails here in , and the mountain played host to the Winter Olympics in However, the pristine slopes are not just for gold-medal-winning athletes. It makes any of the challenges of getting to the hill just disappear.

It has the two highest ski mountains in North America and huge acres of skiable terrain, and the vertical—which is how to measure where you start and stop skiing—is 5, feet. The Wallace family makes the most of the area in every season. In keeping with the overall aesthetic of the village, most homes are alpine-chalet style or mountain contemporary, with all the modern amenities. And the buyers? With the strength of the U. The outlook is low supply and high demand, meaning that prices will continue to rise.

This is a really special place, and the prices reflect that. A 4,square-foot four-bedroom home with views of the Canadian Rockies and the Bow River. A contemporary turnkey home with plenty of spots for warming up, including two hot tubs, a wood-burning fireplace, and a heated garage.

For more luxury real estate stories, visit mansionglobal. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. If the sun is shining the drive from Vancouver to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic in Canada.

You can also get to Whistler via a beautiful train ride on board The Rocky Mountaineer from May until September — though it continues east now. Whistler and Blackcomb offer some of the top rated downhill skiing in North America — good enough to host the Winter Olympics.

Both mountains boast over 5, feet of vertical. There is a run for every type of skier on these mountains. The views are stellar too. In November, Whistler enjoys a wine and food extravaganza called Cornucopia. Every December Whistler plays host to a Film Festival.

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Whistler. Or opt for a high end full service hotel like the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. I enjoyed many stays over the years at the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel. Renting a condo and splitting the costs is also possible. In the summer the mountain biking is world class. And there is lots of it. There are loads of hiking options. To get the views quickly you can take the gondola up out of Whistler village.

Or hike in nearby Garibaldi Park. Canoeing or kayaking on the River of Golden Dreams is an easy but fun half day outing. To reach it take the gondola and then a chairlift. Whistler is frequently rainy and dreary — especially in the spring and fall.

Order your Whistler — Blackcomb tickets in advance!! Expect to be at least 30 minutes away. Although the hiking is good, you have to climb thousands of feet to get the views, unless you start with a gondola ride. Wildlife sightings are a fraction of what you will see in the Banff area.

You do have to be bear aware as you can run into bears — even on the city trails. Scenery is world class and accessible. If you want to see wildlife then the Banff corridor offers lots of opportunities. Elk are everywhere. Bears and wolves are around. One day while hiking to the Aylmer Lookout we saw Mama bear and three cubs. Go listen to some of the biggest names in the outdoor field read from their books — or watch a wide range of mountain themed films — on culture, adventure, the environment, skiing, kayaking…you name it.

The Two Jack Main Campground is just 12 kilometres from Banff and offers first come, first served secluded campsites. The Banff International Hostel is ideal for those looking for an affordable option. The Banff Hot Springs are amazing — especially on a cold winter day. The drive from Calgary gets better and better the closer you get to Banff.